Common DIY home pest control solutions

Most of the residential houses face the problem of pests, which is quite a common problem and which occurs due to many reasons, not just one. Pest infestations can take place anywhere, right from inside the home to outside in the garden. You can prevent infestations by scheduling regular visits by pest control companies but if you don’t want to end up paying a large amount of money there are some DIY remedies to curing a pest infestation.

Prevention 
The very first step is prevention “ if you’re able to take steps towards pest prevention at an early stage by following some simple steps, one can prevent major infestations. Especially since once the infestation is rampant, you’ll have no choice but to call a professional pest management service to get rid of them. Fix leaky faucets (washbasin/kitchen sink/dishwasher) since pests are attracted to leaks. So, it’s obvious they will need water to survive and will be commonly found in damp, dingy places. All your dry foods must always be inside sealed jar.

Home-brewed pest control solutions

  • The first step is to keep the drain clean. Take ½ a cup of baking soda along with ½ a cup of vinegar and pour it down the drain. After 4 minutes, pour in boiling water to flush out unwanted visitors.
  • Spray your countertops with an effective spray which can be made by mixing two tbsps. of pure castile liquid soap and 1 gallon of water.
  • To keep the bugs, insects, etc. out, essential oil works amazingly well. Mix 1 cup of grain alcohol along with 2½ teaspoonfuls of oil into an empty spray bottle (each essential oil works for certain pests). For instance, Citronella & Lemon Eucalyptus works for mosquitoes, Geranium works for flies, Lavender works for ticks, fleas, and chiggers, Patchouli works for gnats and Rosemary works for fleas and ticks.
  • One can simply sprinkle coffee grounds around the doors and window areas which tend to keep ants at bay.

One can also try store-bought pest sprays. It important to use them only after wearing a face mask and hand gloves as directly exposing oneself to these chemicals is harmful. A repeated session or as often as is recommended on the bottle can effectively destroy pests.

    RECENT ARTICLE

  • Tips to Remember While Ordering a Pizza
  • Luxury furniture for modern houses
  • Here’s how you can avoid medical identity theft
  • New luxury cars from mainstream brands

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  • Clean home to keep allergies at bay
    It is important to understand the necessity of cleanliness above everything else. An unclean environment can lead you to have various kinds of consequences, the most common discomfort being allergy. Dust and dirt have a connection with diseases and allergies since time immemorial. A simple dust allergy can lead you to have further chained results if not taken care of immediately. If you are suffering from congestion, incessant sneezing, skin irritations, red eyes, itchiness, asthma etc., it is high time for you to get started with extensive home cleaning procedure. Before getting started, wear a mask to prevent yourself from the entry of allergens and dust particles. If you already have allergic reactions, don't even try to touch your mop or vacuum cleaner without wearing a mask. Rely on machines for a better quality of cleaning Needless to mention that you would need to clean your house regularly and not once in a week. Besides, you would need machines for more efficient cleaning like vacuum cleaners, mopping machines, washing machines, etc. Make sure your vacuum cleaner has HEPA filter because with ordinary filters, a wide range of allergens escape from being entrapped. As a result, when you use the cleaner, you just suck them off the surface and shoot them somewhere else in the air. HEPA filter takes better care of such allergens and helps you have an allergen-free environment. How to keep your home allergy-free? While cleaning your toilet and kitchen, be extra cautious about the growing of molds. Take time to scrub them off and clean the corners properly to get rid of unwanted molds causing allergies. Dishes should be cleaned with dishwashing liquids or any other good disinfectant, which would kill the germs off. For washing garments, use hot water instead of normal tap water as this would ensure germ-free clothes and this is very important from the medical point of view, if you have allergic issues. Try using a wet mop while mopping off the floors because this will trap the allergens. Also, use strong disinfectants to kill the germs causing nose and eye irritations. You may also use an air purifier to have a healthy atmosphere around you. For patients suffering from allergies, it is better to bid your carpets and rugs goodbye. Carpets or rugs are the major sites for allergens to inhabit and it gets very hard for you to make sure that your carpet is dust-free because of the presence of millions of minute granules. For this reason, you may stick to floor tiles, marble or a wooden floor. Cleaning these would be easier, hence you will have lesser risks of developing allergies. Some people are allergic to room freshener or any of such fragrances. If you are one of them, don't use them. Instead, use fresh flowers and put them in a vase at the corner of your room. This will give you a natural freshness and won't trigger off your allergic reactions. Wash your pillow covers in every 4 days and fluff them to remove the dust. Clean your couch should with a vacuum cleaner as it is another favorite site for the allergens to grow in.
  • Safety points to consider before a roof installation
    Roof installations can be expensive if you hire a professional service. But they can be trickier when you plan to install roof panels on your own to save some extra dollars. Note that it is not a one-man job and you must use safety equipment to avoid an accident. Before tackling the task in hand, pay close attention to the following safety pointers. Work area The work area should be secured before you climb up the ladder lugging heavy equipment to install roof panels. Keep the area clean and organized to minimize the risk of accidents. Ensure that there is no one except for your crew in the immediate work area. Plan your roofing work only after taking into account all the minimum safety distance from any live powerlines, cesspools, and unsafe roof access areas. Ladder safety The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is the foremost authority in the country to issue local building and safety codes for the workmen. Ensure that the equipment you plan to use, especially the ladder design and construction, adheres to the code approved by the administration. Ladder placement is also crucial to ensure you put it upright on the firm ground and if possible, anchor it to the side of your home. A misstep can result in a mishap, which is why you must assess the safety of the ladder before you install roof panels. Electrical safety Electric arcs can leap over any conductor and still electrocute someone standing several feet away. You can use a nonconductive ladder that has been made using wood or fiberglass to ensure electricity doesn't flow actively. If possible, call the local power company and have them shut down the grid in the immediate area you plan to work, if the power lines are too close. Equipment safety Hammers, power saws, nail guns, and every other piece of machinery is a potential hazard when you don't exercise proper caution while using them. Always wear eye protection for a hammer or a nail gun to reduce the risk of any injury caused due to a misfire, forcing sharp objects to rebound off the roof. Also, be careful when you're handling the materials used for installing roof panels as even a simple lifting job can cause back injuries if it is not done with proper caution.  
  • 4 ways to find snow blowers and plows on sale
    The festive season is already round the corner, and like everyone else, you might also be interested in decorating your home. While festivity and long holidays are something that comes first to your mind, when speaking of winter, yet it is not all winter is about. Winter also brings snowfall, storms, and blizzards. Therefore, if you are looking for some fun in the winter, you should prepare yourself to ward off the adversities of weather in the best possible way. Check all your snow cleaning accessories and get a snow blower for sale if your old one is not functioning smoothly. Finding snow plow sale is simple these days. In case, you cannot find one on your own; you can check the steps mentioned below: Look for classifieds - You can look out for classified advertisements in your newspapers or check out the billboards on streets to learn about the snow blowers for sale. Visit the place of sale at the scheduled time and get one for your home or office at a discounted price. However, you need to be careful about the quality of the blowers you purchase as purchasing a defective piece will be a complete waste of money. Also check the snow plow prices carefully to calculate the discount. Check for online sales - In case, you cannot manage the time to visit the snow plow sale near you, visiting online stores can serve the purpose well. There are several portals, which offer snow plow sale on different brands. Check the snow plow prices in these discount portals to buy cheap snow plows. When you purchase from any online snow plow sale, you need to be careful about the brand of your choice. All brands do not offer the same performance, and it is always recommended to get your machinery from a reputed brand. Compare the prices - When you are looking for snow plow sale, it is important for you to compare the price charged by different stores. Check the snow plow prices offered by different stores on the models they have on sale. Compare them and place your order in a store, which offers the lowest price. It is also recommended for you to verify the authenticity of the store in this regard as some might try to scam customers by offering them attractive deals. Visit the official site of the manufacturer - Not only the third-party online stores but also the official portal of the manufacturer also offers snow plow sale at different times. Checking them out is also a good idea to get down the snowplow prices when you purchase. When looking for a snow blower for sale online, it is better to go to the stores offering free shipping.
  • Narcissistic personality disorder, understanding the symptoms
    Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental illness, which causes the person suffering from it to exhibit behavioral traits of being selfish, boastful and completely obsessed about one's self. Too much self-confidence coupled with complete disregard for other peoples feelings or ideas or even completely ignoring others needs are identifiable traits. However, it is imperative to understand that some people are narcissistic by choice and exhibit such behavioral traits. Having a narcissistic personality disorder on the other hand is a mental illness over which the affected person does not have much control. The latter is a medical condition while the former is a personality trait. The common symptoms exhibited by someone who is suffering from narcissistic personality disorder include:
    • Obsessing about oneself and putting his or her needs before others, while craving attention and admiration without any regards or concern for other peoples feelings, needs or emotions is one of the glaring symptoms.
    • Believing he or she is extra special and setting unrealistic targets and goals for oneself while fantasizing about success, money, and power beyond limits and capability.
    • Suffering from a wide range of mood swings and not being able to ground oneself, constantly talking about his or her achievements is another indicator of someone who has this mental condition.
    • People who suffer from this condition may also exhibit symptoms of borderline personality disorder which include antisocial behavior, compulsive behavior, hostility, social isolation and lack of restraint. Mood swings will be a dangerous and uncontrollable mix of anger, anxiety, discontent and dissatisfaction, loss of interest and pleasure in activities.
    • General behavioral traits include behaving in an arrogant manner, which might be caused due to you being envious of others in your surrounding. It might also be due to you over thinking that others are envious of you. This is a classic indicator that you value and hold yourself in high esteem while others are inferior to your intellect.
    • Often people who have this mental illness will tend to take advantage of others to get their way and can go to any lengths with a complete disregard for their feelings and the possible consequences of their actions.
    • Certain defense mechanisms might trigger violent behavior in a feeble attempt to suppress one feeling insecure, shameful, humiliated and or even vulnerable. It is not uncommon for people o to lash out just because they are unable to deal with how they are feeling in a normal way.
    Medical consultation is advisable since a proper course of treatment will be recommended which will benefit in the long run.
  • Top 4 accounting systems for small businesses

    Anyone at any stage of their journey as an entrepreneur knows the paramount importance of maintaining accounts efficiently. But small businesses may not have the budget for a full-time accountant. This is where small business accounting systems can step in and truly save the day. Here are the best accounting systems small businesses should consider.

    Freshbooks
    Freshbooks lets you make extremely good invoices with a fabulous professional appeal. You can also manage other tasks such as tracking sales, receiving payments, organizing accounts, and managing taxes. Most of the tasks on this software can be automated. Freshbooks is perfect for small businesses and entrepreneurs who function independently. It works seamlessly with many apps including Gusto and Shopify. Freshbooks is known for its excellent customer support. You can also try this software for a free trial period of 30 days to see if it fits your needs.

    Wave Financial
    Wave Financial is known to be one of the best accounting software options for independent entrepreneurs or small companies. It offers a host of free services such as invoicing and scanning of receipts. Wave can even handle recurring payments and billing. At an added cost, you can get features such as payroll and online payment setup. However, the project management feature is not available.

    Xero
    Xero is best known for its high functionality from smartphones and tablets. It can also work just as well on your computer. This software lets you manage inventory tracking and invoicing with great ease. You can also link this with your bank account. Xero offers payroll in connection with Gusto. The only drawback is that Xero does not offer any kind of live support so if you are seeking that, this may not be the ideal software for you. Xero works well with Google, Shopify, PayPal, Stripe, and Microsoft. There is a 30-day free trial period for those who want to try out the app before paying for it.

    OnPay
    OnPay is one of the best accounting systems for small businesses. It offers a host of features such as payroll, and tax filings. Additionally, it manages insurance for compensation and health. OnPay lets you automate your accounting needs so you can work seamlessly. It integrates well with Xero and QuickBooks. The first month is a free trial run so you can figure out how comfortable you are with this software.

  • Journeying through the past of Alcatraz
    Nestling quietly in the San Francisco Bay, the Alcatraz Island was once known for its stringent jailhouse, which was a home for incorrigible convicts. Currently it is one of the most fascinating attractions from travelers all over the world. This is mostly because it has so much of rugged history attached to its name. It all started in 1775, when a Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala, ambled through the waters of the San Francisco Bay and christened it as La Isla de los Alcatraces which means Island of the Pelicans. And gradually, this stony island which was only graced by the presence of the birds became Alcatraz. Almost over 75 years later, Millard Fillmore, the then President of the United States, directed orders to reserve the island for military purposes. During this period of the 1850s, a fortress was erected with the facility of an operational lighthouse for the West Coast. Subsequently the US Army started confining military prisoners in this as well. Although built from a strategic defense viewpoint, it didn't have the opportunity to serve the military in a massive way, leading the army to relinquish it to the government. The Justice Department then utilized this area as federal prison to confine convicts that were extremely unfit to be kept in a normal penitentiary. Reinstated as a maximum-security facility in July 1934, Alcatraz has confined the most infamous inmates like Al Capone, George Machine Gun Kelly, Alvin Creepy Karpis Karpowicz, Robert Stroud (Birdman of Alcatraz), Clarence Victor (The Choctaw Kid), Frank Morris, and Roy Gardener. During the 29 years of the operation, (19341963), Alcatraz witnessed over 14 escape attempts by 36 convicts. Out of these, over 23 men were successfully caught, 6 were shot to death, and 2 went missing. The rest 5 which went missing were presumed to have drowned. One escape endeavor also led to an internal battle, that ultimately led to an intervention by the US Marines. In 1963, the prison permanently closed its doors, as its handling costs was allegedly getting unreasonably high, since it was an isolated island jail. In 1972, it became a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. If you're intrigued by the twisted past of Alcatraz, then you shouldn't miss this place the next time you are in San Francisco. From the Pier 33 of the mainland, you can get ferries to get to Alcatraz. You can book the Alcatraz tours tickets online or directly buy them at the ticket counter outside the pier. There are trips leaving early in the morning, afternoon, and night as well.