How Pest Control is Beneficial to Your Home and Pets

 

Maintaining a pest-free environment is crucial for the health and safety of both your home and your pets. Effective pest control not only protects your property from damage but also ensures a safe and comfortable living space for your furry companions. This article explores the benefits of pest control and how it contributes to the well-being of your home and pets.

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Benefits of Pest Control for Your Home

Protecting property from damage pests like termites, rodents, and ants can cause significant structural damage to your home. Regular pest control helps prevent infestations that could lead to costly repairs, preserving the integrity of your property.

Prevents health hazards many pests carry diseases that can affect humans and animals. Keeping pests at bay, you reduce the risk of illnesses such as Lyme disease, salmonella, and hantavirus, ensuring a healthier environment for your family and pets.

Enhances comfort and peace of mind. A pest-free home is a more comfortable and pleasant place to live. Knowing that your home is protected from unwanted invaders provides peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your living space without worry.

Benefits of Pest Control for Your Pets

Reduces exposure to harmful pests like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes can pose serious health risks to pets. Effective pest control minimizes your pets' exposure to these harmful creatures, reducing the likelihood of bites, infections, and diseases.

Prevents allergic reactions. Some pets are allergic to certain pests or their bites. Regular pest control can help prevent allergic reactions, ensuring your pets remain comfortable and healthy.

Promotes a safe living environment eliminating pests, you create a safer environment for your pets to roam and play. This reduces the risk of injuries or illnesses caused by encounters with pests or their droppings.

Implementing Pet-Friendly Pest Control

Choose Safe Products and Methods 

Opt for pest control solutions that are specifically labeled as safe for pets. Many companies offer pet-friendly options that effectively manage pests without posing risks to your animals. These products are designed to target pests while minimizing any potential harm to your furry companions.

Physical Barriers 

Setting up physical barriers like netting, screens, and other protective measures to keep pests out without harming pets. These barriers are particularly useful for garden areas or open windows, preventing pests from entering while allowing your pets to enjoy the outdoors safely.

Consult with Professionals and Utilize Pest Control Software

Engaging a reputable pest control professional can ensure that the methods used are both effective and safe for your pets. These experts can provide tailored solutions that address your specific pest issues while prioritizing pet safety. Using a company that has pest control software enhances this process.

Conclusion

Pest control is an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy and safe living environment for both your home and pets. Implementing effective pest management strategies, you can protect your property from damage, reduce health risks, and ensure a comfortable space for your furry companions. With the right approach, pest control can be a beneficial practice that enhances the well-being of your entire household.

5 Tips to Decorating Your Home Without Sacrificing Household Safety

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They say, "home is where the heart is." A home provides warmth, shelter, and security from the outside. It keeps its residents safe from the harsh elements of the outside world.; but what about safety from the inside?

Fire safety is and has always been a primary concern of homeowners and home builders alike, along with security and durability. However, with fires being so destructive, it should never be a question of "should I prioritize fire safety?" but rather "what kinds of fire safety systems should I have?"

It's important to know that we can only achieve complete safety through the total cooperation of individuals because fire safety is such a concern. 

Therefore, prevention, training, and first response are essential pieces of information everyone should know. These are practiced and maintained by governing bodies such as fire departments, contractors, interior designers, architects, etc. High-rise condominiums, offices, schools, and homes also observe and practice these preventions steps.

Fire is one of the top hazards inside a home, and it's essential to have a home equipped with the proper safety measures, installed with the right tools and systems by the appropriate people, and inspected by the relevant organizations. 

Fire Statistics

A report from the National Fire Protection Association states that, in 2020, a home structure fire occurred every 89 seconds, home fire deaths occurred every three hours and 24 minutes, and a home fire injury occurred every 46 minutes. It also states that, in the same year, one-quarter of the fires (26%) occurred in home properties.

These numbers equate to lives lost and properties destroyed during fires. The alarming data pushes everyone to start taking into account the prospect of acquiring a house that's complete with fire safety systems.

One would think that these homes would cost more than a traditional one because of the additional safety measures like fire-resistant doors, alarm systems, etc. However, they cost roughly around the same as a typical home.

There may be some additional cost, but that should not be reason enough to stop constructing safer homes. Besides, different payment methods like installment buying make home-buying a more flexible process for everyone. 

Safety in Homes

Now, we go back to the question of "What kinds of safety fire systems should I install?" First, we need to understand the importance of implementing a beautiful yet safe and secure home. Contractors and homebuilders are well-equipped with the knowledge to ensure that everyone living in the house they're building is safe; this includes going over fire safety in the design and blueprint.

Does this mean a home has to be thick, bulky, and unappealing to the eyes? Of course not! Thankfully, there are many ways to achieve a beautifully designed home, equipped with the proper safety tools and systems and carefully designed by professionals who put safety as the top priority. 

A Safe and Beautiful Home

Many people think that wanting a safe house means that they have to sacrifice beauty and style, but that's far from the truth. Engineers have been fireproofing construction materials for centuries, and now, modern-day interior designers and architects have made it possible to have a beautiful yet safe home.

Here are some tips that will help achieve a beautiful home without compromising safety and security. 

1. Make it squeaky clean.

Cleanliness is probably one of the most obvious ways to achieve a stylish and safe home. Cleaning is such an integral part of housekeeping. From mopping the floors to wiping countertops, it keeps a home habitable. But apart from that, cleaning can also provide a safe environment for residents.

Simply sorting out wires in electronics helps prevent entanglement that may cause a short circuit, electrical fire, or electric shock. Likewise, sprucing up the lawn, raking dried leaves, and trimming tree branches would keep the outside looking tidy and prevent any combustible material from coming near the home, especially if the house caught fire from the outside.

2. Use smart technology.

Home automation is one of the indicators of a modern home—from smart curtains to TVs and even vacuums! Smart appliances are a great help for the homeowner since they can monitor, control, and secure activities even when there's no one at home. This activity monitoring is one of the best ways to ensure a safe house.

Some smart appliances also aid in preventing residential fire. Some examples of these are smart smoke detectors, stovetops, and plugs. By utilizing these smart appliances, residents lessen the risk of forgetting to turn off, unplug, or put out their usual fire-causing devices.

Did you know that cooking takes the top spot as the usual cause of house fires? Having the power to regulate the use of these common fire-causing appliances even when not home minimizes the chances of a fire breaking out in the home.

3. Make the space ergonomic.

Making a space ergonomic is one way to prevent an accident. Ergonomics is the study of people in their working environment. An ergonomist designs or modifies the area to fit the worker, not the other way around, to eliminate discomfort and risk of injury. Adapting the working environment to how a person works could minimize the chances of an injury or accident.

Make sure that the working area, such as a desk or table, is free from clutter. Designate a place where other items not used for work, such as glasses and snacks, can go. Keep wires organized and away from the leg area so they won't be accidentally stepped on or tangled in.

In kitchens, it's essential to have a space for everything—a designated place to put cutlery, the pantry essentials, sauce bottles, condiments, and others. Keep paper towels on a stand and away from stoves, as well. Don't forget to remove aprons, potholders, and any other combustible material away from the stovetop.

Not only are these ways to minimize clutter, but they can also speed up food prep time. And a reminder for everyone when working in an area: "Don't put it down, put it away." 

4. Install safety systems.

Implementing several safety systems in homes, such as fire alarms and security cameras, can significantly help homeowners. These systems are automated and can be remotely accessed. Keeping them maintained and functional is essential to the continuous protection of everyone inside the home.

The good news is that nowadays, safety doesn't have to equate to tacky or boring. As we've mentioned, fireproofing structures have been in process for centuries. Since then, there have been significant improvements in creating these safety systems in materials, compounds, and designs. We now have access to cost-efficient, effective, and stylish materials.

Take an exterior glass, for example. Residential exterior glass is any outer wall made primarily of windows and window framing. Glass windows make any room look spacious. They let the room catch sunlight to make it bright, lift the mood, and turn it into a conducive area for work.

Nowadays, there are exterior glasses made from fire-rated glass that compartmentalize smoke and flames and prevent dangerous levels of heat transmission through its glazing.

5. Think about the home's layout.

Don't forget that a home's layout is essential in fire prevention, as well as in capturing the overall feel and design. Depending on the location, remembering some safety tips can help immensely. For instance, wildfires typically blaze faster uphill than on a ground level.

Another consideration is the kitchen position. Having the kitchen too far from the entrance could add extra seconds to carrying the grocery bags, but it could also mean extra seconds before getting to the door if a fire breaks out. 

Finally, the size of the driveway—a small driveway might be difficult when parking, but it could also mean an ordeal for rescue operators as they try to get inside the area in case of emergencies. Again, homeowners should strategize these details with their contractors, architects, and engineers to optimize the home to the best design and safety practices. 

The Breakdown

A home is a place of security for anyone residing there. It keeps them safe, warm, and protected from the elements, including fires. People have been in constant pursuit of the best ways to prevent house fires, and they’ve come a long way, learning from mistakes of the past. 

We now have access to many options for fire-preventive systems, tools, designs, and materials. These options don't have to mean tacky or tawdry. With the innovations in technology, we have smart appliances and automated safety systems that look just as chic, all while looking after our homes when we can’t do so personally. 

Create the perfect ambiance to relax and unwind when designing a home. The addition of these safety features shouldn't change that feeling. 

Home care is more than just cleaning your floors and fixing broken lightbulbs. It takes diligence, effort, and strategy to build a beautiful home that provides safety against people with ill intentions and protection from the forces of nature. 

Every homeowner aims to safeguard their homes, and now they can achieve security with style and not one over the other. Gone are the days when we had to choose between what we wanted and what we needed. 

Three Things You Need to Do Before Going on Vacation

Taking a break from your hectic work life at least once a year is absolutely paramount for your mental health, as well as your physical health. Not having to worry about things for a while helps you rest more fully and renew your energy and enthusiasm when it is time to go back to work.

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We have compiled a list of some of the most important things you need to do at home before you depart for your dream vacation destination. Even though the global pandemic may be limiting your destination options, you should not neglect the time off. However, before you go, make sure your home is good to stay empty for that time.

Clear Away Your Kitchen

There are many things in your kitchen that you use frequently, but if you left them for a long period of time, may go bad and cause you some problems. For instance, that bowl of fruit which you keep on the kitchen island looks great and is a great source of healthy snacks if you are hungry, but leaving it out for over a week would probably result in some nasty smells you would have to deal with.

Similarly, if you forget to take out the trash before you go, what may await you when you return is certainly not pleasant. Aside from the rancid smells that may come from garbage, you also risk having pests such as insects or even rats converging in your kitchen.

Clean Your Home

Clearing away spoilable things in your kitchen is important due to spoilage. On the other hand, cleaning your home before you leave has more of a psychological effect. Sure, it may not be a fun thing to do right before your vacation, but imagine returning home after 2 weeks to find your home a complete mess that needs to be cleaned thoroughly. It may knock the wind out of your sails fairly quickly.

If you are not in the mood to clean your home by yourself, there are professional cleaning services you can use. You can wait to hire a cleaner to clean your home after you return from your vacation, but those things are typically better done before leaving.

Make Sure your Home Doesn’t Look Vacant

There are certain individuals who pay attention to what homes are empty for several days during the vacation season. These people will then attempt to burgle the house while nobody is in – an easy target for them with very little chance of encountering the owners.

Even if it is not a common occurrence where you live, there are a few things you can do to make your home appear less attractive to those kinds of people. Having a friend to pick up your mail so it doesn’t pile up is the simplest and a very effective start.

However, if your home has some smart features, you can do a lot more. For instance, setting the lights in various rooms to turn on and off occasionally would not be too wasteful, and is visually effective.

Once you’ve done all you can for your home, it is finally time to do yourself a favor and go on a vacation, relax, and recover so you can be a productive member of society, at least until the next time you need a holiday.

 

Strengthen Your Home Security With These 5 Tips

The world today has come up with multiple security protocols to make sure that they are safe within their homes. There are simple options and complex ones, cheap ones and expensive equipment. Houses have CCTV systems while hotels and other accommodation have their own visitor management system. In the Philippines, where crime is not isolated to the bustling cities, it’s incredibly important to keep one’s home as secure as possible.

Although there are countless guides on how you can double up on home security, some of them can be a little over the top. For those who want to be able to do something fairly easy, here are our tips on how you can strengthen your home security with ease!

Secure All Entrances

For thieves to steal your belongings, they should first enter your house. If they’re not able to enter, they won’t be able to do anything.

As such, arguably the most important tip we can give you is to make sure that your doors and windows are fully secured—and this doesn’t mean just locking them.

Inbuilt locks in doors are usually not that great. Unless you have already chosen a strong locking mechanism, it won’t hold against a forceful push or a slam of a hammer. It could also be the victim of lockpicks.

Because of this, it is highly recommended that you double up the strength of your locks. This can be done by adding different locks or turning to digital lock systems.

The most popular and accessible choice would be to install a barrel-bolt lock along with a door chain. This would usually be enough to prevent most hooligans from trying to get into your home.

Bear in mind that you should also secure windows and sliding doors which can be a bit more tricky since they would only have room for another lock and key. Still, you can try and install other locks to make it more secure.

Another option is to add railings or an extra gate to these windows and sliding doors. Gates help a lot in deterring theft as it makes it extremely hard to get into houses unseen.

Keep your Home Lit

During the night, it’s incredibly easy to become sneaky and enter a house when there’s little to no light source. Make sure that you at least have a light on your windows and doors just to make sure that if there was anyone who was trying to break in, they’ll be in the spotlight of your lightbulb.

Install CCTV Cameras

The second point works well with this once. Having a surveillance system is one of the best deterrents of burglars simply because none of them want to be caught red-handed while they’re on the move.

Surveillance systems are great for deterring and following up on burglaries. In the unfortunate circumstance wherein a house gets broken in, a well placed and hidden camera can capture who and how exactly it was possible, making catching the criminal an incredibly easy thing to do.

Avoid Proclaiming your Whereabouts

One of the easiest ways for would-be burglars to know if a house is a potential target is through social media. Families who tend to proclaim to the world the beauty of their vacation the time they’re spending not in their home are the most appealing targets, especially if these burglars and thieves have been eyeing out and studying the town for quite a while.

Posting your whereabouts on social media is one of the most common practices of the Filipino people. Everything that we do, whether if it’s unique or not is put into Instagram of Facebook for the people to know.

Beware of doing this from now on, because as soon as burglars find out that you’re not in your house for an extended period of time, even if you had alarm systems or deceptive mechanisms installed, there won’t be much risk of getting caught, especially with how the Filipino people would prefer to mind their own business in these times.

Hide your Personal Belongings

Of course, you can’t be a victim of thieves when they don’t have anything to steal from you! although it’s not that easy to hide a 32” flat-screen TV in the middle of your living room, you can still hide some of your more important items in safes or secret compartments. This includes your wallet, your IDs, your personal files and the like.

Personal information is more valuable nowadays than some appliances, so you should make sure that these are hidden and secured at all costs.

Appliances can be replaced, but your identification can be compromised in the wrong hands.

Key Takeaway

Home security is an important topic to discuss, especially in the Philippines. All commercial buildings have their own visitor management systems but not every residential home has a security protocol to keep things safe. Consider the tips listed above when you plan on securing your home to the fullest!

Common Door Knob Problems and How to Fix Them

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Although small purchases, doorknobs play big and important roles in keeping a home safe, secure, and complete. If anything, doorknobs are also seen as staples or essentials in upscaling a home’s decor, which is an additional feature to its primary function. Whatever doorknob you may want for your home, it’s important that you find the right one based on your needs and preferences as this can make things easier for you. More than anything, having a clear idea of what you want your home to look like or what style you’re trying to go for can also give you a clear sense of which types or styles of doorknob to incorporate in your home.

However, just like any other home furniture, feature, or fixture, doorknobs also often get caught up in problems concerning the main handle, its lockset, and so much more. While doorknob prices in the Philippines come off as relatively cheap yet durable, it’s still a rising issue today of whether or not getting new locks and doorknobs would be a good thing or not because hey, sometimes, a good ol’ fix can solve lots of hardware problems. That being said, it’s an essential thing for homeowners to take a look at these problems fast and look for ways on how to solve and correct them before things get worse. Most of the time, doorknobs experience problems regarding a malfunctioning latch assembly or lock mechanism.

Curious about the many other doorknob problems you may face in your homes? Look no further and spend yourself the aggravation of stressing over your home’s doors because we’ve laid out below some of the most common doorknob problems and how to fix them.

Lock-Latching Issues

Locks failing to latch correctly is one of the most common doorknob problems many homeowners experience until today. When door latches don’t click into position, chances are both its latch and strike plate are out of its original posture or alignment.

To fix this, first, try tightening the hinge screws. After that, try adjusting the strike plate by loosening all screws while shifting it slightly. With this issue, repairs usually range from making minor door latch adjustments to repositioning the entire door itself. If simple troubleshooting of the said doorknob’s latch doesn’t work, you might want to call in professionals who can help you fix the problem accurately. After all, you wouldn’t want to ultimately add problems and issues to an already existing one.

Loosened Doorknob

Doorknobs can naturally get loose over time, and it’s a common problem among households, which, of course, can be fixed. However, there are different methods of tightening a doorknob’s grip, depending on the type of lockset. For simple interior mortise locksets, you can tighten it by first loosening the setscrew on the knob’s shank. Next, you’ll want to hold the knob on the other side of the door to keep it from falling, then turn the loose knob clockwise until it fits. Finally, proceed with tightening the screw until you feel it resting against the flat side of the spindle. From here, your knob should already turn freely.

However, if these steps don’t help at all, try removing the entire knob and checking the spindle as this can indicate that you need to replace the old, worn-out rod with a new one. Meanwhile, if you notice that the entire lockset has already worn out, then it’s best to replace all of its parts immediately or until you see fit.

Door Often Swings and Won’t Stay Open

This issue is commonly caused by doors out of plumb in its opening. To fix this, try inserting a small amount of shim between the door jamb and the back of its hinge (usually the bottom hinge). To do this, you must first loosen the knob’s hinge screws all the way to give you enough space between for the hinge and the jamb. Next, behind the hinge, try to insert small pieces of plastic laminate (we try to give you the simplest options--ones you can immediately find in any home) then re-tighten its screws.

Note that you may need to adjust a couple of times the amount of shim you insert to get your door to swing accurately this time. The same thing or procedure goes for when you also want to place the hinge somewhere at the center.

Frozen Door Locks

Exterior locks commonly freeze while interior locks can get dirty. These are common doorknob problems that can be fixed through quick remedies such as those mentioned below:

First, try putting some graphite into the keyhole. You can either squeeze it from a container or dust it on towards a key. After that, try to operate the lock a few times to make the graphite work its magic into the mechanism.

Another trick or remedy you can try doing is opt for lock de-icers, which contain alcohol and other lubricants, that could help dissolve dirty deposits within door locks. It pretty much works just like how spritzing graphite on keyholes does.

Your last resort could be completely disassembling the entire lock to see if something inside has started to jam up or break down. Frequently, you really have to opt for a replacement, but without buying a new lock.

Wrapping Up

Doorknobs, locks, and hinges can often get caught up in issues and problems mainly because of how long it has already been hinged or placed within door frames, or maybe because of a knob’s faulty nature (could also be a factory defect). Experiencing troublesome doorknob issues? Try browsing through these common problems and ways on how to fix them so you’d know what to do next time before you splurge on a new knob!