Author: Benjamin Burch

Seasonal Pest Control Tips To Protect Your Home Year-Round

Benjamin Burch Pest Control , , , ,

Seasonal Pest Control O’Fallon MO tips can help you protect your home year-round. Learn about the habits of pests in different seasons and take preventive actions to avoid infestations between professional treatments.

In spring, ants are more active as they search for food and water. Store food in airtight containers and clean up spills and crumbs promptly. Keep woodpiles and debris away from your home, as these offer hiding and breeding spots for ants and termites.

pest control

Spring

During the spring, pests emerge from their winter hiding spots and start looking for food, water, shelter, and mates. This makes the spring season one of the most important times to focus on preventive pest control, including sealing cracks, removing standing water, and cleaning up food sources.

Rodents, termites, ants, and stinging insects are a few of the key pests that can cause significant damage to homes and businesses. Keeping the grass trimmed, wood piles 20 feet away from buildings, and storing firewood with tight-fitting lids are important prevention measures to help keep these pests at bay. Regular inspections of outdoor areas are also critical, including checking for droppings and gnaw marks to monitor pest activity.

Warmer weather brings a host of additional pests to the forefront, such as bed bugs and mosquitoes. These pests can be transferred from hotels and other places of business to occupants, so everyone needs to be aware of how to prevent them.

A clean home and yard can help deter many pests, as dirt and clutter offer perfect hiding spots for rodents and insects. Be sure to sweep regularly, and keep trash receptacles tightly sealed. Clean up food scraps, store unused items in plastic Tupperware or bins with lids, and keep compost bins closed and covered with a fine mesh to help stop pests from climbing inside.

Summer is the peak season for ant, termite, and stinging insect infestations. These pests are more active during the summer, looking for food and water sources. It is important to seal cracks around doors and windows and remove standing water to prevent mosquito breeding.

A well-maintained yard can deter many pests, as well as provide a more pleasant environment for your family and guests. Keep grass trimmed, and eliminate weeds and overgrowth of shrubs and flowers. Avoid feeding wildlife, as this can lead to larger pest populations in your yard and garden. Store bird feeders, insect boxes, and other food in sealed containers to prevent ant and rodent access. And don’t forget to regularly replace the netting in your vegetable garden.

Summer

As temperatures rise, pests become active again in search of food and shelter. During this time, it’s important to seal entry points and take preventive measures to limit pest activity. Keep in mind that even when you’ve done all the right things, it’s still possible for pests to enter your home if there are any cracks or gaps they can squeeze through. To reduce the risk, inspect your home’s foundation and windows for signs of entry, and use caulking and door sweeps to seal any openings.

Summer also marks the peak season for flies, mosquitoes, and other biting insects that can carry diseases. In addition to ruining outdoor activities, these pests can contaminate food and cause health problems. In the case of mosquitoes, they are notorious for spreading diseases like Zika and West Nile virus, while flies and wasps can trigger allergic reactions.

Ants and termites are other common summer pests. They love to seek out crumbs and overflowing trash cans, so make sure to store food in airtight containers and regularly empty and clean garbage cans.

Stinging insects like bees and wasps can also be a big problem during the summer, especially if they build nests near your home. Make sure to stay away from hives and consider professional bee and wasp removal services if you suspect they’re near your home.

Rodents are another major concern during the fall as they seek warmth indoors. To limit their impact, continue to implement rodent control, including bait stations and traps, as well as sealing entry points, removing fallen branches, and maintaining clean outdoor areas. Stink bugs are another fall pest that seeks shelter, so be vigilant about storing food in sealed containers and cleaning up crumbs to deter them from entering your home. The winter months also mark a key shift in pest behavior as they seek warmth indoors to survive the cold weather. To keep them at bay, inspect for any cracks in your home’s foundation and exterior walls, maintain a clean indoor environment by regularly decluttering and storing food in sealed containers, and install window and door screens to prevent pest entry.

Fall

Pests seeking shelter during the colder months include mice, rats, stink bugs, and silverfish. These vermin can cause damage to your home and pose health and safety risks for your family. To keep these pests at bay, you should monitor your home for signs of infestation, such as droppings, gnaw marks, and bites on furniture. You should also be proactive in sealing entry points to prevent pests from entering your home in the first place.

Effective fall pest control involves eliminating food sources and sealing entry points. You can do this by regularly wiping down counters, sweeping and mopping floors, and taking out the trash to reduce moisture, garbage, and food residue that attracts pests. It’s also important to store food in hard-closed containers and clean out storage areas to eliminate potential hiding spots for pests. Additionally, it’s important to remove leaf litter and rake leaves away from the house as soon as possible to prevent rodents from nesting there.

As winter approaches, it’s important to prepare for the threat of termites and other wood-destroying pests by sealing cracks in your home and removing standing water from your property. Additionally, you should keep firewood piles far away from your home and elevated off the ground to avoid termites and carpenter ants from invading your property.

You can also keep pests from invading your home by installing a barrier around your home to prevent them from accessing it. For example, you can use insect-proof door sweeps and caulk to seal gaps in your doors, windows, and foundation. You should also consider professional termite prevention services to protect your home from these destructive pests.

By implementing preventive measures and utilizing seasonal pest control tips, you can protect your home year-round. Understanding the different habits of common household pests throughout the year is key to keeping them at bay. The best way to keep pests at bay is by being proactive in your maintenance routines and addressing any problems promptly with the help of our experienced pest control experts. Contact us today to learn more about our residential pest control programs.

Winter

The cold weather of winter can bring unwelcome guests, including rodents and insects. Rodents are especially problematic as they gnaw on wires and insulation to create entry points in homes, while insects like spiders can cause significant damage and spread diseases. Fortunately, some preventive pest control tips can help you stop these uninvited invaders from making themselves at home.

Inspect your home to identify and repair potential pest entry points, including cracks around windows and doors, soffits, and vents. Remove food scraps and crumbs promptly, and keep garbage cans tightly closed. Use natural repellents such as citrus peels and scented oils to deter insects, and make sure your home has properly fitted window screens. Fix leaky pipes and faucets, and invest in a dehumidifier for basements and crawl spaces that are prone to moisture.

Seasonal Pest Control Tip:

By understanding the behaviors of common pests and taking proactive action, you can keep your home safe year-round. The best defense against seasonal pests is a combination of preventive measures and routine professional pest control services.

Mold Removal – How to Get Rid of Mold

Benjamin Burch Mold Removal , , , ,

It’s important to address the underlying conditions that led to the mold growth in order to prevent it from returning after remediation is complete. This may mean repairing leaks, improving ventilation or lowering humidity levels.

Mold Removal

Mold growth can be caused by a wide variety of issues, such as water damage, improper ventilation or simply excess moisture. An expert can locate the source and determine a remediation plan. They may recommend a thorough inspection, moisture survey and air quality testing to identify the extent of the problem. They will then provide a detailed report and outline the next steps for remediation. For professional help, contact Mold Removal Provo.

The inspection process involves the use of specialized equipment and requires a certain amount of expertise to conduct correctly. The inspector will need to take surface samples and spore air tests in areas affected by the mold, as well as unaffected areas to ensure an accurate assessment. They will also look for other contributing factors that could be causing the issue, such as humidity levels or leaks.

A spore air test measures the amount of mold spores in the atmosphere at a specific time and location. It is a good indicator of the overall level of mold contamination in a room or entire home. This test typically includes the testing of a few basic types of mold, including Aspergillus (over 250 varieties that usually start out as white fuzz and can cause respiratory illness), Cladosporium (2-3 different species that are most commonly found in homes) and Aureobasidium (lives on surfaces like painted walls and counters and is typically pink).

A surface sample is performed by inserting a small plastic tube with an ampoule containing a liquid preservative into a disposable swab. The swab is then rolled against the surface of the area with visible apparent mold. The swab is then returned to the container and the cap is secured. A unique sample number is assigned and a chain-of-custody document created. The samples are then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

These tests can help confirm whether a suspected mold issue is a result of a one-time event such as a flood or sewage backup, or whether it has been a long-standing problem. The test results will also be useful in determining the type of mold and its severity, as well as the underlying causes, so that the appropriate remediation techniques can be employed.

Remediation

During the mold cleanup process, the affected area is isolated. Technicians will use physical barriers, negative air pressure and filtration devices to contain the mold and stop it from spreading to other areas of the house during the clean up process. This is especially important if there is a major infestation and the homeowner has asthma or other respiratory conditions. The technicians will also spray the entire area with a fungicide to kill any active mold spores and prevent them from spreading during cleaning.

After the mold has been killed, all surfaces with visible traces of mold are cleaned. This may include scrubbing with a scrub brush, or washing with water and detergent. Absorbent or porous materials, such as drywall and carpet, may have to be removed in order to clean them thoroughly. It is extremely important that this step be done by a trained and experienced professional, as the improper removal of porous and absorbent materials can lead to severe and costly damage to your home and health problems for you and your family.

Once the surfaces have been cleaned, they will be dried in order to make sure that no moisture is left behind. Dehumidifiers and fans are used to speed up the drying process. Once the moisture levels have been returned to normal, the remediation team will apply a biocide to the affected areas to kill any lingering mold spores and to help prevent future growth.

Once the clean-up and drying processes are complete, a final inspection is conducted to ensure that all the damaged materials have been repaired or replaced. Then, a HEPA filter is used to clean the air and remove any lingering mold spores from the home. This will ensure that the spores are not carried back into the clean areas of the house and that the home is completely safe for habitation. The clean-up and repair process can take anywhere from one to five days depending on the severity of the mold infestation. It is extremely important that you hire a professional and experienced technician to handle your mold removal and cleanup.

Cleaning

Molds thrive in humid, dark places and grow quickly on organic material such as wood, paper and even dust. If left untreated, mold can spread throughout a property and cause stains on surfaces and damage to building materials. It can also release spores that are harmful to human health. Inhaling spores can cause a variety of symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Preventing mold growth is easy, but if a mold infestation has already developed, it’s important to clean the affected areas properly.

Mold spores can be airborne, and if a homeowner is not careful, they can inhale them while cleaning the affected areas. It’s important to wear special N-95 or P-100 respirators, in addition to protective goggles and gloves. A mask will help to keep spores from inhalation during the cleaning process and prevent them from spreading to other parts of the home. It’s also a good idea to cover all windows with a sheet of plywood or cardboard and tape them shut before beginning work in a room. It’s also a good idea for homeowners to turn off their furnace and air conditioner and to wrap or double-bag mold-infested debris in garbage bags for disposal.

In order to clean mold-infested areas, it’s important to first identify the type of mold and find out where it originated. Once this is done, the appropriate steps can be taken to remove it and prevent future growth.

Porous surfaces such as drywall may need to be removed and replaced once mold grows on them, but nonporous surfaces like concrete or painted walls can be cleaned with detergents or a light cleaning solution and a power washer. In any case, it is important to mist all surfaces being worked on with water before applying a cleaning solution. This will reduce the number of spores that are released into the air and allow them to settle on the surface for easier removal.

For molds such as mildew or scum, a solution of one cup chlorine bleach to one gallon of water can be made in a bucket and then applied with a spray bottle. Then, using a scrubbing brush, the area can be scrubbed to remove the mold. After scrubbing, it is important to rinse the surface and any surrounding areas thoroughly with a hose or bucket of clean water to prevent the mold from coming back once it is dry.

Prevention

When it comes to mold, prevention is key. If you suspect you have a problem, take action immediately and make sure that the source of the moisture is fixed. This will keep any future problems from growing out of control.

It is also a good idea to clean and dry items as soon as possible after water damage occurs. This should be done within 24-48 hours to avoid the growth of mold and mildew. Items can be dried using fans or dehumidifiers. You should also make sure that the area is thoroughly ventilated. Leaving soaked materials in place and leaving them to air dry on their own will only lead to further mold growth and possibly spread the spores around your home.

Non-porous surfaces such as counters, cabinets and vanities may be cleaned by scrubbing them with hot water and soap. More porous surfaces such as drywall, plaster and some carpeting can be cleaned by scrubbing with a stiff brush or sponge and then rinsing the surface to remove any residual mold spores. Using a mixture of water and bleach can also be helpful for surfaces that have a strong odor.

If you have a serious problem, professional remediation is usually recommended. This is the most effective way to ensure that the mold does not return and that the spore count in your home remains low. Professionals will use a step-by-step approach that includes containment, removal, cleaning and prevention.

After a successful remediation, it is important to prevent the growth of mold in your home or business. The best method for preventing mold is to keep humidity levels low. This can be accomplished by using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, ensuring that clothes dryers are vented to the outside, keeping basements and attics well insulated, adding weatherstripping to doors and windows, and adding mold inhibitors to paints (many paints already have them).

Exposure to even small amounts of mold spores can cause a variety of health problems, including allergies, asthma, hay fever, headaches and fatigue. Long-term exposure can aggravate these conditions and can have more serious consequences for people with compromised immune systems. Mold can also cause structural damage, especially if it is a result of flooding or roof leaks.

Whole New Basic Carpentry Methods You Need

Benjamin Burch Uncategorized
Basic Carpentry

All carpentry projects rely on precise measurements. For this reason, all carpenters need a tape measure in their toolbox. Choose one that comes with a belt clip for easier access and has calibrations in both traditional inches and metric systems.

Marking tools such as pencils and chalk lines are also essential for marking distances and outlining cuts. For long markings, a mechanical carpenter’s pencil is recommended as it will never need to be sharpened.

Circular Saw

Circular saws are a versatile tool for cutting wood quickly and accurately. They are one of the most popular power tools in the woodworking industry, but they can be dangerous if you don’t know how to use them properly.

To avoid kickback, always cut with the blade away from your body. Ensure the retractable guard is closed and the saw is turned off before you begin your cut. Measure and mark the desired cut line on the material using a framing square or a pencil, then double-check for accuracy. Place the plate of the circular saw on the material and align the 0 notch with your marked line, keeping in mind that the plate is not perfectly straight due to the kerf of the blade.

Clamp the side of the plate against a known straight edge such as a level, speed square, or the factory edge of the board. This will ensure a straight cut and help you avoid the dangerous blade binding that causes kickback.

Clamps

Clamps are one of the most important tools for any carpenter. They are used to hold materials in place so that they can be worked on, positioned, and secured to other pieces of the project. There are several different types of clamps available, each with its own particular function and application.

For example, a C-clamp is often used to hold pieces together when gluing them. It is operated by turning a screw that closes the “C” shape around your workpiece. Be careful not to overtighten it, as this can mar the wood and damage the piece you’re securing. For larger projects, you can also use a F-clamp to secure workpieces to tables or benches. These clamps have wide opening capacities to accommodate substantial projects, but they do not apply as much pressure as a C-clamp. Another option is a mitre clamp, which holds two pieces of wood that have been cut to the same angle at their respective ends. This is useful when making a frame.

Tape Measures

A tape measure is one of the most basic and essential carpentry tools. It features a strong recoil spring, easy-to-read numbers and clear inch labels (or fractions-of-an-inch marks) on the full length of its blade. It also shows foot markings, and many have a handy locking button to prevent the hook from pulling out when you retract it.

Most tape measures feature a metal piece on their end called a hook. This is the part that moves back and forth when you take inside measurements, for example a bookshelf. It is important that you know how to read this accurately so you do not end up with an incorrect measurement.

When you hook the end of your tape on a wall for inside measurements, you need to know that the first inch is short by 1/16” because of this metal piece on the end of the hook. It is added to account for the thickness of the hook, which makes the measurement more accurate.

Squares

A square is a tool for carpenters and Do It Yourselfers alike to use when measuring and marking right angles. There are many types of squares, but two common ones are the framing square and the combination square.

The standard modern framing square has a longer, wider arm that’s called the blade and a shorter narrower arm that’s called the tongue. It also has a number of scales on it such as a diagonal and board foot scale. It may also have octagonal and pitch conversions on it for laying out hip or rafter angles.

For more accuracy, a combination square or try square has a head that slides along the blade and locks in place at specific angles. This can help with more complex measurement and mark making like laying out miter cut angles. These are available for around $10 each. Another option is the speed square which is shaped like a right triangle and has a wide range of angle and cut line markings for more advanced uses.

Claw Hammer

Claw hammers are one of the most commonly used tools in carpentry. They have a flat head that can be used for pounding nails, and another side with a claw to help pull nails out of wood. They can be made from different materials, but they are often created out of forged metal. The handle can also be created out of a variety of materials, such as wood or fiberglass.

The curved claw on this type of hammer allows for more leverage when pulling nails out of the wood. This makes it much easier to do than using a regular hammer. Rip claw hammers also don’t have a rounded head, which can cause indentations on surfaces you nail into.

Make sure to choose a rip claw hammer that is well-balanced and not too heavy to avoid straining your muscles when pounding. It’s also important to use it properly by standing in a proper position and not twisting your wrist when swinging.

Sledge Hammer

Hammers are among the most versatile tools in the toolbox, and it’s hard to imagine any carpentry task that doesn’t call for one at some point. The most important factor in choosing a hammer is to find one that feels comfortable and balanced in your hand, not just for its weight but also for how it is designed to be used.

For example, a single-faced sledge hammer is ideal for demolition and can also be used to drive large stakes into the ground. This hammer has a flat, metal head and a long handle designed to be swung two-handed.

On the other hand, a splitting maul has a sharp edge on one side and can split logs into firewood or use to break up concrete. A piton hammer is technically a type of sledge hammer but is primarily used by rock mountain climbers to nail life-saving stakes into rocks. Other types of sledge hammers include club hammers, which are designed for demolition and have a rounded head.

Nail Gun

Whether you’re adding shiplap or installing trim, a nail gun (or “nailer”) can speed up projects and improve quality. It can also be a bit dangerous, so it’s important to know how to use one properly.

Nail guns are powered by compressed air or combustible gas, and they can range in size and power. They’re used extensively in woodworking shops and also get plenty of use on site for timber frame erection and other building work.

The most popular type of nailer uses an air compressor to drive the hammering force behind a piston cylinder, which drives a blade into timber or other material to fasten it. These models connect to an air hose or a battery-powered tool, and they can also be loaded with nails in a magazine that attaches to the gun’s body. Some have features like depth adjustment to control how deep the tool drives a fastener. Others have large triggers to make it easier to handle.

Screws & Screwdrivers

When it comes to carpentry, fastening is a crucial element. There are several methods for connecting one or more items together and preventing them from moving or separating, including screws, nails, bolts, nuts, and rivets. Each of these methods requires a different tool for installation or removal.

Screwdrivers, for example, come in a number of shapes and sizes to accommodate various types of screws. Standard screwdrivers feature a handle with a shaft that accepts a variety of bit heads (also known as tips). The bit head fits into the head of the screw so it can be turned.

Special screws like the Phillips head require a special screwdriver with a specific blade tip. Other common screw heads include flat, hex, and Torx.

Saw Horse

A saw horse (also known as a sawbuck, buck, or trestle) is an essential carpentry tool that gives you space and support to work on projects. Sawhorses can be used to cut logs, lumber, or any material that needs to be sawed. They are also great for transforming a portable table saw into a stationary one by resting the saw’s edges on two overhanging 2x4s.

When making your own saw horses, it’s important to nail them together correctly. To do this, measure the breadth of each leg and mark a line at about 65 degrees from square using a speed square or rafter angle square. This will give you the correct spread for your saw horse legs, which should be parallel to each other.

If you’re looking for a set of quality saw horses that are affordable, look no further than these AmazonBasics ones. This pair can support up to 1200 lbs, making them a versatile choice for almost any project. They’re also lightweight and compact, making them easy to move around and store.