Spring Home & Garden 2012

A supplement toThe Courier-Gazette,The Camden Herald andThe Republican Journal

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Page 2 Spring Home & Garden May 24, 2012

Many homeowners aspire to have a pristine and lush lawn. For some a nice lawn

gives them a feeling of pride. Others believe a perfect lawn enables them to have the best-looking house in the neighborhood. Many homeowners spend hours outdoors perfecting their lawns or spend a good deal of money hiring professionals to make their lawn more appealing. But just because a lawn looks good now doesn’t mean it will look good later. That’s because delicate grass can be damaged by a number of different factors.

GrubsGrubs are not very lawn-friendly.

Grubs are the larval stage of different types of large beetles. These worm-like creatures feed on the roots of grass and are able to kill large sections of the lawn in a relatively short amount of time. It can sometimes be difficult to discern whether grubs, drought or another other pest has damaged a lawn. One way to check is to grab a portion of the damaged lawn and attempt to peel it back. If it comes back easily like a piece of carpet, it’s likely grubs. Spotting grubs underneath is a sure sign these larvae are killing the lawn.

Using an insecticide for grub control in July can help kill off grubs that start hatching in August through September.

Grub eggs do well in sunny patches of lawn that are well watered. More shade may deter them. There’s also the option of letting the lawn go dormant and not watering it, but you will be left with a brown, unappealing lawn.

Pet UrinePets can also damage a lawn. Pet

urine can create burnt patches and significant discoloration on the lawn, particularly if the dog or cat uses one

area consistently as their potty zone. The best way to prevent urine

damage is to walk your dog so that he or she will not have free reign of the yard. However, sometimes dogs get out or stray cats and dogs visit your yard and relieve themselves without your knowledge. So this method is not foolproof. Therefore, you should take added action to maintain a lush lawn.

First, make sure that soil and lawn is in

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How to preventlawn damage

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Preventing lawn damage includes cleaning up after pets, whose urine can cause discoloration in the yard.

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LAWN, page 9

May 24, 2012 Spring Home & Garden Page 3

Homeowners hoping to spread their wings around the house are increasingly heading

downstairs to create more living space. Whether it’s for a home office, a home theater room, a playroom for the kids, or even a laundry room, more and more homeowners are turning their dark, damp and dreary basement into a brighter, more functional space.

Though what to do with your basement is up to you, there are certain things every homeowner should consider before converting their basement.

• Be wary when painting basement walls. Painting the basement walls will be high on your priority list, but you can’t just use ordinary house paint. Standard house paint might not look bad initially, but if your basement develops a moisture problem, standard house paint won’t be able to prevent water damage. When painting the walls, use a waterproofing paint, which is both decorative and capable of stopping water from entering the pores of the wall’s masonry, preventing water damage as a result.

Waterproofing paint is thicker than house paint, so it will take longer to apply, though its application is as simple as that of standard house paint. Most waterproofing paints can be applied with a stiff bristle brush or roller, and you simply work the product into

the surface of the masonry, filling the texture with the coating. For the best results, experts recommend applying the first coat with a nylon or polyester bristle brush, while the second coat can be applied with a

brush or masonry roller. Two coats are usually sufficient to stop seepage. However, if seepage is still present after several days, an additional coat may be necessary. More application tips are available at ugl.com.

• Take your measurements. Larger items, such as pool tables and refrigerators, can likely fit into the basement. But homeowners who have used their basement largely for storage should take some measurements before beginning their basement project or buying any big-ticket items. There’s no guarantee that a 70-inch projection screen television or leather armchairs can fit through the basement doorway. Though homeowners will eventually find something they like that will fit, the doorway measurements might dictate that decision more than homeowners know.

• Brighten things up. Though it might be best to have a darker or less flashy basement if the goal is to create a home theater experience, homeowners opting for a different kind of basement should look to brighten things up. Basements can be somewhat drab, but they don’t have to be. Masonry waterproofer can be tinted to create a colorful, decorative and moisture-free area that’s perfect for homeowners who want to add some life to their basement while simultaneously protecting it from the elements. What’s more, homeowners who want to insulate, stud the walls and hang drywall can rest easy knowing masonry waterproofer is already on the masonry, protecting the basement from any moisture issues that might arise down the road.

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in your garden

Gardening can be a rewarding and relaxing hobby, one that allows gardeners to escape from the

daily grind and soak up some sun. As rewarding as gardening can be, it’s even more so when gardeners ply their trade in an eco-friendly way.

Gardening with the environment in mind is something many gardeners might do already without even knowing it. Here’s how to garden in a way that’s mutually beneficial to gardeners and the environment:

• Use mulch to conserve resources and reduce reliance on fertilizers. Conserving resources is one of the best ways to help the environment, and applying mulch conserves water. Mulch helps the soil retain water, keeping the water from evaporating into the air, which means less watering for gardeners who want to keep their gardens looking lush and healthy.

Mulch can also help reduce reliance on fertilizers. That’s because mulch provides nutrients to the soil as it breaks down, which is an eco-friendly alternative for gardeners who don’t want to rely on fertilizers to deliver nutrients

to their soil.• Plant more flowers. Native

flowers, in particular, can help maintain an area’s natural ecosystem, providing food and shelter for insects and other wildlife.

More flowers and plants around the property also means there will be significantly less grass to mow, which reduces both the amount of lawn mower gasoline needed and the amount of greenhouse gases the lawn mower produces. In addition, less grass means less need for fertilizers and pesticides to maintain that grass.

• Choose gardening tools and products with the environment in mind. Veteran gardeners have a host of tools that help tackle every problem imaginable. But many older tools or gardening products might not be made of recycled materials. When shopping for gardening tools, whether you’re a beginner who needs everything or a veteran gardener whose tools have seen better days, choose products made from recycled materials. For example, many gardeners use mats to help reduce stress on their knees when kneeling down to

garden. When buying a new mat, choose one made from recycled tires.

But emphasizing recycled products shouldn’t stop at the tool shed. Mulch, for instance, can be made from recycled rubber and won’t impact the environment in a negative way. Just be sure to purchase recycled mulch that is nontoxic and does not consume natural resources.

• Live and let live. Insects might be a nuisance, but they can also be a gardener’s best friend. Spraying

insecticide simply because insects can be pesky is shortsighted and impractical. Certain spiders prey on other insects that can be harmful to a garden, while butterflies and bees help pollenate flowers. Earthworms are also very beneficial to a garden, helping to aerate and fertilize the soil and enabling plants to grow by removing harmful matter from the soil.

Gardening is a rewarding hobby, one that is even more so when gardeners institute eco-friendly practices.

Planting more plants and flowers around the property is one way gardeners can garden in a more eco-friendly way.

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Tips when creating an outdoor living space Outdoor living spaces have

become increasingly popular over the last several years. The

home improvement boom has shown many homeowners just how easy it can be to transform a home into a private sanctuary that caters to the personalities of the home’s residents.

Outdoor living areas have become an extension of the home’s interior, with many homeowners creating outdoor living rooms and dining areas so they can relax and eat meals outside just as they do indoors. But homeowners thinking of creating outdoor living spaces should consider a few tricks of the trade before beginning their projects.

• Strategically place the space. Property often dictates where the outdoor living space will go, but it helps to keep in mind that the outdoor space is more likely to be used if it’s easily accessible from the inside of the home. For instance, if residents need to walk out the front door to access an outdoor living space in the backyard, then residents might find the area is too inconveniently located and they won’t make the most of the space. Whenever possible, plan the outdoor living space so it’s easily accessible from the home’s interior, preferably from the kitchen so it will be easier to carry meals outdoors when dining outside.

• Emphasize comfort. Many

homeowners look at their outdoor living areas as places to kick their feet up and relax, so comfort should take precedence when planning the space. Forgo the plastic patio chairs of yesteryear for furniture that’s more sturdy and roomy so you won’t feel cramped or sweaty on warm summer evenings and afternoons. In addition, don’t forget to shade the area. Some homeowners choose to build pergolas, but oftentimes an umbrella or two can do the trick at a fraction of the cost. If

the outdoor living area is near trees, they might provide sufficient shade from the often blistering summer sun. But keep a few umbrellas in the garage just in case.

• Illuminate the area. Summer nights spent relaxing in the outdoor living area make for great memories. But such nights are nearly impossible if the area doesn’t have some lighting. Tiki torches might do the trick for some, while others who want to avoid giving their outdoor

area a luau feel might prefer solar-powered accent lights, which won’t require any wiring. If your backyard attracts its fair share of insects, look for insect-repelling lights or lamps. Whatever your preference, don’t forget to have some lighting so those summer evenings spent under the sky don’t have to end when the sun goes down.

• Keep the design consistent with your home. In addition to providing an outdoor respite from the daily grind, an outdoor living space can also increase a home’s resale value. However, homeowners who have one eye on rest and relaxation and the other on resale value should keep the design of their outdoor living space consistent with their home. One of the goals when designing an outdoor living space should be to create a seamless transition from the home’s interior to its exterior.

• Don’t forget the fire pit. A fire pit provides a great focal point for an outdoor living area. Instead of sitting at the dinner table, families and friends can gather around the fire pit and relax with some s’mores and share stories. But even when guests aren’t coming over, a fire pit makes for a great place to relax and let the time go by.

By employing these suggestions, homeowners can create the outdoor areas of their dreams.

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Let’s face it, people often have different ideas as to what constitutes organization. Some

think that organizing important papers means stacking them in piles on the dining room table. Others stow them in a cardboard box. But there are better methods to keeping files, bills and more in check.

Having a paper trail can be messy and impractical. Searching for forms or bills wastes time and may result in missed deadlines or payments. There are ways to cull the clutter. Here are a few time-saving organizational tips.

• Designate a basket or a drawer to serve as a collection point for mail. When it comes time to sort through it, you only have to go to one place.

• Choose a place where you will store items to file away. A file cabinet is a logical source, but it can be a drawer or a box in the closet, as long as it is organized for easy access.

• Files can be separated in different ways. Folders can be used to break down files into specifics, such as a folder for utility bills and one for insurance papers. The folders also can be organized by date. Try separating paid bills into bi-monthly folders. This way you only have to search in one folder to find a specific piece of paperwork.

• Do not keep unnecessary papers. They should be shredded and put in the recycling bin promptly to cut down on the amount of clutter.

• Consider using a digital method to organize files and paperwork. Use a scanner to copy paperwork and then store the scanned file on your computer. Use a flatbed scanner or a specialty easy-feed scanner. The latter type of scanner might even come with programs to organize receipts, bills and whatever else you would like to store. Organize the folders on the computer so that you can easily find the item you need.

• Think about scanning children’s schoolwork as well. Students are often sent home with multiple papers and assignments each day. Locate the “keepers” and create a digital scrapbook. Any documents that are being stored on a computer should be backed up to an external drive or CD.

• Cut down on clutter at home by opting out of junk mail. Also, opt to

have paperless statements for bills. This way you only need to access your e-mail or a bill-paying program when the time comes to pay monthly bills.

• Routinely go through your files and see which items no longer have to be stored. Most bill stubs can be thrown out after a year. Financial paperwork and receipts should be saved for several years in the event of an audit.

• Separate files into what can be stored at home and what is best stored somewhere in a safer location, like a safety deposit box. Car titles,

credit card policies and numbers, pay stubs, home improvement receipts, medical records, insurance policies, tax records, and bill stubs can all be stored at home. However, birth certificates, military service records, house deed and title, a list of valuables for insurance purposes, and passports might be better off and safer if they are stored in a safe deposit box.

Getting papers organized can take a little work. But once the system is established, it only requires routine maintenance to keep everything in order.

How to organize important papers

Organizing household papers may seem like a lot of work, but such a project is well worth the effort.

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April showers may bring May flowers, but May

flowers still bring bugs, which can be nuisances to people trying to enjoy the warmer weather outside. Biting flies, mosquitoes, gnats, bees and beetles can make outdoor excursions unenjoyable. People often rely on insect repellents to keep bugs away. Though there are many repellents on the market, only a few of them may be considered safe. Repellants, such as those that contain DEET, may prove more hazardous to human health than the insects themselves — even if a person has been bitten. To repel insects safely, experiment with these different methods.

• Aloe vera, lavender, peppermint and clove are known to repel mosquitoes.

• Grow herbs and flowers like garlic, rosemary, tansy, catmint, basil, pennyroyal and marigolds. These plants naturally repel many bugs.

• Avoid lotions or perfumes with a floral scent, which attract bugs.

• Remove standing water around the house where pests may gravitate to lay eggs.

• Citronella candles and sprays may work for a few hours in relatively small areas.

Keep bugs away safely


Despite a mild winter for much of the country, many people are looking forward to dusting off the patio furniture and heading outside to

enjoy the warmer weather that’s on its way.If only it was as easy as that. Very often decks,

patios and outdoor furniture need a little more than a quick clean-up to get them ready for the season. Too often people turn to harsh chemicals that, when washed away, can end up leaching into the surrounding ground and potentially the water supply. There are more environmentally friendly options available to get outdoor items prepped for entertaining.

Those who have kids and pets or who are just interested in living an eco-friendly lifestyle, may wonder how to make patio furniture look like new without resorting to harsh chemical cleansers to do the job. Although it may take a little more elbow grease to do it the green way, here are some tips for cleaning up.

• Head into the kitchen. People are often surprised to find they have some of the most versatile cleaning products in their cabinets and possibly even the refrigerators. Baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice are good cleansers to try on stubborn stains. Baking soda mixed with a little vinegar will create a foaming action that can help break through stains. Vinegar on its own is a natural deodorizer and can clean chrome and glass without leaving behind streaks. Baking soda mixed with a little water can be used as a scouring paste applied with a stiff-bristled brush, and it has even been shown to remove rust stains on some metal surfaces. The acidity of lemon juice can help cut through oily messes and gummy substances.

• Put some pressure behind the cleaning. Don’t underestimate the power of plain water — especially if it’s being directed at dirt at a high velocity. Pressure washers are ideal for cleaning off mold, mildew and even leaf and bug stains from many surfaces, including concrete. Set the power washer at an acceptable spray size because, if it’s too

concentrated, the spray can cause other damage.• Get steamed for cleaning. Steam is a popular

and green method of cleaning indoor floors, counters and other surfaces. Steam can also be tried on resin furniture or other materials to loosen debris, enabling the dirt to be wiped off with little elbow grease.

Clean patio furniture the green way

There are many different environmentally friendly methods for cleaning patios and furniture.

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PATIO, page 8


Ways to improve

indoor airIn April 2012, a wildfire broke out in a

compost pile in an area on Staten Island, NY, that formerly housed the Fresh Kills

Landfill. Residents across the island worried if the billowing smoke rising into the sky was toxic in nature as a result of the years of trash that had been buried in the soil.

Though it’s understandable to worry about contaminants that could be polluting outdoor air, it’s important not to overlook indoor air quality as well.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, air inside people’s homes can be two to five times more polluted than air outside the home. Although the EPA regulates the quality of outdoor air and monitors potential contaminants, the air inside one’s home is his or her own domain. Oftentimes, people do not realize how polluted the air in their homes and businesses can be. Cigarette smoke, radon, carbon monoxide, lead-laden dust from old paints, dirt-filled carpet, household cleaners, and furniture made with wood glue containing formaldehyde are all sources of indoor air pollution. Even cooking on a gas stove may introduce high levels of nitrogen dioxide into the air, causing respiratory problems.

There are several steps that can be taken to improve the quality of indoor air.

1. Open the windows and let fresh air circulate. It is important to change the air inside of the home several times a day to prevent the buildup of pollutants. Even opening windows a crack can help.

2. Change the filters on home heating and cooling systems as the manufacturer suggests.

3. Routinely clean the exhaust vents in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms.

4. Consider the installation of an air purification system in the home. Or purchase in-room HEPA filters.

5. Routinely clean bedding used by pets and groom animals to remove shedded fur.

6. Avoid the use of toxic cleaning products. Thoroughly cleanse the air by opening windows after doing any cleaning.

7. Use natural pest control procedures inside when possible.

8. Introduce more plants to the home, which naturally filter air.

9. Use detectors to test for radon and carbon monoxide in the home. If there are high levels present, go outside and investigate ways to identify the problem and remedy the situation.

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Steam can also disinfect surfaces without the need for chemicals.

• Look for green cleaning products. For those who prefer the power of a spray-bottle, select products

that have been approved for use by notable environmental agencies. These cleaning items will be free from damaging ingredients. Just be sure to check the ingredient list before making any purchases.

• Bleach it. Diluted bleach is one of the most effective cleaning and disinfecting combinations around. Because bleach is an organic chemical, it can be introduced back into the environment without doing much damage, provided it is substantially diluted. Check the color-fastness of

the materials that will be cleaned in an inconspicuous spot prior to doing the whole surface.

• Cover it. Sometimes the stains are so set in that they are not able to be scoured clean. In such instances, consider the use of eco-friendly fabrics to cover patio furniture upholstery. In addition, look for green paints that can be used to go over metal and even plastic furniture for a new look.

Get set for the season of entertaining by prepping outdoor items in an environmentally friendly way.

PATIO, from page 7

Homes full of garden beds with blooming flowers and foliage can seem warm and inviting.

Planting flowers is one of the easiest ways to transform the appearance of a home with minimal effort and expense. Too often homeowners plant annuals and perennials only to find their hard work has been damaged by hungry animals, like deer, rabbits and underground pests. There are ways to keep animals away from plants — many of which are humane and environmentally safe.

Keeping furry marauders away from the garden is something individuals who live in rural or suburban areas have to consider when planting. Many communities are growing and encroaching on the natural habitats of wild animals. With some of their natural food sources diminishing, animals may decide to partake of the easy pickings that come from residential home gardens.

If you understand how these animals feed, you can take precautions to restrict access to planting beds. Rabbits tend to munch on vegetables and ornamental plants. Small in stature and not able to scale fences very easily, rabbits might be deterred by a low fence surrounding plants. Consider digging some chicken wire below the fence a few inches to discourage digging under the fence. The fence should be 18 inches high, and you should keep the openings no more than one inch because rabbits can squeeze through small openings.

In terms of gophers, moles, voles, and other burrowing animals, the key is preventing underground access. Chicken wire or another abrasive material put under the garden soil can help keep underground animals from burrowing under and then up into the heart of the garden.

Deer are another story altogether. They are tall animals capable of rising

up on hind legs to stretch out and reach branches of trees and bushes. Therefore, taller fences may be needed to protect the garden. But these can sometimes be unsightly, especially in a front yard. Therefore, look for natural barriers that can keep them out. They may be deterred by thorny bushes or plants. Daisies, papaver (poppies), narcissus, rudbeckia, achillea, agastache, aster, lupine, coreopsis, verbascum, centaurea, and echinacea are available in many varieties and are not attractive to deer or rabbits.

Here are some additional strategies that you can try.

• Create narrow pathways between raised beds. Rabbits will feel like they are in prime locations for predators to get at them in this type of situation and may be less likely to venture in. Deer may not be able to navigate narrow paths.

• Use mulch. In addition to

benefitting the plants, keeping soil moist and fertilizing the areas, mulch also deters many animals.

• Interplant different species of plants. Some animals don’t want to bother picking tasty plants out among other varieties they don’t like. So mix plants with ones that animals find unpleasant.

• Use other natural deterrents. Animals may be kept away by scents of their predators. Urine from coyote, foxes, dogs, and cats may help. You can also try human hair, cat litter and soap flakes.

• Create an animal-friendly area elsewhere. Feed the deer and rabbits the foods they love somewhere away from your garden. They may fill up with favorites and stay away from your flowers and vegetables.

• Traps may work. As a last resort, use humane traps to collect animals and release them elsewhere.

Protect your garden from hungry animals

Deer and rabbits can eat many garden plants down to the ground.

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Animals are important members of many households. Although a pet parent may love a wagging tail or the sweet purr of love, he or she may not enjoy the odors that

usually permeate from a pet. All animals give off some type of aroma. Humans have

different grooming products that can help them smell fresh and clean. Pets cannot control their own odor and must rely on their owners to address any issues. There are different ways to keep smells at bay and prevent new ones from happening.

Identify the odorPets emanate odors for different reasons. Some aromas may

be linked to the pet, while others may involve the pet’s waste. Still others may be indicative of illness and should be treated immediately. Once the source of the smell is identified, it is easy to take action to alleviate it.

Clean petsNaturally, a clean animal smells much better than a dirty one.

Dogs and cats may accumulate bacteria in their fur as well as organic matter that gets stuck and decays. When animals groom themselves, the saliva applied to the fur through licking also may be prone to bacteria growth; and eventually their fur can start to smell. Pet owners with dogs or cats that have long fur around the face may find their pet’s fur gets dragged through the water bowl and food dish, attracting particles that can end up leading to smells.

Some pets also engage in “scent camouflage,” according to veterinarian Janet Crosby. The pet may roll around in the grass or something odoriferous to mask his own scent, and this can also be a source of foul odors.

Considering the fur can be a prime source of odor problems, it is adviseable to groom the pet as needed. Check with a veterinarian to find out how frequently the pet may need to be bathed. Dogs that have oily skin may need frequent baths. Cats may not need baths often but can benefit from a thorough brushing to remove matting and any debris caught in the fur.

If grooming is not something a pet owner enjoys, he or she can sign up with a professional groomer for regular appointments for the pet. The groomer may be able to establish a schedule that will help control odor.

IllnessCertain pet illnesses elicit a certain smell. If a dog has an ear

infection, there could be an unpleasant scent emanating from the ear. Pets that have tooth decay and gum disease will have poor breath. A pet with gastrointestinal upset may have flatulence or diarrhea. Skin problems like mange may lead to open sores or

abscesses that can smell foul as well.Dogs and cats also have anal glands that contain an oily, smelly

substance. The glands are usually naturally expressed during a bowel movement. However, if the glands become impacted or fail to drain, this can lead to leakage and odor. The glands also may rupture or become infected.

If a pet smell doesn’t go away with routine bathing, it is adviseable to take the animal to the vet for a checkup. If an underlying medical issue is identified, the vet can prescribe a treatment that will make the pet smell and feel better.

WasteIt is well known that waste excreted from the body does not

smell pleasant. Animals who are allowed to relieve themselves indoors, such as birds and cats, might create some unpleasant odors as well. To avoid such unpleasantness, stay on top of cleaning waste receptacles. Pets generally don’t like to use areas that smell poorly, either. Keep everything clean so the odors will be limited and the pet may not stray elsewhere to do his or her business.

Dogs, especially puppies, may take some time to get acclimated to going to the bathroom outdoors. Accidents can happen indoors. It is essential to clean urine and feces accidents quickly and to remove all traces of the odor. This way the house will not smell and the animal will not have marked his or her scent. Otherwise the dog may return to the same area over and over.

Pet odors can make a home interior smell unpleasant. Instead of covering up the problem, pet parents can get to the root of the problem and banish odors for good.

Banish pet odors with easy steps

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good health by fertilizing and taking care of it properly. Second, water can dilute urine and neutralize its corrosive properties. Some have found that diluted urine can often act as a fertilizer to grass. You may have noticed that the outside ring of a urine-burned spot is often greener than the healthy lawn. For the best effect, try to dilute the urine within eight hours of contact with the lawn.

Burrowing animalsMoles and voles are among the more common

lawn damage culprits. Voles are small rodents that resemble mice but have stouter bodies, shorter tails

and rounder heads. They feast on everything from bulbs, succulent roots and ground cover to dead animals in their paths. Their burrows enable them to move around relatively undetected, typically until the damage has already been done.

Moles, although they have a similar-sounding name, are not related to voles and look very different. They have a cylindrical body shape with velvety fur, very small or invisible ears and large paws for digging. Moles often feed on earthworms and other small invertebrates found in the soil. The burrows they create are essentially traps for the worms, who fall into the burrows, where moles easily access them. Moles often stockpile worms for later consumption in underground larders.

Voles can be kept away with natural vole predators, such as cats, hawks, owls and snakes. Mouse traps can also capture voles when baited. You may also dig sharp materials or chicken wire into the soil around planting beds to make it uncomfortable for voles and moles to tunnel through.

Moles can also be controlled with traps. Finding active mole tunnels will help you place the traps effectively to either kill or simply contain the mole. The live animal can be relocated to a site where they won’t cause trouble.

Lawn damage can occur through a number of different factors. Finding out the cause can help you find an effective treatment.

LAWN, from page 2

Homeowners who have had prior issues with mold know

just how pesky a mold problem can be. When mold spores land on surfaces that are wet, mold may begin to grow indoors. And the growth of mold takes just a matter of hours. According to the National Association of Home Builders, all it takes is 48 hours for a moist environment combined with room temperature to produce mold growth.

When mold does begin to grow, homeowners will notice a less-than-welcoming aroma often characterized as musty. In addition, mold growth, which is most common in areas of the home like the kitchen, bathroom and basement where humidity and

Make indoor mold growth a

distant memory

MOLD, page 11


Did you know that being green saves money, especially around the house? Homeowners annually

lose hundreds of dollars to inefficient appliances and a drafty home. Making simple changes can benefit the planet and your bottom line.

Choose the right appliancesAppliances in your home as well as

certain behaviors can have a considerable impact on how much energy is consumed. The Energy Information Administration reports that the average home uses approximately 1,000 kilowatt hours (kwh) each month. Kwh is measured by multiplying the number of 1,000 watts of electricity used by the number of hours the device is in use.

Every appliance has a different measure of electricity usage. Here are some examples of common appliances in the home and how much energy they consume in one hour, courtesy of Bright Hub.

Electric clothes dryer: 6,000 wattsWashing machine: 425 wattsRefrigerator : 188 wattsDishwasher: 200 wattsCentral AC: 6,000 wattsWindow AC: 1,300 wattsFlat screen TV: 150 wattsLCD TV: 213 wattsVacuum: 1,100 wattsFreezer: 273 wattsWater heater: 473 wattsToaster oven: 1,200 wattsCoffeemaker: 1,200 wattsDesktop computer: 95 watts

DVD player: 25 wattsCable box: 20 wattsLaptop: 50 wattsSelecting energy-efficient appliances

and using them in a conservative manner can reduce energy usage and the cost of your monthly utility bill. Try to run high-wattage appliances during the evening or early-morning hours when energy rates may be reduced. Also, if the weather will be warm, running these appliances during cooler hours prevents the home from heating up even more -- possibly requiring the additional use of an air conditioner.

Unplug appliances when they’re not in use to avoid vampire drain. Many appliances still draw a small amount of power even when turned off. Also, be sure to properly insulate and position

appliances so they can run at the highest level of efficiency.

Energy auditYou can request or hire individuals

to conduct an energy audit or home energy assessment. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the audit will assess how much energy your home consumes and evaluate what measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient.

If you prefer to do an energy audit yourself, you can look at a few key areas around the home where there may be air leaks or inefficient uses of energy. First, turn off any combustible appliances, such as water heaters and furnaces. Make sure the windows are closed, then turn on exhaust fans in the bathroom and

kitchen to suck the air out of the rooms. Feel around outlets, doors, windows, baseboards, fireplaces, and attic hatches for any apparent leaks. Use a stick of incense to easily see the flow of air in the incense smoke.

If any leaks are found, address each one. This generally involves recaulking or sealing around points of entry. The DOE says the potential energy savings from reducing drafts in a home may range from 5 percent to 30 percent per year.

Additional stepsThere are other steps you can take to

make a home more efficient. • Install solar panels to draw power

from the sun.• Plant deciduous trees or bushes on

the south- and west-facing areas of the home. The leaves will shade the home during the summer months and fall off to allow sunshine in during the winter months.

• Plant bushes by the front door to act as a wind buffer.

• Use skylights to add light and warmth from the sun to the home.

• Think about using motion-activated lights in the home.

• Install a new programmable thermostat.

• Check the insulation in attics and basements and install new if the insulation you currently have is no longer efficient.

Save energy and money by making easy adjustments and improvements around your house.

Make your home more energy-efficient

Sealing around windows reduces air leaks and saves you money in the process.

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moisture levels are higher, can be unsightly and unhealthy. In 2004, the Institute of Medicine linked indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough and wheeze in people who, prior to exposure, were healthy. The IOM also found exposure to mold can exacerbate asthma conditions for people who already have asthma and even linked respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children to exposure to mold.

What such research highlights is the emphasis homeowners must place on removing mold from their homes. While mold is a natural part of the environment that is impossible to eliminate entirely, homeowners can take steps to stop mold growth in their homes and protect themselves and their families along the way. When addressing a mold problem, keep in mind the potentially negative impact mold can have on your health and dress accordingly. Wear long sleeves, gloves, protective goggles, and even a mask or respirator that covers the nose and mouth to reduce your risk of developing a respiratory illness.

• Fix leaky pipes and additional water problems. Mold growth can cause cosmetic damage that can never be repaired. But fixing leaky pipes and addressing other water problems, including leaky windows, is a good way to stop future mold growth and prevent further cosmetic damage to the home.

• Scrub and dry moldy surfaces. When addressing moldy surfaces,

scrub them hard with detergent and water. Once finished, dry the surfaces thoroughly. Going forward, routinely clean areas of the home that have had mold growth in the past.

• Discard certain materials that fall victim to mold. Porous or absorbent surfaces will likely need to be discarded once they have been victimized by mold growth. Ceiling tiles and carpets, for example, are especially difficult to rid of mold once it’s settled in because the mold finds cracks and crevices in which it essentially hides from cleaning. In such cases, it’s best to simply discard the items and have them replaced.

• Do not mask the mold problem. Painting or caulking over mold won’t work. When applied to moldy surfaces, paint typically cracks. Instead of wasting paint and time, scrub and dry the surfaces, making sure all the mold is gone, and then paint or caulk.

• Leave big jobs to the pros. Smaller mold growths can be addressed by the average homeowner. However, when mold growth is especially large or mold has grown on valuable items, including heirlooms, it’s best to hire a professional. When doing so, try to find one a friend or neighbor can recommend, as not all mold-removal specialists are created equal. If it’s hard to find a recommendation, look for a specialist who is affiliated with a professional organization. Such organizations typically insist their members have a certain level of experience and training before they can become members.

MOLD, from page 9


Spring is a season for rebirth, and for homeowners, that often means bringing their property back

to life. Once the winter weather has subsided, it’s time to head outside and take inventory of the landscape and see how the yard, trees, bushes, and shrubs fared after another long winter.

One of the best and most eco-friendly ways to bring your yard back to life is to plant around the property. Planting can be a soothing and enjoyable way to spend some time outdoors in the spring air, and it’s not as difficult as it may seem. When planting around the home this spring, consider the following pointers.

• Be aware of depth when planting. It’s common for those who aren’t used to gardening to plant too deeply. The idea of planting deeply seems to be correct, as homeowners want to be certain their plants or trees will take root and it seems like common sense that the deeper the plant is planted, the more likely it is to take root. However, planting depth should mirror the depth the plant was grown in at the nursery. When purchasing a plant at the nursery, ask for the planting depth and be sure not to go any deeper than that when planting the plant on your property.

• Stake new trees if necessary. While it’s great to imagine spring as a season

of warm sun and extended daylight, in reality, most regions still get some wind and cold throughout spring. This can make planting trees a difficult proposition, as new trees might rock back and forth and struggle to establish new roots. To mitigate any strong winds, stake new trees when planting around the property. Not all new trees need to be staked, but for the ones that do, the stakes will act as a stabilizing force during strong winds, enabling the tree to establish healthy roots for years to come.

• Consider container-grown plants. Novice green-thumbers might find it best to go with container-grown plants. Container-grown plants are easy to plant around the property, and it’s also easy to change the look of the property by simply moving the plants around. Also, as the seasons change, it’s easy to reposition the plants so they’re still getting the sun exposure they need to thrive.

• Get a second opinion. Planting trees around the property can be akin to hanging a painting on the wall. It’s always best to get a second opinion to make sure the painting is straight, and the same goes with planting trees. Before backfilling the hole, ask someone to look at the tree from several angles to ensure that it is straight. Once the tree has been backfilled, it’s awfully difficult

to reposition the tree.• Give the trees or plants their

best chance to grow. It’s important to survey the property ahead of planting to be certain the plants will be in the best place to thrive. Call the utility company and ask if there are any buried

utility lines you’ll want to avoid. Also, a tree’s roots spread far beyond its branches, so be sure to plant the tree in a location that allows for that root growth without jeopardizing the property (i.e., roots spreading beneath the home’s foundation).

Successfully plant around your property

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Planting during the spring season is a great way for homeowners to restore their property after a harsh winter.

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Spring Home & Garden 2012