Effective pest control is critical to maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment. Pests can cause a lot of damage to a home’s foundation, floors, and walls. It helps eliminate insects impacting the house’s integrity and its occupants’ health. Effective pest management is a multifaceted endeavor that requires diligence, preventative measures, and, at times, the expertise of professionals. By sidestepping these pitfalls, individuals can create a pest-free environment that promotes health, comfort, and peace of mind. Neglecting preventative measures One of the most common pitfalls in pest control is underestimating the power of prevention. Waiting until pests become a visible problem can lead to a more challenging and costly battle. Simple steps like sealing cracks, ensuring proper drainage, and maintaining a clean living space can go a long way in deterring pests from entering in the first place. Overlooking regular inspections Regular inspections are the cornerstone of effective pest control. Unfortunately, many homeowners skip this crucial step, only seeking professional help when the situation has escalated. Implementing routine checks, both indoors and outdoors, allows for early detection and intervention, minimizing the potential damage caused by pests. Improper identification of pests Misidentifying pests is a common oversight in pest control. Different pests require different approaches for effective elimination. Using the wrong treatment method for a particular pest can be not only ineffective but may also be detrimental to the environment or even harmful to humans and pets. Misusing chemicals and treatments Resorting harsh chemicals without adequately understanding their application can have unintended consequences. Overusing or misusing pesticides can pose health risks to residents and pets and lead to environmental harm. It’s crucial to follow label instructions meticulously and, if you need help, seek professional advice on proper application. Ignoring natural predators In nature, many pests have natural predators that help keep their populations in check.

House sitting allows individuals to live in different locales while helping homeowners secure their properties during absences. However, as enticing as this arrangement can be, it also comes with its share of responsibilities and potential pitfalls. For that reason, the house sitter needs to know a few tips to help them avoid common house-sitting disasters. This ensures that both the sitter and the homeowner are comfortable with the arrangement. 1. Vetting the property before committing to the job Before committing to a house-sitting assignment, thoroughly research the opportunity. This includes reading reviews of the homeowner, if available, and having a detailed discussion about expectations. Ask for references or previous housesitters’ contacts to better understand their experience and what the job entails. 2. Deciding the terms and conditions and clarifying doubts Clarify all responsibilities and expectations in writing before the house-sitting begins. This agreement should include pet care, plant watering, and routine maintenance. Having everything documented can prevent misunderstandings and ensure both parties are on the same page. 3. Preparing for emergencies The house sitter must ensure they have all necessary emergency contact information, including the phone numbers of the homeowner, local emergency services, a trusted neighbor, and vets if pets are involved. Knowing whom to contact and how to handle unexpected situations can drastically reduce the potential for disasters. 4. Getting familiar with the home and neighborhood Upon arrival, the sitter should ask the homeowner to tour the house and point out any oddities or necessary maintenance tasks. They should familiarize themselves with the local area, including the nearest hospital, supermarket, and other essential services. This preparation can help them feel more comfortable and respond effectively to any issues. 5. Securing a communication plan Maintain regular communication with the homeowner to update them on how things are going and to verify any uncertainties.

With Black Friday comes amazing deals on a variety of goods, right from appliances to furniture and home décor to dog foods. Even popular brands, such as Royal Canin, Hill’s Science, Iams, and Blue Buffalo, offer hefty discounts during this time. Whether your dog loves dry food or wet food, you will find plenty of nutritious and delicious options at hard-to-miss prices. Check out the best Black Friday dog food deals given below. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food This dog food, originally priced at $67.99, is offered by Chewy at a discount of 10%. Blue Buffalo Life Protection formula is specially designed for adult dogs. Your pet dog will love to eat this healthy meal made with protein-rich deboned chicken and other natural ingredients. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food Hill’s Science offers a variety of dog foods to nourish your furry friend who is prone to having an upset tummy. This dry dog food contains nourishing prebiotic fiber and real chicken and is gentle on the stomach. At Chewy, you can get this dog food for $77.99 and save 4%. Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy Original Dry Dog Food Get a 14% discount on Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy Original Dry Dog Food when you buy from Chewy. This dog food is a great way to support the nutritional needs of your growing pup. The dry dog food contains 22 key nutrients to help your puppy grow into a healthy dog. Royal Canin Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food At PetSmart, buy Royal Canin Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food size 35 lb priced at $87.99 for $84.99. This adult dry dog food contains a balance of high proteins and fiber to support your dog’s active lifestyle.

Like humans, dogs, too, tend to develop certain rashes, allergies, and skin problems. While getting veterinary help is essential, minor problems can always be resolved with an effective home remedy. So, if you look to eliminate itchiness, discomfort, and redness in dogs, here are a few effective natural remedies to try out. Oat baths When it comes to doggy allergies, an oat bath is an excellent remedy. It washes away any allergens stuck on the dog’s coat and reduces inflammation. One must never use it during a yeast infection, as it can make it worse. To make an oat bath, one has to grind sugar-free, organic oats into a fine powder and then boil it with water. Using this to bathe the dog will provide them with relief. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is a powerful antibacterial and antifungal agent. It can be used to clean a dog’s paws, ears and even fight off yeast infections. All one needs to do is take a clean spray bottle and add apple cider vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio and spray it on the dog’s itchy spots for relief. Nonetheless, one must not spray it on wounds or bites. Baking soda Baking soda is an easily available and effective way to provide relief to itching caused by dog allergies. Create a simple paste using baking soda and water, and apply it to the dog’s itchy spots to alleviate itchiness and redness. Let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off thoroughly. One can also add a little coconut oil to provide the dog with some moisturizing goodness. Aloe vera Aloe vera gel contains antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat several problems. It reduces redness and discomfort, treats burns and itchiness, and provides cooling. Its application is simple:

Dogs love smelling things. They want to put their snout on anything that comes across their path, be it garbage on the sidewalk or blossoming flowers in a park or garden. While some things are downright disgusting, other items can be toxic to your dog’s health. Certain plants can cause diarrhea and other serious issues like liver damage. Hence, it’s important to keep your dog away from the plants mentioned below. Sago palms These popular indoor ornamental palms are found in warmer climates. Every part of this plant is toxic to your dog. If consumed, it can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, and seizures. Aloe vera Aloe vera is another common household plant grown mainly because of its many beneficial properties. However, its gooey gel contains some components that are toxic for dogs. It can cause lethargy, stomach problems, vomiting, and diarrhea. Elephant’s ear Elephant’s ear is a beautiful plant commonly found in warm climates. This plant can be harmful to dogs as it contains glass-like insoluble oxalate crystals, which can result in severe irritation, swelling in the mouth, vomiting, and diarrhea. Azaleas All parts of the azalea plant, including the flower, leaves, seeds, and  honey made from its nectar, are toxic to dogs. Signs of ingestion include hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, eye problems, slow heart rate (bradycardia), heart arrhythmia, low blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse. In some cases, it can even cause death. Ivy Some of the most common types of ivy are the English ivy and Devil’s ivy, also known as Golden Pothos. All of them are toxic to your furry pet. If consumed, it can lead to mouth and stomach irritation, foaming, excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs. Snake plant Snake plants are one of the most common household plants in the world since they require little maintenance.

Lungs, an integral part of the respiratory system, hold oxygen which is then supplied to the rest of the body through the bloodstream. It is essential to keep the lungs healthy to maintain optimum oxygen intake. However, there can be things in the environment that can trigger lung damage. This article lists five such household factors that can trigger lung damage, which can, in turn, cause diseases. Let’s check them out. Mold Mold is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces and corners. It is common in houses with issues of leaking pipes. The fungus releases spores in the air and can trigger a severe reaction in those allergic to mold. The response is relatively severe in people with lung damage and diseases like asthma and COPD. Carpet Carpets add to the allure and warmth of our homes. But there are some other harmful things that they add. Carpets can act as a storage space for dust mites, cockroach droppings, mold, dander, pet hair, and other allergens. These are released back into the air often. As a result, it is advisable to clean and vacuum carpets multiple times a week to ensure they do not work as carriers for lung-damaging components. Flour Baker’s asthma is a common condition among bakery workers. It is caused by the dust and flour particles that saturate the air and are transported with humans as vectors. Those who suffer from this have a difficult time breathing. Baker’s asthma can also be detected in people who live close to bakers, including their family and friends.   Candles Candles are made from paraffin, a petroleum-based product. When lit, candles release chemical-fueled fumes into the environment that can trigger allergic reactions in people. This reaction is enhanced in people with pre-existing conditions like COPD, asthma, allergies, and low immunity.

Roofing sheets are installed in open areas where the sunlight casts a harsh glare, protecting the area underneath from weather elements. Polycarbonate is a lightweight but durable material, often considered a great alternative to acrylic and Pet G plastics used for mainstream installations. Today, these sheets are manufactured in different color shades and textures suitable for many different installations. Here are three beginner tips to help you make an informed decision shopping for polycarbonate sheets. Buy the right color and texture Polycarbonate sheets are manufactured in different colors to suit a specific build purpose. Depending on the type of use and installation, you must consider various textures like solid sheets, textured sheets, twin wall/multiwall sheets, and corrugated sheets. Transparent sheets allow maximum natural light penetration and protect you from UV rays but are unsuitable if you need privacy. Patterned sheets ensure decent light transmission while also maintaining occupant privacy. Opal-colored sheets reduce the heat buildup by a third of exposure and provide good shade. Bronze-colored sheets reduce glare and increase heat retention due to the tint. Black-colored sheets are entirely opaque, blocking the light and offering complete privacy. Choose the right thickness and size Roofing is a tricky job, even when done by contractors. So, you will have to check the thickness and size of the sheets before approving the installation. Have an expert check out factors like insulation needs, durability, and the amount of light that needs to be transmitted to finalize a proper material. The location also makes a difference. Common places where polycarbonate sheets include canopies, greenhouses, carports, verandas, shelters, and porch roofs. Prices and the quality of the material will also vary depending on the brand. If you need an estimate, request quotes in advance and arrange a contractor visit. Consider the cost A lot of factors affect the cost of these individual sheets.

Buying furniture, whether it is for the house or the office space, can be exciting and, at the same time, exhausting. While the right choice in furniture can transform one’s space into a haven, the wrong choices can lead to frustration and a waste of money. So, it is important to keep some things in mind when buying furniture and avoid certain common mistakes. Here are five common mistakes one should avoid when buying furniture. Neglecting measurements The first and the most important thing one must do when buying new furniture is take measurements of their space. Neglecting to take accurate measurements can be a costly mistake if the furniture one purchases does not fit. Along with the room, it is also essential to take measurements of the doorway and the passage from where the furniture will pass through to avoid any hassles later. Not considering one’s current lifestyle Another mistake individuals often make when buying new furniture is failing to consider their lifestyle and needs. Before choosing new furniture, it is essential to take into account factors like family/organization size, children, pets, and how the space will be used. Overlooking quality and durability While it is important to stick to budget when buying new furniture, it is more important to choose good-quality furniture. Furniture pieces such as beds, chairs, etc. are usually long-term investments, and opting for cheap, less durable furniture may lead to frequent replacements and additional costs in the long run. Prioritizing trends over comfort When choosing new furniture, a big mistake one can make is prioritizing trends over comfort. It is important to remember that despite how trendy it looks, furniture is only as good as its utility. If a piece of furniture looks stunning but is uncomfortable to sit or sleep on, it will become a regrettable purchase.

Cats are smart animals who are typically mindful of what they eat. But sometimes, seeds or pollen of a toxic plant get stuck in their fur or on their paws, and cats may ingest toxic substances while grooming themselves. To avoid this and keep your cat safe, all pet parents should take some time to learn the names of plants that are toxic to their health. Some of these plants are mentioned below. Peace lily (spathiphyllum) All its parts, including the leaves, roots, petals, and pollen, should be kept away from cats. If cats ingest peace lilies, they could get acute kidney failure. Other symptoms of poisoning would include vomiting, irritation of the mouth and GI tract, excessive drooling, and in rare cases, difficulty swallowing or breathing. Sago palm (cycas revoluta) Sago palm contains a toxic substance called cycasin, which, when consumed, may result in liver damage in cats. It could also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and black, tarry-looking stool. It could also lead to bruising, excessive thirst, lethargy, and in rare cases, death. Eucalyptus (myrtaceae) Eucalyptus can cause complications like drooling, vomiting, decreased appetite, and diarrhea in cats. The toxicity level of this plant is low, and the symptoms often disappear within 24 hours. But higher concentrations can cause serious problems. Dieffenbachia Dieffenbachia may be known by its various other names, including dumb cane or tropic snow. It is a part of a genus of tropical flowering plants in the Araceae family. Dieffenbachia contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause a burning sensation in the mouth if consumed by cats. It can also lead to excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Kalanchoe All parts of this plant are toxic to cats, as it contains bufadienolides. This can cause gastrointestinal issues like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. If cats eat this plant, they can experience heart arrhythmias and seizures.

As a dog owner, one of the biggest concerns to tackle is fleas and tick infestation. These parasites feed off the pets’ blood, causing excessive scratching and irritation. There is a variety of flea and tick repellents in the market. However, it is necessary to be aware of natural remedies. The following article lists some of the most effective treatments to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs at home: Clinical options Before discussing natural remedies to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs, it is also important to be aware of clinical treatment options.  Simparica® This is one such option that prevents flea and tick infestation in dogs. The FDA-approved oral treatment option can be given once a month which remains effective for up to 35 days. Other treatment options Other options include Bravecto® and K9 Advantix®, where the latter is a topical treatment used on a monthly basis, and the former is an oral treatment option used once in three months. Bravecto® can also be used for getting rid of heartworm. Foods to eat Experts say that fleas and ticks are likely to attack weak and unhealthy animals. If your dog is given healthy and nutritious foods, fleas and tick infestation won’t be a problem. Make sure your dog’s meal comprises of fresh whole foods and unprocessed proteins. Nutrients such as B vitamins, probiotics, sulfur, omega-6 fatty acids, and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for their health. These nutrients can be acquired from foods like meats, organ meats, fatty fish, flaxseed, poultry, eggs, broccoli, cauliflower, and more. Natural home remedies Essential oils The topical application of essential oils is one of the best natural remedies for treating fleas and tick infestation in dogs. It’s best to use essential oils like lavender, peppermint, lemongrass, cedar oil, or eucalyptus oil.

Every aspect of a home requires attention and care from time to time. This involves not just keeping the home and its fixtures and furniture clean but also ensuring that no issues affect the home’s functionality. For instance, doors and windows are used extensively and can undergo considerable wear and tear. If one notices any issues in their functionality, one should see if they can be fixed with repairs. If not, one should consider replacement. Warning signs 1. Jammed hinges When the doors and windows take on excessive wear and tear, the hinges may get rusty, and the frames can be hard to move. So, whenever one goes to open or close doors and windows, they may have to use a lot of strength to make them move. While this could be fixed with repairs and maintenance, sometimes, the hardware can be beyond repair and needs to be replaced. 2. Draft If the door or window can no longer keep cold air out, then it could be a sign it needs some repairs. While it may not seem like an urgent problem, drafty homes can mean higher energy bills. Good windows and doors ensure energy efficiency by keeping harsh weather at bay and regulating indoor temperature. 3. Excessive outdoor noise If the noise outside the home keeps getting in and disturbing one, the doors and windows should be checked to see if any gaps or cracks are responsible for the issue. If the door or window cannot be locked or sealed correctly, all kinds of sounds outside the home, like traffic, conversations, garbage trucks, and pets, can enter the house. Here, getting windows and doors made of thick materials can keep the noise at bay. 4. Damage This sign is easy to spot, of course. If the windows show signs of damage, like broken glass, hinges, or frames, they are not functional anymore and must be fixed or replaced.

Molekule air purifiers are somewhat of a rage in the market currently. The brand has done a superb job of communicating its state-of-the-art technology that gives other air purifiers a run for their money. Most purifiers use what is called the HEPA technology to keep the environment dust-free, but Molekule uses something more special–the PECO technology. Molekule technology The brand has been marketing its products for its unique PECO technology, different from most other air purifiers. Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO) is a technology that traps harmful dust particles and destroys them completely, making the air pure.  Molekule has a regular motor and a pre-filter that traps dust particles, pet hair, and other pollutants. Still, their special PECO technology breaks down these harmful particulates into basic molecular components that are safe to be in the environment. After a few test runs, it was observed that it could destroy mold spores and allergens like pollen as well. Products to choose from Let’s find out the best Molekule Air Purifiers of 2021: Air Mini The Air Mini is ideal for a room size of up to 250 square feet and can be purchased at the price of around $399 from Molekule’s official website.   Air Mini Plus There’s no particular difference between the Air Mini and the Plus models, except for some add-on features present in the latter, such as the matter sensor, particle level indicator, and auto-protect. These additional features bring the price of Air Mini Plus to approximately $500. Air This model is suitable for rooms as big as 600 square feet. The design is minimalistic, and the product comes with a leather strap, which is also found in other Molekule models, for easy portability. It is priced at approximately $800 on the website. Air Pro The Pro model is ideal for rooms that are up to 1000 square feet big.