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September 21, 2021 by: Miles

How Long Does a Furnace Heating Cycle Last?

There’s nothing like being cozied up on the couch, blankets galore, hot beverage in hand.

The winter months bring with it the joy of the holiday season and a reason to layer up those new threads Santa brought you last year. Most importantly, keeping you and your crew warm is the ultimate form of care.

If it’s been a while since you’ve had your furnace serviced, it’s time to make some space on your calendar. Your furnace’s heating cycle is a tell-all about whether or not it’s time for a tune-up.

The average home furnace kicks on 3 to 8 times per hour. Leaving heating cycles lasting from 7 to 20 minutes. If it’s happening every fit few minutes it might be time for your furnace to have a tuneup.

Listen up to see if you can hear your unit revolving through heat cycles at a rapid pace. Connecting with your service technician can prevent long-term damage and protect your family.

The Furnace Heating Cycle

Maybe your furnace cycle wasn’t the first thing you thought of when you woke up this morning, and that’s okay. But carving space to service the appliances in your home is the best preventative care you could think of.

A furnace tune-up is comprised of a few key elements that can look different depending on your unit’s needs.

Common maintenance typically involves a testing panel of safety controls. This ensures that your furnace is using the proper preventative measures. From deterioration of your unit’s flame sensors to contaminated air filters, your furnace may start short cycling.

Short cycling occurs when your furnace is trying to signal that it needs support. It’s also a glimmer of hope, letting you know that the safety systems in place are working as they’re meant to.

Do not ignore your furnaces notifications. Those signals were built in to honor fire safety standards and prevent homes from burning down and fatal injury. Your service technician can walk you through their steps and highlight key things to look out for.

Removing rust and soot can help prevent corrosion and long-term damage to your unit. Your service technician will likely talk to you about the importance of maintaining your condensate trap, oil motor bearings, and what the state of your electrical wiring can tell you about the lifespan of your unit.

When you find a furnace repair service that can meet your needs, your technician can schedule your maintenance throughout the year. It’s hard enough to remember to get an oil change on your car let alone call for preventative maintenance.

Safety First

Your home is the place where your weary feet retire at the end of a long day.

Knowing that you’re returning to a safe, warm space that you can relax in throughout frigid winters has its own form of comfort. Your furnace’s heating cycle is the lighthouse that gets you safely to shore.

And a low routine maintenance fee is always better than a giant repair fee down the road. If you’re interested in learning more about furnace maintenance, check out our home section for more content.

September 21, 2021 by: Miles

Top 7 Reasons Why You Should Get a Birdhouse

Did you know that out of the 85 species of birds found in North America, approximately three dozen will use a birdhouse? And the destruction of their natural environment has caused them to decrease in numbers over the years.

You’ll quickly find bluebirds, chickadees, and wrens interested in your birdhouse plans. Birdhouses are an excellent way to help birds thrive and survive.

Remember, getting a birdhouse isn’t only beneficial to birds. Birdhouses have the power to change your life too! In this guide, you’ll learn the top seven reasons you should buy a birdhouse today!

1. Birdhouses Offer a Safe Haven

If you put up a solid, well-constructed birdhouse in your yard, you’ll end up with a safer space for the birds you love. Properly constructed birdhouses placed high enough off the ground offer a safe distance against squirrels, snakes, or other animals.

Birdhouses also provide a protective cover from the weather. During the winter, the birds that stay will have a place to rest and get protection from the cold.

You can find birdhouses for sale, birdhouse kits, or a birdhouse pole at https://nature-niche.com/. You can even find bird feeders specifically for bluebirds, hummingbirds, orioles, and more.

2. Birdhouses Can Replace the Natural Habitat

Although many birds can use thick shrubs, thick tree branches, or other covered areas to build their nests, some birds require larger spaces to shelter and raise their young.

Each day, man-made developments continue to chip away the birds’ natural habitat, and space is becoming more and more scarce. This means artificial nesting space such as birdhouses is a critical step in recreating a natural habitat for the birds in your area!

3. Birdhouses Encourage the Native Species to Stay

It’s not just the loss of natural habitat that works against the native species in your area. Another important factor is they have to compete with invasive bird species for nesting space. The most common invasive bird species in the US are the house sparrow and the European starling.

If you put up the right birdhouses with the right birdhouse hole size for the native bird species in your area, you’ll keep the invasive birds out. But the best part is, you will provide the perfect sanctuary and encourage native species to stay in the area.

4. Birdhouses Make Your Yard Sustainable

Birdhouses can make your yard spring to life with sustainable beauty. Having the right birdhouses around your property encourages many different species to visit and even stay. Birds are crucial to insect control, and since birds eat caterpillars, mosquitos, cutworms, and grubs, having them in your yard means fewer bugs to deal with.

Birds are also a fantastic and all-natural version of weed control. Birds help control weeds as they eat them while they’re in the seed stage. And this means fewer weeds for you to clear away in the springtime.

There are also plants that rely on birds to spread their seeds. When birds eat the seeds, they transport them to different locations as they pass through the bird’s digestive system.

So remember, when you use a birdhouse, you’re contributing to the overall sustainability of not only your yard but native bird species too.

5. Birdhouses Are Educational

When you observe birds in your backyard, you have the opportunity to learn and study about wildlife firsthand. You wouldn’t believe how much a birdhouse gives you to see. It opens your eyes to see how their feathers change with the seasons and how they court and nest.

This is an excellent opportunity to introduce children to wildlife and teach them how to enjoy and protect nature and the environment we live in.

6. Birdhouses Help With Flower Pollination

Having a birdhouse in your yard can give your flowers an extra boost. Hummingbirds and orioles sip nectar and are a big part of the pollination of garden flowers.

If you have a hummingbird feeder and want to attract more hummingbirds, there are a few things you can do to your yard. First, provide lots of space between your plants to give hummingbirds enough space to go from flower to flower.

It’s also important to know that hummingbirds don’t have a sharp sense of smell and rely on bright colors to lead them to their food source. Brightly colored flowers such as petunias and impatiens are a great place to start.

7. Birdhouses Are a Source of Stress Relief and Joy

Watching and interacting with birds is a huge stress reliever. Taking the time to work outside, soak in the vitamin D, and listen to birds sing their songs is profound and life-changing. And it doesn’t just change your life, but it can even bring joy to your entire neighborhood.

You can even install birdhouses around your local community centers, schools, and churches. And don’t forget the stress relief and joy birdhouses can bring at senior centers, hospice homes, and schools.

Another idea is to install a bird feeding station at your local park and utilize volunteers to help maintain and keep it full. A community project gets people involved, and you can even use it to raise money for local wildlife hospitals and rehabilitators.

Enjoy Your BirdHouse

Once you put a birdhouse in your yard, you’ll enjoy it for years to come. Birdhouses bring love, education and are a considerable part of sustaining the environment.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get a birdhouse and turn your yard into a safe space for your native birds to enjoy and grow in.

If you enjoyed this guide, check out our blog to learn more about home, business, and travel tips that will improve your life!

September 21, 2021 by: Miles

Top 5 Factors to Consider When Hiring Roof Repair Contractors

People often underestimate how important their roofs are to their home’s overall well-being. It’s something we take for granted, probably because our roofs are out of sight, out of mind.

However, our roofs can take a significant amount of damage over time and during harsh weather conditions. Small chinks in the armor of your roof can lead to major problems, like water damage and mold.

Therefore, hiring roof repairs contractors is essential to the sanctity of your home. But how do you find the right ones?

Consider these five factors to answer your question.

1. What Types of Services Do They Offer?

First, find out what services the local roofing contractors offer. For example, if you have roofing hail damage, will they be able to come out and inspect the condition of your roof? Will they be able to conduct a total roof replacement if necessary?

This also means ensuring they have the proper materials to match your current roof. If not, can they order them from their suppliers?

2. Do They Have Good Reviews?

When hiring roof repair contractors, don’t make any decisions until you’ve done a little research. We recommend reading online reviews of the local roofing companies to ensure you hire one with a glowing reputation.

Are most homeowners satisfied by the work completed by the roofers? Were they respectful, professional, and efficient? Do you see any common complaints?

Typically, contractors with more roof repair experience are able to provide better results. They will also be the ones with the highest reputations in the community.

3. Do They Provide a Service Guarantee?

When looking at your options for roofing contractors, find out if they offer a customer satisfaction guarantee. What happens if you’re dissatisfied with their work? What happens if they make an error that leads to further damages to your home?

While you’re looking at guarantees, you should also ask about roofing material warranties. Most high-quality contractors use roofing materials that come with manufacturer warranties.

4. Do They Have Insurance

Whenever a contractor is working on your home, you need to make sure they are covered by insurance. More specifically, they need to have a contractor’s professional liability insurance.

This is vital when hiring roof repair contractors. Their liability coverage will cover the costs of accidental damages done to your property.

5. What Are Their Prices?

Finally, let’s talk about your roof repair budget. While we never recommending automatically hiring the cheapest service provider you can find, be careful not to overpay for roofing repairs.

Get a free estimate from the local roofers to identify the most affordable companies. Then, use the other factors listed in this article to verify their credibility to make your choice.

Is Hiring Roof Repair Contractors on Your To-Do List?

As you can see, there’s a lot to think about when hiring roof repair contractors. Take your time and follow our guide to ensure you’re finding the best professionals for the job. Remember, the condition of your roof is imperative to your home’s overall well-being.

And if you need any more home improvement advice or consumer tips, don’t go anywhere. Our blog was created to help homeowners like you. Feel free to read through some of our other articles before you go.

September 21, 2021 by: Miles

What Are The Signs I Need a Roof Replacement?

Whether it’s severe storms, rain, wind, snow, or even just general wear and tear, roofs take a lot of abuse. Since roofs are so expensive, no homeowner wants to replace theirs before they have to. However, performing roof repair on your home can get costly, and many times, a roof repair company will suggest a roof replacement team instead.

If you’re wondering what the signs are that you need a roof replacement instead of roof repair, then we’ll give you a few of the signs to watch for below.

Animal Infestation

If you hear the sound of little feet scurrying around your attic, you may have squirrels or even birds living in your home. Usually, this is because part of your roof is missing. Not only can the pests themselves cause damage to the wiring in your home, but the holes in your roof that they got in through can also allow water to seep into your home and down into your walls, often causing irreparable damage.

It’s best to contact a roof replacement team to take care of replacing the roof for you.

Your Roof Is Leaking

If you’ve found moisture building up on your walls or spots from what might be a leak in your roof, if you catch it in time, you can easily have it repaired.

However, if you ignore the signs that your roof is leaking, you’ll eventually build up enough damage that the entire roof needs to be replaced instead.

Damaged Shingles

While there are different types of roofs out there, many homeowners prefer shingle roofs. The weather and even normal wear and tear can damage your shingles. In addition, shingle roofs are prone to rotting and decaying over the years. This rot and decay can compromise the strength of your roof, leading to the warping and bulking of your shingles.

If you find damaged or missing shingles, then it might be time to contact a reputable roofing replacement company to replace your roof for you.

Your Neighbors Are Replacing Their Roofs

In many cases, the homes in a neighborhood were built around the same time. If you see that the majority of your neighbors are having their roofs replaced, it might be time for you to think of replacing your roof as well. Since the roofs around you experience the same weather and storms as your roof, this is a good indicator that your roof is reaching the end of its useful life.

Your Roof Is Old

No matter what your roof looks like on the outside, the roof’s age should determine whether you repair or replace it. If possible, check records to determine when the last roof was installed on your home. The average roof lasts a little over 20 years if it’s maintained properly; however, it’s according to what type of materials your roof is made of.

For more info on roof replacement and repair, contact a reputable roofer in your area.

Schedule Roof Replacement Today

These are just a few of the signs that you might need to schedule a roof replacement instead of a roof repair as a homeowner. From the roof’s age to damaged shingles, it’s essential to properly maintain your roof if you want it to last you for many years to come.

If you enjoyed this blog, check out the other home improvement blogs on our website today.

September 21, 2021 by: Miles

What Is a Termite Inspection and Why Should Your Home Get One?

Whether you are buying a home or you have been living in yours for years, regular termite inspections are critical for protecting your investment.

If you are wondering what is a termite inspection and why you should have one, this article is for you. Discover the signs of termite infestation and learn how often termite inspection should happen.

What Are Termites?

Maybe the best way to describe a termite is a home eating machine. They are winged ants that create colonies within wood surfaces. They consume wood, paper, and drywall.

Drywood Termites

They are called drywood because they do not live in the ground. They get all of the moisture and nutrients they need from the wood they infest and eat.

Damage can be very extensive and unseen to the untrained eye. Drywood termites burrow in wooden beams and create unstable supports in your home.

Dampwood Termites

These are much larger than subterranean or drywood termites. If you have water damage or wood support beams that are directly in the contact with the ground, your home is at risk for this type of termite.

Homes that are located in forests with fallen logs and tree stumps are highly prone to dampwood termite damage. The moisture stored in dead limbs attracts these termites. If your home has leaks or high humidity, dampwood termites see it as a buffet.

Subterranean Termites

This type of termite builds its colony underground. They create mud tubes to access the wood in your home. They can reduce structural supports to dust and often leave a trail of layers of fine wood debris.

The colony usually has more than one fertile queen. Therefore these colonies can multiply rapidly.

Why Are Termites Dangerous to Homes?

It doesn’t matter how clean you keep your home. If your home is primarily constructed from wood, always be on the lookout for signs of termites. Here is how to inspect for termites:

  • Buckling or sagging drywall
  • Uneven flooring
  • Squeaky floors
  • Sticking doors and windows
  • Mud trails
  • Sawdust particles
  • Black dots of feces
  • Wings

If you notice these signs, the professional termite inspection price will pay for itself in the damage you may catch in time.

What Is a Termite Inspection?

A professional termite inspector like reliabletsolutions.com will inspect the inside and outside of your home for some of the signs listed previously. They are also trained to look for hidden damage in foundations and behind drywall.

During the termite inspection, they will also look for evidence that identifies which type of termite infestation you have. This knowledge allows the inspector to advise you on problem areas of the home to be fixed such as water-damaged wood.

Tracking where the colonies are thriving is also part of the inspection. You may be able to notice a few signs of termite damage, but a professional will be able to locate their homes and develop a plan for getting rid of them.

Find Certified Termite Inspection in Your Area

So, what is a termite inspection? Hopefully, this article has shed some light on how a termite inspection is conducted and why it is so important to your home.

Visit our site often for informative tips on protecting and improving your home.

September 20, 2021 by: Miles

You’ve Been Using Netflix All Wrong This Whole Time

Did you know that Netflix has some hidden codes you can use to find highly specific genres you might be interested in? We don’t blame you if you don’t, as the company doesn’t really advertise them anywhere. Fortunately, finding the hidden Netflix codes is as easy as clicking the link and scrolling down.

Already peeked at the list? Then you’ve noticed there are quite a lot of categories you might not have seen before. Makes you wonder why Netflix would be hiding some of these. In any case, all you have to do is add the code you want at the end of this link https://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/

Want to pop open a few cold ones and enjoy some late 90s/ early 2000s camp? Add the code 1252 and stream classics like Scary Movie, Starship Troopers, or Austin Powers. Of course, depending on where you live, these titles might not be present in your library. No worries; there’s an easy solution to that as well. Read on for the details.

How to Get More Content on Netflix

The sad reality is that many movies and TV shows on Netflix are only licensed in specific regions. That’s how countries like Denmark or Switzerland end up paying more for less content. To put it in perspective, Danish Netflix users pay anywhere between 117% and 129% more per title than Argentinians. That’s just one example, but you get the point.

Fortunately, you can get around such unfair licensing practices by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). They allow you to change your IP address to one from a different country, essentially unlocking all the content available in the region.

Want to see what’s on in Canada? Just connect to a Canadian VPN server, refresh the Netflix homepage, and there you have it: loads of movies and TV shows that were otherwise inaccessible. Mind you, that’s not the only function of a VPN. They also encrypt (or garble) your traffic to make it unreadable by your Internet provider, hackers, or government surveillance.

Not only is this great for privacy and security, but there’s a neat little side bonus for streaming as well. Since your ISP can’t monitor your online activity, this prevents them from throttling your bandwidth. No more pesky buffering and slowdowns during a weekend binge session.

On the other hand, VPNs themselves can affect your streaming speeds. Your traffic is basically rerouted through the provider’s servers, making it travel for longer than it would otherwise. Here’s how you can minimize slowdowns and smoothen your streaming experience.

Speed Up Your VPN for Streaming

Most VPNs let you tweak how they operate, and those settings could speed things up considerably. Here’s what you can do:

  • Connect to a VPN server close by. Pretty straightforward explanation – the closer the server is, the less your data needs to travel before it ends up on your screen. Luckily, the top 10 Netflix libraries are pretty evenly spread across the world. As such, you shouldn’t have any problems balancing speed with content.
  • Get a VPN with split tunneling. This feature lets you choose which apps use the VPN tunnel. Just “whitelist” the Netflix app (or your browser) and let your ISP’s servers take care of the rest. Useful if you find yourself doing other network-intensive activities while streaming content. Say, downloading large games or work files.

Finally, you can use a faster VPN protocol. Multiple VPNs are rolling out WireGuard right now, a more lightweight alternative to the OpenVPN protocol. If your VPN doesn’t support it yet, go to your app settings and select OpenVPN UDP as the default protocol. You’ll see some infrequent dips in video quality, but your overall speeds should increase. Conversely, if your network is usually unreliable (i.e. frequent disconnects), then we suggest using OpenVPN TCP to stabilize things.

Alternatively, some VPNs have come up with their own in-house VPN protocols that promise better speeds. Some examples include ExpressVPN’s Lightway and NordVPN’s NordLynx protocols. Try asking customer support if you’re not sure which protocol is a better fit for your particular needs.

 

September 16, 2021 by: Miles

How Do I Choose the Best Garage Door Installer in My Local Area?

According to the latest cost-vs-value report, installing a new garage door for your home yields an average ROI of up to 93.8%.

So, if you’re thinking of selling soon, this curb-appeal boosting home improvement is a good way to improve your home’s appeal. If you’re not selling, a new garage door still adds plenty of conveniences and extra security to your home.

Does a new garage door sound like something you need? Here’s how to find the best garage door installer in town.

Ask For Recommendations on the Best Garage Door Installer

One of the best ways to get a heads-up on the best garage door company in your area is by asking your friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations.

They can tell you what it was like working with a company and if they were happy with the outcome.

Look for a Local Garage Door Installer

It’s a good idea to work with a local garage company when installing a garage door.

They’re accustomed to the unique climatic conditions in your area and can recommend the ideal types of garage doors accordingly.   They’re also knowledgeable about local regulations and by-laws.

Look Up Garage Door Company Reviews Online

Online reviews are an excellent source of information about a huge range of contractors. These review sites, like Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau, feature in-depth accounts and ratings of people’s experiences with garage door installers.

Some companies, like anaheimdoor.com, lodidoor.com, and aladdindoors.com feature customer reviews on their websites too.

When you’re looking at company websites, you can also glean some more useful information, like:

  • How long they’ve been in business
  • What type of warranties do they offer?
  • Whether they have a brick-and-mortar address
  • Their contact details
  • Garage door industry accreditations

When you’re satisfied that you’re working with a reputable company, call them and ask a few questions.

Check Licenses and Insurance

One of the first things to ask a contractor is whether they’re licensed to work in your state. Next, find out if they carry insurance to protect you from any mishaps that occur on your property during the installation.

It’s vital to work with someone who ticks all the boxes when it comes to these aspects, or you could have problems with your own insurer if your roof suffers any damage in the future.

Compare Garage Door Estimates

Always get at least three estimates before you commence with your garage door installation. Don’t automatically opt for the cheapest one, though.

A more expensive estimate might bring added value, like longer warranties, or better-quality materials. Before you sign, you should also make sure that you understand the payment process and have clarity regarding any gray areas.

Only the Best Will Do for Your Home

Choosing the best garage door installer based on these criteria gives you the peace of mind to carry out this valuable home improvement with confidence.

An experienced and qualified contractor can help take all the guesswork out of choosing the perfect garage doors for your needs and budget.

Browse our blog for more of the best home improvement tips, or bookmark our site and check back regularly for updates.

September 16, 2021 by: Miles

6 Common Mosquito Prevention Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Did you know that there are 3,000 species of mosquitoes worldwide? Or that these blood-sucking insects transmit more diseases than any other organism?

So, it’s no wonder that mosquitoes are a global scourge to public health.

In the US alone, 12 of the more than 200 species of mosquitoes spread germs to humans and other animals. From malaria to Zika and dengue, these are just a few of the diseases these bloodsuckers bring.

That’s why it’s crucial to avoid mosquito prevention mistakes to keep them out of your home. Otherwise, you may get sick, even with only one bite. Besides, incorrect implementation of prevention strategies would only be a waste of money.

To that end, we created this guide on the dos and don’ts of dealing with mosquitoes and barring them from your home. Read on so that you can avoid mistakes that can cost you not only money but your health, too.

1. Thinking All Insecticides Work on Mosquitoes

Pyrethroids are neurotoxins used widely in the chemical control of insects, including mosquitoes. As neurotoxins, they affect and disrupt the normal nerve functions of organisms. As a result, they paralyze and ultimately kill exposed insects.

For the longest time, that’s how pyrethroids managed to help in worldwide pest control. Unfortunately, though, their improper use led to many insects developing resistance against them.

That includes some mosquitoes, such as Anopheles gambiae, the vector of human malaria. This species can survive ten times the amount of insecticides needed to kill other pests.

As such, it’s vital to ensure the pesticide you’d use still works against mosquitoes. In the US, registered pesticides used in mosquito control go by the name adulticides. As per the US EPA, these include etofenprox, prallethrin, and permethrin, to name a few.

Some adulticides are available to consumers in small amounts. With proper use, they can help control the infestation of mosquitoes in and outside your home.

However, their incorrect use can pose risks to humans, animals, and plants. As such, it may be smarter to hire a licensed local mosquito control service instead. You can then ask them how to use adulticides the next time you need to reapply these chemicals.

2. Using Mosquito Repellents Not Approved by the EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency oversees and regulates the registration of skin-applied insect repellents. Registered products, in turn, have had their efficacy and safety data given to the EPA. That data comes from studies and tests done on the product.

Thus, only repellents with supporting data can make it to the EPA’s list of registered products.

By contrast, a non-approved product may not be as effective. Even if it appears to kill mosquitoes on contact, it may be doing so because of its extreme toxicity. This means it can be just as deadly to other living things.

That’s why you should never use products not registered with the EPA.

3. Applying Mosquito Repellent the Wrong Way

Even if you use the best mosquito repellents, they’d only go to waste if you misapply them. For example, one of the most common mistakes is applying them on sweaty or wet skin. Sweat or water could wash the product off and prevent the skin from absorbing it.

For the same reason, applying too little repellent could also defeat its purpose. However, this doesn’t mean you should apply liberal amounts of the product, though. Otherwise, you may end up irritating your skin.

Another common mistake with the use of skin repellants is thinking that they can last the entire day. Unfortunately, products with 10% active ingredient concentrations only last for two hours. By contrast, those with higher concentrations (i.e., 30%) can last for up to five hours.

As such, it’s imperative to mind the time you first apply the repellent. Then, if you’re going to spend more time outside, set the alarm so that you can apply more as needed.

4. Having Anti-Mosquito Plants But Forgetting About Their Saucers

Citronella grass, citronella geranium, and peppermint are some indoor plants that repel mosquitoes. Despite that, their smells are often pleasant to humans. They’re also pretty easy to grow and look really nice inside rooms.

However, potted plants can still attract mosquitoes if you forget about their saucers. The job of a plant saucer, after all, is to catch excess water draining from the pot itself. As such, it can collect water every time you water your plants.

So, if you forget to discard the water in your plant saucers, they can attract mosquitoes. For that reason, make sure you always keep your saucers free of standing water.

5. Installing Screens But Not Closing Them Properly

A 2018 study found that mosquitoes prefer entering holes 10 millimeters (0.39 inches) in size. However, these bloodsuckers are capable of squeezing their way into 8 mm (0.31 in) gaps.

That’s why your door and window screens should have holes no bigger than 8 mm. This way, they can serve as a mosquito prevention strategy but still allow air to flow in and out of your home.

Most importantly, keep your screens closed if you’re going to open the doors and windows. Even a gap of only a few mm can be big enough for these pesky insects to enter.

6. Using Bed Nets With Holes

Bed nets are meshed fabrics installed around bed frames, usually from the ceiling. They provide extra protection against mosquitoes while you sleep.

However, bed nets are soft fabrics, so they are susceptible to running, much like stockings. They can also catch on a sharp object, such as nails, resulting in holes.

If that happens, mosquitoes can find their way past these nets. So, be mindful when washing and installing these nets around your bed. If you see even a single hole in them, patch it up as soon as possible.

Be Smart and Avoid These Mosquito Prevention Mistakes

Keep in mind that mosquito-borne diseases can be debilitating and downright deadly. That’s why you should never let them land on your skin or give them access to your home.

So, starting today, avoid the mosquito prevention mistakes we outlined in this guide. This way, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from these dangerous pests.

Interested in even more educational guides like this? Then head over to our site’s other categories for more nifty tips on health and living!

September 16, 2021 by: Miles

What Should You Do If You Suspect an Employee of Theft?

Employee theft is something that most small business owners and employers would probably not want to think about, but maybe should. What would you do if a trusted team member stole from your business? What would be the right course of action to take? Considering how substantial the losses from employee theft can be for small and midsize companies—a median loss of nearly $290,000 in 2016—you may want to take immediate action if you think an employee is stealing from your organization. However, missteps and hasty actions in response to theft accusations can be disruptive to your workplace and potentially lead to lawsuits, aggravating an already challenging situation. If you suspect an employee of theft, take a deep breath, compile evidence that can back up your claims, and follow the tips listed below.

Look for telltale signs and evidence of employee theft.

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Detecting and proving workplace theft can be difficult, but being aware of common signs of these acts can help you determine if there’s merit to your suspicions. Missing inventory, disappearing equipment, payroll and expense inconsistencies, depleted cash, undue travel expenses, and a mysterious drop in your profits could indicate theft. Suspicious employee behaviors may include working late and putting in extra hours but never taking time off from work. While you may think employees who are always in are ideal compared to someone who always calls out, these individuals could be perpetrators of employee theft.

If you’ve equipped your workplace with surveillance cameras or other security systems, you could have security personnel review any recordings and surveillance videos. Security cameras have features that make them capable of seeing what guards and staff may be unable to see. For instance, a high-tech dome camera has a vari-focal camera lens that monitors at wide angles, allowing the camera to record your premises at various angles and considerable distances. This security camera has a night vision feature that makes it practical for indoor and outdoor use. Ultimately, this vandal-resistant security camera can produce high-resolution video, providing you with evidence of unusual events if they happen.

Assess and investigate the situation in the workplace.

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Jumping to conclusions about who may be responsible for employee theft and making false accusations could be grounds for a defamation suit. If you firmly believe an employee stole from your organization, a thorough investigation in which you gather evidence for proving your case can be necessary. In such situations, it’s crucial to consult an attorney for legal guidance.

Establish any necessary consequences and implement prevention measures.

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Suppose your suspicions are correct and you identify the wrongdoer. In that case, it’s up to you to determine a fitting punishment and present it and the evidence to the employee in a confidential meeting. For instance, termination may be the only option for employees who committed theft or other fraudulent acts with high dollar values. In contrast, written warnings, probations, or restitution may suffice for more minor incidents. Whether you choose to also report the situation to law enforcement and press charges against your employee, it’s crucial to follow fair employee dismissal policies if you decide on termination.

The ordeal of suspecting an employee of theft may prompt you to take measures of preventing workplace theft and misconduct more seriously. You can avoid employee theft by creating procedures and policies related to fraud, training employees on these policies, and using more caution in the recruiting process. When recruiting, require and validate references for applicants and ask them to complete background checks. In some cases, traditional methods of background reports may not produce complete information. A reputable online people search tool can help you uncover accurate, unbiased information about people that typical background checkers may not report. Online people searches can benefit you professionally and personally, providing you with a person’s first name, last name, and contact information such as email addresses and cell phone numbers. A people search with the right online resource can take it a step further, giving you information regarding an individual’s public records, court records, criminal records, criminal history, and more.

Ultimately, implementing an informed yet fair vetting process can help you avoid making a poor hiring decision that could contribute to employee theft.

September 14, 2021 by: Miles

5 Fantastic Space-Saving Bed Ideas

Are you in the market for a new bed?

When it comes to designing a bedroom, purchasing a bed can be one of the most difficult factors. Most people own thousands of items, and they need to pack them into a small space. It’s a challenge to make it all look appealing, too, and beds take up a large amount of space.

If you’re wanting to create an inviting space that still has room for everything you own, you need space saving bed ideas. But how do you make the most of your sleeping space?

Below, we’ll go into our top 5 best suggestions for space saving beds. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Beds with Storage

Are you looking for bedroom furniture and a bed that saves space?

Many companies have answered the call for additional bedroom storage and comfortable, attractive sleeping spaces by making beds that have storage capabilities. Most of the time, these bed frames have a space for a mattress on top and drawers underneath.

The beds are made from a variety of materials and come in a wide array of colors. This means no matter your budget or style preferences, you will likely find one that fits your needs!

Don’t like the idea of having drawers under your bed? No worries! Other beds have storage near their headboards. In fact, you can buy bed frames that come with shelves. If you or someone you know has a collection of books or other items, these beds will be perfect for you!

Other beds don’t have drawers, but they have a mattress space that opens up to reveal a concealed compartment underneath. These areas are great for blankets and other items you need to store in an out-of-the-way area! When the compartment is closed, the bed looks completely normal.

2. Opt for Twin Beds When Possible

Are you shopping for only one person?

It might be tempting to get your older children a nice queen-sized bed with plenty of room to roll around. Yet, many families find it difficult to design smaller spaces around queen beds. So, if only one person will sleep in the bed, it makes more sense to save on space and get a twin.

That doesn’t mean you can’t make a comfortable room, though! Instead of getting a queen, invest in a twin-sized bed frame and a good mattress. Push the twin up against a wall, and decorate it however you want.

Placing a twin bed against a wall opens up space in the rest of the room. This allows you to add in furniture or whatever else you want!

But what if you need bedding for more than one person? That doesn’t mean you can’t save on space! Instead of buying a bigger bed, look for beds that pack more into a smaller area. For example, some twin beds come with trundles, which can be kept underneath the bed during the day. Then, at night, roll the trundle out!

Other alternatives include couches that pull out into two-person beds, allowing you to transform a seating area into a bedroom at a moment’s notice!

3. Loft Beds

Do you love heights? Do you need a jaw-dropping bedroom area that still saves you space?

If so, consider installing a loft bed in your home. Perfect for smaller spaces, these beds save space by suspending your sleeping area above your floor, closer to the ceiling. They can either be an alcove in your wall or installed using rods and a structurally sound frame.

Most people access their loft beds via a ladder fastened to the side of the wall.

For safety, you shouldn’t attempt to install your loft bed by yourself. Instead, hire a professional to create the cozy, space-saving sleeping area of your dreams!

4. Beds That Lower

Do you like the idea of a loft bed but don’t like climbing up ladders or spending your night up high?

Some companies have engineered their bed on a track, allowing them to raise and lower. During the daytime, you can keep all your furniture and belongings underneath the bed. When you get tired, lower it to enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep!

Many people even keep other furniture beneath these beds, such as desks or sofas. As such, these beds can give you the space you need to sleep without taking up any extra space!

5. Wall Bed

Do you dislike how much room beds take but don’t want a bed near the ceiling?

If so, you should consider getting a wall bed. Wall beds fold up against the wall when you’re not using them. Then, you simply unfold them when you’re ready to use them. This makes wall beds perfect for both bedrooms and rooms that serve another purpose, such as a guest or game room.

Wall beds don’t have to be ugly, either! In fact, some of these beds, including Murphy wall beds, look like armoires or wardrobes when you store them away. So, if you want space saving bed ideas that also double as a statement piece, consider getting a wall bed!

Ready to Go Beyond Space Saving Bed Ideas?

Bedrooms can be hard to design, especially when you consider getting a bed that fits well in the room and doesn’t take up too much space.

By following the space saving bed ideas listed above, you stand a better chance of building a room you love. Without compromising on style, these beds give you the space you need to keep your home orderly and comfortable!

Are you ready to get on with designing the rest of your house? Check out the other home-related articles on this website!

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About Us

I’m Miles, the editor and creator of this blog. I am a big nerd for anything tech related and I have also developed a big passion for photography and film. I discovered this passion after taking a course in school and ever since I have fallen in love with capturing everything from sports, to travel, to cars, and much more Read More…

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About Us

I’m Miles, the editor and creator of this blog. I am a big nerd for anything tech related and I have also developed a big passion for photography and film. I discovered this passion after taking a course in school and ever since I have fallen in love with capturing everything from sports, to travel, to cars, and much more Read More…

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