Have you been thinking about adding a fence to your property? How many types of residential fences do you know, apart from the famous white picket fence? Well, there is quite a variety that you may be spoiled for choice.

The U.S. fencing market has grown exponentially to a whopping $8 billion over the past few years. The need for fencing has grown due to both aesthetic appeal and security purposes. Regardless of your reasons for wanting a fence, we’ll explore all the various types of residential fences and help you make an informed decision.

Wooden Fences

Wooden fences happen to be the most popular types of residential fences. They come in various styles and offer incredible aesthetic appeal. However, wood also happens to be quite expensive compared to other fence materials.

Of course, the type of wood you choose will highly impact the end results and the bottom line of your fence. For instance, pressure-treated pine wood happens to be a popular and economical option. On the other hand, if you want a high-quality wood option, such as redwood, cedar, and tropical woods, expect to pay a significant amount.

Wood fences also offer numerous fabulous looks from traditional to modern, so you can never go wrong with them. On the downside, wood requires higher maintenance than other fence materials because it needs to be painted, stained, or sealed regularly to maintain its luster and natural appeal. You may need to apply a weather seal on an annual basis to increase the longevity of the fence.

Wrought Iron Fences

Wrought iron fences are unique and versatile and are not only an appealing option but a good way to enhance security in your home. There’s something about wrought iron that gives a home a traditional and elegant look because they come with fabulous and unique designs at the top. They are sturdy and offer incredible boundaries set and curb appeal.

However, they happened to be a lot pricier than most other fence materials, although that is compensated by the fact that they’re very durable. Wrought iron fences don’t offer much privacy either, and they require a lot of maintenance and upkeep. For instance, you may have to sand them for rust or paint them annually to keep them looking good as new.

Aluminum Fences

Aluminum fences have a similar look to wrought iron fences but come with a more elegant, simple, and appealing look. An aluminum fence can add beautiful lines to your landscaping and serve as a border fence. These are some of the best types of fences and are easy to install and require little to no maintenance.

On the upside, aluminum fences are long-lasting and incredibly durable. They’re also ideal for humid or damp conditions and will work well in homes close to the lakeside. On the downside, these types of residential fences don’t provide much security, if that’s what you’re looking for.

PVC Fences

PVC has become a popular material for a lot of applications, and it works as well for residential fences. If you’re looking for a cheap fencing option for your backyard fence or something similar, then PVC will do fine. It’s designed to look like wood posts or pickets and will give you a similar aesthetic appeal.

However, even though PVC posts are reinforced with wood, they are not as sturdy as natural wood. This means that a PVC fence is not going to offer you much security. However, if you’re looking for some privacy, then you can go for PVC, as it will be durable, even during extreme weather conditions.

Vinyl Fences

Vinyl fences are similar to PVC fences and will give you a beautiful picket fence. However, vinyl happens to be much sturdier compared to PVC, and you can expect installation to be more expensive as well. Search for a “professional fencing company near me” on the internet to get a company that will offer you exceptional services.

You need quality workmanship so that once it’s up, it’s going to last for a very long time. One of the best things about vinyl is that it’s incredibly durable, easy to clean, and doesn’t adhere to paint, so there will be no defacing.

If at one point it gets dirty, you can soap it down and hose it down, and it’ll be good as new again. If you’re looking for elegant, practical, low-maintenance, and something that will offer you both security and privacy, then vinyl is the fence for you.

Farm Fences

Farm fences are some popular traditional types of residential fences and can work very well depending on your property style. If you want to add a simple outline to your backyard or add a beautiful design to your landscaping, you can opt for a farm fence.

However, these types of residential fences will offer you zero privacy or security. They’re mostly made of wood, so the upkeep and maintenance will be as wanting. You may also have to replace it after several years, depending on your upkeep.

Eco-Stone Fences

Eco-stone fences are not only gorgeous and durable but eco-friendly if you’re looking to go green. They have a similar look to precast stone walls and look like granite stones in black, beige, brown, and grey. If you talk to professional fence builders, they’ll help you choose the best color and look for your property.

These types of residential fences are also cost-effective and quite easy to install. They’re made of recycled materials and are ideal for both privacy and security.

Chain Link Fences

Most people don’t think chain link fences are a nice fit for residential properties. However, with a little creativity, you can make them work. The fact that it’s an inexpensive, low-maintenance, and durable fencing option makes it even more appealing.

You can use it as an outline of your property, then grow some shrubs and vines to add a bit of privacy and beauty to it. Chain link fences are usually ideal for fencing backyards to simply mark a border or give the yard some structure. They also work incredibly well if you’re looking for a pet enclosure or want an open space.

Bamboo Fences

Bamboo fences are another eco-friendly option and work very well in warmer climates. Bamboo creates beautiful and unique designs and will add privacy, style, and some security to your residential property.

The Many Types of Residential Fences

It’s amazing how many incredible types of residential fences you can choose from. Opt for the type you need, depending on style, functionality, and affordability. Make a decision depending on your needs and whether you’re looking for security, privacy, or decoration.

Did you enjoy our post? Did you learn as much as you needed from it? If so, please check out our blog section, where we have so much more informative content for you.

Are you about to purchase property? It is a great deal and the closest thing to your dream home, but… there is one detail that really concerns you – it is located in a flood zone.

Buying a home in a flood zone may seem like a risky proposition, but if you know what to do it shouldn’t be a problem. Furthermore, if it does become a problem you will be prepared. Keep reading for what to do to protect yourself and your family.

Types of Flood Zones

Your first priority – gain some knowledge about the area the property is located in. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has maps online you can look at to find out details about the flood zoning risks.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is responsible for informing the public and insurance lenders of the risks of flooding across the United States. The Army Corps of Engineers was charged with the task in 1973 and they created flood zones based on how likely the area is to flood.

The flood zones are broken into three categories:

• Zone X (low-risk)
• Zone AE (high risk)
• Zone VE (high-risk coastal area)

If your property is in a flood zone type AE or VE, mortgage lenders are, by federal law, required to force homeowners to secure flood insurance before purchasing the property.

Flood insurance policy costs vary widely from area to area and agency to agency. The federal government holds the most flood insurance policies, but these government programs are imperfect. Many are paying significantly above industry rates for FEMA and NFIP flood policies.

Flood Insurance

Home flooding tends to be a financial disaster, with some $155 billion in property damage over the last ten years. There is an estimated 4.3 million properties in the US that are at substantial risk of flooding  Even if you are located in a minimal risk flood zone, chances are insurance could one day be needed.

The risks of flooding in some areas are high enough to make banks nervous about their investment. Most lenders will insist on flood insurance which can be quite expensive. It is also important to realize most homeowners insurance doesn’t include flooding in the policy.

Don’t be caught without flood insurance, and lose everything to mother nature one day. Check out reputable insurance agencies that specialize in flood insurance like AE flood insurance. Flood protection you buy out responsible homeownership, after all, what is more important than your home?

Buying a Home in a Flood Zone

We hope you feel a little better now knowing that buying a home in a flood zone isn’t as bad as it sounds. First look to fully understand the risks by researching the flood zone and get flood insurance.

Know how to handle a flash flood emergency and keep an eye on the sky. For more advice, keep reading our blog.

Are you tired of your living room?

Even if you once loved your living room, it’s normal to want a change. Why not do a living room makeover to refresh and renew your space?

Many people avoid doing home projects like this because they’re expensive. While that’s definitely a concern, there are a few ways that you can complete living room makeovers on a budget.

You won’t be doing a full renovation, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t get awesome results that you’ll love.

Not sure where to get started? No problem. Let us inspire you with a few living room makeover ideas that you can mix and match to create your perfect new living room. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Add Some Paint

One of the first and most basic things that you can do to change up your boring living room is painting the walls. Many of us are plagued with the beige walls that came with the house, so why not change things up?

If you own your home, paint it the colors that you’ve always wanted.

If you want to make your space feel larger and brighter, opt for lighter colors. They reflect more light and give you the illusion of a bigger space. If you want your room to feel cozier, darker and warmer colors are a better choice.

Painting is a huge task. While you may want to paint your entire living room, sometimes it’s best to stick to one wall. Statement walls are great additions to any living room.

Choose one wall to make your own. You can paint or add some wild wallpaper. Because it’s not the entire room, having a more “alternative” style shouldn’t be overwhelming.

Peel and stick wallpaper is more available than ever, so take advantage of it. It’s an easy way to jazz up your walls without the commitment or frustration of normal wallpaper.

2. Redo Those Floors

So you’re finished with the walls, now what?

Look at the ground. How do you feel about it? If the answer isn’t “pretty good,” then consider making a change.

Changing the floors is often more expensive than changing the walls, but it also makes a huge difference to the overall appearance of the room.

Do you have ugly and worn carpets? Consider checking out hardwood flooring prices and see if they’re attainable for you. With hardwood floors, you can even start adding some statement rugs to further define and individualize your space.

3. Refresh Your Furniture

Not sure if changing the walls and floor is the right choice? We get it. It’s a big commitment. Start small with the furniture.

Changing up your furniture is easy and fun and it’s more affordable than buying brand new furniture. If you want some “new” things, consider stopping by the thrift store or your local buy and sell groups to find things that you can refresh.

Couches and armchairs are the easiest. You can find plenty of decorative covers so you can change up the colors or patterns with ease. This also means that the changes are temporary so you can change them up when you get bored again.

For other furniture, sometimes things need a fresh coat of paint. Are you bored of your dark coffee tables? There’s nothing stopping you from painting them white or even pastel colors.

If you’re crafty, you can even stain your wood furniture or reupholster some stools or chairs.

You won’t believe how different your living room can look with a few small surface-level changes to your furniture.

4. Gallery Walls Are In

Do your walls feel drab and boring? Why not personalize them with some wall adornments?

Gallery walls are a great way to add a “statement piece” to your living room, and they’re perfect for displaying all of your art and photos in one place.

They take some planning. Measure out the wall and start choosing art pieces and photos that you can piece together to fill the space. You can use family photos, posters, personal art, and even things like diplomas or poems in frames.

You can get a cohesive look by using similar frames or do something more kitschy by having a wide variety of frames. Use a variety of sizes to add visual interest.

Frames can be pricey, so head to your local thrift store and find some interesting ones. If they’re not the right color, buy some spray paint and make them fit your style.

5. Re-Arrange Your Space

If painting or re-flooring wasn’t enough, or if you don’t want to make those changes, try rearranging the room. You’ll be shocked at how new your living room will look with a few small adjustments to your layout.

There are often restrictions with living rooms. You need to place certain items near power outlets, you may have a door somewhere, and you want to leave enough space for people to sit comfortably, but you can make small changes that make a big impact.

If you want to divide your space, consider getting a curtain rod and a floor-length curtain to section off areas of your living room. This adds some decorative flair while also giving you more defined spaces. You can also pull them back with ease so none of the sections are permanent.

Living Room Makeovers on a Budget Are Fun and Easy

Mix and match these tips for living room makeovers on a budget to get your new perfect living room. Even the smallest changes can make your living room feel fresh and new.

Living room renovation doesn’t have to put a dent in your wallet. Make your living room feel unique to you without breaking the bank.

For more helpful home and garden tips, check out the rest of our site!

A 2019 study found that the global smart home market had a value of over $80 billion. Experts predict that the market will swell to over $207 billion by 2027. What does that mean?

It means you more than likely have at least one smart device in your home. Smart devices make our lives easier, but you can’t get the most out of them unless you integrate them into a smart home.

Did you know you can turn any ceiling fan into a smart home ceiling fan? It’s true. Read on to learn all about smart ceiling fan control.

What Is a Smart Ceiling Fan?

A smart ceiling fan should integrate with your devices and work like any other smart device. You want voice activation along with a manual wall switch.

You should also be able to program your fan and light to turn on and off at certain times of the day, night, or a specific temperature. An added feature is a motion sensor that switches on the light and fan when you enter the room.

How Do I Convert My Ceiling Fan?

Though it’s possible to buy fully integrated smart ceiling fans brand new, you probably have fans already installed. Do you want to spend the money replacing those fans?

That process takes time and costs money. If you’re not handy, you’ll have to call a contractor or handyperson to do the work for you. Besides, you already like the look of the ceiling fans you’ve installed.

Smart Switch to Control Ceiling Fan

Rather than install a new fan, you can buy a smart switch to control your ceiling fan. These switches install on the wall.

A smart switch for your ceiling fan gives you control of speed, lighting, and other sensor-driven automation. Do you want your ceiling fan to activate at a specific temperature to help you avoid high air conditioning costs?

Smart switches give you the option to program your fan to turn on at your desired temperature threshold.

Smart Ceiling Fan Remote Control

Smart switches can integrate your ceiling fans into your home technology. Installation can be a tricky time investment and not one you’re willing or know how to make.

There are other ways. If your fan has a remote control, you can convert those signals into a universal fan remote.

It’s so easy to do. Buy a device that records remote signals. Once you have those signals recorded, the device will then connect to your smart home personal assistant.

Once that’s connected, you can control and program your fan through voice control commands!

Smart Ceiling Fan Control for Your Smart Home

With your home technology, all you have to do is state a command, and it happens. It’s convenient, and it also feels magical.

If you’ve invested in this type home technology, you need to optimize it. One way to do that is through smart ceiling fan control. This control is one more step to full smart integration.

Do you need more technology tips? Make sure to check out the rest of our page.

Americans spend an average of 70 hours each year caring for their lawns and gardens. That includes tasks like mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, spreading fertilizer, and edging the sidewalk.

Even if you don’t mind doing yard work, it can still be a source of stress. You might fret over dead grass patches or worry about your watering schedule.

If only there was a way to lessen the lawn care burden. That’s where hiring a lawn care pro comes in.

Read on to learn about the benefits of professional lawn mowing and maintenance services.

1. It Saves Time

Depending on the size of your lawn, you might spend anywhere from one to three hours or more on your lawn. You’ll have to mow the grass, trim the grass along the sidewalk, and rake any loose grass.

If you opt for a lawn mowing company, these same tasks can be handled in minutes by a lawn care team instead of hours on your own.

2. It Costs Less Money

It might seem more expensive to hire someone to mow your lawn, but it’s actually cheaper when you add up your expenses.

To care for your own lawn, you’ll need a lawn mower and an edge trimmer. You’ll also need to pay for gas and any tune ups that equipment requires. Depending on the mower you buy, it could cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Professional lawn mowing can cost about $150 to $200 per month. That’s cheaper than what you’d spend on a lawn mower, gas, and maintenance. Plus, you don’t have to do the work yourself.

3. Your Yard Always Looks Great

When your schedule gets busy, you might run out of time to mow the lawn. If the grass gets too long in between trims, your yard can look messy when you do get around to it.

By hiring this service for your lawn, your yard will always look well manicured.

4. No Equipment Maintenance to Worry About

Just like your vehicle, your lawn mower needs the occasional tune up to keep working properly. You need to sharpen the blade, change the oil, and make sure it has gas.

If you pay someone to handle your yard maintenance for you, you’ll never have to worry about lawn equipment. This is a great option if you don’t have space in your garage or a shed to store lawn equipment.

Plus, you won’t have to worry about scheduling a lawn mower tune up before your grass gets too long.

5. You’ll Get Consistent Service

Some months are busier than others, but your lawn doesn’t know any different. It will keep growing even if you don’t have time to mow it.

Luckily, a mowing service will provide the consistent trims it needs. You can count on your lawn care company to come because their livelihood depends on it.

Hire a Lawn Care Pro Today

A lawn care pro will save you time, money, and stress. They’ll make sure your lawn looks great without you having to lift a finger.

To learn more about caring for your home, keep scrolling our blog.

Have you got trees that need to be taken care of in your yard? Are you trying to decide whether to do it yourself or get the professionals in? Well, read on to find out why the latter may be the best option.

Unlike flowers and grass, trees don’t need daily/weekly care. But, when they do need some TLC, it can often be a difficult and time-consuming task.

So, it’s important to get it right the first time to prevent further issues- and this is where residential tree services come in.

The professionals have far more knowledge and experience than you. They’ve done the job a thousand times before so they know what to do, and, the issues that may arise. Plus, professional tree service experts already have the tools and equipment to get started.

But, that’s not all.

In this article, we’ll share the top five reasons why you should hire professionals to take care of your trees.

Read on for more information.

1. Hiring the Professionals Keeps You Safe

You may like the idea of saving money by pruning trees yourself, but, it’s a dangerous job. In fact, the industry ranks amongst the five most dangerous in the US.

This is because handling a chainsaw whilst 50ft in the air, isn’t an easy task. It takes a lot of training and experience to do it safely.

The last thing you need is to get injured whilst pruning trees or removing a stump. It could result in large medical bills, time off work, and even long-term health problems.

So, to prevent this horrible situation, let the experts handle it.

2. Protect Your Home During the Winter Months

During the winter months, tree branches become weak and brittle meaning there’s a higher risk of them breaking. If a heavy branch was to fall onto your house, it could cause thousands of dollars in damage.

Plus, it could seriously injure someone or worse.

So, it’s important to prepare for winter during the spring/summer months. Plus, this is when most tree service experts operate.

If you have some overgrown trees or branches that you’re concerned about, give the pros a call. They’ll help take care of them and keep your property safe for the winter.

You should also note that it may be useful to ask for an annual inspection. You may not need work doing now, but this could change by next year.

3. Professionals Are the Most Efficient Option

People often think that tree pruning or removal only takes a couple of hours. Well, it does, but usually for the pros.

If you know what you’re doing and have experience in tree servicing then it doesn’t take much time at all. But, if you’re a novice, a simple job could take days or weeks.

You not only have to source the right tools, but you may also need to call in help from friends. So, by the time you find a date where you’re all free, the tree could have been pruned or removed.

Remember, the professionals already have the tools, manpower and time to get started. Plus, whilst they get their hands dirty and do all the hard work, you can just sit back and relax.

4. Professional Tree Cutting Services Can Increase Your Property Value

If you’re looking to sell your home in the near future then this is important. In fact, even if you’re not looking to sell, you should still take note.

When buying a house, you don’t want somewhere that is surrounded by overgrown and untidy trees. Not only does it make it unappealing, but as we’ve mentioned before, it’s also a safety hazard.

So, this will either put buyers off or, they’ll want a lower price to compensate for the maintenance which needs doing.

But, this is easily avoidable.

A tree maintenance company will be able to take care of your yard to make it look spectacular. They’ll also identify and take care of potential hazards which may cause issues in the future.

When the work is complete, your yard will go from looking like a hunted forest to a natural paradise. Not only does this make it easier to sell but, it increases the value.

5. They’ll Help Keep Your Trees Healthy

Unfortunately, just like humans, trees are susceptible to disease. When this happens, the right measures need to be taken to prevent the disease from spreading.

But, most people don’t know how to recognize trees that have diseases. So this is where an Arborist comes in.

This type of professional will be able to look at your trees and advise you on their health. Not only can they give them a thorough assessment, but they can tell you whether any need to be removed or cut back.

Plus, they’ll also be able to suggest the most suitable, long-lasting trees for your yard. This could help prevent you from planting the wrong species and wasting money.

Finally, remember that tree service experts offer a wide range of yard services. Discover more to find out how they can help with all of your needs.

The Benefits of Residential Tree Services

We hope you have enjoyed reading our article on residential tree services.

As you can see, there are many reasons why you should hire experts when pruning and removing your trees. Not only can they ensure your safety and help prevent damage to your property but, they can also help keep your trees healthy.

Plus, they could even help you get more money when selling your home- what’s not to love?

Finally, check out the rest of our blog for some more useful home and garden tips.

Did you know that 84% of Americans suffer from a pest problem every year? From roaches to rats, pests can quickly take hold and damage your living conditions. One way to combat them is with a pest subscription service.

Having regular visits by an expert to combat pests has a number of advantages. Read on as we discuss the must-know benefits of pest removal subscriptions.

They Battle Severe Infestations

Even the smallest pest problem can quickly escalate into a severe infestation. Be it rodents or insects, you will find that pests quickly proliferate in all manner of conditions. If they take hold of your house, killing them will just be putting out fires, as they may have nests and hiding places elsewhere.

This puts you into a cycle that is hard to get out of. Hiring a professional pest control service brings you the tools and experience to destroy all nests, eggs, and young in one go.

Prevents a Return

If they were there in the first place, they must have got in somehow. Even when the worst household pests have been removed, you probably still have the conditions for them, or others, to return. If you sign a pest control contract then the company will help prevent the conditions that could facilitate a return.

You may also need recurring maintenance. Traps may need relaying, bait may need replacing. This can be dealt with in your subscription.

They Identify Pests Correctly

To destroy household pests and prevent their return, you first need to identify what the pest is. For example, even different types of ants can have very different feeding and nesting habits. By doing pest removal yourself and assuming all pests are the same, you may actually end up making the situation worse.

A professional removal service, such as Pegasus Pest Control, can provide monthly services that will assess the conditions in your home. From here, they can decide what type of pests may be present or are likely to infest, know their habits, and discuss a way to prevent them.

Pest Removal Will Be Specific to Your Property

The type of home and its climate will also require specific attention. Some insects flourish in dry, arid conditions, others may like tropical climates, while others may like downpours of rain. Each of these brings up specific problems for the homeowner regarding the type of pest and how to tackle them.

A subscription service can keep the pest at bay under all circumstances. If a deluge of rain comes and is followed by a sharp breeding season, then your monthly removal company will be there to see them off.

Shop Around

Monthly pest removal can actually cost less than you think. Speak to a number of different companies and shop around to get the best quote. You may be able to get long-term discounts for paying in advance.

If you enjoyed this article, then visit the rest of our blog. With everything from DIY tips to interior design, we can help keep your home in perfect condition!

A freshly divorced dad must eliminate as many potential hazards to children around the home as possible. While childproofing a home can be a difficult task, it is an essential step in child safety. The following are tips for childproofing a home to ensure children are always safe and sound.

Covering up Potentially Dangerous Items

Due to their curious nature, children want to explore every part of a house. Covering up potentially hazardous items that will trigger the need to explore from their snooping eyes is a great way to childproof a home. Installing safety netting on windows will keep accidental falls at bay, while childproofing window guards will prevent children from opening windows. Light fixtures should be covered by shields to keep children from having their tiny fingers burnt and prevent electrocution.

Installing Protective Devices

A freshly divorced dad should inspect his staircases, furniture, and household items for possible hazards and install protective devices if necessary. Anchors, for instance, keep appliances such as a microwave oven or TV from falling. Edge bumpers are effective in covering sharp corners like hearth or coffee table edges, which may be dangerous to a child. Safety gates are effective in preventing toddlers from accessing staircases or rooms with potential hazards.

Keeping Dangerous Items Out of Reach

A dad who is divorcing with kids should ensure potentially hazardous items are kept in childproof cabinets to avoid poisonings and other injuries. Tiny objects that could pose choking risks to children, cleaning supplies, pesticides, medications, and dangerous chemicals should be locked in safety cabinets. Guns and other firearms should also be kept in childproof cabinets. Other items that should be kept away from children include candles, matches, and lighters.

Implementing Water Safety Measures

When dealing with water, taking extra caution is important. Using multiple layers of protection, such as a fence around a spa or swimming pool, can help keep children protected from water hazards. A four-foot-tall fence that features self-latching gates would be a great water safety measure. The pool doors should feature an alarm as an additional layer of protection. Furthermore, a child should always be monitored while in a spa, swimming pool, or bathtub.

Installing Functional Alarms and Checking Them Regularly

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are valuable child-safety devices that newly divorced dads should install in their homes. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the house, while carbon monoxide alarms should be installed close to sleeping areas. They should be checked once a month and batteries replaced yearly.

Thinking Like a Child

Once a freshly divorced dad has inspected the entire house and eliminated all potential hazards, he should sit back and look at things once more from a child’s point of view. What are some of the objects in the living room or kitchen that are likely to attract a child? Are these objects likely to pose a safety risk to the child? These are some of the questions that the dad should ask himself before bringing the child home.

 

A good playful garden is something that most parents want to offer to their children. However, every parent’s budget and garden size varies, so it may be difficult to know what to buy and where to begin your search for creating a perfect, fun and safe family garden. This article, will offer hints and tricks on how to bring your perfect family dreams into the reality.

Look at your lawn

If your children play lots of outdoor activities on your lawn, chances are the lawn may look a little warn. This isn’t something to worry about because most natural grass lawn can be easily warn if it is frequently trod on. However, this may be a good opportunity to completely replace your lawn with a new material. Cheap artificial grass by the Grass Warehouse is ideal, because their range of artificial grass looks extremely natural and it will last for years.

Add play equipment

If you have the space in your garden and budget to splurge out on some new play equipment for your children to enjoy, then why not? It will keep your children entertained for hours and it will help to ensure they exercise daily. The most common types of types of play equipment that is used in family gardens are: trampolines, climbing frames, swings and slides. Some play equipment can even be made from scratch, using wood that is already available in your garden.

Remove potential hazards

Removing potential hazards from a garden, really should be the number one priority. It is important to remove anything from the garden which may pose a risk to the safety and wellbeing of your children. Ways to ensure there are no hazards in your garden is there is no broken glass in the garden and there are no sharp edges on outdoor furniture. It is also important to consider placing a soft surface underneath play equipment like climbing frames and slides, in case a child were to fall off the equipment.

Have a sheltered area

A sheltered area is a good idea, if your children want to go out in your garden no matter the type of weather conditions there are on that day. A shelter doesn’t always need to be like a bus shelter, a Wendy house of play shed are good examples of fun yet sheltered outdoor play.

Encourage your children to help to grow fruit and vegetables

Playing outside can be both fun and educational. The best way to bring education into your garden is to encourage your children to help grow fruit and vegetables. If you children are particularly young, they will learn fruit and vegetables are grown and it may even encourage your children to eat fruit and vegetables as they were the ones to grow them. Growing fruit and vegetables also can give children a sense of responsibility as they will need to water and tend to the garden in order to keep the fruit and vegetables growing.

If you’ve discovered unwanted insects or critters inside your house, they can be more than just a nuisance.

Did you know that pests can cause significant damage to your home? Before you end up spending thousands of dollars on repairs, it’s important to get the help of a professional pest control company to help take care of it.

But how do you know if it’s time to call an extermination service? Some signs of a pest infestation are more obvious than others. Look for these 5 major signs that you mean you should call pest control immediately.

1. Nighttime Noises

Are you hearing the pitter-patter of little feet at bedtime? The culprit may be insects or rodents, both of which are nocturnal.

Whether it’s the sound of carpenter ants chewing on wood or rats and mice running around in your walls, both need to be dealt with by the best pest control company possible for your health and safety.

2. If You See Wood Damage It’s Time to Call Pest Control

Wood damage is a key indication that you might have a termite colony in your home.

Not only can they cause significant structural damage, but their numbers can also grow exponentially in a short time, leaving your home vulnerable to a significant attack. When in doubt, call a professional pest control service, since a termite treatment cost is less than you think and worth every penny.

3. Bad Odors

Another early warning sign that you have pest problems is a new and persistent odor in your home that does not go away. If it smells like coconuts, it could be odorous house ants that emit that smell when crushed.

A rotten smell could be due to rodents that have died in your attic, walls, or under the floorboards and should be removed immediately.

4. Wings and Other Droppings

If you’ve noticed little piles of wings around the house, you might have a colony of termites that shed them when swarming.

While some ants also shed their wings, that sign usually points to termites. Rodents like mice can leave droppings that carry diseases like hantavirus that can be dangerous and even fatal to humans.

5. Nests

Different kinds of bugs and rodents create different nests, so it’s good to know what they look like. For example, carpenter ants build theirs in wood and leave tiny piles of sawdust that indicate their presence.

Rodents will collect scraps of fabric, paper, and other organic material to fluff out their home, so be on the lookout for signs of these in your home.

Ready to Get Help?

If you are ready to get rid of your pests, it’s time to call pest control, stat. Otherwise, you could jeopardize not only the structure of your home but the health and safety of you and your loved ones.

A professional company can take care of the pest problem that you have now, and prevent future ones, too.

Looking for more useful household tips? Check out the rest of this site for other helpful articles.