Home Improvement

Photo by NewsUSA Experts argue you're always within ten feet of a spider. (NewsUSA) — Some researchers claim that every person is always within ten feet of a spider; other experts believe that is too conservative and that three feet is a more accurate assessment of our proximity to arachnids. With 34,000 named species of spiders in the world (and tens of thousands of currently unnamed ones), our closeness to these eight-legged creatures should come as no surprise. The National Pest Management Association sheds light on … [Read more...] about Attention arachnophobes: Tips to keep spiders out of your house

Photo courtesy of NewsUSA Mosquitoes, fleas and ticks can pose serious health risks to dogs and cats. (NewsUSA) — Pets, like humans, have been anxiously waiting for warm weather to play outdoors and enjoy nature. However, pet owners should prepare for a pest battle unlike in previous years as hungry ticks, fleas and mosquitoes await their prey — of the two- or four-legged kind. "Pet owners should take special care to protect their pets from ticks, fleas and mosquitoes this season," said Missy Henriksen, vice president of … [Read more...] about Pet owners beware: Pests are poised for attack

Photo courtesy of NewsUSA A new roof can boost your home's curb appeal. (NewsUSA) OK, don't panic. If you're one of those homeowners who's been moaning about how hard it's been trying to sell your house, your bargaining power — you remember that concept, right? — hasn't been completely devastated just because a flood of new foreclosures is expected to hit the market as a result of the recent $25 billion "robo-signing" mortgage settlement. While studies have shown your own property value could take up to another 4 … [Read more...] about Selling your house: Which ‘fixes’ are worth it to lure buyers?

Photo courtesy of NewsUSA Hornets and other stinging summer pests send more than half a million people to the ER yearly. (NewsUSA) — It just wouldn't be summer without the buzz of summer insects. However, in addition to being a nuisance and invading outdoor activities, these summer bummers can cause severe allergic reactions. According to the National Pest Management Association, stinging insects send more than half a million people to the emergency room every year. Stinging insects are especially active during the second … [Read more...] about They buzz and they sting: Tips to keep stinging insects at bay

(Family Features) This year, everyone is looking to save on their household budget. But just because you’re scaling back, doesn’t mean you can’t make some improvements around the house. Use these DIY home improvement and cleanup tips from the experts at Grime Boss to help revamp your home, without spending a fortune: Repaint the walls One great way to update your home without having to replace carpeting or furniture is to refresh walls with a fresh coat of paint. Determine the amount of paint needed by using an online … [Read more...] about Do-it-yourself home projects help you save

Photo courtesy of Family Features From fresh and airy, to intimate and cozy, lighting sets the tone of a room. (Family Features) — Ever wonder how designers make the rooms you see in magazines or on decorating shows look so good? It doesn't always depend on paint colors or fabric choices. From fresh and airy, to intimate and cozy — and everything in between — lighting sets the tone of a room and should be an integral part of its design and layout. And you can make dramatic changes by doing something as easy as switching … [Read more...] about Need a quick room makeover? Look to lighting solutions

(Family Features) The water heater is the second biggest energy drain in the home behind the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system - also known as HVAC. Yet when it comes to understanding the requirements and specifications for water heaters, most homeowners don't know the basics. According to GE, almost 80 percent of consumers purchase a water heater only when their current unit breaks or leaks and they are forced to look for a quick replacement. But it's important to know the facts about water heaters and consider … [Read more...] about Home Maintenance 101: Purchasing a Hot Water Heater

Photo courtesy of Family Features (Family Features) — Ever wonder how designers make the rooms you see in magazines or on decorating shows look so good? It doesn't always depend on paint colors or fabric choices. From fresh and airy, to intimate and cozy — and everything in between — lighting sets the tone of a room and should be an integral part of its design and layout. And you can make dramatic changes by doing something as easy as switching out a light bulb. So if you want to give a room a makeover, or just freshen … [Read more...] about Need a quick room makeover? Look to lighting solutions