Pest Policy: Your Guide to Home Improvement

So if you’re considering hiring a pest control company near you to undertake various bug extermination tasks in your house, office, or yard; I’m sure you’ll love this article. Those unwanted pests will be a safety risk and also a hazard to your health and that of your pest - besides being super irritating. PestPolicy is keen to assist you in finding a reliable (and local) exterminator that will remove those vermins and insects from your spaces. Examine the list provided below and choose a suitable and accredited pest control exterminator that is near you are place. Let’s get started! Accredited Pest Control Services Near Me (Exterminators) 1. Terminix Terminix is a leader when you consider pest control services. The company leads in preventing and controlling various pests including bed bugs and termites among other bugs. ...

Welcome to today’s edition of the PestPolicy Radio Podcast, recorded live on June 20, 2024! We’re diving deep into a variety of home improvement and maintenance topics, answering your most pressing questions and offering practical advice to keep your home running smoothly. From extending the life of your appliances to tackling stubborn stains and tricky renovations, we’ve got you covered. Get ready for an hour packed with expert tips, smart solutions, and a look at some of the best new products on the market. ...

(Intro Music: Upbeat, light-hearted jingle) Host: Welcome back to PestPolicy Radio, your weekly guide to keeping your home happy, healthy, and pest-free! I’m your host, [Host Name], and today, June 20th, 2025, we’re diving into some fascinating home mysteries and practical solutions you can implement right away. From fuzzy toilet mold to rumbling freight trains, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get right into our first listener question! ‘Why is Fuzzy Mold Inside My Toilet?’ Host: This is a common, albeit unsettling, sight for many homeowners. You open the toilet lid, and there it is: a fuzzy, often black, green, or even pinkish growth. So, why does mold love your toilet bowl so much? ...

(Intro Music: Upbeat, fresh jingle) Host: Welcome back to PestPolicy Radio, your go-to source for making your home life easier, cleaner, and smarter! I’m your host, [Host Name], and today, June 21st, 2025, we’re tackling a common bathroom eyesore and then zooming into the future with a truly impressive new home tech product. Let’s get right into making those shower doors sparkle! How to Clean a Cloudy Shower Door Host: There’s nothing quite as frustrating as stepping out of a refreshing shower, only to be met with a cloudy, opaque shower door. That dull, hazy film isn’t just unsightly; it’s a tell-tale sign of mineral buildup and soap scum, and it can make even the cleanest bathroom feel a bit grimy. But fear not! You don’t need harsh chemicals or endless scrubbing to restore clarity to your glass. ...

Welcome to the PestPolicy Radio Show & Podcast, where we bring you the latest in pest management and, as a bonus, essential home care tips to keep your sanctuary in top shape! Today, June 10, 2025, we’re diving into some common household headaches and offering practical, DIY-friendly solutions that can save you time, money, and future frustration. From those annoying drywall “nail pops” to ensuring your dryer vent is functioning optimally, we’ve got you covered. ...

Are you trying to determine if we have bed bugs in the house? First, I’ll narrate a personal experience I had eight months ago. I had just come back from our vacation - I was into 1 Vrbo and two hotels - which I had thoroughly inspected with no signs of bed bugs. However, the next day, spots appeared on my daughter’s arms and legs - as shown in the picture. I was worried - probably just like you are. [amazon bestseller=“Best Bed Bugs Killers” items=“2” template=“table”] So, in this post, I’ll outline different pictures of bed bug bites that’ll help you determine if bed bugs have bitten you. But first , let clear this out of the way - bed bugs can’t bite through clothing , and bed bugs can’t jump or fly . ...

Bringing trees indoors offers a unique way to introduce living architecture, lush greenery, and a sense of calm to your home or office space. Far from merely being large houseplants, indoor container trees can transform a room, purify the air, and provide a continuous connection to nature, even in urban environments or during colder months. While growing a tree indoors presents a different set of challenges compared to outdoor cultivation, with the right selection, proper planting techniques, and diligent care, you can successfully cultivate a thriving arboreal companion within your living space. ...

A pristine, weed-free lawn is the envy of many homeowners. While post-emergent herbicides tackle weeds that have already sprouted, the truly proactive strategy for maintaining a clear turf involves an invisible shield: the pre-emergent herbicide. Often misunderstood or overlooked, pre-emergents are a cornerstone of effective weed management, preventing unwanted plants from ever seeing the light of day. They work by creating a chemical barrier in the soil that inhibits the germination of weed seeds, thereby stopping problems before they even begin. ...

By choosing to use a paint sprayer , youll attain a high-quality paint finish if the right procedure and spraying techniques are followed. However, you may encounter paint overspray challenges, especially when spraying intricate sections. On how to prevent paint overspray when spraying - prepare the spray area, set proper spray pressure, select the right spray tip/nozzle, and choose the right spray equipment. *Undertake appropriate spraying techniques, create a spray booth, maintain the right spraying distance, increase the electrostatic charge rate, use painters tape, and orient the tip at the right angle during paint application. * Remember, safety is paramount when spray painting. Therefore, wear protective gear and adhere to spray instructions highlighted in this article - with your� Airless Paint Sprayer ? ...

Wasps can be a significant nuisance and sometimes pose a danger, especially to those allergic to stings. Preventing and identifying wasp nests early on can save you a lot of trouble and potential harm. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do both effectively. Prevention Seal Entry Points:- Check Regularly: Conduct routine inspections of your home to find and seal potential entry points for wasps. This includes gaps around windows and doors, cracks in walls, and spaces around utility lines. Use Caulk and Sealants: Seal any cracks or holes using high-quality caulk or other appropriate sealants. Ensure window screens and door sweeps are in good repair. Remove Food Sources:- Proper Storage: Store food in airtight containers. Wasps are particularly attracted to sweet foods, so ensure that these are securely stored. Cleanliness: Maintain a clean environment by wiping down surfaces and cleaning up spills immediately. Wasps are less likely to linger if there are no food residues. Properly Store Garbage:- Sealed Bins: Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids. Wasps are attracted to rotting food and sugary residues found in garbage. Regular Disposal: Dispose of trash regularly to avoidattracting wasps. Rinse out any recyclable containers that held food or drinks. Regular Maintenance:- Inspections: Perform regular checks around your home and property for early signs of wasp activity. The earlier you spot potential nests, the easier it is to deal with them. Yard Care: Keep your yard clean and free of debris where wasps might build nests. Trim bushes and trees regularly. Plant Wisely:- Avoid Attractants: Avoid planting sweet-smelling flowers and fruit trees near entrances to your home. If you do have these plants, try to keep them away from areas where you spend a lot of time. Repellent Plants: Consider planting wasp-repellent plants such as eucalyptus, mint, and citronella around your home. These plants can help deter wasps naturally. Use Wasp Deterrents:- Commercial Products: Use wasp traps and deterrent sprays available in the market. These can be effective in reducing the number of wasps in your vicinity. DIY Solutions: Create homemade wasp traps using sugar water or vinegar traps. These can be placed around your yard to catch and kill wasps. Identification Visual Inspection:- Common Areas: Look for nests in typical locations such as under eaves, in attics, garages, sheds, or in hollow trees. Wasps prefer sheltered spots that protect them from the elements. Hidden Spots: Check less obvious places too, like under porch roofs, behind shutters, or in outdoor furniture. Nest Appearance:- Material: Wasp nests are usually made from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva, creating a paper-like substance. This gives the nests a distinctive papery texture. Shape and Size: Nests can vary greatly in shape and size. Some may look like small, open umbrellas, while others may be large and spherical. Wasps Behavior:- Flight Patterns: Observe the flight patterns of wasps around your home. If you notice wasps frequently flying to and from a specific area, it’s likely there is a nest nearby. Aggressiveness: Be cautious if wasps seem particularly aggressive or territorial in certain areas, as this often indicates a nearby nest. Types of Nests:- Paper Wasps: These nests are typically open and umbrella-shaped, with a single comb of cells visible. They are often found hanging from eaves or branches. Yellow Jackets: Yellow jacket nests are usually enclosed and can be found in the ground, wall voids, or attics. These nests can grow quite large. Hornets: Hornet nests are typically large, enclosed, and spherical. They are often found in trees, large shrubs, or on structures like sheds. Dealing with Nests Early Removal:- Small Nests: If youcatch a nest early, you can often remove it using a stick or a broom. Do this during the early morning or late evening when wasps are less active. Timing: Always attempt nest removal during cooler parts of the day, as wasps are less aggressive and slower in lower temperatures. Protective Gear:- Wear Protection: When dealing with larger nests, wear protective clothing to prevent stings. This includes long sleeves, gloves, and a hat with a net. Emergency Plan: Have an emergency plan in place in case of multiple stings, especially if you or someone in your household is allergic. Insecticides:- Choosing the Right Product: Use wasp-specific insecticides and follow the manufacturers instructions carefully. There are foaming sprays that can reach nests in high or hard-to-reach places. Application: Apply the insecticide during the evening when wasps are in the nest. Ensure you spray the entrance thoroughly to kill wasps as they enter and exit. Professional Help:- When to Call Experts: For large nests or if you have an allergy to stings, it is best to contact a professional pest control service. Professionals have the experience and equipment to remove nests safely. Safety Assurance: Hiring a professional ensures the job is done safely and effectively, reducing the risk of stings and further infestations. By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of wasp infestations and handle nests safely and effectively. Regular vigilance and prompt action are key to keeping your home and surroundings wasp-free.