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How To Handle Paint Odors In Commercial Painting

Why Start A Painting Business?

The house painting industry earns over $38 billion annually. According to Google Trends, the search term, “painters near me”, is at a all time high at over 40,000 search queries each month. So there is plenty of room to start your own painting business and make lots of profits.

Want to Know How to Start a Painting Business?

Starting a painting company is relatively simple. It takes hard work and dedication but the upfront cost is minimal. Helping property owners re-create their space is fulfilling and profitable. Some of the benefits you can experience when you start your own painting business include:

You can start as a part-time business
It’s rather inexpensive to start-up
Earn profit immediately
Franchising opportunities

What are the costs involved in opening a house painting business?

Your local Small Business Administration office can provide information about the cost of becoming licensed, bonded and insured in your area. The initial investment for the necessary equipment to begin a small interior house painting business can be as little as $500. At minimum, you will need the following items:

An 8’-12’ ladder
Rollers, trays, and high-quality brushes of various sizes
Drop cloths to protect carpets and furniture
A caulking gun for replacing cracked or missing window caulking
A masking gun to tape windows quickly
A scraper for removing cracked or peeling paint
A wire brush for creating an even surface
A few sheets of 60 to 80 grit sandpaper to smooth out rough surfaces

What are the ongoing expenses for a house painting business?

The cost of remaining licensed, bonded and insured are among the ongoing expenses for a house painting business. Other on-going expenses include painting equipment, transportation, and advertising. Many business expenses are tax-deductible, so including payment for the services of a qualified tax accountant in your operating budget is a wise investment.

Who is the target market?

Preferred customers are people who know what they want and have the funds on hand to pay for your services in providing it. It is unwise to sign a contract with a potential customer who is still vacillating between two or three almost-but-not-quite-perfect shades of apricot. If you plan to offer a payment plan to increase business, potential clients should undergo a thorough employment and credit check.

How does a house painting business make money?

Customers are charged according to the size of the job, its degree of difficulty, the amount of equipment and the level of expertise required to complete it. Intricate brushwork on the eaves of a two-story home requires more equipment, time, and expertise than rolling paint onto a flat indoor surface. Since exterior painting can be seasonal, interior painting jobs are often scheduled for winter months to ensure a steady flow of income throughout the year.

How much can you charge customers?

The amount you can charge is based on a number of factors. When calculating an estimate, it’s important to factor in the cost of materials, transportation, and ongoing expenses in addition to the size of the area to be painted. Additional considerations include whether the walls are textured and how much trim is involved. Your profit margin is based on the accuracy of your estimates.

How to promote & market a house painting business

Creating a company website is an important step in establishing a new business. There a number of sites that enable small businesses to build a professional website quickly and easily at no cost. Ideally, your website should include a portfolio of your best work. Nothing demonstrates pride in workmanship like great before-and-after photos.

How to keep customers coming back

Social media is an effective promotional tool. Twitter’s analytics can track responses to online sales promotions. Creating a Facebook page can keep you connected with satisfied customers who can help you attract new ones. Targeted advertising in real estate magazines and joining the chamber of commerce are also worthwhile investments in learning which neighborhoods would be the most receptive to flyers offering special sales promotions.

House Cleaning Tips For Fall And Winter

House Cleaning Tips When Someone at Home Is Sick

If someone in your home is sick, he or she can leave behind cold and flu germs that remain on surfaces for days at a time. With these germs infecting everything, the cycle of illness becomes never-ending in your home. That is of course unless you get rid of the germs for good

How Germs Work

Generally, bacteria and viruses survive on surfaces and are spread from one person in your family to the next by skin contact. So anything that you touch regularly can be a potential threat. In fact, flu virus can actually survive for as long as 48 hours. While the frequency with which you need to disinfect each area or surface in your home depends largely on its size and how frequently you or your loved ones come into contact with it, cleaning regularly and effectively is important.

Most Important Things to Disinfect

While giving your home a good once over is important, while you or your loved one is still sick, you can effectively diminish the spread of illness by focusing on a few key items. If someone in your home has the cold or flow

make sure you regularly clean these items:

Your phone: Roughly 80 percent of phones in homes that have an infected individual have the virus on them.

The remote: One of the most touched items in your home, the remote is likely also the least cleaned so you’ll want to be sure to disinfect it during illness.

The bathroom: It’s common for nearly half of bathroom faucets to have cold and flu viruses on them. Be sure to disinfect the faucets as well as the sink and toilet, and make sure the sick individual uses his or her own hand towel.

Tables: Tables throughout your home are often touched without being wiped down, so make sure to pay close attention to these areas when you are sick.

Linens: Bed linens and any stuffed animals or should be washed after an illness. If the animal cannot be washed, keep it away from the family for a few days.

Whatever you are cleaning, it’s important to follow a few rules of thumb for keeping you and your family healthy.

Make sure your whole family washes their hands frequently with soap and water, scrubbing at least 20 seconds.

Wipe down all of the surfaces in your home with disinfectant wipes or a household disinfectant each day.

Be sure to cleanse the sick person’s utensils, bedding, clothing, and other belongings with detergent.

Wash sheets, towels, and other linens on hot because germs can live through cold and even warm wash cycles.

Avoid using sponges and rags to clean as they can spread germs. Instead use disinfecting wipes.

Clever Cleaning Products That Will Help You With That Fresh Start

The right tools can make getting—and keeping—your home in tip-top shape so much easier, so if you’re also in the mood for a fresh start but could use a little help, these cleaning gadgets have you covered. From dusters to robot mops, here’s everything you need to get your home totally spick and span.

Dusting breakables and other delicate items is suddenly a whole lot easier, thanks to the fine microfiber strands on this duster.

This $5 squeegee is so versatile—once you have it, you won’t know how you lived without it. Use it to clear food from dishes (saving water!) and clean your counters and sink.

One of the most annoying cleaning tasks is dusting your window blinds, but this handy gadget can clean 3 slats at a time. Plus, it comes with 4 microfiber sleeves you can easily change out.

Also up there on the list of annoying chores? Cleaning your ceiling fan. This clever duster is designed to make it so much simpler—no step stools or ladders required.

Affordable Gadgets For People Who Hate to Clean

Some people genuinely love to grab a sponge and scrub their house from top to bottom — and then, there are the rest of us. If cleaning isn’t on your “favorite things” list (welcome to the club), then keep reading — these are the must-have cleaning gadgets for anyone who hates to clean. From sonic brushes that make cleaning grout a breeze to a high-tech way to keep your phone free of germs, these easy-to-use gadgets will help make all the pesky upkeep your home requires way more bearable.

Rubbermaid Reveal Power Scrubber

The oscillating head on this Rubbermaid scrub brush moves at 60 times per second — meaning it does all the scrubbing for you at a faster rate you can do it yourself. Use this handy gadget around faucets and the hard-to-reach places of your sink, stove or other fixtures, to deep-clean the grout that’s turned rusty, and even to spot clean golf clubs

Good Grips FurLifter Furniture Brush

This tool is like a lint brush with superpowers. If you have a pet who sheds, you will love this magical, self-cleaning FurLifter Brush that cleans fur off your sofas, chairs, rugs and bedding. It also works on hard-to-vacuum places like pet beds and curtains, and the base easily removes fur and makes it simple to store anywhere.

Angry Mama Microwave Cleaner

Nobody likes to clean the microwave, but now it can be done in seven minutes flat. Just fill this angry little mama with water and vinegar and place in the microwave. The steam produced will loosen up all the gunk and grime — and afterwards, just wipe with a towel. No scrubbing required. You can even use lemon juice for a pleasant smell, and it has hundreds of five-star reviews. One reviewer wrote: “This gadget is a game changer! It takes out the funky odors that I never could get out from regular cleaning.”

Casabella Blinds Cleaner

This blinds cleaner makes a dreaded task much simpler. The dual-ended brush tackles every part of your windows: the microfiber fingers easily get the dust between your blinds, and they can be removed and thrown in the wash to be used again and again. The brush on the other side cleans the grooves at the base of your window, where grime always seems to linger.

How to Keep a Clean House

The secret to keeping a clean house is doing these simple tasks daily, so messes and clutter never get out of control. If you’re tired of spending Saturdays cleaning, only to find on Monday that your home looks like you did nothing, here’s help. From what you should tidy first thing in the morning, to a 2-minute task to do before bed, these tips to keep a clean house will have your place looking tidy all week.

Make Your Bed

As the most visible surface in the bedroom, an unmade bed makes the whole room look messy. If tucking in sheets isn’t your thing, switch to a duvet with a removable cover that you can launder each week — you have to pull it up and, boom, your bed’s tidy.

Empty the Dishwasher Every Morning

Emptying the dishwasher makes keeping a clean house easier because dirty dishes won’t have to sit in the sink or on your counters. If you’ve ever timed yourself doing this, you know it only takes 5 minutes. Do it while the coffee brews, or while you wait for the kids to get ready for school.

Clean Up Every Time You Cook

Dirty countertops attract household pests and make your kitchen look awful. Since you already emptied your dishwasher, you can quickly load dishes after meals or snacks and then wipe your counters. This task doesn’t involve moving everything. Put any food away, then spray and clean around the rest.

Do a Load of Laundry Daily

A daily laundry habit is life-changing. Pop a load in before heading to work. Or, if your washing machine has a delayed start cycle, set it to run right before you get home. Transfer damp clothes to the dryer after dinner, then fold them while during commercial breaks on TV. Putting away one load of laundry takes almost no time. Do it on your way to bed.

THINGS I DO EVERY DAY TO KEEP A CLEAN AND ORGANIZED HOME

MAKE THE BED

I don’t know about you, but I feel that when my bed is made I can at least make it through the day. I try to make my bed as soon as I get up.

Even if I get nothing else done during the day, making the bed is a simple way to help keep the room tidy. Plus a made bed is much more inviting to get into at the end of the day, at least I think so anyway!

I clean off the countertop by putting away all of my personal products. I wipe around the sink to remove any water rings, makeup, or loose hair. I quickly spray the shower down with a daily shower cleaner and use a squeegee to remove excess water. I also do a quick wipe of the floor too with an old bathroom towel.

ONE LOAD OF LAUNDRY WASHED, FOLDED, AND PUT AWAY

Laundry seems to multiply around here and if I let a day go by without doing at least one load of laundry, the clothing piles can quickly add up and seem unmanageable!

LOAD, RUN AND EMPTY THE DISHWASHER

As soon as breakfast, lunch, and dinner are over, I immediately clean the dishes and load the dishwasher. Most days I run the dishwasher after dinner, but there are some days when the dishwasher needs to be run and unloaded before dinner.

Used Car Dealer Bargains

How does a car dealership really make its money?

Several ways but the price you pay for the car itself is not likely contributing much to it.

Dealerships are the most profitable in the service department. They depend on service and want to retain you as a customer. This is why you find free oil changes and “lifetime” warranties being used as promotions.

In the car deal itself, here are the profit areas:

Car price: most dealerships pay invoice but also have a holdback that may be 2–3% of the price of the vehicle. This holdback is based on the dealership making it’s quota from the manufacturer. On a $40,000 dollar car, they may make $900.
Financing . The dealer can make money on bringing good finance deals to lenders. However, bad credit customers cost the dealership money to finance.
Extended Warranties and Protection Packages. These may bring 50% profit to the dealership and is an important source of income. Does that mean you shouldn’t buy it? It all depends. These warranties bring good value to the customer, if they use it.
Accessories – dealerships make profit on the accessories they sell. Experience says about 25–40% depending on the item. Plus, if you finance it, it just increases the money they make on financing.
Documenation Fee – not much money, but it pays the dealership to hold on to the paperwork for 7–10 years.

Knowledge Is Powerful

What makes some shoppers wary as they enter car dealerships is the fact that they don’t know what they’re going to pay for the product. Shoppers don’t expect to negotiate the cost of a quart of milk with a salesperson at the supermarket. But they do expect to negotiate car prices.

You can better navigate some of the more complex purchase negotiations by understanding some of the financial aspects of the car-selling business. Here are some examples.

New Cars: Dealer Holdbacks and Dealer Cash

Car pricing is a complicated process. To simplify things, consumers learn to look at the invoice price of a car and assume that’s what the dealer paid for it. They may then wonder how a dealer is making a profit if it’s selling the car for the invoice price. This instance is where two other sources of manufacturer money come into play.

Dealer holdback: This money is from when the manufacturer pays the dealer after a car is sold. It’s typically 1% or 2% of either the invoice or the sticker price of the car. On a $20,000 car, a holdback represents $200 to $400. The holdback allows dealers to sell a car at invoice price, or even below invoice, but still receive money to cover the costs of doing business (advertising, sales commissions, etc.). Most manufacturers offer holdbacks to their brands’ dealers, but not all. This information is helpful to know, but don’t try to build it into your negotiations. Dealers consider this money off-limits for the purposes of price negotiation.

Dealer cash: To help move metal, a manufacturer will sometimes offer a bonus incentive to the dealer to move a vehicle off lots. That’s known as dealer cash. Dealer cash can also come into play at the end of a model year when both the dealership and the manufacturer want to clear out even popular cars to make way for incoming new vehicles. Dealer cash is rarely advertised.

Trade-ins

The most obvious source of used car inventory is the trade-in. These are vehicles that customers sell to dealers when they are buying another vehicle from the dealer. Selling your old car to the dealer you’re buying a brand new or another used one from is by far the easiest and most convenient way of getting rid of it and getting what it’s worth to put towards your next vehicle.

This is often the best source of the most profitable used vehicle inventory for dealers. The seller is the closest thing they are going to get to a captive audience, and the dealer gets to inspect and test drive the vehicle in a way they can’t with vehicles from some other sources. If it’s a vehicle that’s particularly attractive to the dealer they can offer a good price for it and sweeten the deal even more with discounts and offers on the vehicle the customer is looking to buy.

I know from personal experience that there are times when a dealer will go out of their way to do a deal on a new car to get a particularly desirable trade-in. Used cars are generally far more profitable than new cars, so it could even be worthwhile to break-even or lose money on the sale of a new vehicle to get a trade-in that could offer an opportunity for a big profit later on.

The role played by car dealers

Price negotiationscars parked

This is where the car dealer and the customer come to a fair price that is comfortable for both of them. This is an important role for car dealers since it ensures that both the customer and the dealership are satisfied with the outcome from the sale of a vehicle.

Organizing test drives

It is a car dealer’s job to plan and arrange for test drives for customers wishing to purchase cars from car dealerships. These test drives allow customers to ensure that the vehicle to be purchased is in a proper working condition.

Providing information

Car dealers are tasked with making information about cars available to their potential customers. The information provided is usually about the features available in the car, the type of entertainment system present and the navigation controls that are in the vehicle. This information is vital in helping people choose the kind of car they would desire to purchase according to their preference.

This involves keeping their customers updated on the progress of the orders they had placed earlier and also contact potential clients to inform them of new cars and deals. When buying Kia in Bristol, car dealers also make their customers aware of additional products that they could require in the duration of car ownership. This could include terms of warranty and vehicle servicing.

Doing paperwork

Vehicle selling and purchase involves some paperwork to be processed. They have to file every order made and ensure that every car purchased has the correct paperwork done from registration plates, road tax to proper car ownership registration.

Things to Consider When Opening a Car Dealership

Opening a car dealership requires careful planning. Aspiring dealers must take into account the specific legal requirements they will need to comply with to open a dealership in their state.

You must also consider other aspects such as your local market, whether to offer new and/or used cars, what startup expenses you will be facing, and how to develop a solid business plan. You’ll need to account for all of these areas and more if you want your business to take off strong and keep going for a long time.

For a list of the most important things to consider when opening a car dealership, read on!

Dealership location

The location of your dealership has an impact on the number of sales and profit you make in a given year. Some states are more profitable and provide a better business climate than others. What makes a state a good place to open a dealership? Average yearly sales, the costs associated with opening the dealership, as well as average payroll costs and weekly employee salaries in your area, are all factors that you need to consider.

Type of dealership

Do you know what kind of dealership you want to open? Will you be opening a new (or franchised) vehicle dealership, or will you specialize in used vehicles—or perhaps both? You could also focus on offering electric vehicles, luxury vehicles, or primarily foreign vehicles. This is related to the location of your business and your target audience.

Some states, such as Florida, are known for their preference for Asian cars. And when it comes to used cars, while the majority of states have a clear preference for pickups, other states prefer SUVs and more compact cars instead. In other words, understanding local tastes will be essential to your success.

An additional consideration you could also have at this point is whether you would want to include a service department to offer maintenance and repair work. According to the NADA data report, dealership service and parts sales across the U.S. have nearly doubled over the last eight years, resulting in a total of $114.15 billion of sales for all new-vehicle dealerships. It could be a source of additional income for your dealership.

Licensing requirements

To open a dealership in any state, you will need to obtain a business license allowing you to sell vehicles of a particular kind. License requirements vary significantly between states. Some states have minimal requirements and few fees, whereas others have strict, lengthy and at times expensive licensing procedures.

Licensing requirements you will frequently encounter are:

Lease or own a property for your dealership
Comply with specific location requirements for your office and showroom
Pass a criminal background check or personal history questionnaire requirement
Obtain an Employee Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS
Obtain a state tax number from your local tax department
Provide copies of your insurance policy and your auto dealer surety bond agreement
Provide a copy of a franchise agreement (if selling new cars)
Pass a state-mandated dealer training course
Pass an inspection of your dealership premises
Complete and submit your dealer application form, along with all other required documents
Pay all application, licensing, and dealer plate fees

Decisions To Make In Mold Remediation

The Truth About Black Mold—And How You Can Stay Safe

surfaces as blackish-green spots or blemishes. It lives on moist, cellulose-rich surfaces like fiberboard, drywall, and gypsum board. Black mold is most attracted to moisture, which is why it lives in previously-flooded homes, leaky pipe areas, or anywhere with water damage.

Here’s how you can treat and prevent black mold in your home:

Size up the problem spot—when to choose DIY vs. the pros

Air out your home

Wear protective gear

Create a bleach cleaning solution

Watch for future water damage

Keep your home clean and dry

Is Black Mold Dangerous?

The short answer is—not really. But that doesn’t mean you should keep black mold as a pet. Everyone has different levels of tolerance to allergens like mold spores, but that’s all black mold is—an allergen. Those with asthma, respiratory allergies, or immune suppression will feel the effects of black mold’s mycotoxins more than most folks.

What Are the Symptoms of Black Mold Exposure?

If you find black mold on your property, there’s no need to panic. But black mold presents more health risks to sensitive groups like those with respiratory conditions or immune conditions.

How Does Black Mold Get Inside a House?

Mold spores find their way inside by hitchhiking on clothes, pet fur, and air currents into your home. But spores can’t get comfortable without plenty of water. This is why you’ll usually find black mold around water-damaged areas impacted by plumbing issues like floods or leaky pipes.

The Importance of Professional Mold Removal for Businesses

Mold is neither plant nor animal, but rather a fungus that grows in dark, damp corners and presents significant health hazards to the surrounding environment—which is why it’s critical that a professional mold removal company remediate a mold situation.

When mold spores find moisture and begin to grow unnoticed, they can present health problems when higher concentrations of spores are inhaled. Here we’ll go over what you should know about keeping mold out of your business.

What Conditions Are Best For Mold Growth?

Inside mold growth occurs where there is moisture. It can occur in ceilings, floors, insulation, wood, drywall, clothes, carpet and more. Some causes of excessive moisture are condensation, humidity, cooking, washing, or water from a flood, leak or spill.

Is All Mold Bad?

Given the right conditions, mold will create spores to reproduce – similar to how plants produce seeds. Molds release these small spores into the air where they spread to create new colonies. The spores are small enough that people can inhale them. Settling deep within the lungs, the development of respiratory problems or asthma is a possibility. Mold also produces allergens that can cause an allergic reaction when touched or inhaled. While some molds present serious health hazards, not all molds are bad. And not everyone that comes into contact with mold will be affected; some people are more sensitive to mold than others. Because there are so many variables, it’s best to keep mold out of your business.

The best way to prevent mold is to control moisture.

Fix water leaks. Any known water leaks should be fixed quickly. Have a contractor inspect for unknown leaks.

Limit condensation. Keep room temperatures warm and/or well insulated.

Reduce humidity. Open windows, install exhaust fans or use a dehumidifier.

Clean wet/damp areas. Any wet or damp area, materials or affected equipment should be cleaned within 48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Mold Remediation

You Just Found Mold In Your Home, What Do You Do Now?

Mold remediation is never fun, but working with the right mold remediation company who will clearly explain the mold remediation process to you, provide quality work that solves your mold problem, guarantees their work, and develops a schedule to accommodate your needs will provide you with the best experience possible.

What Is the Difference Between Mold Remediation And Mold Removal?

The basic difference between mold remediation and mold removal is that mold remediation gets rid of the mold and corrects the source of the mold problem, while mold removal simply removes the mold. If you correct the underlying issue that is causing the mold, the mold will not return. Mold remediation methods include removal of contaminated materials, dry-ice blasting of mold growth, and cleaning with special mold-inhibiting liquids

Mold remediation will cost more up-front than simple mold removal, but it will have a lasting effect. Mold removal is likely to cost more in the long-run because you will need to continually pay to have the newly formed mold removed. We think you will agree that mold remediation is the best approach for solving your mold problems.

Why Is Mold Remediation Necessary?

A major mold outbreak can ruin your home and your health. Most people know mold spores are a major allergen and if left unchecked they can cause severe allergic reactions. However, not as widely known, mold actively grows by feeding on wood, sheetrock, roofs and other surfaces. Therefore, over time the mold will actually eat away at the integrity of your home and can lead to structural failures. Mold remediation performed at the first sight of mold can save you a lot of money in the long-run and keep you and your family healthy.

What Does Mold Remediation Cost?

The cost of mold remediation largely depends on the size and complexity of the job. However, other things that factor into the cost include the qualifications and guarantees of the mold remediation company.

Solved! What to Do About Mold on the Walls

Safely remove unsightly and potentially hazardous mold from the bathroom and other moisture-prone zones—and keep it at bay—with these easy methods

Q: Ugh! I’ve recently discovered ugly patches of mold on the walls in my bathroom. Is it dangerous? How do I get rid of it?

A: It’s an all-too-common problem in any area of the home where moisture levels tend to be high: splotches of mold growing on the walls or ceiling. While mold can sprout anywhere along a wall, it’s most often found either up high near the ceiling, down low near the floor, or creeping along edges of trim or baseboards. This frustrating and potentially hazardous problem is most common in bathrooms with frequently used showers or tubs, but can also affect damp basements, kitchens, or laundry rooms. If conditions are damp, ventilation is poor, and temperatures are high, airborne, invisible mold spores—found virtually everywhere—happily settle in and grow.

The most feared type of mold is Stachybotrys chartarum, typically referred to as black mold, which can cause chronic respiratory irritation, headaches, and persistent fatigue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, black mold requires constant moisture for growth—not just intermittent moisture from the shower—so it’s likelier that your problem is caused by another less toxic variety of mold. That said, a severe mold situation can lead to or exacerbate respiratory or immune system issues.

Remove mold stains from walls.

Mix a solution of one part bleach to three parts water in a spray bottle, and thoroughly saturate the moldy areas of the wall. Open a window and/or keep a fan running as you work; bleach fumes are unpleasant and can be irritating to the lungs. Let the bleach soak into the mold on the walls for several minutes, then use a scrub brush to remove the stains. If the stains are extensive or deep, you may need to repeat the process to remove all discoloration.

Kill mold on walls.

While bleach works well to kill surface fungus and remove the ugly marks on the walls caused by mold, it doesn’t penetrate deeply into the drywall and so it leaves the mold’s “roots” undisturbed. That means the problem is likely to reoccur, sometimes within days. To kill mold beneath the surface, simply spray undiluted white vinegar onto the affected area and let it dry. Don’t worry about the odor; the smell will dissipate once the vinegar is completely dry.

COMMON TYPES OF MOLD IN HOMES

Mold can be a toxic and dangerous living substance that grows in very specific conditions. Mold typically thrives in damp and dark environments where temperatures range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Mold can occur in your home, car, office or any other structure you and your family spend time in.

It is vital to be able to recognize mold, know its potential health effects and deal with it immediately, whether you’re going to live there for many years or you’re looking to sell your house in the near future. In many cases, mold growth is so widespread that the average homeowner cannot properly control and eliminate it themselves. Professional mold removal companies have the experience and tools required to assess the damage, and control and stop mold growth before it causes any further damage to human health.

EFFECTS OF MOLD ON HUMAN HEALTH

It is critical to identify and eliminate mold as soon as it begins to develop. Mold can be highly toxic and can have a long-lasting effect on human health depending on the species and the extent of exposure. Children, seniors, pregnant women and people with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of mold. Mold is such a severe health issue that organizations like the Institute of Medicine (IOM), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have all researched and published findings on the links between this toxic substance and different illnesses and health conditions.

Mold Sensitivity: Some people are particularly sensitive to mold, while others can develop a sensitivity over time due to prolonged exposure. Other people may have more sensitive mold allergies and can be severely affected by it

Mold sensitivity includes symptoms like:

Chest and nasal congestion

Coughing, sneezing and wheezing

Sore throat

Watering, dry or sore eyes

Skin irritation

Headaches

Choosing Unloading Services

LOADING AND UNLOADING SERVICES

Loading and unloading your moving truck or storage unit is often the hardest part of a do-it-yourself move

Save yourself the headache and let our team of delightful and experienced movers load or unload all of your personal belongings for you.

GET YOUR INSTANT QUOTE

Using the Undergrads booking system, you can instantly estimate your moving cost, and we’ll match you with the right movers in your area.

RENT YOUR VEHICLE

Rent the perfect van or truck for your budget and needs. Our past 2,000+ SC clients have enjoyed the ease of driving an automatic transmission and the control of taking the wheel for their own cargo.

RELAX AND WATCH US WORK

We fully direct your move, carefully wrapping and loading your items and planning where to unload everything for your unpacking convenience

Need Help Loading or Unloading a Truck or Container?

Need Help?

If you are looking for help loading or unloading a truck or container, we can help. Our professional, experienced and efficient staff will assist you to help ensure a trouble-free move with less physical and mental stress.

If you are using a rental truck to relocate your belongings or storing them in a container, we can help make your move more efficient. By having professionals pack your rental truck or storage container you will be reducing the liklihood of damages as our experienced movers know where, how and in what order to pack your belongings. When a truck or container is properly packed, items are less likely to move around. This means less chance of furniture rubbing against things, glass or fragiles breaking, and a better chance of box contents arriving in one piece. A fairly common concern for people using rental moving trucks or containers is whether everything will fit in the truck. Professionals are used to having to make the most out of space on moving trucks and will usually be able to better maximize the use of space available.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Move?

The cheapest way to move is with a moving truck rental. If you rent a truck, pack and load your stuff yourself, and drive the truck to your new home, you’ll pay much less than you would for other types of movers.

But truck rental isn’t the only option. You can also go with a moving container company or even hire a relatively affordable full-service mover for your stuff. It just depends on your budget and how much of the work you’re willing to do yourself.

How much does a truck rental cost?

A truck rental will cost you somewhere around $30–$50 per day for a 16-foot truck, and that’s not counting costs per mile, gas charges, taxes, and surcharges.

Pro tip

If you’re moving across state lines, you may not have to worry so much about an additional cost per mile. Many truck rental companies include unlimited miles—or at least enough miles to cover your trip—in their long distance price estimates.

How much does a moving container company cost?

We took a look at how much the moving container company PODS costs to move your stuff both locally and long distance

If you know you’re not going to need to store your stuff for a while during your move, then U-Pack can save you some serious money. Even so, plan on spending a few hundred dollars for a local move and over $1,000 for a long distance move with a moving container company.

Unloading Services

Ensure a successful move with quality loading services and unloading services from ABOUT THE MOVE. Our team of movers care about you and your precious cargo, therefore we treat your things as if they were our own. Most of the time we can handle your full move for the same, if not, close to the cost as a Do-it-yourself. Sometimes its worth paying a little more than to deal with the headache of doing it yourself.

Unloading

When it comes to unloading your things from a truck or a pod, you might want unloading services that beat all the rest.

You have to be careful when unloading, because sometimes if the trip was a rough ride or the items were not loaded correctly there could have been some shifting around, and just pulling things out without attention could cause a disaster.

When providing our unloading services make sure that there is a helper there to assist because sometimes you need more than two hands. The unloading process is faster than the loading unless there are obstacles that arise, such as long carry or multi-levels

Junk Removal

If you had a tenant, who was evicted and left their stuff behind,

Guide to Moving

So, you consulted our list of tips and tricks for finding an apartment, and you FINALLY found a home in NYC. Unfortunately, apartment hunting is only half the battle. Actually moving your stuff to the new place is next, and it’s about as fun as planning for the L Train shutdown while stuck in an escape room with no A/C in August, only to re-emerge into a dystopian hellscape where boozy brunch is banned. That is, it’s no one’s favorite weekend.

That’s why we’re here to make the whole process a little less nuts. Below, you’ll find an exhaustive guide: hacks, tips, and services (including some notes crowd-sourced from friends) for moving as efficiently and inexpensively as possible. Welcome home.

Transfer your info over to your new digs

You can change your mailing address online here — it takes 10 days to process.

Contact all entities that harass you for money every month

Credit card companies, student loans, Con Edison, and your cable company need to know you’re moving. Log onto your Con Ed account and click “Services and Outages” to change your address and shut off service at your old apartment. Also a good idea? Alert doctors, banks, and HR at your office.

Be Wi-Fi-enabled on Day 1

“If you plan on getting internet/cable in your new apartment, find out who the provider in the building is ahead of time and set up the installation for the afternoon you move in,” Jamie R. says. “When the Time Warner guy is two hours late, you’ll still be there putting together that dresser from Ikea anyway.

Create A Magical Place With Outdoor Electrical Lighting

Types of Solar Lights

Solar path lights. These are small solar lights on stakes, which can be pushed into the ground alongside a walkway to softly illuminate the path at night. They are not as bright as electric path lights, so plan to use more (up to twice as many) to light your path with roughly the same glow as electric.

Where to use solar path lights. Solar path lights are ideal for illuminating walkways far from exterior outlets, and can provide an enchanting glow along winding garden paths.

Ambient and decorative solar lights. Decorative solar lights, including colorful blown glass, decorative lanterns and string lights, are not as bright as solar path lights. However, used in multiples or alongside path lights and spotlights, they can provide a warm ambient glow.

Where to use ambient solar lights. Place a few handblown glass solar lights on stakes in your garden beds for soft landscape lighting. Or hang solar string lights, like the charming mason jar lights shown here, over an outdoor dining table for a welcoming touch at your next gathering.

Solar-powered spotlights. The brightest solar lights available are called task lights or spotlights, and the best ones can provide light that’s roughly equivalent to a 40-watt incandescent bulb. That is still not as bright as a typical outdoor spotlight, so you may want to double or triple up in areas where you want bright, direct light.

Where to use solar spotlights. Motion-sensing solar spotlights can be used near doors and in the driveway. Spotlights can also be placed in the garden, with the beam of light directed at a tree or another landscape feature.

Can Solar Lights Charge Without the Sun?

The question often arises weather solar lights can charge without the sun.

The fact is that while cloudy and rainy days certainly block the sun, your solar lights are still receiving a charge. The clouds are diffusing the strength of the sunlight but the panels will still charge on cloudy days.

However, the impact of the lack of sunlight means that you are only getting 1/3 to 1/2 of the charging ability. Therefore your lights will only operate on that fraction of time as well.

Even if you have a few cloudy days in a row, you will see your lights working during that time because of the storage capability of power in your batteries. However, if your solar lights do not receive a full charge for many many days in a row, that can affect the life and efficiency of your battery.

If you live in an area that has prolonged days of poor weather, save your lights by either switching them off or removing them, depending on the situation.

Thankfully situations like rain and cloudy days are a temporary issue. When the sun does come back out for a prolonged period of time, your batteries will charge back up and your solar lights will be working at full capacity within a few days. Just make sure that you remember to turn your lights back on if you had temporarily shut them off.

Shedding Light On Solar Powered Lighting: How Long Will They Shine?

Summer is in full swing and people are firing up the grill and cleaning out their pools, commencing another season of BBQs and backyard parties. With all the get-togethers going on and the weather being so nice at night the party shouldn’t have to end with the sunset!

Charging Solar Lights for the First Time

Solar powered lighting has long been an option for home and garden lighting needs.To get the most out of your new solar lightsmust generally be fully charged before they are able to perform at their optimal capabilities. The number of hours of sunlight it takes to charge your solar lighting device will depend on how much direct sunlight they receive. We recommend charging your solar lights for one to two days before their first use. Some may be charged for shorter than that, but it will decrease the length of time they are able to perform. Of course, a few consecutive partly cloudy days or one completely dark day will usually reduce your solar lights to a dim glow after only a few hours.

Full Charge of Solar Powered Lighting

We found that the time range a solar light can operate on a full charge varies by specific product but that the overall range for all kinds of solar lighting was 4 – 12 hours with an overall average of 8.5 hours of illumination on a full charge. This range is rather large, but you can get a better idea of how long your solar garden lights will last if you know what kind of solar lighting application you plan on using.

How Much Time for Specific Kinds of Solar Lighting

Solar path and accent lighting seems to fare better than hanging and lamp post-mounted devices with an average of 9.8 hours of illumination and a range of 7 – 12 hours. Hanging and lamp post solar lights average 7.3 hours of illumination and have a range of 4 – 12 hours. The difference in average is most likely due to placement of the solar panel and not the type of solar light. Solar ground lights may have better placement on average because some mounted devices’ solar panels are shaded by eaves or other objects for part of the day.

So how long do solar lights actually last?

Solar lights, like most rechargeable products, eventually run out of power and must be recharged. But how long do solar lights last? Unlike most rechargeable products, solar lights can be exposed to sunlight during the day in order to provide lighting at night.

Sunlight that reaches the solar panels generates electricity that is stored into the solar light batteries, and is used once it is dark outside. The batteries in solar lights typically last for 2 years before they have to be replaced, as they are no longer able to hold enough energy to provide lighting.

Rejuvenating solar garden lights — with nail polish!

Solar LED garden lights are everywhere these days, and by ‘everywhere’ I mean ‘in our yard.’ We’ve had some for a few years now, and simply through exposure to the elements, the plastic that covers the solar cells becomes so opaque that only a small amount of light gets to them any more. With the solar cells deprived of even that meager light that we get in Massachusetts in the winter, the solar cells don’t recharge the battery, the battery doesn’t power the LED, the LED doesn’t light up, and our yard has a serious bling deficiency. Eleanor and I took our solar garden lights inside to see if we could make them bright again somehow.

My first thought when confronting the frosted-over plastic was to try to ‘polish’ it with a fine-grit sandpaper. I had 400-grit handy and tried it on one cell, the bottom one in this picture. The top shows how weathered the cells were to start.

The sanding helped a little. Then I rinsed the sanded plastic dust off with water in the sink, and while it was wet it looked great, but as it dried it became frosted and opaque again. Thinking that perhaps we could use a mild plastic solvent to ‘polish’ the rough surface, I dabbed the solar cells with acetone, but again, as soon as it dried, the surface went from clear to cloudy again. “We need some way to keep it ‘looking wet’ even when it’s dry,” I mused. Eleanor got a wide-eyed LIGHTBULB! look in her eyes, and grabbed a bottle of clear nail polish! She applied a few test swatches.

The nail polish made the weathered old solar cells crystal clear again! I held the lights while Eleanor applied an even coat of nail polish to all the solar cells. It really didn’t matter whether the cells had been sanded or not, so we didn’t bother.

A few minutes later, the polish was dry, and we planted the lights outside again. You can see how completely clear the solar cells are. Our only concern was that the nail polish might block the UV light that provides a good portion of the solar energy to the cells.

We waited for twilight to fall, and when we checked the lights: success!

Choosing a Professional Moving Service

Moving all of your personal belongings and household items can be a very stressful experience if you don’t plan properly and select a team of professional movers who can guide you every step of the way. In order to arrive in your new home organized and ready to unpack you’ll have to follow some tips for making your change a stress-free and successful one.

One of the first things that you should do when you know that you are going to move is to review moving companies and get references from them about the services that they have provided for others. Finding a team of professional movers near me is one example of how to make your move safe, secure, and stress-free; the key to any successful move is the company with which you partner to help you with the transition.

Before moving day, you need to sort out your household items into three categories so you do not have that much to move. You need to decide what you are going to move, what you are going to sell, and what you are going to give away. Where you are going will also figure into what type of moving service you need such as a local mover if you are moving locally or an interstate mover if you are moving to another state. Knowing what you have to move will help the moving companies know how large of a truck they will need to use when quoting you a price.

If you are not sure which professional moving service you should hire talk to your friends, neighbors, or anyone you know that has moved recently. They can tell you if you should contact the moving service they used or if you should stay away from them. Getting recommendations from others you know is better than just picking one from the phone book or the internet.

Make the Smart Economic Decision and Hire a Moving Company

In most cases, if you are trying to move all on your own, you will wind up having to take time off work. This will likely mean that you lose income and have to work late into the night to simply finish the moving process. Additionally, too many homeowners take the process of moving less seriously than it should be, which leads to injuries, costing more time and money. Hiring a professional team of movers, from a moving company can alleviate all of these issues.

Avoid the Hassle of Packing with Professional Movers

There is no need to make things more difficult for yourself than they have to be. When you hire the services of a professional moving company, with trained and experienced movers, then you will be able to relax a little and leave the stress of packing all of your knick knacks to the pros. The movers that pack your items will have the training needed to handle any fragile items, while packing faster and more efficiently than you would likely to able to.

Moving can be tiring and stressful. It is better to make sure the house is thoroughly clean and safe prior to moving in; this will help limit any unexpected problems. Trying to change the locks, checking for pest problems, and cleaning the house during your move may be overwhelming. Once you’re settled in your new home, you will have other to-do lists, such as: shopping for equipment to keep the house in livable condition. These items include: lawn mowers, snow blowers, and lawn equipment; which are all tools that you will need to have shortly after you move into your new house. Moving doesn’t have to be a race, take your time, be proactive, and enjoy your new house.

Start Your Residential Home Remodeling Now

Things to Consider Before a Home Remodel

Construction / Remodels

A home remodel can be one of the most rewarding and stressful events a home owner will go through. There are numerous considerations to go over before making a decision to remodel–event down to considering whether the project is worth taking on at all

Do you love the area? Even if you only plan to stay in a house for a short time, it’s important to like where you live, and it’s even better if you adore your neighborhood. Don’t worry what your parents or friends think — does the area work for you and your family? Neighborhood vibe, friendliness, local attractions and restaurants, noise level, schools, weather, history – what matters to you is what matters most.

Will the area love your ideas? Are you planning to fit an edgy, slick design into a folksy ranch neighborhood? You could be risking your new neighbors hating you before you even move in! Blending an extensive remodel into a well-established neighborhood while incorporating fresh ideas is not for the do-it-yourselfer. Hiring experts, like our team at A.C.T. Builders ensures we get it right the first time.

Don’t overbuild, but don’t underbuild either. Updating an older home is a rewarding process, but if your ideas go beyond what a future buyer will appreciate, you’ll pay for it when you go to sell. On the other hand, choosing shortcuts and inferior building supplies is readily evident as well.

Does the house have “good bones”? Tearing out walls is not the time to discover an original structure was so poorly built that major changes, and expensive renovations, need to be made. Our experienced team of builders are honest and upfront, so we are not afraid to tell you a certain design won’t work in the hopes of netting a larger fee when the “worst” is discovered. We are also great at making the good bones of a house into a stunning place to live — the home your house was always meant to be

What you can do now to plan and manage a home renovation once conditions are right

Contractors are more likely to take outdoor rather than indoor projects during the coronavirus pandemic. But you should plan your remodeling job and sign your contract now so that you’ll be at the top of the list when conditions improve

Like everyone else, you’ve been spending lots of time at home during the past several weeks. And you’ve probably become more acquainted with all the flaws in your home: the outdated kitchen cabinets, the frayed carpeting in the family room that needs to be replaced by hardwood, the spare bedroom that needs to be converted into a dedicated office

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, home construction — including remodeling — had been deemed an essential business under the original stay-at-home orders in the District, Maryland and Virginia. But whether a specific project is considered appropriate is a matter largely determined by homeowners and contractors.

Merrick, who also serves as chairman of the government affairs committee for the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), said contractors are more likely to take on outside rather than inside projects. In the case of a customer seeking to renovate the basement of her D.C. rowhouse, the decision was made to wait until the late spring or early summer when everyone would feel more comfortable.

The slump in activity may work to your advantage, experts say. Because work has dried up, some contractors may be more willing to give you a better deal on the pricing than they would have several months ago when demand for their services was high.

Home Improvement

Spend an hour with a pro.

Invite a realtor or interior designer over to check out your home. Many realtors will do this as a courtesy, but you will probably have to pay a consultation fee to a designer. Check with several designers in your area; a standard hourly fee is normally less than $100, and in an hour they can give you lots of ideas for needed improvements. Even small suggested improvements, such as paint colors or furniture placement, can go a long way toward improving the look and feel of your home

Inspect it.

Not every home improvement is cosmetic. Deteriorating roofs, termite infestation or outdated electrical systems — you can’t fix it if you don’t know it’s broken. Hire an inspector to check out the areas of your home that you don’t normally see. They may discover hidden problems that could negatively impact your home’s value. Small problems (such as a hidden water leak) can become big, expensive problems quickly; the longer you put off repairs, the more expensive those repairs will be.

Paint, paint, paint.

One of the simplest, most cost-effective improvements of all is paint! Freshly painted rooms look clean and updated — and that spells value. When selecting paint colors, keep in mind that neutrals appeal to the greatest number of people, therefore making your home more desirable. On average, a gallon of paint costs around $25, leaving you plenty of money to buy rollers, painter’s tape, drop cloths and brushes. So buy a few gallons and get busy!

Find inspiration.

An alternative to hiring a designer is to search for remodeling and decorating inspiration in design-oriented magazines, books, TV shows and websites. Simply tear out or print off the ideas you want to try and start your to-do list. Keep it simple — when remodeling on a tight budget, do-it-yourself projects are best.

Cut energy costs.

The amount of money you spend each month on energy costs may seem like a fixed amount, but many local utility companies provide free energy audits of their customers’ homes. They can show you how to maximize the energy efficiency of your home. An energy-efficient home will save you money now, which can be applied to other updates, and is a more valuable and marketable asset in the long run.

Things to Consider While Planning a Budget for Your Kitchen Remodel Costs

The kitchen is a popular place for families and friends to congregate. Family members grab a quick breakfast before rushing out the door, kids work on homework and chat about their day while a parent prepares dinner and friends gather around sipping drinks and tasting appetizers during a dinner party. The kitchen really is the heart and soul of what a home is.

Two big reasons to remodel your kitchen

A kitchen remodel is one of the most popular ways to spruce up a home in order to make it more comfortable. A remodel can also make the house more appealing prior to getting an appraisal. It is second only to remodeling a bathroom as the most common home remodeling project.

Home buyers want nice kitchens, so kitchen updates are likely to cause an increase in value during the appraisal process, and buyers may favor your home over others that have outdated kitchens. Having an updated kitchen will likely result in improving your equity and overall home value.

With predicted home value increases, you will eventually recover part of the money you spend on a home improvement – here are some facts:

Remodeling Magazine research indicates that homeowners typically recover 83% of their costs for minor kitchen remodel projects (average of $20,000) and 65% of their costs for major remodels (average of $60,000).

An upscale major kitchen remodel, with an average cost of $120,000, provides an estimated 62% return on a home’s selling price.

With a kitchen remodel, you get the immediate benefit of living in a nicer space with the added benefit of a higher sale price and a faster sale when you go to sell your home in the future.

Setting up your kitchen remodel and expense budget

Kitchen remodels that may add value typically include new appliances, cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and fixtures

Home Improvement Ideas For Those On A Budget

Need to do some updates around the house but think you lack the funds for any worthwhile home improvement projects? It is true that home repair and renovation can be expensive, but there are also some cool things you can do on the cheap

Check out these step by step tutorials for some inexpensive ways to update and improve your home, but on a budget. From DIY kitchen decor ideas to ways to update your bathroom on a budget, cheap living room decor to bedroom furniture, you are sure to find one or more projects to try out this weekend. Recently, I updated my bathroom vanity using the concrete countertop suggestion, and it looks so amazing

Trying to decide which easy home improvement project to tackle next, and super excited knowing I have some affordable options. Cheap home renovation projects and home improvement ideas that are sure to fit your budget, there is now no excuse for not having the home of your dreams.

Paint Your Cabinets

Are you thinking about updating your kitchen, namely your kitchen cabinets? Repainting them is easy, but only if you know what you are doing. Proper surface prep is crucial if you want this home improvement project to turn out right. Learn how with this step by step tutorial with this DIY idea for kitchen cabinets.

Faux Shiplap Backsplash With Peel ‘N Stick Flooring

Another easy home improvement project idea that you can make without spending a ton of money or time, this faux shiplap backsplash tutorial uses adhesive flooring to create an easy backsplash. No serious woodworking or carpentry skills required and of course, no tile cutter needed. If you love the look of a pretty tile backsplash, but can’t exactly lay tile yourself or afford it, try this cool tutorial. For DIY countertops you’ll love, look no further than this cool home improvement hack.

How Professional Control Scorpion

Scorpion

Scorpions strike terror in many people and have been both hated and admired since ancient times. This is probably due to their fearsome look, with pincers called pedipalps at one end and a stinger filled with venom at the other. Scorpions are not insects but arachnids, like spiders, and have eight legs and two main body regions, the prosoma, or cephalothorax, and the opisthosoma, or abdomen. The prosoma has two eyes on top and two to five lateral eyes along each side (as many as five pairs).

Even with all those eyes, scorpions can’t see very well! Yet the sensitivity of their eyes is among the highest in all arthropods and dependent on the kinds of habitats in which they live. In general terms, however, their eyes mostly tell movement and light from dark.

The scorpion’s four pairs of legs are attached to the prosoma as well. Scorpions find their way through sensory structures in their legs, by feeling along with brush-like structures called pectines attached to the underside of the abdomen, and through fine sensory hairs to detect vibrations. Male scorpions also use the pectines to find an available female, and newborn scorpions use them to recognize their mother. Though scorpions have no true “tail,” the appearance of one on the abdomen is called the metasoma, and it ends with a sharp stinger and venom glands.

Scorpions have been on Earth a long time and are among the first animals to have adapted to land living—around 420 million years ago. There are fossil records from that time period of a marine scorpion that grew up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) long! Today, scorpions use book lungs to breathe, a type of breathing organ also used by some spider species and very similar to gills.

Scorpions are numerous in many regions but are rarely seen, due to their nocturnal and secretive nature. Even so, many cultures have myths involving scorpions and their powers. Some people believe that scorpions commit suicide by stinging themselves when threatened by fire. This is not true, as they are immune to their own venom.

Frequently Asked Questions about Scorpions.

The purpose of this page is to present answers to some of the questions I often get about scorpions. This page will gradually be extended as more questions occur. This page is devoted to questions about scorpion biology only, and will not adress questions about captive care of scorpions and scorpions as pets.

What is a scorpion?

Scorpions are members of the class arachnida, which also includes spiders (Aranea), mites (Acari), harvestmen (Opiliones), camelspiders (Solifugae), whip scorpions (Uropygi), whip spiders (Amblypygi), Peudoscorpions (Pseudoscorpiones) and a few more smaller orders. Scorpions are easy recognizable by their characteristic pincers and the tail with a stinger. Another uniqe characteristics for scorpions is the comb-like structure on the underside known as pectines.

Where can I find scorpions?

Scorpions are distributed in tropical and some temperate areas on all continents except Antarctica and New Zealand. In Europe, northern distributied is south of the Alps (but an introduced population of Euscorpius flavicaudis exists in southern England). In North America, scorpions can be found as north as southwestern Canada. Scorpions are occationally found outside their natural areas, but these are introductions resulting from scorpions traveling as stowaways in luggage, transports of merchandises etc.

How do I find scorpions?

Most scorpions are nocturnal and will hide during the day. Some species will hide under stones and other suitable objects on the ground. Others will hide in cracks and crevices in rock, trees, houses etc. Some species prefer hiding under bark of old and dead trees. Finally, many species make own burrows in the substrate.

How large/how small can scorpions get?

Scorpions come in many sizes. The longest scorpion is probably Hadogenes troglodytes from southern Africa, which can reach more than 21 cm in length. Long scorpions are also found in the genera Heteromtrus, Pandinus and Heteroscorpion. The rumour about an Asian Heterometrus measuring up to 30 cm is probably only a myth, as it has never been verified by reliable sources. The heaviest scorpion is probably Pandinus imperatur, which can weight more than 50 gram (adult females). The smallest scorpions are found in the genus Microtityus, which only reach 12 mm in adult lenght. There are also other small genera, some of them recently described because of they cryptic way of life. Most scorpions are 4-12 cm long. A couple of fossil scorpions, e.g., Brontoscorpio, may have been as much as 1 meter in length.

Scorpions

Scorpions are arachnids, not insects as you would think. They are close relatives to spiders, mites and ticks. There are approximately 1,300 species of scorpions worldwide. They have elongated bodies and a segmented tail that has a stinger on its tip. Scorpions are very common in the Southern and Southwestern United States.

Prevention and Exclusion

Scorpions may invade structures and crawl under any object that provides protection. Since gaps around doors are a major entryway for these occasional invaders, seal up gaps indoors with weather stripping. Bark Scorpions have been known to climb into the tiniest of cracks. Plug up gaps around wires and pipes. Remove any clutter inside and clean up to eliminate any possible hiding places for scorpions. Since scorpions become active in the early spring, use exclusion methods during the fall and winter months. Scorpions can not climb on clean glass. Place wide- mouth jars under tables and crib legs, if this poses a problem of potential broken glass, apply petroleum jelly on the legs.

Avoiding Stings

Be careful in picking up objects during the summer months. Inspect the underside and scrutinize the object. Shake out shoes and clothing vigorously before wearing them. Do not walk barefooted at night. Use a UV light ( causes them to glow ) when moving about at night in scorpion infested areas. Do not swat at scorpions found on your body; brush them off instead.

Recommended Insecticides

During the spring and summer months, use residual insecticides in both a liquid form and dust form. We recommend either an encapsulated insecticide such as Ultracap 9.7 or a wettable powder formulation that mixes with water like Cyper WSP or Demon WP. Dust in void areas with an insecticide dust. We recommend D-Fense Dust. It is also helpful to use insect glue boards inside along the baseboards.

Use a residual insecticide like Lambdastar Ultracap 9.7 or a wettable powder (WP) like Cyper WSP. They should be applied as a 3 to 10-foot band around the perimeter of the structure, into harborage sites, and around potential entry points, such as: around all windows and doors, along baseboards, plumbing, inside closets, and garage and basement areas.

SCORPION FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Scorpions are very distinct creatures belonging to the family of Arachnids. They can be anywhere from 1/2 inch to over 8 inches in length. Generally, scorpions are tan in color but there are some species that are yellow, black or red. While the size and color varies from scorpion to scorpion, the body structure is the pretty much the same for all species. All scorpions have eight legs with two pinchers, or pedipalps, and a segmented body that leads to a tail which curves up over the body. The tail has a stinger on the end which is used to kill or paralyze its prey. The size of the pinchers often tells how poisonous the scorpion is. Large rounded pinchers often indicate a non-poisonous scorpion while small slender pinchers such as those found on the striped bark scorpion indicate a fairly poisonous and possible deadly scorpion.

Scorpions are quite common in much of the southern and southwestern United States. While there are only 13 families of scorpions, there are more than 1,400 species of scorpions worldwide. Out of the 1,400+ species, only 25 have the ability cause death in humans. In America, the Bark Scorpion, also known as the Centruroides gertshi or Centruroides sculpturatus, is the most well-known for causing human fatalities

Another popular scorpion found in the United States is the Centruroides vittatus, or the striped scorpion. This species doesn’t have life threatening venom and is prominent throughout the southern states.Most species which enter houses are not very poisonous, their stings being comparable to those of bees or wasps. However, certain species in the desert Southwest can be dangerous, especially to sensitive or allergic people. Most scorpions are active at night. During the day they hide under bark, boards, rocks, or in rubbish. In houses, they are most often found in undisturbed areas such as closets, seldom-used shoes, or folded clothing.

WHERE TO FIND AND LOCATE SCORPIONS

You may be surprised to learn that scorpions can be found on every continent except Antarctica, but dry climates are their favorite. Due to the fact that scorpions are nocturnal, they hide during the day. Popular indoor hiding places for scorpions include closets, piles of laundry, attics, bathroom or kitchen cabinets and crawl spaces. Scorpions also don’t like temperatures over 100°F, so it’s not uncommon to find them burrowed in the sand, under rocks or in shady spaces when outdoors.

HOW TO GET KILL & GET RID OF SCORPIONS

It can be difficult and time consuming to control scorpions in and around a home, but it can be done. The first thing that should be done is thoroughly cleaning of the inside of the house. Carefully pick up all laundry and debris cluttering the floors. Clean the bathroom and kitchen cabinets out, as well as, the closets and other rarely used spaces. It’s wise to treat these areas while the are empty with residual sprays such as Onslaught Fastcap or Demon WP. Onslaught Fastcap is specially designed for scorpion and spider control. It kills on contact and also leaves behind a residual barrier that continues to kill scorpions for up to 3-4 weeks

How to get rid of scorpions

For many people, there is little more startling than suddenly finding yourself face-to-face with a scorpion. Although a scorpion does not go hunting for people, if they feel threatened they will sting. For some people, such as those in Arizona, this can be a problem since the Arizona bark scorpion can be a potential health risk.

How did the scorpion get inside your house, you may wonder? There are a number of reasons and ways for scorpions to get inside your home. The bigger concern may be, how to get rid of scorpions once they’re there. The last thing you need is a scorpion infestation around your property or inside your home.

How do scorpions get inside your house?

A scorpion is generally not very big. When you look them right in the eye, they may seem huge, but they really aren’t. They are thin and can crawl up walls and ceilings. A window set high off the ground with a broken screen is enough of an opening that a scorpion can reach and get inside.

scorpion specialists

One of the pest control specialists offer is an inspection of your property. When you call us to tell us that you have been seeing a lot of scorpions in and around your property, we will inspect your home to find out where they are coming from, why they are there, and offer advice on how to keep them out. Our scorpion specialists can also get rid of scorpions already in the house.

What brings a scorpion inside the house?

Scorpions are like any other animal. They want easy access to food. They want shelter from inclement weather and from potential predators. They want to stay warm and hidden, too. Even a scorpion may find cold desert nights too much to bear and will crawl inside a nice warm house to say toasty and safe for the night.

Pediatric Dentistry From Infancy To Young Adult

How to Choose the Right Pediatric Dentist for Your Child

Being the parent of a little one (or a couple or a few) means making a lot of decisions each day—what to dress them in, what to feed them, what books to read, toys to purchase, schools in your district. There are also a lot of questions you’ll ask, such as: “How do I care for my child’s oral health? How do I help them through teething? When is fluoride toothpaste safe for them to use?”

It can feel a little overwhelming to think about. We’re pleased to provide supportive care and education that teaches children the importance of oral health and good habits that will keep their smile happy and healthy for life.

1 Tooth, 2 Teeth, Red Tongue, Blue Toothpaste

Did you know Dr. Seuss was a dentist? We joke (but first a little bit of trivia: the beloved writer and illustrator wasn’t actually a doctor at all, but wrote under the pen name Dr. Seuss because his father wanted him to practice medicine), but this is to emphasize how we like to make the dental world a fun, creative, exploratory, and yes, sometimes silly place for children to visit. That’s one difference you might find between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist

Olly Olly Oxen Free

Finding the right pediatric dentist for your child doesn’t have to be a tricky game of hide-and-seek. The AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentists) has a search tool that can help you narrow your selection based on your location.

How to Choose a Pediatric Dentist

A Lifetime of Oral Health Starts Early

Pediatric dentists are specialists in treating the unique needs of children. A pediatric dentist has completed two to three years of specialty training beyond dental school. He or she limits the practice to treating the oral health needs of infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.

Consider education and experience.

Once you have a list of a few pediatric dentists, do a little research. Find out about their educational background, where they went to school, and what kinds of continuing education or specialty training they’ve had. Before you set up an appointment, make sure the candidate is a licensed member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This ensures that he or she remains up to date on the newest and most effective clinical procedures.

Make sure your child is comfortable.

It’s very important for your child to feel comfortable with the pediatric dentist. Does the doctor have a pleasant chairside manner? Do you feel like he or she really pays attention to your concerns? Is the staff friendly and helpful? Does the office have a fun atmosphere that your child enjoys? Take all this into consideration when choosing a pediatric dental office.

Ask questions.

During your initial consultation, don’t be afraid to ask questions. After all, that’s why you’re there! It’s important for you to understand every aspect of your child’s dental health and the available treatment options. The more informed you are about your child’s dental health, the better decisions you will be able to make.

A few things to consider:

Is the office located near your home or work to make appointments as convenient as possible?

Do they offer extended office hours before or after work and school?

What types of insurance does the office work with and what kind of financing do they offer?

Do the dentist and staff seem interested in making your child’s experience personalized, or do you feel like “just a number?”

How to Choose a Dentist for Your Child in Frisco

From the moment they’re born, you can’t enough of your child’s smile. Knowing how to choose a dentist for your child is one of the most important jobs you have as a parent

Even though your child will lose their baby teeth, early dental care is still important. You’re helping them to form healthy habits early and help them keep a sparkling smile for life.

Check That They Have Pediatric Dental Experience

Children’s dental needs are different from adult dental needs, and your child will benefit from going to a dentist designated for their unique care.

Request a Consultation

When choosing a dentist for your child, it’s good practice to request a consultation with the dentist and their team. This gives you a chance to ask questions about their treatment options and approach to dental care, as well as discuss costs and insurance.

Tour the Facilities

Call the dentist’s office to see if you and your child can come in for a tour. This should tell you immediately whether the practice is kid-friendly or not.Some offices that call themselves kid-friendly aren’t geared specifically toward kids. Instead, their office looks like any other dentist office and treat patients of all ages.

Pediatric Walker Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best

Although most people may think of walkers as a tool for the elderly, they can provide excellent mobility assistance for people of all ages. Specifically, children and teens living with disabilities or recovering from illnesses utilize walkers to safely and easily move through the world.

Pediatric walkers are designed somewhat differently than those made for adults. In addition to coming in smaller sizes and bright colors, pediatric walkers often include advanced adjustability to better accommodate growth and changing needs over time.

Who Uses Pediatric Walkers and Gait Trainers?

Because the human body functions best when it’s upright and able to bear weight when walking or standing, these are activities you want to encourage your children to perform on a regular, daily basis. When children need help with standing or walking due to any number of disorders, conditions, and disabilities, it’s important to provide them with supportive devices like walkers and gait trainers so they can enjoy the multiple health benefits upright mobility offers.

Children who aren’t walking unassisted by the age of 2 or 3 may benefit from the use of a walker, as long as they can walk with handheld support. Any ambulatory kids who need to strengthen leg muscles, or need help with alignment, stride, cadence, and step length can also find great developmental assistance with a walker or gait trainer

Walkers vs Gait Trainers: What’s the difference?

Walkers, also known as rolling walkers, walking frames, rollators, and standard walkers, are also sometimes referred to as gait trainers. While they may offer similar features, walkers and gait trainers are used for different stages of walking ability, especially when they’re used by children and teens.

How to Choose a Pediatric Dentist

A Lifetime of Oral Health Starts Early

Choosing a pediatric practice to trust with the health and beauty of your child’s smile is an important decision. Making a positive first impression at the dentist can influence children’s view of dentistry for the rest of their lives, so it’s important to make sure your child is comfortable with the doctor and staff.

Consider education and experience.

Once you have a list of a few pediatric dentists, do a little research. Find out about their educational background, where they went to school, and what kinds of continuing education or specialty training they’ve had. Dr. Tam and Dr. Cottrell are both board-certified pediatric dentists with more than 30 years of combined experience. They have completed an additional two years of post-doctoral training in the recognition and treatment of children’s dental services. This specialty education includes child psychology, behavior guidance, preventive techniques, restorative dentistry, and the treatment of children with special needs. Dr. Speaker is our resident orthodontist that monitors patients during early treatment, and creates straight, beautiful smiles through their teen years into adulthood. Before you set up an appointment, make sure the candidate is a licensed member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This ensures that he or she remains up to date on the newest and most effective clinical procedures.

Make sure your child is comfortable.

Ask questions.

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