Author: Micheal Knox

How To Deal With Bed Bugs – Prevention And Treatment

Micheal Knox Pest Control , , , ,

Thoroughly vacuum rugs and floors, including seams of mattresses and box springs. Also, vacuum non-washable furniture cushions, nooks and crannies of wood furniture, and around heating units.

Clean and wash sheets and clothing regularly, drying them on the high heat setting. Caulk cracks where daytime hiding places may exist. Call Pezz Pest Control experts today!

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Vacuuming

Thorough vacuuming is an important step in bed bug prevention. Use a special attachment that is designed specifically for mattresses and other fabrics, as well as a crevice tool to get into corners and seams. Make sure you vacuum up every last bit of dirt, dander and shed skins that may be hiding in your mattress. Then immediately dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed garbage bag outside your house. Vacuuming is most effective before a full outbreak, and you should do it regularly.

When vacuuming, pay special attention to rugs and floors near the bed. If you can, remove furniture from the room and vacuum underneath it as well as around the baseboards. You should also vacuum upholstered furniture, such as sofas, armchairs, and bed frames. If you can, focus on areas where you suspect you may have been bitten.

Vacuuming is most effective before — or in conjunction with — professional treatment. It can help kill the bugs and make it easier to treat the infestation. It can also help prevent the spread of bed bugs to uninfested parts of your home, as they tend to return to the areas that are treated.

In addition to vacuuming, it is a good idea to wash all sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water and dry them on the highest heat setting. This will destroy any eggs and will kill any bed bugs that are hiding in the linens. You should also wash clothes and other items that are infested with bed bugs. You should also consider encasing your mattress and box spring. This will prevent bed bugs from crawling up through the mattress.

Experts do not recommend throwing away beds and other furniture if you have a bed bug infestation, as this can spread the bugs to other rooms in your house. However, if you have to discard furniture, be sure to fully seal it in heavy-duty plastic bags before putting it out on the curb. If you are planning to purchase used furniture, ask the seller how they plan to deal with any bed bug problems that may be present.

Encasement

A mattress and box spring encasement keeps bed bugs trapped inside, where they can’t reach your bedding to feed. Encasements are available in a range of materials, from thin cotton to thicker bug-proof fabrics. They also come in different sizes and colors, from light to dark, so you can find one that matches your bedding and décor. Using an encasement in combination with other preventative treatments (such as vacuuming, decluttering, and K9 or thermal treatment) can help you quickly get rid of a bed bug infestation.

These tiny insects are remarkably resourceful and can survive for months between feedings. Plus, they reproduce prolifically; an adult female can lay up to a dozen eggs a day. It’s no wonder that many infestations take over a home before residents are aware of the problem.

Even when people do recognize a bed bug infestation, it can take weeks before the PCO finishes treating the house or apartment building. In the meantime, residents need to continue inspecting, cleaning, and decluttering to prevent the bugs from spreading to other areas of the home or neighbors in a multifamily unit.

In addition to regular vacuuming, residents should declutter their rooms to limit hiding places for the bugs and make it easier to treat an area. This includes getting rid of clothes, books, papers, and other items lying around the floor and under furniture. Keeping rooms clean can also prevent bed bugs from moving in and out of the room as they search for a new feeding source.

When you do move items from an infested area to a clean one, make sure you put them in garbage bags and seal the bags well. Residents should also avoid buying second-hand furniture or mattresses, especially if they live in an apartment building because bed bugs can easily spread between apartments through air vents and other openings.

If you’re in a hurry to get rid of your bed bugs, a lint roller can help suck up any remaining eggs and shed skins. Don’t forget to run any infested clothing, towels, or bedding through the dryer in the hottest setting for 30 minutes to kill bed bugs and their eggs.

Interceptors

Bed bugs, scientifically named Cimex lectularius, are very small parasites that live in secluded areas and hide in small cracks and crevices. They are smart enough to survive without a host for extended periods and travel easily from suite to suite in apartment complexes, hotels, and multi-family homes. They can also hitch rides in suitcases, backpacks, and purses from infested locations, or can be brought home from clothing and furniture stores and even second-hand stores.

If you think that you have a bed bug problem, be proactive. Vacuum and clean regularly, focusing on areas where the bed bugs hide, including underneath and around the mattress, box spring, and frame; the sides and back of the headboard; and baseboards. Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to get in and out of seams, crevices, and folds. Vacuum all upholstered furniture, including chairs and sofas. Vacuum rugs and carpeting and use silicon caulk to seal cracks and crevices.

Install interceptor traps under the legs of your bed and other upholstered furniture. Sprinkle a bit of talcum powder on the bottom of each interceptor dish to keep bed bugs from climbing up the side of the trap. Place one under each of the four legs of your bed and any upholstered furniture that you suspect is infested. Make sure to check and clean the interceptors every week, reapplying talcum powder.

If your mattress, box spring, or furniture has stains or marks on it, wash and heat treat those items to kill any bed bugs that may be hiding inside. The hot temperature from the dryer will also kill any eggs. It is important to thoroughly vacuum and disinfect any infested areas, as well.

If you move into a new apartment or hotel, ask the owner what they do to prevent and deal with bed bug infestations. You should also ask your neighbors if they have had any problems. If you buy used furniture, ask how the store handles them, and be sure to bring plastic bags to seal any items that can’t be washed or put in a clothes dryer.

Heat Treatment

The most effective treatment for a bed bug infestation is heat. It’s also the most expensive option, and you’ll need to clear out your home to make room for it. But the pest control operators we spoke with said they’ve seen incredible results with it, and it kills all stages of the bugs (eggs, larvae, and adults). A professional heat treatment is a good idea if you have an extensive infestation or have tried other methods without success.

To get ready for the heat treatment, declutter your space, especially near your bed. Clean or throw out items like rugs, books, and papers, and vacuum thoroughly. If you’re going to discard furniture, fully seal it in heavy-duty garbage bags before disposing of it. It’s best not to move infested items between rooms, as you could spread the bugs. If you do, caulk cracks around baseboards, and make sure the new room is large enough to hold your bed away from the walls so it’s hard for the bugs to crawl up.

Once the PCO starts their heat treatment, open all closet doors and cabinet drawers in infested areas to help the hot air circulate and reach all corners. You’ll need to check these spaces throughout the process, as they can still harbor bed bugs and their eggs.

You can also use a lint roller to pick up any bed bugs, their eggs, or shed skins you find. This is a quick way to make a small pile of these things disappear, but it won’t work as well as vacuuming or encasement.

It’s also important to be careful when you return home from any outing. You can pick up bed bugs in your luggage or on clothing you’ve shopped in, so always carry a lint roller in your bag and be mindful of where you sit or rest during the day. Also, avoid buying new furniture, mattresses, or bedding until you know your infestation is completely gone.

Tips For a Successful Kitchen Remodel

Micheal Knox Home Improvement , , , , ,

Modern kitchens aren’t just for cooking – they’re where families and friends gather. Ensure you have an appealing, functional kitchen that supports your lifestyle and budget with a New York kitchen design pro.

Kitchen Remodel

If your kitchen is functional but just not your style, a facelift like painting or new hardware might be enough to get the results you want without a full remodel.

Cabinets are one of the most prominent features in a kitchen and can be a huge part of the overall look and feel of the room. Whether you’re going for a traditional farmhouse look, a modern style or something in between, there are plenty of options to choose from. Murray Homes is proud to carry only premium brands of cabinets and can help you select the best options for your kitchen remodel.

A cabinet is a piece of furniture that stores things in a convenient manner, typically anchored to the wall or standing above another furniture item like a counter. Cupboards are typically big enough to hold larger items such as pots, pans and bottled hygienic products and can be used for display purposes if they have glass doors.

Cabinets can be constructed using a variety of materials and can be either face frame or frameless in construction. A face frame cabinet consists of a wood frame attached to the front edges of the cabinet box and then the cabinet door is inset into the frame for a clean look. Cabinets that don’t have a face frame are called frameless cabinets and they allow for more customization in the design process but they do lack the strength of a face frame.

The carcass of the cabinet – the cabinet body – can be made from plywood or high-quality particleboard covered with melamine, thermofoil or real wood veneer. Plywood is preferred as it’s stronger and is less prone to warping when exposed to moisture. Cabinets are expected to withstand heavy loads of food and dishes, so they need to be sturdy and well-made. Less expensive cabinets may be made from MDF (medium density fiberboard) or low-quality particleboard that’s coated with a thin layer of melamine or thermofoil for protection. This coating will eventually wear off and the cabinet is more susceptible to water damage over time.

A cabinet’s design can also impact its durability and cost. Those on a tight budget can save money by choosing simple, ready-to-assemble options and resisting fancy add-ons such as cabinet and drawer dividers and vertical spice racks.

Countertops

Countertops have a big impact on the overall look of your kitchen. They serve a practical purpose—to protect walls from water, grease and other icky substances that drip and run off of cookware and sinks—but they also provide an opportunity to express your style. The most important thing to remember when choosing countertops is that they need to be paired with other elements to create harmony and balance. If you have a dramatic backsplash, for example, don’t overwhelm it with a flashy countertop material. A simple one-tone option will allow your scene-stealing investment to shine.

Countertop materials are available in a wide array of styles and materials, so you’re sure to find the perfect match for your home’s aesthetic. Some of the most popular choices include ceramic tile, quartz and granite. However, if you’re on a budget or are looking for a more durable option, Corian and other solid-surface surfaces can offer a natural stone look at a lower cost.

For a modern twist on an old-time favorite, try honed marble counters. This type of natural stone comes in light neutral shades that easily complement any color palette, and it’s relatively easy to clean. It is a porous material, so it needs regular sealing to keep it looking its best.

A more unique choice is quartzite, which looks similar to marble but is harder and more resistant to stains and bacteria. It’s available in a variety of colors and veining patterns to suit any design scheme, from light neutrals to pink, gold, and rust hues.

If you want something a little more durable than natural stones but still look beautiful, consider river rock or concrete. These materials are less costly than other high-end options and can make a striking statement in any kitchen.

Epoxy counters are another option for those on a budget. This material coats your existing counters with a mixture of resin and hardener, which can be colored and textured to create a custom look. Stainless steel counters can also be a great choice for a modern, industrial kitchen. They’re versatile and work well with wood accents.

Flooring

Flooring is an important aspect of your kitchen remodel. It offers a clean, finished look to the room and can make or break your overall design. There are many different flooring options available, including wood, laminate, vinyl, and cork. Each has its own unique features and benefits. Some are environmentally friendly, while others offer a wide range of colors and designs. Some of these materials are also incredibly durable, so you can be confident that they will last for years to come.

Many homeowners opt to put in their floors first, before they install the kitchen units. This is a great way to create a consistent look throughout the space and eliminates the hassle of having to cut the flooring around cabinets. However, there are some drawbacks to doing this. For one, it can be harder to switch out your cabinet footprint in the future if you change your mind. Additionally, if you choose to put in quarter rounds, the flooring will have to be cut to fit around them, which can leave visible marks on your new floor.

When choosing your new kitchen flooring, it is important to consider how much wear and tear it will have to endure. Kitchens are often busy spaces with lots of foot traffic, so you will want a material that can stand up to the test of time. Hardwood is a great choice because it has a classic, natural look that will never go out of style. Other options that are extremely durable include linoleum and reclaimed wood.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you plan to repaint your cabinets during the kitchen remodel project, it is a good idea to choose a floor covering that is resistant to chemicals. Many paints contain harsh chemicals that can damage your floors, so it is important to select a cover that will hold up well against the various chemicals you will be using in the kitchen.

Another consideration is how much you want to spend on your flooring. If you have a tight budget, you may want to stick with something simple like laminate or vinyl. If you are looking to add a more luxurious feel to your kitchen, then you can opt for more expensive materials. However, it is always best to get a professional opinion before deciding on the right type of flooring for your kitchen.

Appliances

A kitchen is the heart of a home, and it’s often where family gathers to cook, experiment with new recipes, and host guests. If your appliances are starting to feel old, dated, or just no longer fit the way you use your kitchen, a remodel can help you upgrade and revitalize this important space.

In addition to adding style and functionality, the right appliances can help you save energy and cut costs. Older appliances are usually less efficient, while modern options offer more features that make cooking and cleaning easier and more effective.

When selecting kitchen appliances, a few things to consider include: quality and brand, size and capacity, and warranty. Additionally, the layout of your kitchen can impact the kinds and sizes of appliances you’re able to install. For example, if you have a smaller kitchen, it’s best to choose compact appliances to maximize space.

Another factor that can impact your choice of appliances is how much you’re willing to spend. Mainstream brands are a great option for homeowners on a budget, offering reliability and performance at a price that fits most homeowner’s needs. On the other hand, luxury brands like Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Miele offer unparalleled quality and advanced technology that can transform your kitchen into a chef’s paradise.

Once you’ve considered your budget, lifestyle, and design style, it’s time to start thinking about the details. Choosing the right refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, and microwave can help ensure that your new kitchen is perfectly tailored to your unique needs.

Microwaves are available in a variety of locations, including built-in as a door or drawer or on a countertop. You can also choose a traditional model or a convection microwave that doubles as an oven. You’ll also want to select the style of hood that suits your kitchen.

Lighting is a crucial part of any kitchen remodel, and it can have an immediate impact on the way your space looks and feels. A well-lit room can look bigger, while darker lighting can make a small kitchen feel cramped and uninviting.

While you’re getting your kitchen remodeled, it’s also an excellent time to get rid of any unused appliances that you no longer need. You can donate them or find a place to store them short-term. Alternatively, you can hire a professional junk removal service to help you clean up your space and remove unwanted items from the home.