HOW TO CONTROL MOSQUITOES

The first line of defense against mosquitoes is to seal their point of entry. Mosquitoes are most active in the early morning and early evening. They seek areas of still air because they are hampered by breezes. Close windows and doors on the side of your house which are opposite the breeze.

 There are many health problems related to mosquito bite. Commonly seen malaria to the risky dengue are caused by mosquitoes. Some people are sensitive to insect bite and it leads to allergies on the skin.

Precautionary measures to minimize mosquitoes are:

• Foremost activity is to remove standing water sources. Regularly change the water in coolers, wading pools. Keep your terrace clean and well-draining. Remove yard items that collect water.
• If you’re using the barbeque, throw a bit of sage or rosemary on the coals to repel mosquitoes.
• Place insect screens for your windows and doors to prevent entry.
• An effective natural bug repellent, mix one part garlic juice with 5 parts water in a small spray bottle.  Shake well before using. Spray lightly on exposed body parts for an effective repellent lasting up to 5 – 6 hours. Strips of cotton cloth can also be dipped in this mixture and hung in areas, such as patios, as a localized deterrent.
• Neem oil is a natural vegetable oil extracted from the Neem tree in India. The leaves, seeds and seed oil of the Neem tree contain sallanin, a compound which has effective mosquito repelling properties. Neem oil is a natural product and is safe to use.
• Planting marigolds around your yard works as a natural bug repellent because the flowers give off a fragrance bugs and flying insects do not like.

Commercial products are available in the market. Coils, Mats, liquids and electrical bats. They minimize the mosquito menace to a large extent.

Over the counter commercial products like skin creams and lotions are available for local application. This will prevent mosquito bite. Check for suitability by conducting a skin test.

HOW TO CONTROL LIZARDS NATURALLY

This is a popular and common solution shared by elders and has been followed at home for ages. These are some natural methods to control lizards.

 Egg shells. Lots of people swear by egg shells. If you place cracked eggshells around the house, in corners, and in windows, the occurrence of lizards should decrease noticeably. Lizards associate the broken shells with larger predators such as birds and larger reptiles.

Peacock feathers. This works on the same principal as the egg shell idea. Lizards associate large feathers with death. Birds love a tasty little lizard snack. So decorate with some peacock feathers. Put them in a vase, hang them on the wall, bunch them together, and place them in the corners.

Getting Rid of Lizards

• Get rid of the food source.

If there is no food for the lizard, there is no lizard. Keep away any source of insect or pest entry.

• How to make your home inhospitable.

Keep your place clean. A dirty / messy house provides not only floor but also a hiding place for the insects. Dirty dishes, garbage, floors not dusted, piles of laundry, piles of newspapers etc. all need to get taken care of. Lizards like warmth, therefore if possible reduce heat in the rooms.

Keep furniture at least six inches from the wall, and don’t hang lots of pictures and mirrors. Lizards like to hang out on and behind them. Fix any leaky faucets or pipes. Remember lizards and their food need water.

• Make it difficult for lizards to get in:

Lizards can squeeze their bodies and pass through holes. Therefore check walls especially near electrical wiring entry points , gap below doors and windows. Place mothballs near windows. They are not liked by lizards.

• How to make your yard inhospitable.

Standing waters are a major source of problem. Insects breed in them and is a source of food. Trim plants that are too close to doors and windows. Don’t use outdoor lighting at night. It attracts bugs for lizards to eat. If you must use lighting, use yellow lights or sodium vapor lights.

• You can use glue boards to trap lizards. This is a physical measure to trap lizards. Chemical agents need to be done by direct contact. Not recommended at homes.

 

HOW TO CLEAN MARBLE FLOORS AND ACCESSORIES

Marble is a very soft stone. Marble is softer than granite. Marble is highly porous , therefore easily stained when chemicals or citrus liquids come in contact. Marble is effected by water too.It leaves stains which is time consuming for cleaning.

Marble is a beauty in whatever product it is used. It is a huge investment too. Marble is a delicate stone and we need to handle it with lots of care.

You may have gone through a tough time cleaning marble. Installing marble at homes is a costly affair and maintenance is another task which needs accuracy and caution.

Marble is used for flooring, wall tiles, kitchen counter tops, dining areas. Due to its porous nature it soaks anything that comes into contact with. Do not use vinegar or acidic products to clean the floor. Be sure of your cleaning product, always select pH natural products as they are gentle and will not harm the marble stone.

What is the ideal frequency to clean marble ?

It is recommended to clean the marble daily . Initially dust the floor and later wipe the floor with cotton cloth and a gentle cleaner.Do not leave water on the floor for a long time.Prevent yellowing and staining of marble floors.

If the color has deepened then go for polishing and buffing. You can take the help of professionals when you plan to do extensive maintenance and cleaning.

Tips to protect marble stones:

• Ensure the gaps between tiles are closed and no scope for water penetration.
• Clean floor stains of iron, etc mildly with a dish detergent. Do not use acids etc.
• For marble floors, it’s best to protect them with a stone sealer.
• Use coasters under all glasses to prevent stains on your marble surfaces. If iron material is placed on floors ensure usage of stands, cloth mats.
• Use a glass or plastic tray to hold cosmetics , pieces of art on marble vanity surfaces. Make sure they have cotton mats underneath to keep from scratching the marble.A scratch on your marble will result into the loss of beauty of this stone.
• Avoid letting citrus or alcohol products sit on the marble surface as it can etch and dull it.
• Keep hot items off marble; always use a trivet or hot pad for protection.
• Clean marble tops with lukewarm water only, never use hot water. It will deteriorate and damage the shine on marble surface.
• Applying a clear wax will help to protect marble. Avoid waxing white marble as it may cause it to yellow.
• Before applying a method of treatment, do a test spot first to make sure the color or finish won’t be affected. You can be safe of not damaging the entire floor.
• Use terry cloth or tissue papers to clean the marble, it will also enable shine.
• To avoid staining of marble due to spills of cooking oil or any other greasy products ,  clean the spill immediately with cloth or tissue paper and then clean the area with mild soap solution and dry cloth.
• While purchasing marble cleaners, check for mildness and always follow the directions of the Manufacturer.

 

HOW TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AN AQUARIUM

Most of us enjoy watching fishes in an aquarium, it brings in a feeling of peace and admiration towards nature viewing the colorful fishes in unique shapes. Aquariums add an aesthetic appeal to one’s living room.  Fishes are very delicate and therefore we need to take immense care to understand the requirements and the special care to be taken as it is restricted to an environment. Therefore it is important to maintain the aquarium to ensure proper fish care , fishes have a healthy life . A well maintained aquarium will be able to preserve the habitat in unnatural environment.

If you are planning to buy an aquarium or you already possess one, here are a few tips that will help you maintain an Aquarium.

Tips For Maintaining an Aquarium

Selection of Aquarium

A little thought has to be spent on the required size for the aquarium. You need to take into account the space available at home for being the central focus point in your room. Aquarium comes in all sizes from a bowl to a huge fish tank. It is recommended to opt for a large aquarium as it contains more water and more living space for the fishes we intend to include. Large tanks means more stability in temperature, water chemistry and cleanliness. The water becomes less mucky as compared to a small aquarium.

Quality of water

Water is a key factor for an aquarium. Water should be chlorine free. It is strongly advised to leave water for conditioning at least for one week, before introducing fish and plants.  After we set the aquarium you need to change the water once a month.  We need to change only one fourth of water in the tank, in order to dilute the accumulated harmful chemicals such as nitrites, nitrates and phosphates. The replaced water condition should agree with the temperature and pH condition of the existing aquarium water, in order to avoid any untoward effects.

Selection of companions in the aquarium

We need to have a good understanding of the fishes and their behaviors. The dealers will give the information and guide us to decide the type of fishes to be selected. Most fishes vary with each other in terms of needs and maintenance and can’t be kept together. During selection of fishes check out for the healthy ones as sick ones will make healthy fishes weak. We can distinguish healthy fishes as they have erect fins, clear eyes and good skin color. Segregate a sick fish from the aquarium or the condition is contagious to healthy ones.

Note: Regular inspection of the fishes is an essential factor for a healthy environment.

 Maintaining the right Temperature

Temperature is another key factor for an aquarium We need to have a good understanding of the temperature requirements for fishes in an aquarium as sudden changes in temperature can be life threatening. The fish dealer will give the information on the types of fish and the care to be taken.

 Maintaining pH

Maintaining optimum pH is very critical in an aquarium. Fishes require neutral pH 7 , can withstand pH upto 6.6 to 7.4, beyond these levels are dangerous for fishes. They cannot handle variations in pH .Recommended to regularly inspect the pH level of water in the aquarium and remove collected algae and other wastes and provide a cleaner environment.

Maintaining appropriate illumination

Lighting is another key factor for an aquarium . Optimum light requirement would be around 12 hours per day. Appropriate lighting is required for most fishes for laying eggs. Plants need artificial light to survive in fish tanks for photosynthesis . Harmful algae and planktons are suppressed only in presence of light. The aquarium and fishes look more beautiful in well-illuminated water

 Feeding tips

Recommended feeding is twice a day – once in the morning and again in the evening. The quantity of food depends on the number and types of fishes in your aquarium, it is advisable to feed only as much as the fish can clean up in 5 minutes time. Overfeeding can have disastrous consequences. Take inputs from the fish dealer on feeding requirements.

Hope you will enjoy the experience of maintaining an aquarium!!

CHECKLIST FOR SEASONAL HOUSEHOLD MAINTENANCE

  Inspecting your home on a regular basis and following good maintenance practices are the best way to protect your investment in your home.

Most home maintenance activities are seasonal. Fall is the time to get your home ready for the coming winter, which can be the most grueling season for your home. During winter months, it is important to follow routine maintenance procedures, by checking your home carefully for any problems that may arise and taking corrective action as soon as possible. Spring is the time to assess winter damage, start repairs and prepare for warmer months. Over the summer, there are a number of indoor and outdoor maintenance tasks to look after, such as repairing walkways and steps, painting and checking your chimney and roof. You need to check electrical appliances too.

Following check list will ensure no tasks is missed out and all services area available on time. The house is organized and the seasonal transition is not affecting your home.

DURING THE WINTER

• replace the filters in your heating and air conditioning systems
• have your gutters and downspouts cleaned out
• inspect around your property for wasp nests and remove
• plug leaks along the seams and corners of your gutters
• inspect the attic for pests (birds, rodents, insects, etc)
• inspect and repair your home’s sump pump
• oil door locks and hinges and tighten doorknob and hinge screws
• Check pressure gauge on all fire extinguishers; recharge or replace if necessary.
• Clean humidifier two or three times during the winter season.

DURING THE FALL

• inspect for and repair any plumbing leaks
• replace the filters in your heating and air conditioning systems
• inspect unvented gas heaters for proper ventilation
• remove window air conditioners
• inspect joints in ceramic tile and caulk around tub and sink
• change the batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, security alarms
• inspect the seals on windows and doors
• inspect exposed wiring and cords for wear and fraying
• have your heating and air conditioning systems serviced
• Cover outside of air-conditioning units and shut off power.
• Ensure all doors to the outside shut tightly, and check other doors for ease of use. Replace door weather stripping if required.

DURING THE SPRING

• have your heating and air conditioning systems serviced
• inspect the attic, ceilings, and roof overhang for water damage
• inspect your basement for leaks, moisture, termites, and wood rot
• replace the filters in your heating and air conditioning systems
• inspect exposed wiring and cords for wear and fraying
• inspect walls and masonry for cracks and subsidence
• inspect paint for wear or cracking
• inspect windows for broken glass and screens – clean screens
• inspect door / window frames, siding, and trim for cracks
• change the batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, security alarms
• inspect the seals on windows and doors
• have your gutters and downspouts cleaned out
• plug leaks along the seams and corners of your gutters
• inspect joints in ceramic tile and caulk around tub and sink.

DURING THE SUMMER

• replace the filters in your heating and air conditioning systems
• inspect the roof for damage or loose shingles
• drain the water and sediment from your hot water heater
• replace the water in your hot water heater
• test the pressure valve on your hot water heater
• check to make sure water heater vent is not blocked
• inspect the driveway and walkways for cracks and settling
• deep clean carpets and rugs
• Check smooth functioning of all windows and doors, lubricate hinges and tighten screws as required

HOW TO CLEAN A MICRO OVEN

A micro oven has become an indispensable electrical appliance in the kitchen.  It is operated by people of all ages.  We can expect some spills when young and old people use the microwave oven . Micro wave oven saves time and effort and is user friendly. Therefore a common gadget in most homes.

Here are a few tips to clean your micro wave oven.

• To loosen dried spills and enable you to clean the micro oven, fill water in a glass bowl till half and 1 tbsp of white vinegar. Place this bowl and switch on the oven for 5 minutes. This will steam up walls and you will be able to clean the dried matter.
• Remove glass bowl and wipe in inside walls of the micro oven with a clean soft cloth or tissue paper.
• The next step is to remove the glass tray or turn table. Wash it thoroughly.
• You can use lime as an alternative procedure for cleaning. Cut lime into halves. Place the cut lime in a plate containing ¼ cup of water. Place this plate and switch on the oven for 5 minutes. This will steam up walls and you will be able to clean the dried matter.
• Remove glass bowl and wipe in inside walls of the micro oven with a clean soft cloth or tissue paper.
• Allow the microwave to air dry by leaving the microwave door open for a couple of minutes.

How to deodorize:

• If your microwave has developed a nasty smell, try washing it with a solution of 1/4 cup of baking soda dissolved in 1 quarter of warm water. Rinse with water and allow to dry.

 

TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS

Balancing work and home requires a lot of focus and planning. Proper planning will enable complete all tasks.  Very critical aspect if you are planning of starting a home business . A busy mother and running the business needs to go hand in hand.

Here are a few time management tips which can help you to balance work and home management too.

•        Set up a Schedule.

You need to decide the number of hours you require for the home business or work from home arrangement.  You can prepare this schedule for a week. Similarly take into consideration the activities your children have this week for eg: competitions, test etc. If your baby is small you can plan for a baby sitter for the support.

•       Allocate work place:

You need to allocate a place at your home for going through office work or business. This will ensure some seriousness and minimize distractions. Keep away personal calls and focus on the jobs to be addressed.

•         Prioritize tasks for the next day:

Prepare a list this evening of the top 5 activities you need to do the next  day  for business and at home. This will help you complete essential tasks first and no pending tasks. Tick out the tasks that has been completed for better planning

•         Involve family members during execution:

Kids love to extend a helping hand if they are in good moods. You can discuss with them and seek help. Depends on the age they are in. In fact children are more tech savvy and they come up with brilliant ideas and pictures. You can take help for filing, labeling etc. If they are in their teens they could help you fix a meal, chop veggies, clean the home and you will save on time.

•         Dedicate time for your family:

Selecting the option of setting up a business at home or a work from home arrangement itself was to spend more time with family. Therefore you need to be cautious that you are also prioritizing family matters. Take out some time in a day to call up family members and maintain contact. You need to allocate work hours and keep an invisible boundary line to avoid business calls, checking mails unless the matter is very important.

Working from home is a challenging and rewarding experience for you and your family. Therefore you do not want to create more stress for you or your family, so enjoy the plan and schedules. You must select the option for working from home based on your interest and personal strengths. Only passion to do the tasks will go a long way.

Remember being a entrepreneur and a mom is not easy for everyone. You need to have that extra passion and drive to achieve it. You are also rewarded with additional income which will help you support your family. By working from home you have eliminated the costs of day care, fuel charge, and you are with your children in all their needs.

Hope you’ll follow the tips and enjoy this experience. Spread the word around…

 

HOW TO CONTROL SPIDERS AT HOME

Spiders are one of the feared insects at home. A cob web indicates the presence of a spider in the surroundings. Spider bites are dangerous. The venom can sometimes land you in hospital.

An effective approach to spider control is to use the knowledge that they are predators; they primarily consume other insects. So if you can reduce the other insects around your home, spiders will be less interested in hanging around. Most spiders like to hang out near light sources, as they rely on flying insectsthat instinctively move towards light.

It is not easy to control spiders through treatment.  Therefore do not expect perfection in spider control; as they are biologically not very receptive tochemical agents and not very cooperative in picking up pesticides.

The best way to control running and jumping spiders at home is to control their food sources around the house . Make sure, get rid of your other bugs. Crack and crevice treatment with insecticides provide some control, but you can also use glue boards or sticky traps.The most effective places to put glue traps are in dark, quiet areas.

One good point to know about spiders is that they are basically loners – they aren’t social insects that live in big groups, like ants or bees. As predators, they like to operate on their own and not share their food. So you’re often just as effective whacking a spider with a shoe or a newspaper as you would be to spray for them.

General sanitation, both indoors and outdoors, is very important in spider control. All areas must be clean and uncluttered. Control of excess moisture is also helpful.

Exercise caution when working around any materials that have been stockpiled for a long time. There are few spiders that do not make webs . Therefore ensure to keep your home free of their food sources.

Those spiders that enter buildings from outdoors usually do so through small cracks and crevices. Thus, the sealing or caulking of these entrances will aid in spider control. Screens, and tight-fitting doors and windows will also help keep spiders out.

Do not allow objects to remain in one place too long. Also, since spiders are strictly carnivorous, the elimination of household insects such as cockroaches, bedbugs, ants, and other prey will help discouragespider infestations.

The best mechanical control device is the vacuum. Vacuum corners, wall angles and window angles often. If you are opting for a chemical control then use proper precautions and follow the label instructions precisely.

You can also use glue boards that are readily available in the market. These glue boards will also enable you to identify from where they are entering into homes. Accordingly you can address the problem.

It is also recommended to use Chloropyriphos 20 % EC or some equivalent formulations. Prior to purchase check if it can be used indoors. Before use read the label carefully, use personnel protective equipment like safety glasses, rubber gloves and masks to avoid contact and excessive inhalation.

HOW TO CONTROL MICE AND RATS

Mice and rats are two of the most common pests in the home. Mice and rats are nocturnal pests. You can identify their presence if you observe finding partially nibbled food, packaging or other materials and small droppings. You may also find nests, which look like balls of material loosely woven together.

As rats have poor vision, they rely mostly on their other four senses – taste, smell, touch and hearing. They move through darkness by using their long whiskers and guard hairs on their bodies to guide them.

The most common sign of rats is droppings, along with evidence of gnawing, tracks, burrows and nests. You will also observe a musky smell.

Mice and rats can carry a wide range of diseases. These can be passed on to humans by contaminating food or surfaces with urine, droppings and hairs . Rats can also cause structural damage to property. They can bite a range of materials, including electric cables and wiring, which could cause fire or electrocution.

It is not advised to place baits inside the house. If the rats consume and get stuck in some corner , the entire house will smell. Place glue boards in the corners of the room within the house. Rats will get trapped as they move corner to corner.

The preventive measure will be to seal all gaps which could be a source of entry. Keep all food material covered.

The precautionary methods are to make sure drain covers are in place and not damaged. Watch out for any crevices and gaps around electrical fittings,pipe connections. You can also minimize entry by restricting their food. Close all garbage bins tightly, clear spills immediately. Keep all containers closed. Clear garbage bins frequently. Piling up attracts rats.

Rats are good at senses like taste and odor. Therefore placing baits must be done that attracts the attention of the rats. Ensure you place baits externally as it may attract other crawling insects like ants and cockroaches too.

HOW TO CLEAN CRYSTAL CHANDELIERS AT HOME

Crystal chandeliers add royal touch to the house. Crystal chandeliers are a pride to the home. Chandeliers comes in various designs: small cute ones and large ones to suit the size of the room or a big hall.  Chandeliers look wonderful when lit up and are often the objects of attraction when guests walk in to a home.  Dust is a major concern as they settle on the crystal pieces and over a period of time, due to accumulation of dust, chandeliers become dirty and look dull .

To continue keeping chandeliers the object of attraction we need to clean . Cleaning chandeliers is a part of home management. Cleaning Chandeliers can be done at home with or without dismantling. Essential factors if you plan to clean by yourself is a little money spent in the right direction, loads of patience, and caution. You may seek professional help basis the size and accessibility factors.

Precaution has to be strictly followed as they are glass material and susceptible to breakage and injuries. Use cotton gloves, it will provide good grip. Handle the entire process of cleaning with care.

You can clean crystal chandeliers at home. Non dismantle method

Requirement is to have a good tool to access the chandelier.

• You need to set up set up an alternative lighting nearby the chandelier as you won’t be able to use the chandelier.
• Switch off the chandelier’s power at the switch board and place a red tape on top of the switch with acommunication that the chandelier is being cleaned and no one should switch it on accidentally.
• Place a large cloth or spread plastic sheet below the chandelier to prevent having a huge aftermath cleaning activity.
• Dry dust bulbs, crystals with a soft cotton cloth and cover the bulbs with tissue paper or plastic wraps. Fasten them with a rubber band.
• Special cleansers are available for cleaning chandeliers in the market. You can try this composition for excellent results. Mix 100ml of Isopropyl Alcohol with 300 ml of distilled water. Spread this solution on a cloth and then clean the parts. Spraying is advised in non accessible areas of the chandelier.
• Once all the accessories are dried up , remove the plastic covers from the bulbs. Inspect all sides of the chandelier for effective cleaning.
• After the cleaning activity leave the chandelier to dry for at least 6 to 8 hrs. Only then switch on the power.

You can clean crystal chandeliers at home. Dismantle method

You need to detach the crystal chandelier from the trim. Place soft cloth on the floor prior to bringing the unit down. Recommended frequency is once in 3 months or as per the load of dust and the look of the chandelier.

• The crystal pieces can be soaked in lukewarm water. Add a mild detergent to make it soapy and creates foam too. After soaking for half an hour gradually clean the crystal with cotton dry cloth.
• Once the crystal is dry, connect all the detached pieces and fix the chandelier back to its trim.

Prevent cleaning the metal portions, strings of the chandelier with harsh chemicals. It may remove the glossy paint of the surface.

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