BUGGING OUT: COMMON PEST CONTROL WARNING SIGNS HOMEOWNERS MISS
Why Energy-Saving Windows Work Like Magic SAVE ON YOUR ELECTRICITY BILL, ADD TO YOUR COMFORT
Pests can be a problem during any time of the year, but they can be especially problematic during the winter months when they’re more likely to seek the warmth of the indoors. Stay alert and catch those pests before they become a real problem during your next holiday party! Look for these four common warning signs: No. 1: Check for dead bugs or pest droppings indoors. If you’ve discovered dead bugs or pest droppings on window ledges or in your basement, do some research to figure out what they are. If the dead bugs and/or droppings are from the same species, chances are that they live on your property. No. 2: Look for holes, gnaw marks, grease marks, or trails. Rats and mice tend to travel along the same paths and often leave evidence of their infestation through dark grease marks, urine trails, gnawed items, and prints in dusty paths into small holes. Don’t forget that evidence can be outdoors too. Pests can burrow in garbage or even piles of leaves near the property. No. 3: Pay attention to weird scents and sounds. Because we’re accustomed to the smell of our own home, we can identify odd and gross scents. Experts say that mice tend to have a musty urine smell, while rats often smell like ammonia. Any scent of garbage is a bad sign as well, because if it isn’t caused by a pest, it can attract them. Lastly, don’t dismiss odd sounds, like the patter of rodents or even large insects. You may hear scratching on the walls, gnawing, squeaking, or scurrying.
It can seem pretty mundane to change out your windows, on top of all your other expenses! However, there’s a real reward to doing so. We’ve mentioned energy-efficient (EE) windows before, but this time we take a deeper dive into just how a window can improve your family’s comfort and resources.
Wait, what’s wrong with older windows?
So long as your window doesn’t have cracks or broken glass, there’s nothing wrong necessarily. It’s just that older windows aren’t designed to perform an important function: keep hot or cold air in. Why is this? First, older frames are normally made of aluminum. This is problematic because air can more easily pass from one side to the other. You want frames made of materials like vinyl or fiberglass, which are poor conductors of heat and therefore better insulators. Also, most older windows have single-pane glass, which is terrible for keeping heat inside your house (your cool air, too). Lastly, your windows might not have been properly installed by experts who understand how to minimize your utility bill.
Why energy-efficient (EE) windows are magic.
You might’ve guessed by now that EE windows are designed to insulate your home better, but how do you install insulation in glass? Inert gas. Placing argon or krypton in between glass panes, for example, can improve your home insulation and protect your furniture and photos from sun damage. With vinyl or fiberglass frames and two, or even three, glass panes, EE windows are designed better in every way — all while saving you hundreds a year. The U.S. Department of Energy predicts that replacing your single-pane windows with EE ones can save you anywhere between $126–$465 annually. Also, according to the Glass Doctor, most homeowners report a 60%–75% reduction in exterior noise once insulated EE windows are installed. We love EE windows because they’re a win for everyone. Bump up the value of your home today and save money on your utility bill — and help the planet while you’re at it!
No. 4: Check for signs of nesting. Some pests, like termites, will build homes with natural materials like mud. You can detect termite activity through sagging wood or mud tubes created along the surface of your doors or walls. However, mice and rats may take things from your home to create their nest, including shreds from furniture and other fabric, insulation, pillow stuffing, or anything else they can find.
To protect your family’s health, don’t miss these common pest signs!
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