FUN FACTS ABOUT THE FOURTH OF JULY You Can Share With Your Kids
Two future presidents signed the Declaration of Independence: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. They both died exactly 50 years later, on July 4, 1826. This fact is an interesting coincidence sure to fascinate
What do your kids know about the Fourth of July? Do they know it’s a day when you have a barbecue, spend time with friends and neighbors, and watch a fireworks show? These hallmarks of the holiday certainly do make it fun and memorable, but they don’t really exemplify why we celebrate the Fourth of July, the anniversary of when the United States declared its independence from Britain. So, along with the sparklers and hot dogs, here are a few fun facts about Independence Day you can share with your kids to help them understand the significance of the holiday. The Fourth of July marks our country’s independence because it’s when the Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence. This fact might seem like a no-brainer, but it contextualizes the holiday for kids. It’s a great jumping-off point to talk about why the United States wanted to be its own country, what the Continental Congress was, what the Declaration of Independence said, and what it means to “ratify” something.
both kids and adults. It’s also a great way to introduce kids to some of the Founding Fathers and share how they helped shape the United States today.
In 1776, the year the United States was founded, only 2.5 million people lived here. Today, the U.S. population is 331 million. Lots of people have been born in the United States since it was founded, and millions more came here from other places, hoping to find a better life. Many succeeded, too. Many people want to call this country home! On the Fourth of July, around 155 million hot dogs are eaten in the United States. Okay, so this fact might not have anything to do with American history, but it’s still pretty funny! If anything, the fact that we have so many hot dogs to eat on that day is evidence of the prosperity so many people enjoy in the United States of America.
A NORTH TEXAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE FOR TERMITES
Lately, we’ve been getting a lot of calls about termites, so for this edition, we thought we’d talk about many of your burning questions. How do you spot these pests, and what should you do about preventing them, especially in older homes in humid areas? THE MOST COMMON TERMITE IN OUR AREA The eastern subterranean termite is the most common type that plagues this region. This species is small, rarely exceeding half an inch long, and they often form massive underground nests with thousands of members. Subterranean termites form a network of tunnels commonly referred to as mud tubes, which allow them safe passage from the nest to food sources. These tubes protect the insect from potential predators and dehydration and are often visible from the exterior of an infested property. WHAT DOES TERMITE DAMAGE LOOK LIKE? In some cases, property owners will notice that floors and ceilings begin creaking or sagging. As the termites erode the interior walls, they might begin to sound hollow, and discolored moisture damage will develop. This moisture damage stems from the accumulation of saliva and mud within.
As termites create further significant structural damage to a property, the owners commonly notice that windows and doors no longer open or close properly. The repairs are quite costly and typically are not covered by property insurance coverage, creating large out-of-pocket expenses. THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT TERMITES IS … Luckily, you can do several things to prevent termites, such as the following: • It is critical to prevent a property’s foundation from directly contacting the soil. Therefore, create a barrier using some inedible material, such as stone, steel, or plastic, that is treated with termiticide. • Termites need moisture to avoid dehydration and properly form their tubes. So, limit conditions that cause pooling water and keep crawlspaces properly ventilated to reduce humidity. • Consider using pine needles or a similar alternative to mulch and keep firewood piles stored away from the structure. We hope these tips help! As always, if you suspect that you have termite issues, don’t hesitate to call your favorite family-run local pest control company, EcoArmor (previously QuickSumo)!
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