Month: May 2017

Warm rays of the sun, cool breezes, the smell of flowers in the air, it could only mean one thing. That’s right summer is just about here in the Capital Region, and we’re sharing some of the best projects to begin now that the threat of snow and frost has passed.

Replacing windows

Windows can be replaced anytime, but who wants to install a bay window in the middle of January? Replacing your windows with more efficient windows in the summer months can also help keep your utility bills down.

Kitchen Remodeling and Renovations

Kitchen projects can become tiresome pretty quickly, especially if you prefer home cooking over take out. Luckily you can still enjoy a home cooked meal without use of your stove during these warm months. Go ahead and brush up on your grill skills while your kitchen is temporarily out of service. Cooking outside during the summer is also a great way to keep your home cool!

Adding a Deck

The outdoors are where it’s at during the summer months, which is why adding a deck or patio to your home is one of the best summer projects. Adding a deck or patio can be a quick project if you’re prepared and have someone knowledgeable doing the job, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy your new addition.

We had a fairly mild winter here in the capital region, and because of that it is predicted that we will be dealing with an influx of ticks this year. Now, don’t let that ruin your backyard activities this summer. We’re here to share a few tips to keep ticks at bay naturally so you can enjoy the warm weather.

Clear brush and tall grasses around your home.

Ticks do not jump or fly, instead they wait on tall grasses, brush, and leaf matter for a potential host to pass through the area. Clearing out areas of overgrowth will lower the chances of you coming into contact with ticks in your backyard. Keep your lawn mowed and your yard free of leaf debris throughout the season to deter ticks from hanging out on your property.

Create a mulch barrier

Here’s a fun fact, ticks do not like to cross mulch and gravel, they find both materials to be irritating. You can use this to your advantage and create a barrier around your property line. If your backyard is adjacent to a wooded area, you’ll want to create a three foot wide barrier between the treeline and your lawn

Keep woodpiles stacked nicely and away from shade

Tick thrive in moist shady areas, don’t let your woodpile look like a four star hotel. Keep it stacked neatly and in a sunny area if possible.

Repel with plants

There are a few plants that are useful in repelling ticks, these would make a great addition to your mulch barrier, or to planters kept on your patio. These plants include: Mint, Lemongrass, Thyme, Rosemary, Garlic, Chrysanthemums, Fleabane Daisies, and Mexican Marigolds.

 

We hope that you are able to implement some of these anti-tick tips in your own backyard. Of course, don’t forget to check regularly for ticks on yourself, and especially on children and pets. A little bit of prevention and vigilance can go a long way when protecting you and your loved ones from ticks.