Fleas are a common problem in Georgia, especially to anyone who has a pet. These nasty little insects bite our animal companions and suck their blood, and they even do the same to us. Flea bites can produce horrible itching and painful lesions in our pets and in severe cases, they can lead to death resulting from anemia. Fleas also can transmit tapeworm to our pets, and typhus and plague, including bubonic plague, to us. Identifying a Flea Infestation. Fleas are fairly easy to spot on our pets and in our homes. If you see your pet scratching, biting or chewing his or her own skin, immediately check for fleas. Checking the belly or ears, where hair is not as dense, often is a good place to start. If fleas are hiding, however, they typically can be found by running a flea comb over your pet’s hindquarters. If you pass the comb through your pet’s hair once or twice and then see tiny black specks on the comb, you can bet that you’re dealing with fleas. Because fleas can lay 30-50 eggs in a day, one flea in a home is a strong indicator of an infestation. The volume of eggs that they lay, combined with a life cycle that can be as fast as 15 days from egg to adult flea, results in alarming statistics. Just 25 fleas can become 250,000 fleas in only 30 days Although fleas lay their eggs on our pets’ coats, the eggs usually roll off into our homes’ carpeting, furniture and bedding. Walk across an infested area in white socks or sit with an open book or a piece of white paper, and you’ll soon see fleas jumping onto the surface. This is why treating your home for fleas is every bit as important as treating your pet. All eggs, larvae and adult fleas must be wiped out to completely eradicate the problem. Flea Treatment. It’s always best to consult the advice of a trusted veterinarian before treating your pet for fleas. Important factors, including your pet’s age and health, should be considered prior to starting a treatment program, as many remedies sold in stores can have adverse reactions in pets resulting in extreme illness and even death. Of course, careful consideration should be used in your home, too, as many chemical sprays, bombs and foggers can be hazardous to people and pets. One of the simplest, safest and most effective ways to rid your home of fleas, flea eggs and larvae is to clean it regularly. Vacuum carpets, rugs and upholstery often. Use a crevice tool on your vacuum to get into tight spaces around baseboards and in any wicker bedding or baskets, where flea larvae seek out food. Wrap used vacuum bags in another tightly sealed bag and dispose of it in a garbage can outside of your home. If you own a bagless vacuum cleaner, clean out your dirt cup after every use, and dump its contents into a garbage bag. Seal the bag tightly and deposit it in a can outside of the house. Don’t forget to clean your vacuum’s filters, as well. All bedding and other washable fabrics your pet has been in contact with should be washed regularly to drown adult fleas and help rid surfaces of eggs and larvae. Steam cleaning, too, can be very effective in ridding carpeting and upholstery of fleas in all life cycle stages. For the best results, consult a reputable steam cleaning company. They have professional equipment powerful enough to do the job right the first time, as well as the know-how to clean all kinds of upholstery – including leather, suede and delicate fabrics – without doing damage to your investment. Fleas are a huge problem in Georgia, but they don’t have to be problem for you or your pets. If they make their way into your home, get rid of them fast and completely, with a treatment program that includes solutions for both your pet and your surroundings.
Archive for May, 2010
Your Home Office: Top 10 Ways To Keep It Organized
You know that the clutter was affecting your productivity. You felt better once you cleared and organized your workspace. You actually noticed that you worked more efficiently and felt more energetic knowing where everything was located. No more lost numbers or misplaced passwords. An organized desk saved you time and helped you make more money in your home-based business. Now it’s a week later and things are beginning to pile up again. You’ve misplaced a couple things and that feeling of disorder is starting to creep back into your workspace. Its time to create a weekly ritual that will keep your desk and home office clean and organized. If you commit to doing this once every week, it should take no longer than twenty minutes and you will feel ready and energized for the next week. I usually do this on a Saturday morning and then I have the weekend to relax and do whatever I’d like, knowing that on Monday morning I’ll be ready to start fresh. Here’s a weekly ritual that you can do to keep your home office organized and create a workspace that will help you think more clearly and get more work done. Give yourself twenty minutes. Make a commitment to work quickly and get it done now. 1. Put away all files, folders, and extraneous papers. Anything written on sticky notes should be dealt with immediately. Either file or place the information on your calendar. 2. Create a pile of “extra” things you’re not sure what to do with and place this pile on a separate table or on the floor. 3. Put all desk supplies into containers; remove cups, and anything extra that has accumulated during the week. 4. Use a spray cleaner to wipe down desk surface, shelves, windowsills, and tables. 5. Water your plants. They provide clean oxygen for your workspace and need a little attention every week. 6. Go through your “extra” pile and put everything away or create new folders. Don’t hesitate to throw things away. Remember: you want an efficient workspace and you want to think clearly. Get rid of anything that you really don’t need. 7. Throw away all things you do not need. If you think you need it, immediately create a file for it or place it on the appropriate shelf. 8. Vacuum, or sweep. 9. Check your calendar for the following week. Make a “To Do” list for Monday. 10. Take a minute to look around, appreciate your space and offer a “thank you” for having the opportunity to work at home. That’s it. You did it! Twenty minutes and you’re ready to start next week on fresh note. Your organized home office will save you time and help you make more money. A clean desk equals a clear mind. Keep it clean and you will thank yourself on Monday morning. Do you want more free tips on how to organize your time and make money online today?
Workspace Makeover – 5 Simple Ways To Become More Efficient In Your Home Office
OK, so you know I’m going to tell you to clean your workspace and get organized. But, you already figured that one out when you spent a half hour looking for that form you needed and then another 15 minutes trying to find the phone number you put on that green sticky note (or was it on the back of a green envelope?). Either way, your efficiency is going downhill quickly and you really need to get this work completed today. Working in a home office can become overwhelming sometimes. It’s too easy to let things pile up and clutter your workspace until you are confined to six inches of open space on either side of your keyboard. We’ve all been there with piles of folders, sticky notes, mail, passwords written on random papers, photos, cups, and various other “absolutely must haves” crowding our work environment. A cluttered workstation hampers our ability to think clearly and creatively. We become inefficient, mentally as well as physically. We waste time, get confused, overwhelmed and lose our motivation. Our productivity becomes hostage to the mess. An efficiently organized home office can provide you with the foundation to make more money online because clearing the clutter will help you feel in control, energetic and clear thinking. You’ll get more work done, more effectively, and you will make more money. Here are 5 simple ways to makeover your workspace and become super efficient in the process:1. Clear out and clean everything. Clutter attracts clutter. Actually schedule time to completely clear off your office desk and surrounding work area. If you have a table nearby, clear that too. Move larger piles into another room until you have time to deal with them. Use a spray cleaner to wash down the desk and table area. Wash windows. Wipe down your computer and keyboard. Take everything off of your bulletin board. Remove from the room all plants and non-work related items like cups, and bottles of water, pictures, do-dads, etc. Do not store boxes of toys, clothes, and old furniture in your office. Toss anything you no longer need. Really make an effort to create an “empty” space. 2. Start Fresh. Open the windows. Arrange your computer or laptop, files, file cabinets, desk supplies in an orderly manner on your clean new desk area. Find a soft lamp to infuse light throughout the room. A very important element to your home office is a comfortable office chair. If you don’t have one, now is the time to pamper yourself. If you are comfortable, you will be able to work longer and more efficiently. 3. Go Green. Add plants, move your desk near a window or into a more inspiring location. Set up computers, printers, and all electronics with an energy efficient power strip. Put images of outdoors and nature on your wall. 4. Inspire. On your desk and windowsill, use the power of three to inspire you. Three pictures of kids, friends, family, etc. Three plants to add fresh oxygen to your workspace such as a Money Tree and Lucky Bamboo, and ivy. Three quotes about money and motivation. 5. Less is More. Aim for a Zen quality to your workspace. Only that which you need in the moment should be on your desk. All books and reference materials should be on a bookcase. Everything else goes back to its home (file cabinets, drawers, folders). Take out one project at a time. Your space reflects your commitment to perform well. At the end of each workday, commit to putting everything away and leaving your workspace neat, clean and ready for productivity the next day. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much more work you get done. You’ll feel less stressed and more motivated to take on additional tasks. Make a commitment to succeed today. Do you want more free tips on how to organize your time and make money online fast?
How to Sell Your Home Faster Than The Competition
Today’s real estate market has become tricky to navigate. Many homeowners have said to themselves “I have to sell my house”. You may need to sell fast due to foreclosure, job relocation, or loss of income. Or you may want to sell your house fast because you are ready to move on. Whatever your reason for selling, you don’t want to wait that long and need to sell your house fast. So, how can you sell your house fast? Here are three tips. The first tip is to price your house below the competition. Today’s real estate market is a buyer’s market in many areas. That means buyers have a choice. There are many homes that are in excellent condition and priced low so they sell quickly. If you are the highest price, the buyers will not even come see your house. You need to let buyers know that your house is a good deal. The second tip is to make sure your home is in tip top shape. That means all the clutter has been removed from the house. Don’t shove things in the closets or garage, put it in storage. You want buyers to see how much space is available for storage and they can’t see that if you’ve filled it up with your stuff. Touch up the paint, have the carpets professionally cleaned, landscape the yard, and keep the house clean. A clean house will sell much faster than a “lived in” house. The third tip is to consider seller financing. Seller financing means you will carry the note for the buyer. There are many ways to do this so make sure you get assistance from a professional who understands seller financing. This works extremely well if you own your home free & clear and want a good return on your money. The buyer will make a monthly payment to you instead of the bank, which means you can get a higher interest rate on your money than if you were to put it in a CD. You can also sell your home for a lower price because you will make up the difference in the interest payments you receive over time. This also allows you to sell your house fast because you don’t have to wait for a bank to process a loan. Imagine if you do all three things, your house will sell much faster than the competition. Your job is to make sure the buyers know that you are offering them a chance to own a great house.
Freeing Your Home From Molds in 2010
Mold is a general problem in most homes, and it is something you want your home to be free in 2010, a new beginning and a good and clean environment to start the year right. However there are moments in which we are concerned about mold remediation. You can do this yourself or hire an expert to eliminate the fungus, but this may mean stashing a fortune in your wallet. It is better to learn the steps and do this yourself effectively. I made some simple rules to follow and hope that many would benefit from this to enable them to clean their house totally from molds. First things first, your safety. When the cleaning molds, always wear heavy gloves, a mask and goggles to avoid inhaling the toxins; this is because when molds starts to kick off toxis spores in the air and move and might go directly to the lungs. They can irritate the eyes, skin, or your whole face as well. Make sure each workstation is closed and inform the other household to go out. Cleaning Procedures Molds can be in non-porous materials such as tiles or in porous materials like woods. For molds in non-porous materials, rub them with soap and water, then disinfect with detergent, bleach or other materials at home. Make sure that what’s your cleaning is wet to avoid allergens spreading in the air while the procedures take place. Rub properly to avoid coming back later For porous materials such as plaster or wood; this must be completely removed. This can be done by some major or minor reconstruction of your house. Just keep in mind to out all moldy materials. Put all the garbage bags in sealed and doubled bags and call the concern municipal officers for proper disposal. Disinfect, disinfect and disinfect After the material is released, you must disinfect the affected areas. Spray the place twice or thrice or more if you feel so with powerful disinfectants. If all this seem to be a big job for you, you may opt to call an specialist to remove molds since they have special equipments for this too. If you use a mold specialist, ask their opinion on a great product or go to some janitorial store and see what they can offer. This would ensure that the job is finished and done efficiently. I hope many would stumble on this article and follow this simple home mold removal tips and start 2010 with a clean home.
Healthcare Reform and Keeping Your Home Clean
Start Your Own Healthcare Reform by Keeping Your Surroundings Clean Amidst the raging healthcare reform war, few consider the simple ways they can prevent illness as a result of their immediate surroundings. Reform your health by avoiding common causes of illness—certain to be a faster solution than the one we are waiting on from our federal government. Obama has a number of ideas for healthcare reform, and while some are more popular than others, they are all sure to make getting healthy possible for more of us. Here’s how you can make some of the same changes possible within your own home. * The Obama administration wants to “protect families from bankruptcy or debt because of healthcare costs. ” At home, you can choose to use green, plant-based cleaning products rather than antibacterial chemicals to prevent the growth and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The overuse of antibacterial cleansers in a domestic setting can affect their use in healthcare settings, where they are needed to prevent the spread of disease in a highly infectious environment. An outbreak of bacteria that is resistant to disinfectant cleansers can cause disease that is more dangerous and massively expensive to treat. * The Obama administration wants to “invest in prevention and wellness. ” At home, you can keep the surfaces that harbor dangerous germs clean to prevent illness. In addition to places like your toilet and kitchen counters that probably get the most attention, don’t forget to wipe down your doorknob, computer keyboards, and salt and pepper shakers—all places that have high germ traffic but often go overlooked when cleaning your home. Hiring a professional cleaning service with experience in spotting hiding germs will help keep your home hygenic without cutting into your busy schedule. * And, most importantly, the Obama administration wants to do this all on a budget. You probably want the same thing. There are plenty of reasonable ways to keep your home as devoid of disease-causing bacteria as possible. Cleaning services can be very reasonably priced and you can negotiate further price reductions, particularly if you have worked with the cleaning company for some time. You can also make your own cleaning products from things you already keep in your kitchen, like lemon juice, baking soda, or vinegar.
Preparing Your Newport Beach Home For Sale
Sellers want top dollar for their homes, but few are aware that there’s more to it than luck and marketing. In this market, selling a Newport Beach home takes a mix of planning, creativity and market savvy. Read on for a simple ten-step guide to preparing your Newport Beach home for sale. 1. Focus on the facts. Many sellers have trouble dissociating from their homes, and this emotional attachment can keep them from taking things forward. Start by looking at your home as a product to be sold, nothing more. This will make your decisions a lot clearer. 2. Neutralize your design. A potential buyer looks at a Newport Beach home and pictures it as his own, with his own photos and paintings and artifacts. Strip your walls of any personal décor, so buyers can better picture themselves living in your space. 3. Get rid of clutter. It’s surprising how much junk people collect over the years—and how much bigger your home looks and feels without them. Discard things you haven’t used in a year, remove unnecessary furniture, and free up as much floor space as possible. 4. Check storage. Home buyers are more likely to visit a Newport Beach home for sale that offers ample storage. Organize your closets and cabinets so they’ll look cleaner and more spacious—it also suggests that the rest of the home is well taken care of. 5. Find temporary storage. Some stylish furniture and appliances won’t hurt, but they take up a lot of floor space. Rent a storage space for all the big stuff you don’t want to show. Leave just one or two pieces in each room to show what its purpose is. 6. Remove your favorites. Before putting up your Newport Beach home for sale, remove any items you absolutely want to take with you. That way, you don’t risk blowing the deal by refusing to give away a family heirloom or a piece of antique furniture. 7. Fix what you can. Even minor flaws are amplified in the eyes of a careful buyer. Replace any cracked tiles, broken knobs, leaky faucets. Consider repainting in a neutral color, so you don’t turn off buyers who don’t like green walls or an electric blue bath. 8. Clean and scrub. Your Newport Beach home should look as spotless in person as it does in pictures. Wash windows on both sides, spray down the driveway and exterior, and scrub everything until it sparkles—it’s a lot of work, but it’s well worth the effort. 9. Take a fresh look. Step outside your home for a while and put yourself in the buyer’s shoes before reentering. Would you put your life’s biggest investment and spend the next few years in this Newport Beach home? If you say yes, then you’re almost done. 10. Work on your exterior. Finally, work on making a good first impression. Curb appeal is what draws buyers in and makes them want to enter your home. Clear the sidewalks and driveway, mow the lawn, and make sure there’s a clear path to your front door.