Home Life

Termite infestation is perhaps a homeowner’s biggest nightmare. Termites are insects that feed on plant-based food. As they grow in colonies, they can spread rapidly, and in great numbers, which is why curbing their growth is very challenging.

A commonly found and most popular source of food for termites is wood. Your furniture, flooring and other wooden structures are all vulnerable to attack by termites. Considering that an average female termite can live up to 50 years, termites need robust extermination efforts.

Termite damage to the property is expensive to treat, especially since they tend to get ignored. However, while most people are aware of how termites cause monetary loss, its ramifications on health are largely ignored.

How are termites dangerous for human health?

The presence of termites itself is not dangerous for humans. They are more involved in finding themselves food, and human flesh is not a source of nutrition for them. They do not carry any toxic material on them. Their bite also does not have any toxins or otherwise serious chemicals in it.

However, their presence causes mostly secondary complications that are dangerous for human health.

Termite Droppings or Saliva

While termites do not release any poisonous substance, however, their pellets or droppings might induce allergic reaction. These are wood colored and are also known as frass. Like the pellet, termite saliva is also dangerous.

They both can cause contact dermatitis. It manifests in the form of a red rash, followed by severe itching. However,  only the particular area that got exposed shows the sign of rash.

Similarly, contact with termite excretion also causes allergic reactions. Repeated exposure to the allergens can lead to greater risk of inflammation and other similar issues.

If you have had an episode of termite attack, and are experiencing such skin conditions, it is best to contact a doctor right away. Consult a dermatologist in Lahore and be sure to inform them of the termite situation as that is extremely important background information for sound diagnosis.

Mold and subsequent complications

Termites do not just cause trouble themselves; they bring with them other sorts of nuisances too. Termite infestation leads to the occurrence of mold. A type of fungus, its spores suspend in air and settle on surfaces, including skin.

Fungal infections can ensue as a result of this mold. For people already suffering from asthma, it causes severe reaction and makes their symptoms worse. Research has shown that early childhood exposure to mold can lead to the development of asthma.

Other symptoms of fungal infections include watery eyes, runny nose, coughing, wheezing and similar respiratory problems. Moreover, it also causes dry skin.

Some people with strong immune systems are still better equipped to deal with fungal infections. However, others are at a great risk; immunocompromised individuals are not able to defend their bodies against these fungal infections.

Likewise, those with a family history of asthma, or have a history of allergies, or have lung disease, chronic or otherwise, are more susceptible to suffering from mold infections. Hence, if you are suffering from mold related respiratory issues, contact a Pulmonologist in Lahore to get this issue sorted out before it progresses further.

Potential harm from the pesticides

Many people fail to realize how powerful the pesticides are and do not account for its harmful effects on their health. The chemicals present in the pesticides to kill the termites are very toxic.

The symptoms of pesticide exposure include irritation to the eyes, weakness, nausea, dizziness, headaches etc. In chronic cases, it also leads to liver and kidney damages. Therefore, it is vital to wait out the pesticide spray and move into the house only when it has been completely dissipated. This timeline varies from brand to brand, however, the container should mention the amount of days necessary for complete dissipation.

Also, it is highly not recommended to take on the task of extermination by oneself. Call on professionals who have sufficient protective gear and use only the approved chemicals to clear away the termites.

Structural issues that put human health into peril

Termites can eat away at the wood and make it extremely weak. Therefore, all wooden structures like walls, foundations, roofs etc. made of wood and similar plant-based material and have been attacked by termite, are not safe anymore.

Therefore, these structures put people’s lives into peril as the integrity of the structure gets compromised. They thus carry the danger of collapsing anytime. Such buildings and places need to be vacated immediately.

Likewise, some termite  bite through the protective layering that surrounds the electric wires. This thus causes the great danger of electrocution, which can even lead to death in certain circumstances.

The biggest issue with termites is that they can grow and grow, unbeknownst to the residents of the place. Hence, it is vital to be extremely vigilant about your homes. Watch out for the mold. Do not ignore any respiratory issues that do not have a logical reasoning otherwise. If you live in an area that is susceptible to termite attack, then perhaps it is best to have yearly inspections from experts.

Catching termites early on is the key, in order to not just save money but health as well. However, it is also perhaps the most difficult part in this entire ordeal.

 

 

Whether you are washing dishes, doing your laundry or taking a bath, you rely on your water to help you clean. That is why it is so important to take steps to ensure you are getting the best water possible. Follow this guide for three tips for better water now.

Water Filtration

The CDC and FDA maintain a clear standard for what can be in your water. While safe to drink, these minerals can leave a film on your dishes and skin and cause buildup in your pipes. Look into getting a water filtration system Austin TX, to help you remove these from your water. With a good system in place, you can ensure your water is as pure as possible. Before you choose your system, look for what it removes as your needs may vary, and each system targets different particles. Finally, be sure that the system can meet your water needs.

Pipe Maintenance

Your home piping system may not be at the forefront of your mind, but letting them go can lead to costly and dangerous problems. This is why it is important to know what signs to look for in your home. If you are noticing a change of color, taste or pressure, you may need to have your pipes inspected. These can be signs of your filter failing or build-up in the pipes. While working with a plumber may seem expensive, letting these issues go can lead to more expensive, long-term problems down the road, including erosion of overall water quality.

Water Softening

Have you heard people complain that their water is hard? If you don’t know what this means, you’re not alone. Hard water is when the ratio of minerals to water is higher. This can lead to a build-up in pipes, requiring more soap to clean. With a water softener service Austin TX, you can improve the water quality and improve the lifespan of your pipes. Additionally, by requiring less soap, you can also help reduce your use of soap when cleaning, leaving your skin and hair softer. Take the time to see if a water softener service is right for you.

While taking care of your water may not be something you think about usually, it is important to do. With a little maintenance now, you can improve the water you drink, the lifespan of your pipes and, most importantly, save yourself some money.

There are many situations in which you might find yourself needing to sell your home quickly. Maybe you are moving to a different state for a new job, or maybe you found a great house on the other side of town. Whatever the case, you may wonder how to get your house prepared for quick sale. While there is no formula that guarantees a fast transaction, there are a few tips that will give you better odds of getting your house off the market sooner.

Hire a Professional

Home seller services Suttons Bay MI are geared towards helping you find the right buyer for your home. These types of services have experienced professionals who know the ins and outs of the selling and buying process. Making an investment in this service could be the difference between selling a house quickly rather than watching it sit vacant for months.

Stage the Home

When potential buyers come to view your home, make sure that it looks as inviting as possible. You can have fresh cookies baking in the oven and comfortable throw pillows on the couch and bed. Take down your family photos so that the buyers can imagine the space being their own. After all, the space needs to feel fresh and new rather than someone’s old house.

Advertise, Advertise, Advertise

Buyers cannot know about your home for sale unless you advertise it across many platforms. Social media, flyers and newspapers are all ways to get the word out about a house on the market. Consider the demographic in your area to find out what platform will be most effective. Younger people will browse the Internet, while senior citizens might look through the classified ads.

Selling your house does not have to be as stressful as you might think. Follow these simple tips for making it more manageable.

Autism and Down Syndrome are both complex, but very different conditions. Unfortunately, many people either confuse the two of them, or lump the ways they manifest themselves together. While they are both considered intellectual disabilities, there are some important distinctions that can be made with simple explanations.

Autism Defined

The term “autism” covers a spectrum of mental and physical characteristics that impact a person’s social and physical behaviors. Its cause is not specifically known. Its symptoms have a wide range from mild social irregularities to full non-verbal behavior. Many resources are available at a school for autistic children Toledo Oh to help young people with an autism diagnosis.

Down Syndrome Defined

Down Syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality where a person is born with an extra 21^st chromosome. While Down Syndrome also has a broad range of physical symptoms, most people with a DS diagnosis have hypotonia, (or low muscle tone) and intellectual challenges requiring special education and therapies. Some may have heart defects and lung issues. It is important to note that these are not conditions that are acquired or can be “caught.” They also cannot be “cured.”

Treatments and Therapies

Though neither of these are curable conditions, people with autism and down syndrome can live very full lives and can be helped greatly with treatments and therapies. Early intervention and diagnosis are extremely important. More severe physical conditions must be treated immediately, but less extreme symptoms can be dealt with (and sometimes corrected) in early childhood. Speech and physical therapy can help people with both autism and down syndrome with verbal, social, and physical skills. Special education programs and integrated classrooms have made great advancements in teaching as well as acceptance. Medically speaking, in the past thirty years, life expectancy for people with down syndrome has nearly doubled to 60!

Having a basic knowledge of these conditions helps to understand people who have them, families that are impacted by them, and what society can do to raise awareness and promote acceptance.

If you’re saving up for a new boat, it can be hard to figure out exactly how much you need to get into the right recreational vehicle. It’s not that the boat itself is going to surprise you, although there are expenses like engine tune-ups you’ll need to be ready for as you shake out the gremlins on any new watercraft purchase. No, for most boat owners, it’s the storage, upkeep, and peripheral expenses that are surprising. Here are three costs you might need to budget for, in addition to the actual purchase price of your new boat.

1. Docks and Lifts

Marine boat lifts are an excellent way to avoid wear and tear on a hull when your boat is not in use. They work well for boats in cold climes inland and on the seaside because they let you keep it right on the water without being frozen in when the ice and snow come. In warmer climates, they’re still a great investment for marine vessels in saltwater environments where constant exposure could lead to corrosion issues in the long-term. Even if you don’t opt for a lift, your boat will need a place to dock if you’re keeping it on the water. That means either renting a slip at an established facility or paying for the construction of your own dock on your waterfront property. Understanding these choices and the cost structure for each is very important when planning where your boat will spend its time.

2. Trailers and Dry Storage

For small vessels, another option is to get a trailer and store it in a location like a barn, garage, or warehouse storage facility. This does involve a little more labor when you want to use the boat, but for those who plan on pulling it to new bodies of water on a regular basis, it sets you up to just grab your boat and go, because you can just park the boat covered on its trailer and hitch it up when you’re ready to go on the road.

3. Boat Insurance

Last but not least, remember that your new boat needs insurance just like any other major asset. Like your car insurance, it needs to cover both the risk of damage to the boat under various operational and storage scenarios and your liability in case of an accident while it is in use. This is another annual cost you need to be prepared to pay, like a slip rental or storage facility would be. When deciding which extras to invest in, keep in mind whether each cost will be recurring, like an insurance policy, and which ones will be one-time, like the construction of a new boat lift or a dock.

Northeasterners know that winter can throw a lot of challenges your way, and there’s a lot that you need to do to make sure that your home is ready. Here are five things that you should do to prepare your home for winter weather.

1. Find an Affordable Heating Oil Supplier

When you’re looking for cheap heating oil Sussex County NJ, you should work with a reliable supplier whose business is built on selling their products affordably. Depending on your home’s needs, it may also be advisable to work with a supplier who can offer you a volume discount.

2. Get Your Garage Ready for Use

If you can’t park inside of your garage, you’ll have to contend with a lot of extra work to get your car on the road on a snowy or icy morning. Clear out your garage so that you have ample room for parking, and make sure that your garage door opener is fully operational.

3. Stock Up on Ice Melt

Before a winter storms hit, a lot of major retailers sell out of salt and ice melt. It’s advisable to purchase these vital supplies in advance so that you won’t be in a jam when you need them.

4. Clean Out Your Gutters

Clogged gutters can cause big ice dams to form along the side of your home during snowy and icy weather. Ice dams and icicles can be dangerous, and they can cause damage to your home. Cleaning out your gutters or installing screens can help prevent icicle build-up.

5. Replace Your Windows

Drafty windows can be a serious problem when temperatures drop. If your windows are very old or show signs of significant wear, you may want to consider replacing them to help conserve heat during the cold winter months.

Don’t be scared of winter weather coming your way. Be ready for it by fortifying your home and stocking up on essential winter supplies.

Owning a home brings a lot of satisfaction. It can also cause headaches when things break down. Letting a small plumbing problem turn into a big one can lead to expensive repairs and structural damage. That is why it is so important to be on the lookout for early signs that you might have a plumbing problem in your home.

1. A Bright Green Patch in the Lawn

A lush, green lawn may be what you are hoping for, but an unusually thick patch over your septic tank or outgoing pipes can be a sign of serious trouble. If you notice this, call in a plumber to diagnose the problem right away. A quick septic tank repair Springtown TX is always preferable to sewage backing up into the house.

2. Mold Under Your Sink

As an enclosed space located close to water, the cabinets under your kitchen and bathroom sinks can give you an early warning about small leaks. Look for mold growing on surfaces or a musty smell when you open the doors. Small leaks can often be fixed quickly and inexpensively. If left untreated, however, you may end up needing a major renovation.

3. Poor Water Pressure

There are a number of reasons for poor water pressure. It could be as simple as too many appliances running at the same time or a clogged faucet screen. It could also be something more serious like a leaking supply pipe or a broken pressure regulator. If you’ve noticed that the water pressure in your house has dropped off recently, you want to take steps to diagnose and fix the issue.

4. Clogged or Slow Drains

Slow drains are a sign of clogged, corroded or broken pipes leading from your home. Try a few basic techniques to clear them, but if that doesn’t work, get help before the problem escalates.

Be alert to changes in your lawn, water pressure and draining to stop problems before they get bigger. Addressing a plumbing issue right away can help you avoid additional damage and a whole lot of aggravation.