Investigating Insects – A Guide to Common Household Pests

February 27, 2018 By Anne

Image: https://news.nationalgeographic.com/content/dam/news/2016/01/19/housebugs.ngsversion.1452535273740.jpg

If you are tired of welcoming in unwelcome guests, now is the time to think about Pest Control to get the problem under control. Unfortunately, pests enter our homes, especially when the weather cools down or when they are after water and they can wreak havoc on your home and make it uncomfortable for you to live in.

Just because a pest enters your home does not mean that you have an infestation. However, there are some simple ways to prevent them from ever getting in, such as closing up any known spaces and cleaning up any food off of the counters.

Below, we will introduce you to some of the commonly spotted pests inside of homes, this way, you know what you’re looking at and how best to act. If you do not wish to tackle pests on your own, these irving wildlife removal services (or an alternative service provider in your area) may be able to provide assistance.

Ants

Ants are one of the most common household pests and they can be difficult to control and get rid of too. Since they are found outside, especially in the garden, it is important to treat both the interior and exterior of the home for the best results.

Ants are usually drawn to food that has been left out overnight and may enter your home through an opening that you may not be aware of. If you notice ants in the bathroom, then they are likely coming in due to a search for water.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are dirty pests that can invade your home, whether or not your home is dirty or clean. These pests often make their way into your home from outdoors and then look for an optimum place to remain inside.

It is important to tackle any cockroach infestation you may have as female cockroaches can lay many eggs in a short amount of time.

Termites

A single termite infestation can destroy your home in a matter of no time at all. Typically, you will notice damage and signs that termites are present prior to actually seeing the termites themselves. Boise pest control can help you out.

It is important that you do not disturb the termites if you do find them, as this will only allow them to travel to another area inside of the home. Since the termites often live in the wood, you should leave the wood or beams intact.

Termites must be handled by a licensed pest control specialist to ensure that they are removed from the home completely. Improper treatment can lead to re-infestation or infestation of nearby homes.

Spiders

If you notice a spider in your home, you may be alarmed, and you may wonder whether or not it is venomous. One of the most commonly found spiders in homes in Australia is the Huntsman Spider. This spider is venomous, but the venom is not deadly to humans and in most cases, this spider will leave you alone; however, it may alarm you when you see it.

The Huntsman Spider is known to eat pests within the home, so sometimes they are good to have around, but if you do not want these guests in your domain, you can have them removed with a pest control service.

Tame Those Pests or Kick Them Out

You do not want to live in a home that is run by unwanted pests. Not only can these pests bring disease, they are not pretty either and may even haunt you in your dreams. Before you simply start to take a shoe to each one of the pests you see, try to identify the pest you are dealing with, as you will be able to deal with them more effectively this way.

No matter pest you may have in your home, do take extra steps to eliminate their desire to enter your home such as picking up rubbish around the house, cleaning countertops, and reducing leaks and sources of water which may attract them in the first place.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

Mickey Transforming Roadster Racer RC from Jada Toys Review

February 23, 2018 By Marijean

Mickey Transforming Roadster Racer RC by Jada Toys

Do you have children that love Mickey Mouse? If so, you must check out this awesome RC Car by Jada Toys that I was able to review. My son is having a blast with it!

About Mickey Transforming Roadster Racer R/C :

Rev it up with Mickeys all new transforming R/C from Jada Toys! This Mickey Mouse transforming R/C car features Mickeys fun and cool red roadster and an easy-to-operate remote that allows Mickeys classic roadster to transform into his all-new roadster racer with light and sound! Requires four AA and two AAA batteries (not included). Ages 4+ Transform with light and sound 2.4G

[arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G_EJ7Wz0X4&feature=youtu.be” /]

First off, I love how there is very limited assembly with this car. You just snap on the exhaust pieces and it is all set up and ready to play with. You do need batteries thought which are not included. Once I put the batteries in it was ready to go! You do have to switch the car on first, then switch on the remote and let them sync. The light blinking will let you know it is syncing and then once it stops blinking it is all set. This car has fun sounds from Mickey himself when he transforms his car. The car can go forward, backwards, left and right. There is a button to make horn sounds, and also a button to transform the car.

My 6 year old son is having a blast with this car. He has been coming home from school each day asking to take it outside to play with it. He loves transforming it and hearing all of the fun sounds. I love how it does not go super fast like most RC cars, so it is easy for my child to handle. It is the perfect RC car for his age in my opinion.

This would make a great first RC Car for your child, and this would make a great gift!

This toy is available at Walmart, Target and Toys “R” Us and retails for $39.99.

*I received this toy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

“Astronaut Annie” Children’s Book Review

February 23, 2018 By Marijean

“Astronaut Annie” by Suzanne Spade; illustrated by Nicole Tadgell

If you are looking for a new book to read to your children, I highly recommend Astronaut Annie. Check out my review on this book, and read why my kids absolutely love it.

About this book:

Annie’s joyful exuberance and her family’s whole-hearted support leave no doubt that her dream is within her grasp. This delightful story―with backmatter about women astronauts―encourages young readers to pursue their dreams and reach for the stars.

Career Day is approaching, and Annie can’t wait to show her family what she’s planning to be when she grows up. But, she must keep it a secret until Friday! So curious family members each ask Annie for a clue. Convinced that she’ll be a news reporter like he once was, Grandpop gives her his old camera and notebook to use for her presentation. Grandma is sure Annie wants to be a champion baker like her, so she offers a mixing bowl and oven mitts to Annie. Hopeful she’ll become the mountain climber he aspired to be, Dad gives Annie an old backpack. Mom presents Annie with a pair of high-top sneakers to pursue Mom’s favorite sport in high school — basketball.

Grateful for each gift, Annie cleverly finds a way to use them all to create her Career Day costume. When the big day arrives, Annie finally reveals her out-of-this-world dream to everyone.

This book is hardcover and has 26 pages. It is recommended for ages 5-8, although my almost 10 year old loved reading it. It is beautifully illustrated, and the font is a great size for my kids to read. My kids loved reading in anticipation to see what Annie will be on career day, and were constantly guessing if her relatives would guess what she will be before career day! This book kept them entertained, and I also enjoyed my 9 year old reading it to me. At the end of the book you get an awesome surprise, 4 pages about Women that have gone into space and facts about the moon! My kids were so excited to read up all about the women that have good into space, It is the perfect book for any child that is starting to learn about space or has a love for it already, If you are looking for a new book to give your child, consider Astronaut Annie!

You can pre-order this book through Amazon for $12.29. The book goes on sale on March 6, 2018. The retail price of this book is $17.95.

*I received a copy of this book to review. All my opinions are my own.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

Rein Your Rage By Understanding Its Origins

February 19, 2018 By Anne

During motherhood, there are going to be times when you’ll need to shout at your kids. It’s one of the harshest realities any parent faces, but it’s a necessary part of raising rounded children. If you never shout at them, they’ll have no boundaries. That could cause significant struggles down the line. So, if your kids are naughty, you NEED to impose some form of punishment.

Sometimes, though, we’re guilty of shouting when we probably shouldn’t. We all have bad days when the smallest things push us over the edge, and kids are good at pressing our buttons. But, shouting at your kids when they don’t deserve it isn’t okay. What’s worse, some of us experience extended periods of unexplained anger. Whatever the reason, these can leave our kids feeling unable to approach you. That isn’t what any parents wants. If this sounds familiar, consider whether these reasons could be behind your rage.

Pixabay Image

You aren’t sleeping enough

Not sleeping can wreak real havoc on wellbeing. It can have an impact on both your physical and mental health and that can quickly lead to anger. If you aren’t sleeping enough, is it any wonder you’re running on a short fuse? If this is the case, it’s crucial you address the issue. Develop a bedtime routine which aids sleep. This could include calming drinks and a no-screen time rule. In extreme cases, you should visit a doctor and see if they can assist you. You may not even realize that you aren’t getting the sleep you need. Small things, such as waking up at regular intervals, can have as significant an impact. In this instance, think about what’s waking you. Is there too much light in your room? If so, invest in some blinds. Is your mattress uncomfortable? If yes, head to sites like https:/mattress-guides.net and choose a new one. Whatever you do, make sure you take action to get better sleep in the future.

Your diet’s off-kelter

You may not know it, but diet can impact rage in a significant way. We’ve all, of course, heard of the phrase ‘hangry’. And, there’s not getting past the fact that you’re going to get mad if you don’t eat enough. But, there’s actually more to the food/anger relationship. As can be seen from sites like www.thealternativedaily.com, there are particular food groups thought to cause higher levels of rage. Trans fats and carbs are notorious for this. A study by the University of California demonstrated that trans fats interfere with metabolism. And, carbs are high in sugar, leading to energy lows and rage.

Your hormones are raging

No woman appreciates having it pointed out that she’s hormonal. But, it’s also important to acknowledge that you’re going to feel inexplicably angry at the same time each month. You can reduce the impacts of PMT by looking after your health, and also tracking your cycle. If you know to expect hormone-related anger, you’ll be in a much better position to keep it away from your kids.

Anne

DIY Valentine’s Day Crayon Craft

February 12, 2018 By Marijean

Last year my daughter and I made a really cute Valentine’s Day Craft that she was able to pass out to all of her friends. I love this particular Valentine as you use recycled materials and there is no candy attached. My children Do Not need any more candy throughout the year. They get enough from their daddy.

Basically you will need:

Crayons – Sharpie – Cardstock – Heart shaped silicone mold ( I found mine at Joanne’s) – Glue Dots ( I got Elmer’s medium thickness.)

Everyone has broken crayons laying around. Okay maybe not everyone. But if you have kids you most likely do. This is a great way to recycle and reuse those crayons. Just peel the paper and break into small pieces. To make it easier you can soak the crayons in water. The paper will come off easier this way.

We did use some non-broken crayons just to add some pretty colors in each mold heart. Then make sure to read the directions on your silicon mold. I put my mold on a cookie sheet and baked 15-20 minutes at 250. Let cool on rack or place in the freezer to cool. Then the hearts just pop out of the mold.

Then take the card stock and cut into squares. Write whatever saying you like. We choose “You make my world colorful” But you can also use, “You color my world” or “Happy Valentine’s Day”. Then place a glue dot in the center and place the heart on top!

It’s that easy! I’m excited to do this craft again as my daughter has different children in her class this year.

Let me know in the comments what Valentine craft you are working on!