On the Wire - Your Home's Hidden Enemy
It's termite swarm season, so now is the time to see if you can catch these sneaky and destructive pests before they head underground to make a meal of your home. Swarm season is the part of a termite's life cycle where they fly off and reproduce. When this happens, you'll either spot the swarm itself or find the clear wings termite swarms leave behind, typically near windows or on sills. Unfortunately, this is the only time you'll even catch a glimpse of these little buggers. Termites typically enter your home in areas that are difficult to spot, like inside dark crawlspaces or basement. Other telltale signs of termite infestation include soft wood in the home, mud tubes in the interior or exterior of your home often near the foundation, and darkening or blistering of wood structures. But by the time you notice the signs of an infestation, the damage has most likely already been done. To avoid a surprise attack, have your home inspected for termite damage. An annual, professional inspection only costs about a hundred bucks and is the best prevention to avoid termites and other wood destroying insects all year long.
Termites are not the only wood destroyers that can wreak havoc in your home. Powder post beetles are found in every state in the continental U.S. and can be as destructive as termites. Usually Powder post beetle larvae enter the home through infested wood, before any sign of infestation is noticed. The larvae then mature and bore their way out of the wood, leaving behind a small hole and fine sawdust – hence the name. They can be found in hardwood floors, furniture and cabinets. Un-infested wood that is already finished (sanded, stained and varnished) will not become infested because adult beetles can’t get into the wood to lay their eggs. Once Powder post beetles have infested wood, fumigation by a qualified pest professional is really the only way to go. Unfortunately, it does not rule out future infestation. The best thing you can do to prevent a Powder post beetle invasion is to inspect any wood before you purchase it. Or ask your contractor to do the same. Moisture is a big factor in infestation. So make sure the wood is properly kiln or air dried. Make sure the wood is sealed or use treated wood. Don’t store wood furniture outside, in a shed or garage.
Visit www.PestWorld.com for frequently asked questions and resources to find a qualified Pest Management Professional in your area.
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Ask Tom & Leslie - Butcher Block Basics
This week’s question comes to us from Sue in Sycamore, Illinois: “One of our countertops is about 2 feet of butcher block. We put in new countertops and sanded down the butcher block to fresh wood. Should I apply anything to that wood? Someone suggested mineral oil.”
Sue, butcher block surfaces should be coated any time they are sanded down for refinishing. This should be done every year to keep the surface fresh. You heard right, use a good quality mineral oil. Olive oil or vegetable oil should never be used because they will turn rancid after a short amount of time. To apply the mineral oil, use a clean cloth, wipe with the grain and allow the oil to soak into the wood for four to six hours. After the oil has soaked into the surface, the excess can be wiped off using a clean, soft cloth.
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Got A Question About Your Money Pit?
You can do-it-yourself but you don't have to do-it-alone. Getting in touch with us is as easy as 1 - 2 or 3!
- The toll-free studio hot line is 1-888-MONEY PIT. Find out when we broadcast in your area by checking out our website at www.moneypit.com. Each week we take dozens of calls, give great advice and offer callers a chance to win a terrific prize awarded to one random caller to every show.
- Call when it's convenient for you, 24 hours a day, same number: 1-888-MONEY PIT. A live person takes your call 24/7! So -- WHENEVER you have a home improvement question -- phone it in. Simply tell our phone screener your first name, and where you're calling from...and ask your question. We’ll get back to you with the answer – or even call you back during the show!
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On the Air - iPod, uPod, We all Pod!
Hey everyone,don’t miss out on what iPodders everywhere are discovering is the best home improvement show out there! To get current podcasts of The Money Pit radio show, simply click here and follow the instructions. The best part about our Podcast is that it’s FREE! Plus, you can search our archives to find the shows that address YOUR home improvement problem or concern.
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Dot Common Sense - New Look for Your Laundry
No longer are laundry rooms banished to the dark corners of the home. They are making their way out of basements and garages, into the main living spaces of the home… and being integrated into mudrooms, craft rooms, pantries, even home offices. To show off your laundry room, Simpson Door Company has added a new door design to its collection of interior decorative doors. The new door features an ornamental clear glass design with the word 'Laundry' above a vintage washtub and washboard on a frosted glass background - allowing homeowners to elegantly integrate the laundry room into the home's overall interior design. The doors are available in Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, American Red Oak, maple and cherry, and can be ordered in virtually any wood species from Simpson's Custom Door Manufacturing Facility. To find out more about Simpson's new product developments, visit www.SimpsonDoor.com.
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Fun Fact - Stinky Situation
The average family of three generates 40 pounds of garbage a week! That adds up to an assault on the senses. To keep your garbage cans looking and smelling clean, rinse them weekly with a solution of borax and warm water. And keep germs at bay by spraying the inside of the can with a 10 percent bleach solution.
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Short Cuts - Only You Can Prevent Dryer Fires
This weekend it is time for a cleaning chore that is going to keep you and your family safe and only needs to be done once a year. We are talking about cleaning your dryer’s venting system. Every year an average of 14,500 dryers catch fire and can be responsible for up to ten deaths. The main cause for dryer fires is not a wiring issue but lint that collects in the dryer’s exhaust ducts. Lint builds up very fast, is highly combustible and can spread a fire quickly. You can take several steps to make sure that your appliance is operating safely. Always clean the lint screen after every use. Vacuum behind the dryer as part of your regular house keeping chores. When you are behind the dryer make sure the connector hose is made from aluminum. A plastic hose can get very hot and catch fire, if the connecter is plastic replace it immediately. Once a year clean the vent fully from the outside of the house and back to the dryer. Use a product like the Gardus LintEater, which is a bristle brush with a series of connectable sticks that will clean and remove all the lint that has built up in the hose over years. You will be amazed at what comes out, keep a trash bag or two nearby. Don’t let the dryer run when you are not at home. Dryer fires spread quickly and destroy everything in its path so be safe and not sorry.
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Copyright 2006 Squeaky Door Productions, Inc.
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