Ladybugs: Natural Pest Control

Keep your plants healthy and avoid dangerous pesticides by purchasing Ladybugs. Ladybugs are known to control aphids, mites and other insects that harm plants. Remember, ladybugs will fly to neighboring gardens when they have eaten the pests in your yard. Also, encourage them to stay and attract more by planting geraniums, cosmos and coneflowers. If you have pets and children, it is always best for them and the environment to seek natural pest control. Along with ladybugs, you can try green lacewing and assassin bugs. As a result, you’ll help protect the environment and have a beautiful garden.

Ladybugs: Natural Pest Control

For those with concerns about trapped vs. bred ladybugs, check out Insect Lore. This company sells larvae, which actually eat more aphids than adults. If you want to attract more native beneficial insects to your garden, try Predalure. Predualure sells a pheromone lure that attracts beneficial insects to your gardens to feed on destructive insect pests.  For other beneficial insects, look into Beneficial Insectary. They provide a number of beneficial insects to control a multitude of problems.

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Mosquito Season

In Western Washington, May means the beginning of mosquito season. Take these steps to make your yard less inviting to mosquitoes:

  • Remove objects like empty flower pots, buckets and containers that are collecting water
  • Clean and unclog gutters to prevent standing water
  • Fill in low-lying areas of flower beds and lawns to prevent water from pooling
  • Fill in hollow logs and stumps so water won’t collect
  • Repair damaged screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out
Mosquito Season

If you live in an area where you can’t control standing water there are still steps you can take. If you are a favorite of mosquitoes, you may already be aware of some of these.

  • Stay indoors at dusk and dawn: while they can bite anytime, these are prime feeding times.
  • Use CDC approved repellents: concentrate on your ankles, feet, lower legs and wrists
  • Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing: apparently deep colors attract bugs
  • Use Oil of lemon eucalyptus: the synthetic version is endorsed by the CDC as a repellent

These simple steps can help reduce your discomfort during mosquito season. Want more helpful tips? Click here. Would you like information regarding buying or selling a home? Get in touch – we’re here to help you reach your real estate goals.

Spring Lawn Care

With the arrival of spring, its time for some spring lawn care. Before its time to start mowing again, take a moment to replace any dead spots in your lawn. This can be done with seed or sod. To help prevent the pooling of water, fill in depressions with dirt before adding seed or sod. Taking these steps will keep your lawn looking its best.

Spring Lawn Care

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Spring Home Preparation

This spring home maintenance tip will help you get prepared for spring and summer!
As winter fades away and plants begin to spring to life, it’s a good reminder to take care of some spring home chores. The following items will help you be ready for the new season.

Spring Home Preparation

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Home Updates: Easy & Inexpensive

It’s important to show your home some love to maintain and protect your investment. Moreover, if you want to sell, these can make your home more appealing to buyers. Here are 7 easy & inexpensive DIY home updates you can make in a weekend.

  • Purchase new doormats – first impressions are everything and a clean, welcoming doormat helps.
  • Replace your exterior light fixtures – this is especially important if your fixtures are dated or in poor condition.
  • Update or add kitchen cabinet hardware – kitchen hardware can change the look and feel of your kitchen with a minimal investment.
  • Install new front door hardware – dated, worn or damaged front door hardware can tarnish a first impression.
  • Add a front door security camera – there are many products to choose from, do a little research.
  • change your bathroom mirrors – this change can be extraordinary and the cost of time and money is minimal.
  • Make flower pots and hanging baskets – buy them pre-made or make your own, either way they will improve your curb appeal and provide bright pops of color.
7 easy & inexpensive DIY home updates

Want more home updates & maintenance tips? Click here. Have questions about buying or selling a home? Give us a call, we’re happy to answer any real estate questions you might have.