Contractor Tips Blog

Nov
8

How to Get Bug-Free Soffits

Posted in Insect Control

Are insects finding their way into your home through your soffits? If you have soffits that are older, they may become rotted or damaged, allowing bugs and other pests into your home. Plus, old soffits may not have proper screens on the vents, allowing bugs an open door into your walls and attic. To get bug-free soffits and close the gaps into your home for pests, water and other issues, it may be time to undergo a soffit replacement.

Benefits of New Soffits

The soffits on a home often get little attention, but they are a vital component of your roofing system and impact the appearance of your home. They also provide placement for vents needed for ventilation. When they become damaged from weather or begin rotting away, they leave your home open to bugs, water, mold and other issues. Here are a few benefits of adding new soffits to your home.

  • Stop insect infestations with solid soffits and new screening on vents
  • Improve the beauty of your home
  • Add needed ventilation when needed
  • Control moisture and mold in the home
  • Keep out other critters like mice, rats and squirrels

When replacing soffits, it may also be prudent to replace fascia boards. They are often in similar repair and work intricately together. A new solid surface for your eaves can protect your home and improve the appearance, making it a worthwhile investment.

If you want to stop bugs from using your soffits as a gateway to your home, contact your local roofing specialist that offers soffit and fascia repairs and replacement. You can add beauty and protection for your home with updated soffits, fascia and vents, installed professionally for the best results.

Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8
th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262

Jul
3

Are Mosquito Misting Systems Safe?

Posted in Insect Control

A sure way to keep mosquitoes and other pests from ruining your backyard summer parties is to install a automated misting system. Placed in strategic but hidden locations throughout your yard, such a system will periodically spray chemicals into the area, killing the unwanted pests. 

Most mosquito misters use pyrethrum, an insect killing chemical derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethrum is harmless to humans and animals in small quantities, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, but can be fatal to fish and beneficial insects like honeybees since it is fatal to all insects. 

The EPA does not regulate misting systems, but does regulate pesticides including pyrethrum. For home use, it recommends the following: 

  • Read all chemical labels carefully and adhere to guidelines regarding use and strength.
  • Set the timing device on your misting system to times when pets and children are less active, say, at night or in the early morning. This is also a time when mosquitoes are likely to be active.
  • Make sure mister is less than 10 feet high to reduce the chance of chemicals drifting into neighbors’ yards.
  • Make sure nozzles are directed at targeted area and away from eating areas, pools, fish ponds and air conditioner vents.
  • Make sure the system is child and pet proofed so there are no accidents.
  • Turn off and disconnect the system when not in use for extended periods of time.
  • In case of a leak, turn off your misting system and call your mosquito installation company immediately for an inspection. 

Following these general rules, according to the EPA, will help ensure your backyard is not only pest free, but safe for people, pets and the environment.

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