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Show Notes for May 12, 2012
It was MORE from the National Hardware show this week. There were so many great new products; we just had to tell you about a few more! Chris Nilsen, the developer of CrossCut joined us live in the studio to tell us how he thought up with such a tremendous tool. His device attaches to a circular saw and turns it to a compound saw.
This is definitely at the top of Morris’ list of tools to have in his toolbox. Thank you Chris for joining us. Did you know James had termites? Those little critters were hiding in the walls of James’s remodel project… stay tuned. Rebecca gets an A+ for her Mother’s Day gift find for mom’s that love fresh produce and to garden: “Back To The Roots“ Grow Your Own Mushroom Kit. Mom can have fresh pearl oyster mushrooms anytime, sprouted right from the box. The Rives guys gave us a good laugh with their funny lawyer questions and answers. James and Morris continued with another great find from the show: Tape-Ease and Tape-Ease Pipe: a great attachment to make a one inch tape measure easier for one person to measure anything!
Also joining us this week was Lucas Hamilton, manager of the building science applications for the CertainTeed Corporation. Thank you Lucas for filling our listeners in on what makes something green and how we can all improve our homes energy efficiency. With the cost of energy these days it is a very important subject. But today let’s use a little extra energy to cook up Chef Daniella’s mother day delight! I can’t wait to try this Lime Lavender Scones recipe…..mmmmmm! Let us know if you tried making these for mom. And, I hope you didn’t miss the Loop Rope…. This is so ingenious. It’s the only bungee cord you will ever need! If you called in this week, you were in the drawing for an autographed Home Maintenance for Dummies book…. This week’s lucky winners: Valerie from Pittsfield Massachusetts and Carl from California, congratulations, your books are in the mail! Thanks for listening…stay tuned for more fun next week.
Websites mentioned on today's show:
Rebecca Cole gardens: http://www.rebeccacoledesign.com/
CrossCut: http://crosscut.biz/
Certain Teed Corporation: http://www.certainteed.com/
Blaine Window Replacement Hardware: http://blainewindow.com/
Tape-Ease and Tape-Ease Pipe-Grip: http://www.tape-ease.com/
Hydro Right and Hydro Stop Toilet Kits: http://www.gomjsi.com/
Loop Rope: http://looprope.com/
Grow Your Own Mushroom Garden: http://backtotheroots.com/
GreenWorks Tools – Enviromently Friendly Gardening Tools: http://greenworkstools.com/
Termites
Every year, termites invade the homes of more than 2 million Americans at a cost of more than $2.5 billion in structural damage. Annual structural damage caused by termites is accelerating much more rapidly than the rate of inflation. In fact, termites cause more damage each year than tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and fires combined. And while homeowners insurance protects against damage caused by storms, floods and fires, it rarely covers damage caused by termites. However, homeowners can protect their greatest financial investment and reduce the chance of a termite infestation by scheduling an annual termite inspection.
Results from a recent survey of entomologists at the Entomological Society of America found that 95 percent of these insect experts believe that weather patterns have a direct effect on insect populations, with 85 percent agreeing that termites are the most affected. This spring, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) forecasters expect wetter-than-average conditions in southern states and warmer-than-average conditions in northern states. Since insatiable termites thrive in warm, moist conditions, these anticipated weather and climate patterns will provide an ideal environment for wood-boring insects to wreak havoc nationwide.
"Termites do not fare well in dry, cold weather; that's why they forage inside homes," says Byron Reid, PhD, a Bayer Environmental Science termite development manager. "While future weather conditions in top termite markets will be ideal for colonies to experience a population boom, it does not mean that homeowners will necessarily see the increase. Termites are silent destroyers and will be at work within the house. That's why it's so important to have a trained pest management professional (PMP) inspect your home."
Termites are silent destroyers. Because you may never see these behind-the-scenes workers until it is too late, it is important to get an annual termite inspection much like an annual doctor's appointment. Termites are sometimes visible during swarm season, when clouds of flying termites ("alates" or "swarmers") can occur both indoors and outdoors. You may also find small piles of papery wings that these alates have left behind on windowsills or floors. Other warning signs include sagging floors, crumbling drywood, tiny holes in walls or other wood surfaces and piles of sawdust-like wood residue. Bubbled paint or visible mud tubes over concrete and soil might also be signs that termites are present. Homeowners must be proactive, rather than waiting for these signs to occur.
In addition, homeowners should be armed with the following simple tips to remain termite-free and avoid the worst kind of damage:
Limit the supply of moisture to the foundation.
Prevent shrubs, bushes and vines from growing over vents or touching the house. Rake, bag or burn leaves immediately.
Wood mulch can also attract termites. When using wood mulch in a flowerbed or garden, avoid contact with siding or frames of doors and windows.
Keep gutters free of leaves and other debris. Downspouts must drain freely and away from the house, at a distance of at least three feet.
Do not keep wooden items close to the house. For example, firewood should be stored away from the home.
Because termites need only the width of a piece of paper to gain access to a house, make sure that all entry points, like cracks in the foundation or utility openings, are sealed. You should also caulk windows and doors – favorite stomping grounds for termites.
As a rule of thumb, monitor those areas of the home that are chronically damp or where wood comes in contact with the structure.
Schedule an annual check-up or inspection at least once a year from a pest management professional (PMP), trained in detecting and destroying termites. Many companies conduct an initial inspection free of charge.
• Rebecca Cole GROWS - Check out Rebecca Cole’s website for design and gardening inspiration.
• Karel’s Korner - Weekly series featuring health & fitness tips.
• Legal Tool Chest - Weekly series featuring legal tips.
•
target="_blank">Chef Daniella - Weekly series featuring great recipes.
• On The House Mailing Lists - Receive all your favorite On The House Features in your e-mail box.
• Stay Warm-Sun Heat will Keep You Warm for Less
• California Redwood -The Natural Choice
• Grip-Tite Super Wrench & Socket Sets - The tools with bite! They grab damaged and rusted bolts with ease!
• Semco Remodeling -Do It Yourself Remodeling for Surfaces with Unique Colors, Finishes and Textures
• Quiet Cool -The Whisper Quiet Whole House Fan Cooling System
• Schlage -Protect What You Love
• Elmers Wood Glue -Bond Stronger Than Wood
• Bagster -Bagster Can Take It On!
• Wet & Forget -Wet It And Forget It
• WD-40 -The Can with Thousands of Uses
• Gutter Brush- Simple Gutter Guards keep gutters flowing and save you money
• Consumer Product Safety Commission-Recalls and Product Safety Information
If you need any more information about today's program, please contact us and we'll try to help you find what you need. Thanks for listening to On The House with the Carey Brothers!
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