Get rid of pests without spending a fortune

(Money Magazine) -- Feel more energetic in summertime? So do common house pests. Some, like stinkbugs, are merely gross; others, such as wasps and roaches, pose health risks. And then there are carpenter ants and termites, which can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your property.

The typical homeowner pays $8,600 to repair and prevent future attacks from a termite infestation, according to exterminator firm Terminix, and the cost generally isn't covered by homeowners insurance. So it's key to get on top of this scourge, either with prevention or early action. Below, a guide to what to do and how much you'll pay.

Dry it out: Damp locations such as your lawn, kitchen, and even attic are a magnet for many pests, including carpenter ants and roaches. The main culprits: leaky sinks, refrigerators, and washing machines. Also avoid leaving plants in trays of standing water and keep pets' water bowls outdoors, says Bob Young, an entomologist at Terminix.

Seal the cracks: When it comes to stinkbugs, termites, and wasps, half the battle is keeping them outside. Termites feast on wood, so if you've got a firewood bin or yard waste container, move it at least three feet from your home's exterior walls.

Keep garden mulch at least one or two feet from your home's exterior. For about $25 to $50 an hour you can hire a handyman to repair tears in door or window screens, caulk holes in siding, apply weather stripping around doors, and repair cracks in floors or porches.

Get an inspection: Should you find out that carpenter ants or termites have invaded your neighbors' homes, it's worth paying $100 or so per year to have a pro inspect your property regularly, says Missy Henriksen of the National Pest Management Association, especially since that cost often includes some preventive treatments, and you may get an initial consultation for free.

Though both carpenter ants and termites destroy wood, the signs are different. Clusters of insect wings near windows and doors means you've probably got termites, says Jeff Whitworth, an entomologist at Kansas State University; finding piles of sawdust near your baseboards means that carpenter ants are the likely culprit. To guard against wasps, check for hives in the bushes and trees around your home and in gutters, eaves, and attics.

To do it yourself: For the odd roach or wasp, it doesn't make sense to pay for a pro, says Whitworth. Your best bet is to sprinkle boric acid powder, insecticidal soaps, or diatomaceous earth, a fine white powder that dehydrates bugs (cost: about $30 at your local hardware store), under your kitchen cabinets, in closets, and around the outside of your home.

Truth About To Repair Rot And Decay On Wooden Windows | At McDonalds

Living in humid climate can cause your wooden fixtures to decay faster. You can find out how to repair rot and decay on wooden windows if you do not want to hire a pro to do it. Sure, you can hire a carpenter to fix your window but it will become costly if your windows decay often due to wet weather. You can fix minor damage yourself and save some cash.

Rain, snow, humid weather, and leaking gutters are some reasons for your wooden window sills to rot. It would be a mistake to ignore minor decay because they can quickly become worse if left alone. Decaying wood can also attract a host of pests such as termites and small insects.

It is a good idea to visit a hardware store for some supplies you will need to make repairs. Get some sand paper, a chisel, electric drilling machine, a quarter inch drill bit, a paintbrush, liquid epoxy wood consolidant, hammer, epoxy-filler, H2O, and a putty knife.

Chip off the rotten wood with your chisel; tap it lightly to loosen up decaying wood. When you get all the rot out, you should be able to see good wood. Drill some holes on the exposed healthy wood with your drill. Place the holes about one to two inches apart.

Remove the dust and wood particles with the brush and then lay on a coat of epoxy wood consolidant on the drilled area. Fill the holes and surrounding area with the liquid epoxy and allow it to dry up for a few minutes. Put on a second coat of epoxy consolidant until the wood refuses to absorb anymore.

Allow the consolidant to dry completely into a solid mass. This tough surface will allow you to work on the wooden window without breaking the frame. Now, mix the epoxy filler with water as directed on the label. Check first if the epoxy filler you bought is ready to use before adding water. Apply the filler where the decayed part used to be.

Mold the soft filler into a shape similar to the wood that used to be there. Use the putty knife to mold it into shape that fits the frame. Once satisfied with the shape, let the epoxy filler dry till it solidifies. Rub it with sandpaper once it dries up to smoothen sharp edges. The finished product should look like the other healthy wooden window sills.

Repairing that rot and decay on wooden windows isn’t as complicated as you may think it is. We also want to tell you more about sash windows now.

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