Cockroaches

These pests have been around for 300 million years so it’s safe to say they’re here to stay. Keep your eyes open for their remnants in your potential new home. Once again, it’s the droppings that are to blame as they contain a protein that is a primary asthma trigger, especially in densely populated, urban populations. If you find them after move-in day, seal the areas where they can enter including crevices, wall cracks, windows, doors, drains and floor gaps. Cockroaches need water to survive in high humidity so fix all leaky faucets and pipes. In general, cockroaches feel less welcome in a dry, clean environment. Use poison baits, boric acid and traps rather than chemical agents that can irritate twitchy airways.

Healthy Decorating and Remodeling

So….. you found a place you can call home, but it needs a little paint or maybe it needs major remodeling. Did you know that there are paints available that have zero VOCs? I know, VOC is yet another acronym, but it’s an important one that stands for volatile organic compound. The good news is there are now paints with no VOCs, including Sherwin Williams Harmony and Pittsburgh Paints Pure Performance and the best asset is that there are almost no odors or irritating fumes.

Unfortunately, VOCs are in many remodeling materials, including adhesives. Talk to someone at your home store and ask about the availability of no or low VOC items. If you must use materials with VOCs, AAFA recommends hanging plastic sheeting to block off the area where you are working and keeping your work space as ventilated (fans facing toward windows/doors) as possible. Wear a mask and goggles and if possible, dispose of debris via a window rather than dragging it through your living space. And it’s not over when it’s over - continue to provide extra ventilation for 3 weeks after completion of the project.

I hope this blog helps you, whether you are dreaming of moving or you are actively searching or anticipating remodeling. And now…you can help me. Cross your fingers that we sell our current home soon!