Protect Your Home and Yard from Pests

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Protect Your Home and Yard from Pests

Provided by J&J Exterminating

Your Home is your personal sanctuary, your refuge from the world. You’ve worked hard to create an environment that your family can enjoy. You and your home shouldn’t have to be at the mercy of annoying insects and their painful or destructive bites. Fortunately, there are exterminators to tackle them.

TERMITES - Exterminators have some very effective weapons against termite infestation of your home and/or business. They have systems that are effective in preventing termite infestation as well as controlling existing colonies. Your technician will work with you to determine the best protection for you.

MOSQUITOES - Reclaim your yard with effective mosquito control. There are one-time treatments, a great option if you have an event in your yard, or a virtually undetectable misting system for ongoing protection. There are things you can do to make your yard less inviting to mosquitoes. Since mosquito larvae float on top of still water in order to hatch, by eliminating the standing water, you’ll discourage mosquitoes from thriving in your yard. You can also: clean out standing water from gutters, mow tall grass, trim overgrown bushes, change water in bird baths every few days, and store buckets and flower pots upside down to avoid having them collect water.

ANTS & FIRE ANTS - Ant bites can hurt long after the initial bite because of the venom they inject into your bloodstream. Pest control professionals know just how to kill ants using pesticides and ant traps.

WASP & HORNETS - Taking on a colony of flying soldiers can be dangerous, and deadly depending on your allergies. When airborne insects threaten your family’s safety and comfort, don’t put yourself in harms way. Let the professionals handle it.

SNAKES - Snakes can be hazardous to you, your family and your pets (not to mention are very creepy). Snakes can get into very tight spaces to hunt for mice and other small rodents. Unlike most creatures, snakes will stand and fight, no matter how big their opponent. Play it safe and call an exterminator to remove them.

4825 Ihles Road, Lake Charles, LA 70605 bgb@bryangalleybuilders.com Office (337) 478-4409

Robbins Contracting

BBB Accredited since 1990

2021 Vision for Home Design - 7 Hot Trends

Provided by Acme Brick

With a new year and decade just ahead, it’s time to gaze into the Acme Brick home design crystal ball. Our 2021 list was compiled from hundreds of home design websites, blogs, media reports and well-respected designers, such as Aida Sniraite. She succinctly notes: “Today we are tired of touchscreens, unwelcoming light in public spaces and offices. That’s why we are seeking refuge, a cozy, warm space where we can feel well.”

1. MOVING VS. REMODELING

“Homeowners nationwide are remaining in their homes typically 13 years, five years longer than they did in 2010,” according to a new analysis by real-estate brokerage Redfin.

Ripple effects of this change include more people deciding to update their current residence with more stylish kitchens, baths, and entertainment rooms - and expanding the footprint of their homes by creating more outdoor entertainment spaces.

2. NOW AND ZEN: MINDFULNESS AT HOME

Marie Kondo’s best-selling book, “The Life-Changing

Magic of Tidying Up,” tapped into something powerful: mindfulness as an antidote to day-to-day noise and visual chaos. How does this translate to home design? • Ensure that every object has a purpose. • Create a tech-free meditation space- often known as an R&R space. • Choose harmonious colors so that each room is in harmony with the others. • Let in natural light to boost mental health.

3. THE BATH IS BACK

Double floating vanities, which allow for easier cleaning, will be on the wish-list for homeowners building or renovating. Non-toilet seating, in the form of built-in benches or individual chairs, will finally come to the throne room. Decorative tile, especially white beveled subway tile on the walls and tub apron, help create a cohesive design while adding shimmer and texture.

4. COLORFUL TRENDS

2021 will be defined by soothing tones from oranges and pinks to blues and greens in both warm and cool hues – “meant to offer restorative balance to the interiors they coat,” said one expert, “in a bid to promote health and wellness.”

As for brick, Jeremy Emler of Acme Brick notes that the softer hues, such as grey and off-white are still the most popular.

5. KITCHEN AS A FAMILY ROOM

As the “meeting place” for family and guests, the kitchen remains a focal point of the house and a priority for designers and homeowners. The editors of Houzz magazine receive thousands of photographs of kitchens each year, and these images suggest several trends that will sizzle in 2021:

• More than 40 percent of homeowners STILL choose white cabinets. In order to keep this from being boring, a few darker wooden drawers are being added for wine racks and other storage. • Open shelving cabinetry will continue to thrive. • Vertical wood pull-outs of darker wood which flank the range are also gaining popularity. • Kitchens that flow seamlessly to the dining area are a continuation of popular open concept.

The 2021 colors of kitchens are described as “soft.” This includes demure satin-brass fixtures and light marble backsplashes.

Because the kitchen is a busy entertainment space, having lots of seating around the still-popular prep island is a must-have.

6. A GROUND FLOOR OPPORTUNITY

Flooring has become a great way to set the tone for each room in the house. In 2021, the choices of flooring - from natural to synthetic - are almost unlimited.

7. ENTERTAINMENT SPACE IN THE GREAT

OUTDOORS

For many homeowners, the best “room” in the house is outside. With high-end grills, brick fireplaces and pizza ovens, big-screen entertainment systems, fire and

water features, entertaining outdoors is great indeed!