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SUFFOLKNEWSHERALD.COM SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2018
Certify your own habitat BY KELLIE LAGOY STAFF WRITER
Susan and Biff Andrews are committed to preserving wildlife and the climate, and they have the opportunity to do this in their own backyard. A sign sits in their driveway that lets everyone know that the Andrewses’ yard is a certified wildlife habitat, and it was certified by the National Wildlife Federation. The two got their start in conservation by reading an article about the Virginia Master Naturalists in the Suffolk NewsHerald. They joined the group, and they have continued to learn ever since. “We saw Geoff Payne in the newspaper talking about becoming Master Naturalists, and we thought that sounded like us,” Susan Andrews said. “A lot of the people come from science backgrounds, but really anyone can do it.” After some time with the
group, they attended an event about having a backyard habitat, and for the last 16 years, the duo has been learning how to make their yard better than before. Their backyard includes wooden steps, that they put in themselves, leading down to the lake. All along the way, they have leaf bins and plants native to the area. They have put in a pollinator garden and also are working on a bog. “We do things as we learn them,” Susan said. “It really is lifelong learning. Everywhere you look, there is something of interest.” While there are many moving pieces that make up their backyard habitat, the best advice the Andrewses have for others looking to improve their yard is to “go native.” “This is because non-native plants cannot host animals,” Biff Andrews said. “And nurseries are starting to understand See HABITAT, 2B
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Organizational professionals for This Old House estimate that only 30 percent of people store their vehicles in a garage, while the RAC Foundation found that 53 percent of households had access to a garage, but only 24 percent used them to park their vehicles. The reason why cars and trucks are relegated to sitting in driveways or at the curb is simple: too much stuff and, in some instances,
larger vehicles that simply do not fit. Taking inventory of the items stored in the garage can help free up space to park cars. This can prolong the life of the vehicle’s paint and make it more comfortable to enter and exit the vehicle during inclement weather. Homeowners who want to make more effective use of their garages can give thought to their current usage, ultimately deciding if
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Susan and Biff Andrews have certified their yard as a wildlife habitat through the National Wildlife Federation.
certain items can be stored elsewhere or discarded. Homeowners can also set aside a weekend to tackle garage organization — involving the children and other family members to make the sorting and cleaning easier. Donate or sell unwanted items as soon as possible. Recycle items that can be reused or repurposed and then consider contacting a bulk hauler to remove the trash.
Suggestions when shopping for fencing Fences can improve functionality of a yard and provide extra security and privacy. Some fences are decorative while others are functional. Families with children or companion animals also may find fencing a necessity to keep everyone safe and corralled. With a vast array of fencing materials available, homeowners may find it challenging to decide what material is right for their properties. The following breakdown can help homeowners learn more about fencing and potentially point them in the right direction regarding
what material to choose for their properties.
Budget
Budget is one of the first considerations many homeowners have when installing fencing. Pricing will affect whether one can afford a chain link fence (one of the most budget-friendly options), wrought iron or ornate wood (more expensive). Pricing out several different types of fences will give homeowners an idea of which material fits into their budgets. See FENCING, 3B
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Hang photos and artwork with ease Personal touches turn a house into a home. Hanging pictures, whether they’re personal photographs or artwork, can really change the character of a room. Unfortunately, some people may not know the proper ways to display pictures on a wall. Design maven Martha Stewart advises that the first step is to gather all of the pictures that are in consideration for hanging. This will enable a person to see what is available and edit their selection based on the space available, theme or color scheme. Having the artwork there enables a person to move it around like a puzzle until the placement feels just right. Next, plan on hanging artwork at 57 inches on center, according to the renovation experts at Apartment Therapy. “On center” means the middle of the photograph or painting will always be at 57 inches above the floor, as this measurement represents the average human eye height. This height is regularly used as a standard in many galleries and museums.
When the goal is to hang multiple pictures, treat the entire grouping as a single unit. This means creating the layout and finding the center of the middle piece of the grouping. To make picture grouping easier, use paper templates with arrows to indicate whether the artwork will be hung horizontally or vertically. These templates can then be easily taped to the wall and rearranged until the grouping is ideal. There are no hard and fast rules concerning frames, meaning they do not all have to match. But placing framed artwork side by side can give a person a feel for whether the images and the frames work together in the space. Some people like to use frames of similar colors and sizes. Others want the eclectic, mix-and-match appeal. It’s ultimately up to the homeowner. Measuring is key to hanging a picture correctly on the wall. Take into consideration the type of attachment, whether it’s D-rings, sawtooth hangers, wire or other fasteners on the back. Measure from the top of the frame to the hanger. Measure the wall
to achieve the 57 inches on center location, and then calculate where this falls within the height of the artwork and frame top. Adjust accordingly and mark. Then measure the distance from the frame top to the hanger location on the wall. Be sure to take the weight of the picture into consideration when selecting hanging hardware. Wall anchors may be needed if measurements determine a wall stud will not help secure the artwork — to keep the frame sturdy in the drywall. Using self-adhesive rubber bumpers on the bottom corners on the back of the frame may help prevent the frame from damaging the wall and will help it hang level. It can take a few attempts to hang pictures correctly, but with practice it should come with greater ease. The good news is there are new products constantly being developed to make picture hanging easier, including those that enable removal and relocation of SUBMITTED PHOTO artwork without damaging Photos and artwork should be hung with its vertical center at 57 inches above the floor, since that is the walls. average human eye height. —Metro Creative Services
Transform bathrooms with technology Technology is infiltrating every room of the house. Many new home buyers are millennials, and this tech-savvy demographic covets technological innovations. A recent survey by Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate indicates 77 percent of Generations X and Y home buyers want their homes equipped with the tech capabilities they have grown accustomed to. Many of these involve smart innovations, including those that can transform one of the most private rooms in the house — the bathroom. Automated home theater rooms and Wi-Fienabled home security systems have become the norm, but there are plenty of tech improvements available to make the powder room more in touch with today’s digital lifestyle. According to the home improvement resource The Spruce, bathrooms have the most potential of any rooms to be improved with technology. The following are just some of the bathroom gadgets and gizmos no one should resist before giving a try.
4Automatic faucets: Infrared sensors have been helping keep public restrooms more hygienic for years. The same technology can be used in home bathrooms to curtail water waste and keep faucets and sinks from becoming infested with germs. In addition, faucets with built-in timers can be programmed to set tasks for brushing teeth or washing your face. 4Musical shower: Instead of having to blast the volume on the portable speaker you use in the bathroom, a wireless speaker is built into some showerheads. This enables those who like to sing in the shower or listen to podcasts while washing up to enjoy this luxury effortlessly. 4 Smarter weight management: Bathroom scales have gone hightech as well, with various options enabling users to measure weight, BMI and body fat percentage before sending the data wirelessly to a phone, tablet or computer. This can put you in greater control of fitness goals. 4High-tech toilets: Borrowing ideas from bidets and trends around
the world, modern toilets do not require hands or paper. These toilets have temperature-controlled water, spritzing wands and air dryers to clean and sanitize. Self-cleaning toilets help busy professionals save time and are ideal for those who always want their bowls as clean as possible. And if you desire extra comfort, toilet seat warmers are available, while LED lights can make nighttime restroom visits easier. 4Soaking tubs: As fast as stand-alone showers were introduced to the modern bathroom, tubless designs have been replaced with streamlined soaking tubs. Tubs come with different features, including chromatherapy, which employs colored lights to enhance mood. Air baths are controlled electronically and provide different levels of sensation for those who are skipping the hot tub. Round out these innovations with automated lights, chilled medicine cabinets and aromatherapy, and your bathroom will indeed become a technological spa. —Metro Creative Services
Habitat: Water, feed source required Continued from page 1
that this is what people want.” The process to have a yard certified with the National Wildlife Federation is simple and requires only a few steps. According to the federation’s website, there are only a handful of elements needed to have a sustainable habitat — food, water, cover, places to raise young and sustainable practices.
The food element can be satisfied with seeds from a plant, nuts, fruits, pollen or even supplemental feeders. The water element can be satisfied with a lake, seasonal pool, a stream or a birdbath. The cover element can be satisfied with a wooded area, bramble patch, roosting box, burrow or a water garden. Raising young is made possible with mature
trees, nesting boxes, caves or burrows. To maintain the wildlife habitat, it’s important to have sustainable garden practices. This includes soil and water conservation, controlling exotic species and organic practices. More information on how to have a certified wildlife habitat is located on the federation’s website, nwf.org.
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Spring cleaning can alleviate allergies
Allergies affect people of all ages. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports that allergic rhinitis affects between 10 and 30 percent of the world’s population. In addition, the prevalence of allergic diseases has risen in industrialized nations for more than 50 years. Seasonal allergies tend to be the strongest in spring and autumn. Allergies can be exacerbated by many factors, including in homes where improvements are being made. Regular housecleaning can remove many common allergy triggers and help alleviate symptoms. Knowing which common home improvement mistakes can aggravate allergies can help homeowners avoid them.
Suit up
Before any cleaning begins, allergy sufferers should don face masks and rubber gloves to prevent themselves from breathing in allergens or having them touch their hands, where they can be transferred to the face or elsewhere. Those cleaning should also wear clothes that can be easily removed and laundered after a day’s work.
mattress covers to further protect against dust mite allergies.
Shampoo smart
Shampooing a carpet may cause moisture to become trapped in the carpet fibers, leading to increased dust mites or mold growth. Spot-clean stains instead. Otherwise, hire a professional cleaner who will clean and dry the carpet as quickly as possible.
Damp dusting is better
When cleaning up dust or home renovation debris, use a damp cloth or a vinegar solution to wipe down surfaces. This helps trap small particles instead of sending them into the air.
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Leave carpet and upholstery shampooing to the professionals, as excess moisture can contribute to mold and dust mites, which aggravate allergy symptoms.
Clean windows singularly
Use exhaust fans
Prolonged exposure to outdoor allergens, such as pollen, mold or ragweed, can aggravate allergies. Therefore, if windows are being cleaned, do one at a time and then promptly close the window. Having the air conditioning running can help filter the air as well.
The AAAAI recommends using an exhaust fan in the kitchen and bathrooms to reduce the levels of moisture in these rooms and filter out potential allergens and odors. Moisture can eventually lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which isn’t healthy for anyone, including allergy
sufferers, to breathe in.
Invest in a HEPA filter
Vacuums with HEPA filters can trap allergens that are so small that they pass through regular vacuum filters. That means instead of containing them, these small particles are only being shot back into the air where they are easily breathed in. WebMD sug-
gests vacuuming once or twice a week to keep carpets and floors as clean as possible. Plus, don’t forget to vacuum upholstered furniture and drapes as well.
Launder with hot water
When it comes time to wash linens, do so in hot water, which can kill dust mites residing in sheets and blankets. Employ
Treat mold issues
Mold can trigger allergic reactions, so it is best to keep it out of a home. Solutions that contain at least 10 percent bleach can be effective at killing mold, but it’s best to prevent mold from growing entirely. That means keeping tabs on any moisture issues and addressing them immediately. —Metro Creative Services
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Homeowners install fencing for various reasons. If a fence is an ornamental way to delineate property lines, a picket fence or a post-and-rail fence are simple options that can lend a homey feel to a property. These types of fences also can enhance and frame landscaping elements, such as gardens. In many area, laws require homeowners to install fencing around swimming pools. In such instances, chain link fencing that does not obstruct views of the pool might be the best choice. If security or privacy is the main desire, tall fences that make it difficult for neighbors to
see into the yard may make an ideal choice.
Restrictions
It is important to understand local regulations before installing fencing. Communities governed by homeowners’ associations may have rules in place that dictate the type of fences that can be installed. Townships and other municipalities may have their own rules concerning fence type, property borders, fence height and other factors that will have to be adhered to so that fencing will meet code. If such rules are not followed, fines may be imposed and the fence may have to be removed. Homeowners also may
need permits to install fencing, whether they are hiring a contractor or doing the work themselves.
Maintenance
Consumer resource Angie’s List advises homeowners to consider maintenance before choosing a fencing material. Wooden fencing requires the most maintenance due to painting and staining. Aluminum or vinyl fencing requires less maintenance, but it can be harder to repair isolated damage or replace pickets, if necessary. In some instances, the entire fence may have to be replaced. —Metro Creative Services
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Complete these home improvements over the weekend Home improvement projects ramp up when the weather warms up, as homeowners channel the rejuvenating feelings of spring and tackle their home to-do lists. Largescale renovations can greatly affect a home, but smaller projects can yield impressive results and be completed over the course of a single weekend. If time is of the essence, these weekend or one-day projects may satisfy homeowners’ desires to fix up their homes. 4Create an accent wall. Painting a focal wall in a home can create a serious impact. The bonus is it will not take as long or require as many materials as painting an entire room. Accent walls frequently feature a bold color, so decide on placement and tackle this project in less than a day. 4Install stair runners. Dress up hardwood stairs with decorative carpet runners. Runners come in elongated pieces of carpeting or individual pieces that can be placed on each step. If carpeting doesn’t fit with the home’s design, painting individual stair treads also can create visu-
Some home improvement projects can be completed in a couple of days and will greatly add to a home’s value and enjoyability.
al appeal. 4Dress up the entryway. An entryway is a guest’s first impression of a home. Many entryways can use a minor overhaul, both inside and outside. Paint the front door a dif-
ferent color so it pops from the curb. Install a new mailbox or decorative house numbers. A new welcome mat can change the look as well. Inside, consider laying a new floor. Resilient vinyl tiles
come in many different patterns and can mimic the look of wood, travertine or marble. Installing a floor can take a day or two. 4Install a new faucet. Instantly improve a kitchen or a bathroom with new
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fixtures. New faucets can provide aesthetic appeal, and low-flow faucets can help conserve water. 4Create a gallery on the staircase. Gather and arrange framed photos, artwork or wall accents so
that they ascend the wall of a staircase. This creates a designer touch and can dress up an often barren area of wall space. 4Install a fresh light fixture. Improve drab spaces with a little illumination. Better Homes & Gardens suggests replacing an existing fixture with something new and vibrant. If hanging a new fixture is not within one’s skill set, free-standing table or floor lamps also can cast a new glow on a space. 4Add molding. Molding can add instant aesthetic appeal to a room. Molding is appropriate near the floor, at the top of walls where they meet the ceiling, or even mid-wall as a chair rail. Some homeowners like to create framed molding on walls in formal living spaces. 4Update kitchen or bathroom hardware. Replacing hardware is a fast and easy project, but one that can have immediate impact. Swap out tired or outdated hardware for newer brushed metals and more impactful shapes and designs. —Metro Creative Services
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be more accommodating to teenagers. 4Add more seating. Having friends over means having enough seating to handle a small crowd. Beanbags, cushioned benches, a daybed, modular seating, and more can ensure everyone has a place to sit. 4Make a private outdoor spot. Teen spaces do not need to be restricted to the indoors. Design advice site Houzz says an outdoor escape zone that includes comfortable seating in a private area — particularly a spot that can also be enjoyed into the evening — will be a coveted spot. 4Invest in “indestructible” materials. Teenagers are bound to make messes, and having other people over means contending with a certain measure of damage. Design the space with indoor-outdoor carpeting, water-resistant fabrics, distressed wood, and other durable materials. Adolescents are always looking for spaces to gather without overbearing adult interference. Homeowners can create such spaces for their children in their own homes. —Metro Creative Services
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it’s possible to transform a room in a home into a teen-friendly hangout space. 4Talk to your children. Involve teens in the process of renovating a home to create a spot in which they would like to congregate. Talk about elements they would like to see in the space, whether it be a particular design style, technology or activity. 4Establish a shared budget. Paint is inexpensive and can transform just about any room in a single afternoon. If the room being renovated is the teen’s own bedroom, allow him or her to choose the color palette and other accents. Even if it isn’t to your taste, he or she will be proud of the results and may want to share it with friends. 4Have a snack station. Some teenagers always seem to be hungry, and hanging out with friends while enjoying food is a popular pastime. When renovating a room into a teen cave, find a way to make food a focus. Install a mini-refrigerator and non-alcoholic bar where kids can serve snacks to friends. Think about a space you would like as an adult and modify it to
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Teenagers are busier than ever before, but even the busiest teens need places to unwind and relax with friends. Many parents aspire to create that type of environment in their homes but don’t know where to begin. Having teens close by and interacting with them on a regular basis can benefit families. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics notes that parental involvement correlates to higher grade point averages. Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says certain parenting styles, including those that set rules and monitor teens in supportive ways, develop kids who are more likely to wear seat belts while driving, while such support also lowers crash risk. Involved parents also may reduce the chances of teen drug use and promiscuous behavior. Parents who want to keep teens nearby can create hangout spaces at home that make it easy for teens to feel comfortable with their friends. These “teen caves” can be private but permit supervision when necessary. With a few modifications,
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How to control common spring pests
Just when winter thaws out and people are anxious to enjoy the blooming flowers and luscious lawns of spring, pesky pests can appear and impact comfort levels and safety. Many pests resume their levels of activity as spring draws closer and temperatures warm up. The presence of these insects and rodents may cause problems in and around a home, which makes it essential to recognize them and avoid issues. The following are some of the more common spring pests and how to remedy infestations.
Pavement ants
Pavement ants are some of the most common pests residents encounter inside and outside of their homes. These ants are light brown to black with appendages that are lighter than the rest of their bodies. Small in stature, pavement ants have parallel lines on their heads and thorax, according to pest extermination company Orkin. Although pavement ants nest outdoors, they can enter homes through small crevices in search of food scraps. Their large colonies may not disappear until treatment is introduced. Keep foods in tightly sealed containers, clear counters and floors
Spiders
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Ants are a nuisance that become more active as the weather warms.
of crumbs and address water sources, such as leaks. Pesticides may be needed in extreme conditions.
Fleas
Fleas are tiny, jumping, biting pests that must find a host upon which to live. As ectoparasites, they feed on blood while living on the body of living hosts. Pets can bring fleas inside the yard and home in warm weather. According to the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, flea larvae develop more quickly at higher temperatures. At normal room temperatures, the entire life cycle of a flea is about 18 days. Several flea control
products are available to control fleas on cats and dogs. There also may be powders and sprays to alleviate flea infestations in the home. Vacuuming is also very effective in killing larvae in the carpet and at picking up adults.
control other insect populations, their painful stings and potentially aggressive nature can make
them challenging to have around a home. If a nest is found, hire a professional to remove it.
Wasps
An errant wasp, hornet or yellow jacket may have survived winter and ridden out the colder temperatures within a home. Once the weather warms, queens will begin to look for places to lay eggs and establish colonies. Treating areas where wasps are seen entering and leaving the home is key. Seal holes as soon as possible. Although wasps help
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Debris from home improvement projects can often be recycled. According to Waste Management, the largest residential recycler and renewable energy provider in North America, common construction materials such as concrete, porcelain, tile, lumber, metals, masonry, plastic, carpet and insulation can
potentially be recycled. When recycled, debris from construction projects may ultimately be used in various ways to benefit the planet. For example, such debris may be used as inerts that become road base, while clear wood may be transformed into mulch or biomass fuel. Crushed concrete can go on to live a second life
Many spiders are not harmful enough to humans and pets to be much of a problem. In fact, spiders can be helpful to have around to control the populations of other insects. Still, many homeowners would prefer these web-slinging friends remain outdoors. Therefore, sealing cracks in a home’s foundation and repairing small openings around windows and doors can help keep spiders out. Also, alleviating moisture issues in basements, garages or attics may keep out other bugs that would be prey to spiders. —Metro Creative Services
as gravel or become dry aggregate for new concrete. Homeowners who want to recycle as much of their home improvement project debris as possible can work with Waste Management or their contractors to ensure the materials they no longer need continue to be put to good use.
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Install carbon monoxide detectors
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Because carbon monoxide is found in the fumes produced when fuel is burned, it is present in and around homes. As a result, homeowners should be aware of carbon monoxide and make every effort to detect its presence. Carbon monoxide forms most readily when there is insufficient oxygen to complete combustion and produce carbon dioxide. Hot water closets, furnaces in crawlspaces, heating appliances in attics and other contained areas are common areas where carbon monoxide can form. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that thousands of people visit emergency rooms and are hospitalized because of carbon monoxide poisoning every year. While carbon monoxide is a risk for just about anyone, infants, the elderly, those with breathing problems or chronic heart disease and people with anemia are most likely to get sick from carbon monoxide. CO has earned the moniker “the silent killer” because it cannot be identified without the presence of a carbon monoxide detector. If a person believes he or she is smelling carbon monoxide, that person is probably mistaking the odor for other combustion byproducts that the human nose can sense. Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of vehicle exhaust, boat engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, furnaces and fireplaces. Carbon monoxide is produced anytime something is burning. That is why it
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is essential that products designed to be used outdoors are used exclusively outside, and that indoor appliances are properly vented to the outdoors. Carbon monoxide can build up indoors and poison people and pets who breathe it in. Some people may not recognize that carbon monoxide is problematic in a home until multiple residents start complaining of similar symptoms. Common carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include nausea and vomiting, dizziness, chest pain, confusion, headache and other flu-like symptoms, advises the consumer advocacy group Carbon Monoxide Kills. Those with repeated exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide may eventually develop cerebral edema, which is a swelling of the brain. Carbon monoxide can compress brain cells and destroy them, leading to neurological issues and death. Carbon monoxide poisoning is actually the result of the head and heart not receiving sufficient
oxygen. Carbon monoxide detectors can save lives and should be installed in all homes and apartments. The National Fire Protection Association says carbon monoxide detectors should “be centrally located outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms.” Individuals should follow the manufacturer instructions regarding where on the wall or ceiling the carbon monoxide detectors should be mounted. As an added safety precaution, carbon monoxide detectors should be placed on every floor of the home. Gas sensors in carbon monoxide alarms have limited life spans, so they should be replaced generally every five to six years, because calibrating and testing for carbon monoxide is more difficult than simply replacing the alarms. Installing or replacing carbon monoxide detectors is an easy improvement that can help save lives. —Metro Creative Services
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