Archive for the ‘Helpful Info’ Category

Carpenter ants do not eat wood. Rather, they construct their nests in wood. In nature, they prefer damp wood that is already partially hollow, such as old hollow trees, vacated termite galleries, and fallen timber. In and around human dwellings, they have adapted to living in the structural wood of homes, especially in wall voids, soffits, pipe chases, and other protected void areas. As in nature, they require access to water and a fairly high ambient moisture level to thrive.

Oddly enough, one thing carpenter ants don’t absolutely require is wood. They actually can nest in suitable voids in items made from almost any kind of material. Carpenter ants are sometimes found nesting in PVC furniture, inside roller-type window shades, and in electrical conduits and boxes. (Obviously, they don’t excavate these materials; they simply inhabit existing voids.)

When carpenter ants do infest and excavate wood, their galleries can be distinguished from those of other wood-destroying insects (such as termites or powderpost beetles) by the clean, smooth, almost sandpapered appearance and the absence of mud from carpenter ant galleries. Over time, they can do considerable damage.

Carpenter ant galleries also typically contain “windows” to the surface of the wood through which they enter and leave the galleries, and through which they eject sawdust and waste.

Description and Habits: The black carpenter ant, Camponotus pennsylvanicus, is the most common carpenter ant species in New Jersey. Foraging workers are 1/4 inch to 5/8 inch and black in color. Another species, the rust-colored carpenter ant, Camponotus ferrugineus, is a bit smaller and has a reddish-orange thorax with a black head and abdomen. The most diagnostic characteristic of all carpenter ants is they have a one-segmented pedicel (the segment between the thorax and the abdomen). The profile of the thorax is evenly rounded and not bumpy.

Most carpenter ant workers are polymorphic—which means they are different sizes. Entomologist refer to larger workers as “major” workers and the smaller workers as “minor” workers. Each colony has at least one “queen,” the reproductive member that produces all additional members of the colony. There may be more than one queen in a colony.

When a colony gets very large (six- to ten-years-old and has more than 2000 workers), it may produce winged reproductives, called swarmers. They are often produced during the summertime and may overwinter in the colony. In New Jersey, we have people reporting swarms of the rusty-colored carpenter ants during periods of warmer weather from February to April. The black carpenter ants swarm a bit later and is more commonly observed from March to June, but we have seen swarming of both species during most warmer months. The males often emerge first and are smaller than the females.

After mating, a single queen seeks out a suitable nesting site and lays only a few eggs that hatch into maggot-like larvae. She cares for the larvae that become the colony’s first workers, forage for food, and feed the young while the queen continues laying eggs.

The diet of carpenter ants is quite varied and includes living and dead insects, honeydew from aphids, sweets, meat, and fats. They do not eat wood. Workers leave the colony in late afternoon or early evening, forage during the night, and return to the colony in the early morning hours.

Carpenter ants carry food back to the nest intact or ingested and later feed it to non-foraging members in the nest. These ants may forage up to 100 yards from the nest to search for food. Carpenter ants may become pests in houses by foraging for food. The greatest concern, however, is they may cause serious damage to wood in the structure. Unlike termites, they do not feed upon wood, but merely use it as a place to nest.

Carpenter ants construct their nests in hollow trees, logs, posts, landscaping timbers, and wood used in homes and other structures. These ants prefer to infest wood that is moist and rotting, but wood that has been wet previously, may be soft enough to allow carpenter ants to hollow it out and produce a colony. Certain parts of a house such as: Around and under windows, roof eaves, decks, and porches are more likely to be infested by carpenter ants.

Today, it is becoming increasingly necessary to utilize mailbox locks. As our world has become a lot more dangerous and people have been less willing to live amongst others with mutual respect and honesty, it is very important to protect ones property. There are other reasons the mailbox locks are necessary that don’t have anything to do with potential thieves. Some people are simply more private by nature and want to be able to ensure that privacy. Whatever the personal reason, being able to secure ones mailbox can be in the words of Martha Stewart “a very good thing.” In this article, we will take a look at five reasons why you should lock your mailbox.

a. To keep thieves out: Locks can help keep thieves out. There will always be people who steal. It can be difficult to avoid such persons sometimes, but it is possible to guard against them. Adding locks to ones mailbox is a very easy way to increase security measures. While it won’t be able to keep everyone out, it will at least slow them down and prevent some from entering at all. Security measures such as locks are very important and can be quite effective.

b. To protect one’s privacy: For some people, privacy is extremely important. Even if they have nothing to hide, they don’t want to give individuals an opportunity to access any of their personal effects.

c. To guard against pranksters: If anyone lives amongst teenagers, their mailboxes may one day end up being a target for pranksters. These might include the planting of homemade bombs, busted eggs or who knows what else. If a mailbox is locked, the only damage that can be done is external. There won’t be anyway for them to gain access to the inside of it.

d. To keep important things in and make sure that they don’t get out: If a homeowner routinely gets valuable packages, they may want to ensure that they are protected from harm and safe from thieves. Individuals who run businesses out of their homes and who receive and send out important mailings and packages will want to ensure that they are protected.

e. To keep the kids out: For one reason or another, it may be necessary to limit the access that one’s children have to the mailbox. This will likely not be an issue for very small kids. But it may be necessary to keep out teenagers, for example if they have history of stealing money or other mailings.

Not everyone will need to use mailbox locks. However, their use will be necessary for some individuals. There are some very good reasons to purchase locked mailboxes. They include guarding against pranksters, protecting ones privacy, keeping ones kid’s and thieves out.

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About the Author:
Thank you for reading our article. Our most recent article on lockable mail boxes can be found at our site. If you have any suggestions for future mailbox articles, then drop by our website at http://www.dailywisdom4u.com and give us a buzz. Your feedback is always welcome.
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If you’ve already invested in a pressure washer, you realize how much time they can save you. The only next logical step is to accessorize it! With the right accessories, you’ll be able to perform any job!

The most obvious necessary you’ll need is a multi-purpose tip. These multi-purpose tips can spread water over a 45 degree angle to cover a wide area or change to a 0 degree nozzle to project the pressure washer’s power onto a single point. If you’re trying to a car you’ll want a 45 degree angle, which will cover a wide area while still maintaining adequate pressure. However, if you’re trying to attack dirt embedded into a construction tractor, you’ll need as much power as possible so the 0 degree nozzle is what you’re looking for. A single nozzle that can do both will save you time, since you won’t have to switch out nozzle tips every time you need to do a new job.

Another popular option is the telescoping wand. This will allow you to reach areas that you might not normally be able to; perfect for those roof jobs or to reach those 2nd floor walls. You can get a wand that can extend up to 24′.

If you’re looking for maximum cleaning action, look into rotary turbo nozzles. These nozzles rotate while they work, adding incredible scrubbing action to the cleaning power of pressure. The net effect is a spray pattern that breaks down even the most toughest of dirt and grime, and can deliver up to 200% increased efficiency. It’s perfect for cleaning driveways, patios, garages, and other large flat areas. The cost of the turbo nozzle depends on the application; the cheaper consumer-grade nozzles range from $50-100, while the professional grade nozzles can cost upwards of $700!

But the most obvious accessory is the pressure washer hose. The most common length of hose is 15 feet. That’s usually long enough to do one wall; then you have to walk back and move the pressure washer. Of course, if your pressure washer is electric, let’s hope that doesn’t mean you’ll need to unplug it too. You can get hoses up to 100 feet long! When buying pressure washer hoses, make sure you get the correct PSI hose; the wrong one could lead to disaster.

Pressure washer accessories can change a pressure washer from something you’ll use every once in a while to something you use everyday. It’ll make your jobs much easier and the time savings can easily offset the cost of the accessories. Besides, who doesn’t like playing with new accessories?

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About the Author:
Thank you for reading our latest article on pressure washers. If you have any questions, feel free to drop us a line at our website, http://www.pressure-washers-explained.com, all comments are appreciated.
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One of the biggest problems you are going to encounter when you are landscaping small spaces if the amount of light available and how well the ground drains. In larger spaces this is much less of a problem because you can always vary the design according to the conditions, moving a particular idea into another section if required. This is one luxury you don’t have in smaller gardens. Landscaping small spaces doesn’t have to be about growing plants. Where there is little natural light you could still landscape – but without using any plants or just a few of those plants that thrive of poor lighting conditions. Just fill the area to be landscaped with gravel and then place a bench in a strategic position and dot around some garden statues and sculptures – perhaps a bird-bath or an ornamental birdhouse for feeding birds off the ground and away from predators.

You could, of course, lay a crazed paving walk, lined with the many varieties of shade-loving plants. If you are landscaping small spaces you could let your eye move skywards: install some frames and train some climbing plants over them – perhaps variegated ivy or Virginia creeper, both of which are lovers of poor lighting conditions. Try Oakleaf hydrangea and, perhaps, a deciduous shrub such as one of the varieties of tree holly or, if you really have green fingers, try growing an azalea or two – I am told they are a bit tricky to grow but some people seem to have the knack! For ground cover try coleus, a plant that comes with some beautiful variegated leaves, and other ground covering plants such as the various Erica species.

Landscaping small spaces can be particularly effective if you look around you and carefully take stock of the whole space at your disposal. Part of the key is to look up. You are bound to have a perimeter fence or wall around your property and these can be ideal to support climbing plants against – not just the Leylandii that everybody loves to hate, but honeysuckle, passion fruit and climbing roses – to name just a few. There are literally hundreds of varieties of climbing plants you could use. You could even plant fruit trees – yes, honest! Even the smallest patio space has sufficient room to grow a couple of espalier apple trees or pear trees which are trained horizontally along a wall rather than allowed to grow into their natural state.

Once your actual landscaping has been implemented you could finish off with some night-time lamps dotted alongside your crazed paving path. Nowadays you can get those solar lamps that absorb sunlight during the day and then use that energy to light up at night. I think they are a brilliant idea. Landscaping small spaces really can be quite fun if done properly with plenty of research up front: you could end up with a beautiful complement to the rest of your house and a delightful place to relax in the evenings – especially if you plant some night-scented stocks and other plants whose aroma tends to waft out during the late evening.

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About the Author:
Learn how to decorate Small Spaces. Also enjoy, furnishing tips, photos of small spaces and projects for the DIYer.
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In order to find the right hedge trimmer that will make trimming much easier and quicker you will need to compare hedge trimmers. When choosing the trimmer that is right for you, you will need to look at how much hedging you will need to do to be able to maintain your hedges. When you compare hedge trimmers you will find that there are many different kinds of trimmers to choose from.

I will talk in this guide about what you should look for so that you can be sure that you are choosing the right trimmer for your need.

You will first want to look at the blade length. This will be determined by the amount of hedging that you will need to do. The blades that are longer will cut more hedges faster. This is needed for people who have extensive hedging that needs to be done. The longer blades will also help you to reach further when you are trimming the hedges tops. However, the downside to a blade that is longer is that they are harder to handle and many times heavier.

If you are using your trimmer for normal use then you will be able to suffice with a blade of about fourteen inches. If you will be doing a lot of hedging then you will want to look for a blade that is twenty-four inches or even longer. You can find blades that are up to about thirty inches.

You will want to look next at the weight of the trimmer. The weight will determine how maneuverable the trimmer actually is. You will want to be sure that you choose one with a weight that makes you most comfortable. A trimmer that weights about 3kgs is considered to be light. This is what you will find with many models that are electric.

Trimmers that use gas to run are good for jobs that are bigger and for using the trimmers more frequently. However you will find that filling the trimmer with gas all the time can get quite inconvenient.  They are also more expensive than other models.  However, you will find if you are using them when it is wet outside this is better because those weather conditions are not recommended with use of an electric trimmer.

Trimmers that are battery powered are good for light and occasional use. However, you will want to be sure that the battery stays charged. If you run out of battery and are only half way finished trimming it could be quite frustrating.  Be sure that take all this in account when you compare hedge trimmers.

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The gentle sounds of pouring water in your garden are the perfect way to make your yard more enticing. However, buying an outdoor water fountain must be taken cautiously and there are important things needs to be considered upon purchasing:

Pool Size

A fiberglass pool is a good start if having pool only for the fountain and not for keeping fish. But if you want to combine the fountain pool’s function with that of a mini aquarium, consider plastic. Plastic pool is deeper and allows fish and plants to grow.

Uses

Outdoor fountain gives the soothing, mesmerizing water sounds that range from gushing waterfalls to babbling brooks. With a garden fountain your outdoor living space will quickly become a place you can’t wait to go to each day to unwind, relax and enjoy your surroundings. On the other hand, certain fountains are built in such a meticulous way to show creativeness and as functional utility.

Position

The shape and design of outdoor water fountains determines their location. Outdoor fountains can be centrally situated in the garden or yard, giving you a maximum enjoyment of the visual beauty and delightful water fall sounds. It can also be a part of company’s theme that should be located near the entrance to attract and add elegance to the surroundings.

Fountain Installation

Installation depends on the design and size of the fountain. Small wall fountains in the yard are easy to install but it is much advisable to bring experts to install the fount. Cord and pump shouldn’t be visible after installing.

Maintenance

Outdoor fountain care takes a little more effort than home fountain. They collect dirt and debris as well so they should be cleaned often. It is recommended to check with the manufacturers first before the fountain might get hurt. Fountain pumps can run throughout the day, without stopping so you do not have to worry about them being impaired. Change the water if the fountain does not have a water inlet. Big outdoor fountains need large volumes of water, so it may not be possible to use distilled water. In such cases, use of water softening agents is recommended. Make sure to keep this ion mind to prolong the life of your fountain.

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Designing an outdoor living area can be daunting, particularly when you feel like every decorating decision you make is set in stone.  However, it is possible to create an outdoor space that can be changed slightly with movable garden structures.  When we think of movable outdoor objects, we typically think of our patio furniture, bird feeders, and bird baths.  All these items can be moved around to change the look or feel of your yard; however, there are a variety of other outdoor structures that can provide beauty and function because of their mobility.

Consider pots of annual flowers that can be moved as blooms fade in different parts of your garden and splashes of color are needed.  Also, when you are entertaining, it is always nice to be able to move pots of flowers near the entry way or to an outside seating area where your guests can enjoy them.  While hanging pots are not as easy to move, they can also be exchanged for one another if additional privacy or varying color is needed in an area.

Another garden structure that can be moved without too much trouble is a small fountain. They can usually be placed about anywhere you have electricity, and in fact, even that is not necessary if you’ve purchased a solar-powered fountain.  One of the nicest things about a fountain is the background noise they create.  The sound of moving water is very relaxing, and in an outdoor setting it can also be quite useful for drowning out other noises, like some nearby neighbors conversing, for example.

Solar landscaping lights are another great decorating element that’s portable.  One option is to move your lights around in your yard or garden to accentuate various plants when they’re blooming or at the peak of their season.  Portable solar lights are also great for providing some additional outdoor lighting in a particular area, as needed.  For example, an evening barbeque or special outdoor dinner party might benefit from some extra outdoor lighting that’s easily moved around.

Most people don’t typically think of large outdoor structures such as garden arbors and pergolas as being portable, but it is possible!  Many garden arbors feature special bases so they can be sat on a flat surface, such as a deck or patio, and moved around as needed.  Often times, the bases can be weighted down on each side with pots of flowers, adding extra color and aesthetic appeal, as well.  A portable garden arbor or pergola is a beautiful and easy way to decorate the entrance to an outdoor party or the front door of your home during a special occasion.

Don’t forget to also consider portable patio trellises and outdoor privacy screens in your decorating plans.  A movable trellis or privacy screen is ideal for adding a little extra privacy wherever you might need it.  Patio trellises are usually designed with a flat base, similar to portable arbors and pergolas, allowing you to reposition them easily.  Some patio trellises even feature planter bases so you can plant flowers or vines to grow up the trellis, while still maintaining its portability!  These items are wonderful for use in neighborhoods where privacy fences or tall hedges or bushes are not allowed.

When designing your outdoor living space, don’t feel like the layout has to be completely static.  Movable garden structures such as pots of flowers, solar lights and portable garden arbors and patio trellises not only lend aesthetic appeal and utility to your design, but their portability also makes your space more flexible.  By simply incorporating a few of these items, you can create an outdoor oasis that changes easily to meet your needs.

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About the Author:
Home Products ‘N’ More offers free shipping on movable garden structures like portable patio trellis and garden arbor kits. Visit us at http://www.homeproductsnmore.com/Outdoor_Privacy_Screen_s/12.htm
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When you’re planning your backyard, it will be useful to determine your regional figures for yearly rainfall, sunshine hours and temperatures, as well as details of any specific climatic influences, such as frost pockets. Climatic variations can be considerable across the country, and will depend on latitude, elevation and a number of other local factors. Several areas have their own local climate, often with substantial departures from the norm. Variations can incorporate conditions like the previously mentioned ‘frost-pockets’, where frost, moving down a hillside, gathers in a dip or ‘pocket’ at the bottom of the slope.

The geographical location can also make a big difference: for instance, hilltop sites over 150-200 m (480-640 ft) above sea-level may be several degrees cooler than nearby low-lying locations, creating a later growing period. Whilst coastal gardens are at risk of salt-laden winds, the moderating impact of the ocean means that temperatures are less severe than inland. Town gardens are usually more sheltered and warmer all year round than those in non-urban spots.

Additionally, the microclimate should be considered: note which way your garden faces and which parts receive most shade and sunlight at different times of day and from one season to the next. As an example, the shade cast by a deciduous tree is more dense at the end of springtime and summer than during the rest of the year.

Some corners of the back garden might be sheltered, whilst others could be exposed and require screening if they are to be used completely, depending on the force and direction of the wind. There might be damp and dry areas, or perhaps a cold spot caused by a dense hedge or building preventing the cooler air from draining off to a lower level. None of these difficulties are inherently negative, but they will affect which plants will flourish. Try to take advantage of the various microclimates that occur within the back garden itself, growing vegetation that benefit from the available conditions rather than attempting to cultivate species which are unsuitable.

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In an above the waterline system, a submersible pump is normally used in the pond to lift water up to the filter chambers. Sometimes it is a suction pump, but whatever the type of pump, the water flows through the filter media and returns to the pond by gravity, often via a waterfall.

This type of filters system can have several disadvantages in countries that experience cold winters. One is that the water cools down considerably when it is widely and thinly spread across the watercourse as it returns to the pond.

This often leads to the pump being turned off by the fish keeper and water quality falls as a result. Many of the health problems that occur in spring can be attributed to poor water quality caused by an inoperative biological filter.

When combined with the wide fluctuations in spring temperatures found in some parts of the world, it is not surprising that koi can become severely stressed, which reduces their resistance to disease.

Modern koi ponds must therefore be kept running 365 days a year. In order to return the water to the pond with minimum heat loss in winter, bypass the waterfall. Install a large diameter pipe that is able to cope with the flow rate of the system to avoid backing up and overflow.

If there is no room for bypass pipe work, then make sure the water course is adequately covered. Sitting a pump fed filter system where it will not look unsightly may be difficult. To prevent the above ground filter from spoiling the view, you may need to hide it behind a rockery, trellis or decorative wall.

The submersible pump in the above the waterline filter system also poses some potential problems. For one thing, fish may damage themselves on it. Secondly, its wire and hose will break up the flow of water leading to areas where the build up of detritus is considerable.

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Pool safety is a large concern in America.  Each year, thousands of children die from drowning.  Many drowning deaths occur in residential swimming pools.  That is why it is important that you not only understand the importance of pool safety, but you also understand how to implement it.

Unfortunately, when it comes to pool safety, there are many adults who are misinformed. Many of these adults believe that as long as their pools are equipment with safety equipment and devices, there children are safe. You are advised not to believe this common misconception. Doing so may be the greatest mistake of your life.  Instead of relying solely on pool safety equipment and other accessories, you are advised to use your common sense. When combined together, you may be providing your child with the best available protection.

If you are looking for pool accessories, that can help to assist you in pool safety, you may what to consider purchasing lifejackets, arm floaties, or baby floats. Most of these popular accessories can also be considered lifesaving devices. While lifejackets are most commonly used with boating, you can also purchase smaller lifejackets that are ideal for swimming pools.  For infants, a baby float is a great way to enjoy the water.  With leg holes and squared shapes, for stability, baby floats will help to keep any lightweight child above water. Arm floaties are ideal for children of all ages. Once inflated, they slip onto a child’s arm. Like all other lifesaving devices, arm floaties help a child stay afloat.

As nice as it is to practice safe swimming, pools were also designed with fun in mind. In most pool supply stores or traditional retail stores, including both on and offline retailers, you should be able to find a large selection of pool toys.  Pool toys can include items that are as cheap as a dollar, such as swim rings, beach balls, and other small toys.  However, swim toys can also include expensive purchases, such as basketball hoops and volleyball nets. If your children are playing a water game, it is advised that you keep a close eye on them. When it comes to sports, there are many children, teens, and adults who become competitive. This competitiveness may be dangerous or deadly in a swimming pool.

In addition to traditional pool toys, there are pool toys that are also sometimes referred to as pool fixtures. These items may include pool slides or deep end diving boards.  While they do offer excitement, these items are usually securely fastened to the pool or the side of the pool; thus the reference to a fixture.  When it comes to pool slides and diving boards, if your pool has one, it is important that you pay extremely close attention to those that are using them. Many young children think that these items look fun.  If a young, non-swimmer tries to use your pool slide or deep end diving board, a tragic accident may occur. You may also want to make sure that divers are jumping a safe distance away from the pool’s side.

The above mentioned pool items are just a few of the many things that you should be concerned about.  Pool safety does not just involve keeping an eye on your young swimmers, but it also means making sure that their pool toys and accessories are in the proper working order.

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