Tips

• Bird Pests
• Crime Prevention
• Energy Saving
• Exterior Pipes
• Hazardous Cleaner Alternatives
• Landscaping
• Mosquito Control
• Safety
• Water Conservation
• Window Screen Repair

Bird Pests

In Spring, black birds may try to move into your house, either through gaps in the soffit vents, or into your kitchen and/or bath exhaust vents. Signs of their presence include pine needles and other plant debris sticking out from the openings, as well as signs of feces on the siding. These birds are non-native European Starlings. If your "guests" have already settled in, the birds need to be removed by a professional trapping service. After they are removed, install grates under the slats, or place a different type of opening over the vent shaft. Do not use fine mesh or chicken wire over dryer vents -- these can trap lint and pose a fire hazard. Use a long vertical shaft to direct the exhaust downward. The trapping service may do this for you as part of their service.

Energy Saving

Keep freezer filled - freezer works harder when not filled. Frozen food stacked together help keep each other frozen.

Fluorescent bulbs use less energy than incandescent. They have been getting better and better and many produce a warm glow similar to incandescents. Twister style bulbs can be used in lamps; smaller ones can be used in the ceiling fixtures.

Exterior Pipes

The exterior pipes need to be turned off at the end of October. Those that are in the unheated garages are especially vulnerable to freezing during extremely cold weather. The pipes running inside the exterior wall are not insulated, and there may not be any wall insulation there either. To prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting, turn off the water from the inside; the valves are located by the water heater. Open the valves on the outside of the house to drain the pipe and leave the valves open. After April 1, turn the water back on - remember to close the outside valves first!

Safety

All individuals riding bicycles are required to wear a safety helmet. All individuals under 16 are required to wear a safety helmet when operating a scooter. Visit the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute for more information on helmets.

Parents may have a free child safety seat inspection at one of the local Fitzgerald Auto Malls. Check their Web site for the next inspection date and location.