Simple Ways to Control Bugs Around Your Home

While it is inevitable the occasional bug will find its way into your home, most people want to keep bugs coming indoors to a minimum.  Depending on the season you will be dealing with a variety of different pests that may make their way inside.  Warmer months can include house flies, moths, lady bugs, spiders, ants, earwigs, as well as hornets and yellow jackets.  During colder months you can also see many bugs trying to make their way inside to get warm and find shelter, usually this includes spiders.  Whatever pest may be bugging you, there are some simple ways that you can help control bugs around your home.  The following are some ideas to get you started!

Outdoor Bug Spray for the Home

 

There are several commercially sold options when it comes to bug sprays that can go around the home and will provide a barrier deterrent for incoming bugs.  You can commonly find these at your local hardware store or mass merchandiser.  If you're looking for a more natural option there are also all natural pest sprays available and sprays you can make at home that won't harm your family, pets, or plants.  One easy all natural pest control spray you can make at home is by using a mix of mild soap such as castile soap ( 1 1/2 teaspoons to 1 quart of water).  This mixture can be sprayed around the home and even on your plants without harming them.  You can also try a mixture of neem oil, water, and mild soap which is known to help deter pests.

Seal Up Any Cracks or Openings

Another way that you can help prevent pests from entering the home is by doing an annual indoor and outdoor inspection for cracks or openings.  Common areas to check would be around windows, siding, and doors.  Be sure to seal up any cracks or openings that a bug would be able to easily access to prevent them from making their way inside.  If you do find any cracks or openings that need sealed, be sure to follow up with those annually as well to ensure they are still intact.

Keep Your Yard Clear of Debris

 

The idea with this tip is to make your home less inviting to bugs by clearing up debris that they may use to hide or nest in.  One main culprit here would be leaves left on the ground around the home.  Another would be overgrown plants and shrubs that require trimming.  Pests can make home in a number of areas and tidying around your home is a great way to prevent bugs from making their way inside.

Hire Pest Control

 

While the previously mentioned tips are great ways to help prevent bugs from invading your home, there are some instances when you still may find yourself with a pest problem that is out of your control.  When this is the case you will want to hire a pest company to come help take care of the problem.  Pest control companies have both the expertise and the right solutions to get your home pest free with support to ensure ongoing pest maintenance.  In Charlotte, North Carolina Clegg's Pest Control or Clegg's Pest Control in Winston-Salem North Carolina can come out and give you an estimate with friendly staff that will help you find the appropriate solution.

Braces or Invisalign? Which One to Choose

Today's smile correction comes with options, and it may leave you with some questions regarding which one will work best for your lifestyle and budget.  While braces are seen as the traditional method for correction, Invisalign has also gained attention for it's benefits.  So should you pick braces or Invisalign?  The following aims to help you weigh your options and select the smile correction method that is right for you!

How Busy is Your Lifestyle?

 

When selecting braces or Invisalign you will want to consider how busy your lifestyle is.  Having braces requires more attention as far as cleaning and care is concerned.  Invisalign is removable for when you eat and drink, as well as when you need to brush your teeth and the aligners themselves.  If you are looking for a shorter treatment time you may want to go with Invisalign as they usually come with a shorter treatment time which means less office visits.  

Which is Best for Teens and Young Kids?

 

What's great is that braces and Invisalign can work for all ages.  If you are considering what may work best for your child, you may want to think about the responsibility that comes with each and which one you think they may handle best.  Like previously mentioned, braces need proper daily care and cleaning, as without this it can lead to noticeable discoloration after braces removal.  If your child has good oral hygiene habits then you may not have to worry about this.  For those in North Carolina you can contact Gladwell Orthodontics for braces in Raleigh.  

While Invisalign also needs to be properly cleaned and cared for, the age of the child also needs to be considered with this correction method.  As the Invisalign is removable for things such as eating and drinking, you will want to ensure that your child is responsible so that the aligners are not misplaced or neglected.  The idea here is that braces stay put but need extra cleaning and care while Invisalign is removable and holds a level of responsibility to not only care for them but to not misplace them.

Which One Works for My Budget?

 

If you're looking at what your budget can accommodate, Invisalign is usually a little pricier than braces.  While the average cost of braces usually runs somewhere between $3,000 - $6,000, Invisalign is usually priced between $3,000 - $8,000.  The cost is also going to factor into how much treatment time is needed for the correction method, so it is best to contact your local orthodontist for a consultation and to answer any questions you may have.  For those in Virginia you can contact Invisalign provider RV Orthodontics in Richmond.

4 Tips for Kids Healthy Teeth and Gums

As parents its important to get our kids set up with good habits that lead to healthy teeth and gums.  Learning these habits early on will help shape their value on oral health as they move into adulthood.  Not only does good oral hygiene help to avoid trips to the dentist for things like cavities, it can also prevent other health problems from arising.  The following are four tips that promote healthy teeth and gums in kids.

1. Brush and Floss Daily

 

While this may seem like a well known tip, it is one that is often not followed, especially with kids.  While ideally you should brush after every meal, it is recommended that kids (and adults!) should brush at least twice a day and floss at night before bed.  To help kids understand how long they should be brushing their teeth you may want to get a handy kitchen timer to help.  Brushing should be at least two minutes and flossing should be done with care around each tooth.  If your children are younger this could be a great time to model how to brush and floss right alongside them!

2. Regular Dental Visits

 

Kids should be visiting the dentist for a check-up and cleaning every six months.  If you have a baby and are not sure when their first baby dental visit should be, the normal guideline is between 6 and 12 months, or when their first teeth have come in.  By having your child visit the dentist regularly on schedule this helps your child learn the importance of oral health.  If your child is apprehensive about going to the dentist listen to their concerns and be supportive to them by helping to answer any questions they may have.  There are some great dental offices that specifically cater to children and have a warm inviting atmosphere that helps to ease any worries.  Try researching local dental offices in your area and see what may work for your child.

 3. Be a Good Example

 

Children learn a lot of things by what they hear and observe.  As a parent you can help instill good oral hygiene habits in your children by being a good example of how to care for your teeth.  Show them how to properly brush and floss as well as keep up with your own dental visits.  Before brushing your own teeth you might want to take the time to inquire with your child if they have brushed theirs yet and maybe brush with them.  Regularly check in with your child if they are brushing and flossing and praise your child for keeping good healthy habits.

4. Limit the Sugar

 

While this is another tip that seems easy enough, it can be one as parents we may not be mindful about regularly.  When opting for snacks around the house for yourself and especially your kids, opt for ones low in sugar.  Fresh fruits and veggies can be great snack choices.  Ways to incorporate this could be celery sticks with peanut butter, cut up veggies with dip, yogurt topped with fresh fruit, or easy to grab and go options like grapes and apples.  Also be aware of how much sugar your child is drinking.  Many fruit juices can still be high in sugar and soda should be limited or avoided altogether.

Start these habits for healthy teeth and gums at a young age and your child will be less likely to have oral health problems later down the road.  If you have any questions or concerns about your child's oral hygiene you should talk with your child's dentist and/or hygienist who can be great resources and they could also provide you with additional tips.  If you're looking for a great dentist in the Raleigh, North Carolina area, try giving Lane and Associates Family Dentistry a try!