![]() Clean your natural stoneĬlean natural stone around your home to prevent food, dirt, and oil stains from setting in. An entire summer of mosquito treatment could run $500 or more, but you’re more likely to get a deal now that it’s later in the season. ![]() The cost of mosquito control depends on a variety of factors, including property size and treatment frequency. Caulk or expanding sealants should be more than enough to seal most openings, according to Patterson.Ĭall in the pros: The national average cost of wasp removal ranges between $100 and $1,300. “For further prevention, invest in forms of mosquito repellant like citronella candles, mosquito traps, and bug zappers.”įinally, check the seals around your home, including doors, windows, and dryer vents. This means birdbaths, planters, or any other places where rainfall might have accumulated. “First, drain any areas that are holding water-this step alone should significantly cut down on mosquito activity,” he says. Patterson also recommends patrolling your property for stagnant water, which can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Repeat this step every few days until you no longer see any activity.” Once you find where the wasps are coming and going, apply wasp treatment to the entrance. ![]() “Scan your lawn, looking for activity close to the ground. ![]() So you’ll want to spray for wasps and eliminate them, pronto.ĭIY: “The first step to eliminating a wasp nest is to identify where the colony lives,” says Dave Patterson, owner of Tactix Pest Control in Boise, ID. Wasp activity peaks in late summer these insects become more aggressive and likely to sting in, you guessed it, August. A simple garden trowel is effective for clearing most debris.Ĭall in the pros: Scared of heights? The average gutter job will run you up to $225. (Clogged gutters also make great homes for rodents and other vermin, just in case you needed another reason to tackle this task.)ĭIY: Grab a ladder and shimmy up to the roof to inspect your gutters and drains, taking care to wear proper hand and eye protection. Properly functioning gutters direct water away from your home, but muck and debris can cause water to collect around your home’s foundation and seep into your basement, if you have one. Summer thunderstorms can clog your gutters and lead to costly water damage down the road. The cost depends, of course, on the extent of the work and the size of your yard, but expect to pay at least $400 to $1,300 for a reputable, licensed tree trimmer. Not only will you have a more attractive yard, but “by cleaning them out this summer, you’ll create a clean slate-and next summer you’ll have a better grasp in understanding your plants’ health.” Smith says.ĭIY: You’ll need pruners, a saw, and loppers (or a chain saw) to really attack this job.Ĭall in the pros: If the mere thought of wielding a chain saw gives you the heebie-jeebies, call in a professional landscape company to do the deed. Now’s the time to tidy up your perennials and clear those unsightly dead twigs and branches, according to Tony Smith, president of Nursery Enterprises in Rexburg, ID. How much are your days in the summer sun worth to you, anyhow? Prune dead wood You’ll also need to make sure your new hose has a rubber washer in each end. If your hoses are made of rubber, consider upgrading and replacing them with rupture-proof, braided stainless-steel hoses.Ĭall in the pros: A pro will save you the effort, but you’ll shell out around $150 for the job. After you’ve turned off the water supply to the hoses, use adjustable pliers to loosen one hose at a time from the water supply, and then from the washing machine. “If they are older black rubber hoses, check for any bulging in the hose or any parts that look worn,” says Tony Dunaway of BEST Plumbing of Cincinnati.ĭIY: If you have worn hoses, you can swap them out with replacements for as little as $25, but it’ll take you some effort. With the kids home from school and loads of sweaty garments to clean, your washing machine has likely taken a major beating this summer. With all that extra use, be sure to check that the water supply hoses which connect to your machine are in good condition.
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