
A resource for those seeking information on organizing and transforming spaces.
How to Prevent Mice in Storage Areas Like Basements and Attics
Mice: they’re like those roommates who eat your leftovers, sleep in your bed, and never pay rent.
Mice: they’re like those roommates who eat your leftovers, sleep in your bed, and never pay rent.
And unfortunately, basements, attics, and garages are their favorite crash pads.
Why? These spaces offer everything a mouse could want: cozy shelter, warmth when the weather outside turns frightful, food scraps or forgotten crumbs, and clutter galore that makes perfect nesting material.
If you’re not proactively protecting these zones, you’re running the risk of giving mice exactly what they’re searching for.
And let’s be real. When mice sneak indoors, they can bring a lot more than just tiny footprints. Their presence can mean chewed-up electrical wires, shredded insulation, and mysterious holes in stored boxes.
On the health front, they can carry diseases like hantavirus and salmonella, leave droppings that contribute to respiratory issues, and generally reduce your home’s “cleanliness factor”.
The best mouse control strategy? Prevention. Tackling a full-blown infestation is way more stressful, complicated, and costly than making your storage space uninviting to mice in the first place.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at how you can mouse-proof your basement, attic, and garage, starting today.
Understand What Attracts Mice
First things first: if you want to keep mice out, you have to know why they want in. Mice are the original opportunists.
Any small crack, loose piece of weather-stripping, or slightly ajar vent might just look like a golden ticket. They need shelter from harsh weather, especially as fall gives way to winter, and human homes provide a toasty oasis. Clutter (think piles of old clothes, cardboard boxes, unused decorations, and stacks of papers) creates the ideal maze for exploring and bedding down.
And let’s not forget food. Even a single forgotten crumb, a bag of pet food, or bags of bird seed can be a mouse magnet. Nesting material is another bonus. Cardboard boxes, fabric, and newspapers provide perfect construction supplies for ambitious rodents interested in building a cozy fortress. While mice are more common indoors as temperatures drop, don’t let your guard down during the warmer months. An accessible home is tempting all year long.
Seal Entry Points
Mice only need a hole the size of a dime to squeeze in. That means you need to go on a serious gap-hunting mission.
Start outside: walk the perimeter of your basement, garage, and foundation. Check for cracks in brick or concrete, gaps around windows and doors, vents, and the forgotten spots where pipes and utility lines snake into your house.
Use steel wool and caulk to fill in small cracks and holes. Why steel wool? Mice hate chewing
through it, and it’s tough for them to move or destroy. For slightly larger gaps, expanding foam works wonders.
Make sure windows, doors, and garage doors have snug weather stripping and replace it if you spot wear, warping, or daylight.
Any vent or utility opening? Cover with sturdy metal mesh. Don’t overlook the less obvious spots: basement window wells, crawl space covers, and even gaps under siding.
Declutter and Organize Storage Areas
It’s time for a little spring cleaning, no matter what the calendar says. Mice love clutter because it gives them ample cover to run, hide, and nest without disturbance. The more you store, the more inviting your space becomes. Cardboard boxes, in particular, do double-duty as chew toys and building blocks for nests.
Instead, swap those cardboard boxes for plastic storage bins with locking lids. Store everything off the ground on sturdy shelving units if possible—mice are less likely to climb for a snack than scurry along the floor. Only keep what you truly need.
This is a great time to channel your inner organizer. Take a tip from the pros and sort everything into “keep,” “donate,” and “ditch” piles. You’ll reclaim space and send a clear “no vacancy” message to rodents. Another great tip is to utilize the 5-box method, which involves boxes for keeping, donating, recycling, trashing, and relocating items.
Try to rotate what you store, especially seasonal décor, clothing, and rarely used items. The less time something sits untouched, the fewer opportunities mice have to settle in. Labeling storage bins and creating an accessible layout not only makes life easier for you, but also makes your basement or attic far less attractive as a permanent rodent residence.
Eliminate Food Sources
Mouse fine dining happens wherever food is within reach. That means any pet food, spilled snacks, pantry overflow, or bird seed stashed in your storage areas needs to be tightly sealed. Avoid paper bags and cardboard altogether for anything edible. Opt for airtight, thick plastic or metal containers.
Make a habit out of cleaning these spaces regularly. Crumbs, spills, and even dust can be a draw for mice. Sweep or vacuum floors, dust shelves, and pay close attention to corners or areas under shelving where stray food tends to land and vanish. If you store trash or recycling in these areas, be sure bins have snug-fitting lids and empty them out frequently.
Use Repellents and Deterrents
Natural options, such as peppermint oil, bay leaves, or cloves, can provide a temporary nose-burning barrier for mice. Place soaked cotton balls or sachets in the corners of storage rooms, along walls, or near known entry points. Just remember: you’ll need to refresh these deterrents often for continued effect.
Ultrasonic pest repellents are another option. These little plug-in gadgets emit a frequency that’s supposed to irritate rodents, though the science is still a bit mixed. Consider them a backup singer to your main act: sealing, organizing, and cleaning. Used together, they can tip the odds a little more in your favor.
Monitor for Early Signs of Activity
The earlier you spot the signs, the faster you can act.
Be on the lookout for little black droppings, especially along walls or behind objects. Fresh gnaw marks on boxes, bags, wood, or wires should set off alarm bells. Listen at night for scratching or skittering (the mouse nightlife is busiest when the house is quiet). If you spot shredded paper or fabric, you may have stumbled across nesting material.
Set traps proactively in out-of-the-way spots, like behind storage bins, along foundation walls, or in attic corners. These can help confirm suspicions or catch early arrivals before things escalate.
Call a Professional When Needed
Sometimes, even a well-defended home needs reinforcements. If you spot ongoing mouse activity despite your best efforts (or simply want some peace of mind) a professional pest control service is your best friend.
The pros can identify hidden entry points, develop a long-term prevention plan, and handle infestations with safe, effective methods. In short, you gain expertise, reassurance, and results that are hard to replicate alone
Remember, your basement, attic, or garage doesn’t need to become a free-for-all mouse motel. With a little vigilance, some easy upgrades, and a willingness to get organized, you can keep rodents out and peace of mind firmly in.
Every step you take today is one less worry for tomorrow—and one step closer to a comfortable, healthy, and mouse-free home.
How To Prepare Your Home — Inside And Out — For A Roof Replacement
Getting a new roof can be an exciting project. You get a fresh look for your home exterior, and it can help your energy efficiency. But if you want to have a seamless roof installation experience, you’ll need to make some preparations. With these tips, you’ll know what you need to do to ensure that your home is ready for your new roof.
Getting a new roof can be an exciting project. You get a fresh look for your home exterior, and it can help your energy efficiency. But if you want to have a seamless roof installation experience, you’ll need to make some preparations. With these tips, you’ll know what you need to do to ensure that your home is ready for your new roof.
Communicate About Expectations
Before you make any assumptions about what you should do in preparation for your roof replacement, start by talking to the contractor directly. Ideally, your contractor has already visited your home and performed a basic inspection of your roof. Ask your contractor what you should expect from the process and about any tips they can provide in the days before the installation. They may have suggestions or requirements that aren’t on this list, so be sure to take notes and ask for clarification if there’s anything you don’t understand.
Ensure Access
Your roofing team will need to get access to your home exterior frequently throughout the day, so you should confirm that they have easy entry. Identify the location of all entry points to the property and relay that information to your contractor. Unlock the gates and make sure that they open and close easily. If the roofing team needs access to power during the installation, test the exterior outlets and verify that they work. If your air conditioning unit sits close to your home, consider turning it off and covering it to protect it from falling debris, as you would during roof maintenance services.
Prepare Home Exterior and Landscaping
Getting a new roof can be somewhat messy, with debris piling up outside during the removal of the old material. To minimize problems and damage to your landscaping, you should take some time to prepare your exterior property in advance:
Relocate patio furniture away from the home.
Put children’s toys in the garage or shed.
Move planters to another spot in the yard.
Cover plants and shrubs near the home.
Mow the lawn to make cleanup easier.
Move vehicles to the street.
For larger or seasonal items that you want to keep safely out of the way during the installation, renting a temporary self-storage unit can offer added peace of mind. The tidier your yard is before the start of the project, the easier it will be to reset it.
Secure Attic Belongings
If you keep some of your belongings in the attic, take a moment to secure them. If you cannot easily remove them and put them in a room in your home during the project, consider covering them with a tarp. Avoid leaving precious, irreplaceable, or high-value items in the attic.
Protect Fragile Items
During installation, you may notice hammering or other activities that cause the walls to vibrate. In order to protect your fragile or delicate items in the home, you should remove them from the walls. Take porcelain figurines and other collectibles off shelves, wrap them, and put them into a box for temporary storage. Remove framed photos and other wall hangings.
Prepare Your Neighbors, Pets, and Children
Replacing your roof can create some disruption to your routine and to the routines of those who live with you or nearby. Before installation day, talk to your neighbors and let them know what to expect. If you need them to trim trees or other landscaping before installation, give them plenty of time to do so. If you have pets or young children, consider asking a friend or family member to take them out for the day. Otherwise, create barriers to keep them from getting into spaces that are unsafe while the roofing team is working.
Having a contractor replace your roof can be easier than you think. If you follow these tasks and coordinate with your contractor, you’ll have everything you need to make installation as simple as possible.
Author bio: Jack B Gray is President of Ariat Roofing, Inc., a trusted, family-owned roofing contractor that has been serving residential and commercial clients in the Las Vegas Valley since 2009. Gray and his team have many years of experience in the roofing industry and understand the importance of a solid and secure roofing system when it comes to providing protection for and adding value to your home.
SOURCES
https://www.kmroofpros.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-a-roof-replacement-a-homeowners-step-by-step-guide
https://www.ontopsroofing.com/blog/protect-home-during-roof-replacement
How to Choose Between Repairing or Replacing Your AC Unit
It is good to know how your air conditioning system functions before plunging into the decision making process. Air conditioners are made of a number of components, including a compressor, refrigerant, evaporator coil and condenser. Every part acts significantly in cooling your residential house, and failure of any of the components may result in the whole system failing. Getting an idea of these elements could make you more conversant with HVAC professionals and comprehend what they suggest.
It is good to know how your air conditioning system functions before plunging into the decision making process. Air conditioners are made of a number of components, including a compressor, refrigerant, evaporator coil and condenser. Every part acts significantly in cooling your residential house, and failure of any of the components may result in the whole system failing. Getting an idea of these elements could make you more conversant with HVAC professionals and comprehend what they suggest.
The compressor, which is the heart of the system, compresses the refrigerant and the refrigerant then circulates through the system. The condenser eliminates the heat that is collected by the refrigerant and the evaporator coil enhances the cooling by enabling the refrigerant to trap the heat of the indoor air. Finally, it is the air that circulates the heat or, in other words, it is the refrigerant that makes the overall cooling process possible. Malfunctioning of one of these parts may result in poor cooling and the further emergence of complications.
The AC unit can have problems; some of them which are common would be:
Lack of adequate cooling: This can happen because of low levels of the refrigerant, foul coils or a malfunctioning compressor.
Weird sounds: These may indicate vibrating parts or it could mean worn belts or motor issues and may need to be fixed urgently.
Constant cycling: When your unit keeps turning on and off excessively, it can be the result of an oversized system or a bad thermostat.
Abnormally high humidity: This could be an indication that something is wrong with your AC, either because it is too cold or it is incorrectly sized or it has a faulty part.
Leaks: Leakage may also arise as a result of clogged drainage pipes or a full drain pan, which in most cases results in damage to the unit.
Bad smells: Bad odors of a unit may be a result of mold or bacteria growth, which must be cleaned properly.
Recognition of these issues early can enable you to make decisions on whether repair or replacement is to be carried out. By ensuring that minor problems are solved at the earliest stage, it is possible to avoid very big yet expensive problems.
With some conditions, repairs of your AC unit may be cost effective. The following are some of the situations in which repair may be the solution. It is worth considering these advantages of repair and the possibility of a problem in the future as you always need to make a decision that is not only practicable but also cost effective.
When Repair Might Be the Right Choice
Your Unit is less than 10 Years old
Your air conditioner might still be able to live another 10 years, provided that it hasn’t aged over 10 years already. Aged care units are built in a manner that can endure 15-20 years with maintenance. In the case that your system is rather new, or at least in good condition, you can make a good decision and repair it. When a unit is serviced on a regular basis and there are no significant signs of damage or wear, then a considerable extension to its life can often be achieved by carrying out relatively minor repair work.
Besides, the production of a new unit and its installation may be less harmful to nature as one waits longer to prolong old units. It is also possible to make this approach more in line with your financial plans, particularly when you cannot yet afford to invest in a new system.
In the case of Small, Manageable Issues
There could be a simple repair required when the situation is a relatively small problem, e.g. clogged filter or a small electrical problem. Such repairs are not very expensive and prolong the life of your unit. The solution to these problems can also reduce the risk of damaging your system further, hence costing you money in the long term.
Besides, minor repairs can be carried out easily and without large interference in your everyday life, which is also a good chance not to waste time and be nervous about changing the system. These can be detected through regular checks, which will prevent major problems that may occur because of these minor nuisances.
The 50 Percent Policy
Repairing may be more profitable than buying a new one in cases where the cost of the repairs is less than 50 percent of the cost of a new unit. But when repair is more costly, it is time to think about a replacement of your unit.
Take into account the recommended repairs that might need to be performed in the future as well. If your unit needs constant repairs that will have a cumulative effect on the total cost, you may want to invest in a new system.
When Replacement Is a Better Option
Frequent Repairs
In the case you tend to spend several years repairing your AC unit, then it is probably cheaper to replace it. It may also indicate that your system is close to the end of its lifecycle when it experiences frequent breakdowns. A newer unit will be more reliable and more effective, and less of a burden and nuisance when it fails arbitrarily.
You can also invest in a new system that can give you the latest technology and energy-saving features that can save you money on your utility bills. This could make the switch a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Low Energy and Expensive energy bills
More mature air conditioners are less economical, which results in increased utility bills. Long-term savings are possible compared to the expenses of buying energy because when you upgrade to a newer and more efficient model, it will help you save money. The new systems are built using superior technologies that streamline performance and the usage of energy.
Besides saving money on bills, newer models tend to have better options, like producing less noise, better filtration and more precise temperature adjustment. Such improvements may greatly enhance the comfort of your house and the quality of the air.
R-22 Refrigerant Phase-Out
Depending on the type of refrigerant that your AC unit uses, there is a chance that you may consider replacing it. For example, the R-22 has been phased out because of its environmental effects, hence becoming expensive and difficult to access.
Upgrading your unit to a new one that is designed to use environment-friendly refrigerants is a progressive move that is in line with current concerns about the environment.
This change not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also serves to abide by legal rules to avoid possible financial consequences. Future-proofing your home in this manner can also make your home more valuable and attractive.
Home Renovation or Expansion
Whether you are looking to make a large renovation or simply add space to your house, you might want to install new AC to help with the new square footage as well. An additional unit would see to it that the whole house remains cool. By upgrading in the process of such renovation, you can accommodate your AC system with other projections of modern technological advances, and so advance the entire residential efficiency of your home.
Long term cost factors
Weighing up the costs of repair and against replacement, you should factor in the cost of initial investment as well as long-term savings. A new and energy-efficient air conditioner might prove quite expensive to upgrade to, but it can save you on energy bills and the cost of future repairs. Calculating the total cost of ownership may provide you with a better understanding of the one being more affordable in the long-term perspective.
The majority of new AC units are supplied with the manufacturer's warranty covering the parts and usually the labor during a specific period of time. In case your current unit has already gone out of warranty, upgrading to it may provide some peace of mind, as well as security against unexpected repair expenses. A warranty is actually a useful item as it secures and lessens the threat to finance when there is big repair coverage.
Moreover, a new unit under warranty will be a good idea to increase the resale value of the house since individuals interested in purchasing will be glad to have the option of a secured HVAC. This is a strategic factor in case you are intending to sell your home in the nearest future.
Professional suggestions are important.
At the end, the decision to either repair or replace your air conditioner will be dependent on a number of factors such as the age of your system, the cost of repair, the future of your home, among others. You can consult with an experienced HVAC expert who could give you some great clues on how to make a smart decision. They can take you through the complexity of HVAC systems because of their expertise, and you end up making the right choice of the option that is best suited to your needs.
A good insight into how your system is doing can be made by hiring a certified technician who has experience with HVAC systems. They are able to provide professional counsel on whether it could be repaired or if a replacement would be more useful.
Professional assessment will also bring out the invisible problems, which might not be visible to the layman's eye, hence making you make a better decision. In case you experience multiple breakdowns or constant failures of the performance, the most reasonable initial solution could be to organize a professional AC repair in Philadelphia, and only then decide on a complete replacement of such an item.
The technicians are even able to advise you on the proper models and brands that suit your needs in terms of climate, size of house and energy efficiency requirements. Such personalized guidance may prove priceless when it comes to making sure that you choose the most appropriate system.
Final Thoughts
Deciding on whether to repair or replace your AC unit is not always easy and knowing the main aspects to consider can facilitate the projected outcome. You can be sure that no matter how old, and how expensive and efficient your system currently is, consulting with a professional who works with HVAC will help you keep your home cool and comfortable and make a financially good option. It is a way of striking a balance between short-term satisfactions and long-term advantages, and it favors comfort and economic security.
Keep in mind that proper maintenance of your air conditioner not only helps keep your house warm or cool but also creates savings in terms of money and energy. Depending on your choice of repairing or replacing, it is always better to do it earlier instead of later to avoid bigger problems and maintain your home. Periodic repairs and prompt modernization can save your investment and have a better quality of living.