A continuing compendium of tips and tricks from Home & Garden Television:
Dealing with Pests:
-- This is the time of year to think about insects, so check carefully around the house and remove anything that will collect water and allow it to become stagnant. Standing water is the preferred breeding ground for mosquitoes. In addition to being a nuisance, mosquitoes are prime carriers for diseases such as West Nile virus and heartworm virus, a fatal disease that kills thousands of dogs and cats every year.
-- Take a close look at any wood that is in contact with or near soil. Termites live in the ground and travel into your home to eat the wood; carpenter ants live in your house and travel to the garden to eat. Either way, they are both commuters and you can easily identify their traffic patterns.
-- Don't forget to check your home's soffits and overhangs for wasps. If the wasp's nest is visible, you can easily take care of the problem yourself with insecticidal sprays, which are available at most home improvement centers. Stand at least 10 feet away and wear protective clothing and goggles. This will protect you from any wind-blown spray as well as angry wasps. If the wasp's nest is inside your home's soffits, you will need to call in a professional exterminator.
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