The most important first step when attempting to do your own pest control is to find out exactly what kind of pest is on your property and how they may have gotten there in the first place. The approach to getting rid of roaches for instance is quite different than the approach one would need to take to get rid of a mouse infestation. However there are a few tips for any do it yourselfer that apply to all infestations.

For one, you should examine the outside of your home for cracks that might be overly inviting to different pests. This is an easy, simple and free way to decrease the likelihood that any rodents or insects will be able to enter the home in the first place. Various items such as caulk and copper mesh are useful for sealing up any vulnerabilities that might be found.

The removal of pests should an infestation occur is a bit more complicated, although hardly out of reach to the do it yourselfer. The key is to find a place that sells professional strength pest control products, the same products that a pest control company would use. For the most part, especially when dealing with large or widespread infestations, there is little that regular store bought pesticides will do as they often aren’t able to reach deep into the areas where the pests hide and nest.

Certain varieties of baits and poisons are specifically designed to not act on the targeted insect immediately, and these are what you will want to purchase. This is due to the fact that you want the pests to take the poison back to their nests and share it with other individuals, so that you are controlling the problem from the source rather than just treating the insects that you see running around your home.

About The Author
John Sams has written many articles and posts on the topic of do it yourself home improvement. His areas of expertise are mainly focused on the advantages of doing your own pest control, and he has a particular interest in the use of professional products such as rat poison.

If you want to make sure that your next DIY project doesn’t end in injury or tears, then follow these simple tips:

1. Work with a friend: Having someone with you to hold the tape-measure isn’t just convenient; it could save you from serious injury if you have a ladder or power-tool related accident.
2. Take your time: Even if you’re doing something simple like hanging wallpaper or fitting some new oak doors, work slowly and methodically for best results.
3. Read the safety instructions: If you’re working with tools, chemicals, or electricity, read the safety instructions and follow them to the letter.
4. Take regular breaks: Accidents are far more likely if you’re tired. Take frequent breaks throughout the day. If you have to stop for the evening, put everything away before you go to bed, especially if you have young family members that might stumble on the paint stripper or electric drill.
5. If in doubt, pay an expert: If you’re working with load-bearing walls, electricity, or the water supply; or anything else that you even think could be dangerous, seek expert advice.
6. Wear safety gear: Yes, gloves are annoying, and yes, goggles look silly. However, the alternative – losing a finger or an eye, is a lot worse. Swallow your pride and dress for the occasion.
7. Use the right tools for the job: Using a tool for something other than its intended purpose is a recipe for disaster. If you need something, and you can’t find it in your toolbox, go buy it. You’ll be glad you did.
8. Buy quality goods: Some DIY disasters are the result of cutting corners. Before you buy some new solid oak doors, or a new pine dining room table, make sure that you’re getting the real thing. Check out reviews online before you buy anything from an unknown manufacturer. Cheap does not always mean cheerful.

The above are just a few basic safety tips. Most of the tips may seem like common sense, but it’s easy for people to forget common sense in the quest for thriftiness and convenience when it comes to DIY, especially at this time of year.

Next time you’re watching a DIY show on TV, think about what they’re showing – do you really have all those tools in the house? Do you think that the average person would be as confident as the presenter if they took on the project in their own home? You’ll see the shows in a whole new light once you realise how much they gloss over in the name of exciting TV.

This article was written by Amy Fowler on behalf of UK Oak Doors who stock products like their framed ledged and braced door.

Before you start, check the manual provided with your machine in case there are special instructions specific to the model you have bought. (Such as removing the transport bolts before use – these lock the internal workings in place to prevent damage in transit)

Attaching The Water Supply
You need to connect the water supply to your machine using the hoses supplied. There may be one for hot and one for cold, OR it’s quite likely your new machine only requires a cold hose (in which case it heats the water itself). It’s red for hot, blue for cold. Hoses may already be attached to your machine, but even if not they simply screw on at both ends. Make sure the threads are not crossed and you do them up tightly before continuing. Tightening by hand should be sufficient, using a wrench can break the connector!

Waste Water
This pipe is where the dirty water goes when your machine empies after each rinse/wash. A stand pipe and trap is the most common method. Your waste pipe simply sits loosely inside the upright stand pipe. There is no air tight connection – this is deliberate and prevents dirty water getting sucked back into your machine.

And there you go – installing plumbing for a washing machine is not nearly as hard as it seems!

You may have to call a plumber if the problem isn’t straightforward, but there some very simple reasons a toilet won’t flush, that you can check for and fix yourself.  Check these first, but call a plumber if you are not confident about replacing any parts that turn out to be broken.

Easy Things To Check Why Your Toilet Won’t Flush

1. Float valve/ball. Your toilet cistrern should be full of water with the large plastic float ball sat on tap of the water. If the ball has become snagged against the side of the cistern then it may not fill at all, or enough. Gently bending the rod may fix the problem. If the rod is broken or the ball ‘leaking’ and filling with water, they will need replacing.

2. Handle. Too loose? Too tight? Check the mounting nut, and chain connections. They may simply need clearing of limescale or adjusting.

There are many reasons a toilet won’t flush, but don’t be afraid to lift the cistern lid and look around. It could be a simple fix.

Here’s a quick video to show you what I mean:-

Recommended Tools For Hanging Wallpaper

1. Tape measure (measure twice, cut once right?)
2. Razor knife (snap off are great) / knife blades (to get into those edges when trimming off)
3. Spirit levels (to keep everything straight and make sure your edges meet)
4. Smoothing brush, or plastic smoothing tool (to get rid of all those air bubbles!)
5. Large synthetic sponge (to clear away the excess glue)
6. Paint brush or paint roller and pan (for applying your wallpaper paste or water/activator)
7. Big flat surface (clean papering table is ideal)

Remember to rinse your sponge regularly, and to change the water too. Glue left on the surface of your paper or your woodwork will spoil the quality of your finish.

Start with the right wallpaper hanging tools and you’re much more likely to end up with a bubble free, straight, crisp edged professional wallpaper job!

Use less hot water
Have less baths AND less showers. Your body really doesn’t need a full shower every day, and children don’t need a full bath daily. It’s actually not that good for your skin, or theirs.

Turn the thermostat on your water heater down
Water heaters frequently get installed with the manufacturers high temperature settings – turning it down to 49°C is hot enough for most people.

Insulate your water heater
If your old water heater storage tank has no insulation jacket, really do get one. And insulate the first few meters of the hot and cold water pipes from the water heater.

Buy a more efficient water heater
If your heater is 10 years old, research getting a new one. But don’t be cheap, spending a bit more up front can save you a lot over the life of the heater.