Home & Garden

Florida Department of Agriculture Warns Residents About Termite Season

Submitted by Rachel Leitao, First Coast News Staff
Tuesday, April 5th, 2011, 11:24am
Florida Department of Agriculture Warns Residents About Termite Season

Warmer temperatures are not only a hint of Spring, but also a sign of termite swarming season. Swarming occurs when large numbers of termites leave their colonies to search for new nesting sites. In an effort to help consumers avoid termites, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services urges residents to take five simple steps to protect their home. 

1.      Remove wood piles and other cellulose sources from under and next to the home.

2.      Direct water sources, such as air conditioner drip lines and roof downspouts, away from the structure’s foundation.

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

Florida's Industry Leaders Unite to Attack Bed Bug Epidemic

Submitted by Rachel Leitao, First Coast News Staff
Thursday, February 24th, 2011, 1:36pm

With all of the press recently about hotel guests winning law suits it is clear that bed bugs are not an isolated problem that occurs in only the most heavily traveled major cities.

Bed bug infestations are wreaking havoc right here in Florida, with infestations being reported across the state daily. “Bed bugs are not a result of poor sanitation; they can affect anyone,” said John Cooksey, Entomologist and COO of McCall Service, Inc. These pests are primarily carried by travelers and are being reported in the transportation, retail and hospitality industries—with infestation being most prominent in hospitality.

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

Termite Swarms Spotted in Florida

Submitted by Rachel Leitao, First Coast News Staff
Monday, February 21st, 2011, 11:28am

According to McCall Service, termite swarms have been spotted in Jacksonville and people need to take warning. The annual cost of termite damage is greater than that of fires, hurricanes and tornadoes combined. Termites typically go unseen and sneak into your home. They can go undetected for months and if left untreated, they can cause serious damage to your Florida home.

If you think your home may be infested by termites, look for these signs: swarming termites or insects, dead termites, small holes in wood, damage to drywall, structural weakness and mud tubes. These wood destroying insects are very destructive to Florida homes as they damage the overall structure.

 

View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

Winn-Dixie Introduces Smartphone 'App'

Submitted by Rachel Leitao, First Coast News Staff
Tuesday, January 4th, 2011, 1:28pm
Winn-Dixie Introduces Smartphone 'App'

Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. announced it launched a smartphone application that will help customers find their closest Winn-Dixie, allow them to view the weekly circular and sales for that specific store, and create and manage shopping lists that both sync with computers and can be shared with other users. The easy-to-use app for Apple’s iPhone and Android smart phones is available as a free download through Apple Inc.’s iTunes, the Android Market or through links on Winn-Dixie’s website at http://www.winndixie.com/Mobile/apps.

View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

Thanksgiving is only 24 days away!!! Are you ready to host family and friends around your table?

Submitted by Rachel Leitao, First Coast News Staff
Monday, November 1st, 2010, 10:40am

Here are some tips:

Prepare for the Feast

Plan ahead. The key to minimizing holiday-induced anxiety is to plan in advance. Take inventory now to make sure you have the essentials you will need to serve your holiday meal - both basics and serving pieces.

Save time and space. Use serving pieces with warming trays to free up essential cooking space on your stove. To create additional space in your oven, use a three-tier oven rack on one side that leaves the other side open for more bulky food allowing you to cook more than one dish at a time.

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

Northeast Florida Veg Fest Nov. 6th

Submitted by Rachel Leitao, First Coast News Staff
Wednesday, October 27th, 2010, 10:58am

The very first Northeast Florida Veg Fest will take place Saturday, November 6, 2010 from 10:00am-5:00pm at Riverside Park and from 11am-7pm at the 5-Points Theatre in Jacksonville, Florida.

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

Pumpkin Pulp Is No Treat for Your Plumbing

Submitted by Rachel Leitao, First Coast News Staff
Tuesday, October 26th, 2010, 10:52am

The trick to keeping pumpkin pulp and seeds from causing plumbing problems is as easy as pie.

“Instead of carving your jack-o’-lantern in or by the kitchen sink, try a newspaper,” said Randy Brague of Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Jacksonville shop. “You need to be cautious when removing and disposing of the pumpkin’s sticky substance.”

When pumpkin pulp goes down the kitchen sink drain, the orange substance hardens and sticks to the pipes. Pumpkin carvers can end up with clogged drains and broken garbage disposals if they aren’t careful – especially when it’s cleanup time.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing recommends wrapping all the cut pieces and seeds in the newspaper and throwing them away. For those who recycle, put the remnants in a compost pile. Pulp and seeds are great for cooking as well.

View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter