It is believed that the humble fly originated in Asia, but now it doesn’t matter; they are everywhere where humans live. Perhaps they are your new best friend!

The problem with flies is not just that they are a nuisance; they seem to have an amazing ability to buzz repeatedly just millimeters from your face. But this is only part of the issue. The real concern is what the flies carry when they land on your work surfaces and food.

Flies sample anything they land on with their feet to decide if it is edible or not. If it is they will vomit onto the surface. The vomit is acidic and turns the substance into liquid which the fly can then suck up; they have no teeth.

The problem is that anything which lives on a liquid diet will be virtually constantly going to the toilet. This means the waste is coming out as they are sucking up new food. Their waste products and their feet can carry bacteria which can make you very ill and even cause death.

You might want to check out Vectothor to make sure you have all the right tools for preventing flies from landing on your food and work surfaces.

What attracts the Flies

Different flies are attracted to different things although there is a consistent pattern of decay. The common housefly is attracted to rotting meat or any substance which is decaying. Unfortunately their sensors are much better than your eyes. They will find minute crumbs unless you make sure you have cleaned the surfaces properly.

Fruit flies unsurprisingly are attracted to the scent of fruit. However, in common with the housefly they prefer it if they are starting to decay, overripe fruit is their favorite. They will also sample anything which is full of sugar, including sugary drinks and even alcohol.

You may also come across the drain fly which is attracted to drains and moist climates.

It is important to know your enemy. This will help you to locate where they are most likely to target and then clean these areas thoroughly. In most cases the name of the fly will give away which foods it prefers to target but all flies will target decaying food and feces. This is how they pick up bacteria and spread them to you and your home.

It is worth noting that flies are attracted to flies and even the fly specks which are left behind by flies, cleaning away all traces of their presence is important.

Dealing with an Infestation

If you are struggling to control the flies in your home and they seem to be multiplying quicker than you can cope with then you will need to call in some professional assistance.  

Before you do this it is worth using antibacterial spray to clean all the areas where flies might land or you prepare food. You should also make sure that rubbish is removed from your home and not kept within 5 feet of your walls. Ideally you should keep it in sealed bins to make sure it is more difficult for the flies to get to.

Whether you’ve just purchased your property, are thinking of getting one or have owned it for years, it is never too soon or too late to add a fence.

You will probably think it’s essential if you have a dog or other pet. But there are a variety of other benefits to adding a fence to your property.

However, before you start installing posts it is worth checking out a residential land surveyor, they will be able to determine the exact location of your boundary. This will ensure that there are no arguments or need to pull the fence down in the future.

Security

A fence offers security for your pets and your children. It means you will be able to play in the garden with your children and allow them to play by themselves without you having to worry about them. In addition the fence will prevent people from being able to just walk onto your property.

In fact a fence is a great line of defense against opportunist burglars.

Value

A fence will not always add value to your property but it can! The defining factor will be how the fence is made and whether other houses in your area have fences. If they do then having a fence is a plus as it will define your yard and ensure that a buyer does not need to factor in the cost of a fence.

However, if the other properties in your area do not have fences then adding one can make your house stand out for the wrong reasons, be careful!

It is also important that the fence is made from quality materials, this will ensure it looks good; curb appeal is important in attracting the right buyer; if you are planning on selling!

Privacy

A fence can provide you with privacy. This might be so that you can enjoy the garden without having to make conversation with your neighbors. Alternatively you may wish to sunbathe or simply enjoy the garden without feeling like you are being watched.

Although a fence will not provide complete privacy it will allow enough private spots to ensure you feel comfortable in your own garden.

Aesthetic

You already know that a fence adds curb appeal but it also improves your view. Providing it is well designed you will find it is more pleasurable to look at your fence than it is to watch your neighbor’s garden or the traffic passing on the street.

The style of fence will need to be designed to match the style of your neighborhood. The options include wire fences, iron and wood. You will also need to choose between picket, split rail, lattice or shadow box. There are many designs and even bespoke options.

A well designed fence can actually transform the look and feel of your property, taking it from being another one on the block to the best one. Even if you are not thinking of selling you’ll feel good every time you arrive home.

The obvious answer to this question is yes, but there are so many more questions to consider when buying a house that we should probably start at the beginning. The first step, even before you begin house shopping, is to look at your budget. Does your life style allow you to purchase a house yet? Next in line is the amount of money you can borrow. This depends on how much debt you have and how good your credit is. Once you have an idea of the amount of money you are working with, you can start visiting banks and financial institutions to negotiate a mortgage. Only then can you seriously look at houses that are within your buying range.

Study the market, look at the selling prices, don’t be blindly seduced by the first house you like without comparing it to others. In this fluctuating interest rate period, play conservative and stay within your means. Once you find a house you like, complete all the building inspections, including a land survey. Then, following the legal proceedings in your selected area, make an offer, and wait. If you are lucky and the stars align, you will soon move into your new house.

Throughout this process, you need to remember that buying a house is possibly the biggest purchase you will ever make. Therefore, you must protect your investment by making sure the house of your dreams does not become a money pit. Your best protection is prevention and this is done through thorough inspections. Money spent on termite inspections, building inspections, drainage surveys, mining surveys and land surveys, completed by a licensed land surveyor, will save you money down the road on expansive repairs or boundary disputes.

Take a minute to consult your local council reports and services as they already have flood maps and bush fire zones you can use to make a sound decision about the house you buy. You might have to consider hydro excavation depending on the drainage condition of the house you selected. If that is the case, use reputable companies that guarantee their work.

Although all these steps might appear tedious and overwhelming, they are considered due diligence when you are ready to take the big step of buying a house. Whether you plan on living in the city or the country, you should know what you are getting into before you commit for the next twenty-five years. From soil or groundwater contamination to land boundaries, you want to avoid unpleasant surprises. Respecting planning controls and building permits will save you time and money. Also, as a buyer, you have rights. Know them well and use them to make your purchase the most positive experience it can be.

When moving day finally arrives, you will be able to enjoy every minute of it. You will spend your time moving furniture around, painting and decorating rather than worrying about all the unknown. That will be the best feeling in the world and you will get there because you stopped and wondered: “Do I need a land survey?”

Whether you are a millionaire or a college student, everyone has an idea of what their dream home would look like. Ever since the idea of becoming a home owner crossed your mind, you think about what your house will have that will make it home. The price, the location, and the number of rooms might differ from one individual to the next as personalizing a house is an excellent way to express oneself; but some features remain similarly important to everyone.

The kitchen is the heart of a home. In a dream house, the kitchen generally boasts a lot of countertop space, many cupboards, and a separate pantry. Most interior designers agree that a dream kitchen should have an island that doubles as a bar seating area. It offers family members a place to sit and eat while meals are prepared. The island or the peninsula also provides additional counterspace and cupboards, both essential features of a dream kitchen. Let’s not forget state of the art, top notch, energy efficient appliances; a dream kitchen cannot be without them. Whether they are stainless steel or embedded in the cabinetry, appliances make a statement about the cooking status of the home owner and must not be neglected.

The next item found in all dream homes is a fantastic master suite. This feature includes a vast master bedroom that becomes the perfect oasis for homeowners, especially when it includes an attached bathroom with spa-like features. Soak-in tubs, separate walk-in shower, heating floors and his & her sinks are the best combination to create a magnificent master in-suite. The final touch is, of course, the walk-in closet. It has space to neatly store all clothing, shoes and accessories, making them easy to find and put away. The master suite is a neat place to retreat at the end of a long day at work.

The final element that will turn any house into a dream home is the outdoor centrepiece. For some, this might be an in-ground pool with water cascade and rock garden. For others, a nice patio with plenty of seating space and a powerful grill will do the trick. Shade is always an important feature to think about and can be provided with a gazebo or pergola. When working with uneven ground levels in the backyard, a combination of decks, pathways, and patios will provide the affluent look a dream home should have. For balustrade ideas, click here. Finally, foliage, plants and landscaping will add a touch of nature to your paradise, but be mindful that low-maintenance is the goal. With today’s busy lifestyle, no one wants to spend their days off pulling weeds or cutting grass.

Whatever you budget and the size of house you will transform into your dream home, remember that the kitchen, the master suite and the outdoor entertainment space are the three features people agree to qualify as most important. If you must make a choice when renovating, focus on these three spaces to turn your house into a dream home.