While summer season is all about soaking in the sun, the harsh heat and humidity can cause damage. It's important to ensure your home is getting the needed attention to thrive through the warmest seasons of the year.
We're sharing some of the easiest maintenance tasks to schedule in without interrupting the summer fun you have planned!
Pest Prevention
With warm weather comes some insect friends in the gardens and maybe even into your home. To avoid and prevent these pests from entering, start on the outside.
You'll want to trim any brushes, trees or shrubs that are too close to your home's exterior as that gives bugs and insects an easy route into your home. This is especially true for any wood-destroying insects that you want to keep away from your exterior.
If you have a garden with any fruits or vegetables, be sure to pick them as soon as they are ripe to avoid inspects and animals from being attracted to them. You'll also want to weed the heavy vegetation around your garden to avoid inspects spending too much time there.
Browse your property for any standing water. This is a magnet for mosquitos. If you see any, be sure to eliminate any sources that are causing this.
While all of those tips are great ways for you to prevent pests yourself, if pests begin reoccurring in your home you may want to call in a professional. It's best to avoid any potential damage to your home that can be caused by the diseases or bacteria that they carry.
Lawn Love & Care
With the summer heat, you'll want to ensure your lawn is getting enough water to last through the season. If you have an irrigation system, consider getting it serviced at the start of season to create an optimal watering schedule and environment. This can preserve water and also prevents any standing water (as we mentioned above to avoid mosquitos!). You can also confirm with your local town if there are any regulations in place for sprinkler use.
Before breaking out the lawn mower for the season, be sure it's in proper condition. This can include removing any leftover debris from last season, draining old fuel and changing your oil and filter.
You can also use this time to get a head start on your fall harvest. Certain fruits and vegetables will work being planted during the peak of summer and become fruitful by Fall. In our region this time of year you can plant Basil, Beets, Chinese cabbage, Carrots, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Radish and Turnip. These will make for some great fall recipes once the cozy weather comes around!
Indoor & Outdoor Tune-Ups
We've already discussed pests getting in through close lying plants but another easy way for them to enter is through windows, doors and vents. Now is a good time to check the seals around your home. Not only does it keep the bugs from coming in but sealing your air ducts is one of the easiest ways to save on costs as it keeps your AC from overrunning. While you're at it, also take a close look at your windows for any gaps in their casings or holes in the screens.
Another home item worthy of attention is your washer and dryer. Days spent in the pool and at the beach can cause your washer to do some extra work all summer long. Run the drum with white vinegar to give it a fresh clean and prevent mold build up. If you have a front load washer, you can also use vinegar to wipe down the rubber parts that gets built up with detergent and lint.
Your dryer will also need some maintenance to clear away the lint build-up from your summer's laundry. You can remove and wash out the lint screen as well as the dryer vent tube.
At the end of summer, you can plan ahead and use this time to prepare for cooler weather. Suggestions would be to inspect your furnace and fireplaces to ensure they are in working order to provide you the heat when the weather calls for it.
Also Check Out: