Home Protection
We often rely on our homes to protect us from the perils of the outside world, but what protects our homes? Whether the threat is a natural disaster or burglars, insects, or bacteria, there are a variety of potential dangers facing our homes each day. Take charge of keeping your home (and your family) safe with the help of the excellent Web sites we've included in this guide.
Expand All Guide SectionsIntruder Protection
Mold and Pest Prevention
Unless you’ve made some interesting pet choices, there's a good chance anything in your home with more than four legs is an unwanted guest. Finding something growing in your home that you haven't planted yourself will likely also be an unpleasant surprise. Whether you’ve got a minor irritant or serious health and structural problem, we’ve found credible Web sites that can help you get rid of it, and sites to help you prevent these hazards from ever getting inside.
Dulcinea's Insight
- The Web sites in this section offer some preventative measures you can take to stop mold growth in your home but in essence it all comes down to keeping your home as dry as possible inside.
- If you're not comfortable trying to handle a mold problem yourself, you’ll want to make sure that whomever you hire has proper training and experience. Checking for membership in a professional organization like the National Association of Mold Professionals is a good place to start.
- If you have a pest problem that requires professional attention, you can search for exterminators at the National Exterminators Directory.
Dulcinea's Picks
For mold prevention and removal …
The Environmental Protection Agency
has an extensive section about mold, including "Mold Basics," information about hidden mold, and guidelines for how to clean up mold and what to wear when doing it.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
has an informative if sparsely designed “Mold and Human Health” section. Click on the “Cleanup and Removal of Mold” link to learn that one of the first steps that must be taken when preparing for mold cleanup is assessing whether the surface where the mold is growing is porous or nonporous. Steps are provided for cleaning mold off both types of surfaces. The “Hiring a Mold Consultant or Contractor” link will lead you to advice about the hiring process if you need a professional.
The Chief Engineers Association of Chicagoland
is a nonprofit organization for those in the field of power engineering and real estate management. In this article, the organization notes that there are differences in mold-resistant coverings and products that stop mold from growing.
The National Association of Mold Professionals
provides training and certification for mold inspectors and remediators. To find an NAMP-certified professional in your area, click on the “Find Inspector” link in the left-hand navigation bar. The site also lists the NAMP’s standards of conduct so you know what to expect from its member professionals.
For general pest control and prevention tips …
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA)
is the national trade association for members of the pest control industry. If you've got pest management concerns, "pester" a professional with your questions, learn how to prevent a pest problem, and request a "pest alert" for any pest invasions in your area.
The Natural Resources Defense Council
lists nontoxic alternatives you can use to keep insect and rodent infestations at a minimum while also maintaining the health of the members of your household.
To protect your home against specific pests …
The National Pest Management Association
has a long list of indoor invaders and outdoor pests that may affect your home or property. Learn how to identify each critter and how to keep them away.
Protect Your Home Against Mosquitoes
is an interactive page from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Move your mouse over the image to read tips about minimizing the presence of mosquitoes in and around various areas of your home.
The Termite Institute
details termite risks across the United States. The site also explains how to select a pest professional and teaches popular methods of handling termite problems.
Natural Disaster Damage
Natural disasters may be unpredictable but homeowners generally know if the area in which they live ... read more »
Protect Against Other Types of Home Damage
Web sites that provide overviews of many types of damage prevention are useful if you find your ... read more »
Homeowners Insurance
A good homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance policy brings peace of mind from ... read more »
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