Violet Poole – RGH Homes

Pest infestations can cause structural damage, pose health risks, and make living conditions uncomfortable. While DIY methods work well for minor infestations, professional pest control offers comprehensive protection with a focus on prevention.

Keep food in sealed containers, eliminate water sources (fix leaks), and store paper and fabrics in plastic or metal bins to deter common household pests like ants, cockroaches, termites, rodents, and silverfish. This proactive approach reduces the need for chemicals, and prevents infestations from recurring. Contact https://www.benspest.biz/ for more information.

Ants

Ants, cockroaches, and bed bugs are among the most common household pests. These insects invade homes in search of food and shelter, disrupting both cleanliness and structure. Infestations are more likely during warmer seasons, when pests like ants, cockroaches, and carpenter ants are actively looking for new feeding and breeding sites. Good sanitation and sealing entry points can prevent pest infestations, but professional pest control services are often required for long term results.

Homeowners can often spot an ant infestation by the pheromone scent trails they leave behind in search of food and water. Generally, ants are not dangerous to humans, but they can carry germs and spread dirt throughout living spaces with their continuous movement. Ants also tend to travel in masses, which can further contaminate living areas as they enter and exit. Pavement ants, for example, are known to crawl into the house through slight cracks in foundation walls, gaps under doors, and poorly sealed windows.

Professional pest control methods for ants vary depending on the species. For carpenter ants, for example, which are attracted to damp and decaying wood, identifying and sealing entry points is critical. In many cases, however, ant-specific baits are effective at controlling ant populations. These baits contain sweet or protein-based ingredients that attract worker ants, which then carry the poison back to their colony and kill it.

For other ants, especially those which are attracted to stored foods, simply sealing and storing food properly can help deter ant infestations. Pouring boiling water around ant nests can also disperse the ants. Other simple ant-deterrents include wiping surfaces with a mixture of vinegar and water, or growing fresh mint near doorways and window frames.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches thrive in warm, humid environments, making kitchens and bathrooms especially appealing. Their droppings, feces, saliva and shed skin can cause allergic reactions in people, as well as spread harmful bacteria and pathogens like Salmonella that can lead to food poisoning.

The brown-banded cockroach and the German cockroach are common species that infest homes. Both reach about half an inch in length and have light brown coloration with two distinct bands across their wings and abdomen. Their rapid reproduction rate makes them particularly challenging to control.

These insects can be difficult to detect, as they are primarily nocturnal and tend to hide during the day. Look for fecal marks or a musty, oily odor in pantry areas and behind refrigerators, sinks or major appliances. Cluttered areas and cracks in walls provide cockroaches with shelter and hiding spots, too.

Despite their drab exterior, cockroaches are highly adaptable and can survive without access to food or water. They pick up germs from crawling through decaying organic matter and sewage, then transfer them to foods and surfaces in your home. They can even transmit several diseases, including diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, leprosy and typhoid fever.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent cockroach infestations. Clean up crumbs and spills promptly, store food in sealed containers and fix leaky faucets. Placing tight screens over vents and sealing holes in exterior walls can help, too. Keeping kitchen and bathroom garbage cans tightly closed can also reduce the attraction of these pests. These prevention measures should be combined with routine pest control services to ensure complete cockroach elimination.

Rodents

Rodents, such as rats and mice, belong to a huge order of mammals called Rodentia and are found on every continent except Antarctica. They are known as commensal, meaning that they co-exist with humans and share the same food and shelter. This group of mammals is one of the most common pests and includes the house mouse, Norway rat and roof rat, as well as squirrels, chipmunks, beavers and voles. All rodents have upper and lower pairs of incisor teeth that continuously grow, allowing them to gnaw into hard materials and creating chisel-like edges for chewing.

Rodents typically gain entry to structures through cracks and holes. The size of the hole required varies by species. Most rodents are active all year, but some enter periods of dormancy or deep hibernation during winter months. They build nests in tree cavities, rock crevices and leaf piles or lodge in ponds. Rodents breed often and may produce a litter of up to 22 offspring.

The best prevention measures for rodents include installing screens on doors and windows, sealing cracks with caulk or steel wool, keeping gardens, food storage areas and garbage disposal containers tightly sealed, and cleaning up messes made by rodents in and around the home. If preventive measures fail, professional pest control services can be used to eliminate the problem.

Almost any animal that competes with people for food or resources or interferes with our living space is considered to be a pest. In addition to the most common household pests — ants, cockroaches and bed bugs — other pests that can invade your home include silverfish and firebrats (flattened insects with pincers on their rear) and earwigs (long, writhing black or brown flies). To keep these pests out of your house, declutter your environment, store food in airtight containers and recycle whenever possible.

Termites

Termites are fine when they help aid the ecological process of forests but cause significant damage to home structures when they invade. They tunnel from soil to wooden foundations, walls, and floors, and eat through them in the process. In the US, subterranean and drywood termites are the most common species that infest homes.

Symptoms of termite infestation include hollow, honeycomb-textured wood, mud tubes along exterior walls, and small, wood-colored pellet droppings called frass. If you notice sagging floors and doors or damaged drywall, it’s time to call pest control.

Rodents, such as rats and mice, also gnaw wires, insulation, and wood, causing expensive damage and making your home uninhabitable. Signs of rodent activity include squeaking and scratching noises, feces near food sources, and nests made from shredded paper or pillow stuffing. They can also spread diseases and contaminate surfaces.

When rat and mouse populations get out of hand, the best way to control them is by trapping them with snap traps, setting bait stations, or hiring pest control specialists. Effective home maintenance strategies that deter these pests include removing food waste, sealing entry points, and cleaning regularly.

Preventing termite infestations requires thorough inspections and routine cleaning practices that eliminate food sources, clutter, and potential breeding sites. Keeping your home dry is key, too, since termites are attracted to moisture. So make sure gutters, downspouts, and splash blocks direct water away from your house’s foundation, and consider a soil treatment with termiticide for extra protection. If you do notice signs of termite infestation, choose a reputable pest control company and ask for an inspection report and warranty. When termite treatments are performed, be sure to clear all items stored on or near the surfaces that will be sprayed to prevent them from absorbing chemicals.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are one of the most challenging household pests, spreading quickly through travel and secondhand furniture. The tiny, wingless pests feed on blood and can leave itchy bites. They can also cause an allergic reaction in some people. Preventing a bed bug infestation requires careful cleaning and treatment. Wash clothes and bedding in hot water, use mattress protectors, vacuum often and seal cracks and crevices. Professional heat and steam treatments may be necessary for a full eradication.

Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs aren’t a sign of a dirty home. They’re attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide we exhale, so they’re found almost everywhere people live or go — from five-star hotels and cruise ships to apartments, dorms, shelters, buses and trains. Bed bugs spread through secondhand furniture and travel on infested clothing, luggage or bags. They also can invade homes from infected hotel rooms.

Adult bed bugs are oval and about 1/5 inch long with a rusty red or mahogany color, while immature stages (nymphs) look similar but are smaller and have thinner outer skeletons. They can’t fly, but they can crawl rapidly and hide in crevices or cracks.

The bites of an infestation can itch more during rainy weather, as the bed bugs breed and lay more eggs. However, the itching does not increase the severity of the bites.

Regular inspections and good sanitation practices are essential for preventing most household pests from invading a home. A well-trained, handled pest control dog can also help with detection and eradication. If you’re worried about a pest problem, it’s best to call a professional for assistance. The team at Accurate Pest Management can help homeowners in Bergen, Essex, Morris and Passaic counties keep their homes pest-free. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Home Improvement

How to Fix Peeling Or Chipped Cabinet Paint

April 4, 2025January 28, 2026 Violet Poole

Cabinet painting is an intricate art that requires special knowledge to achieve a long-lasting finish. Learn the tricks professional cabinet painters use to prevent paint chipping and keep your cabinets looking like new. Investing in a high-quality paint that resists chips and wear is important for maintaining the look of your cabinets. To avoid the need for frequent touch-ups, regular maintenance is necessary.

Cabinet Painters can transform a room, giving it a new and fresh appearance. However, if it isn’t done properly, peeling paint can ruin the overall look and shorten its lifespan. The humid climate of Alexandria, improper application, or using the wrong type of paint can all contribute to this problem. Here are some best practices for avoiding and fixing peeling cabinet paint to ensure your beautiful new finish lasts as long as possible.

Start by cleaning the surface of the cabinet where the paint is chipping. You’ll want to remove any dust or debris and wipe the surface down with a degreaser to remove grease. Be sure to allow the area to dry completely before proceeding.

Lightly sand the areas where the paint is chipping. Ideally, you should use 320 grit sandpaper to avoid removing too much of the existing finish. Using a very light touch is key to successfully touching up chipped areas and making them blend in seamlessly with the rest of the paint.

Once the sanded area is clean, you can apply your touch up paint. It’s important that you choose a paint with a similar sheen to your cabinets to make the touch-up as seamless as possible. If you aren’t sure what sheen you need, ask the paint counter at your local hardware store for help. They can run a sample of your cabinet color through their cool Matchrite iVue machine to match the exact shade and sheen that you need.

Once you have your custom paint ready, apply a few thin coats of it to the affected areas and allow each one to dry fully before applying another. This is the trick to creating a flawless finish that won’t chip or peel in the future.

Clean the Surface

A fresh coat of cabinet paint can instantly update the appearance of a room. However, without proper care and maintenance, your new cabinets can deteriorate within months or even weeks of installation. Paint chipping is one of the most common problems that affects painted surfaces and it’s often caused by a combination of factors, including poor application, improper cleaning, or the Alexandria’s humid climate. Fortunately, there are several best practices that professional cabinet painters use to prevent paint chipping and ensure that your kitchen or bathroom cabinets remain gorgeous for years to come.

First, you need to clean the surface of your cabinet paint. The best way to do this is to use a soft cloth dampened with a degreaser or dishwashing liquid. After you’ve cleaned the surface, dry it with a clean cloth or towel. Avoid using harsh scouring powders or abrasive cleaning products; these can scratch or damage the wood.

Once the surface is clean, it’s time to sand the chipped areas. You can use a handheld sander or a power sander to accomplish this task, depending on the size of the chips and the condition of the surface. When you sand, you’ll want to focus on the damaged areas. Make sure that you use a fine-grit sandpaper (320 works well) to minimize the risk of damaging the underlying wood.

If the cabinets have been previously painted and the paint is already chipping, you can apply a bonding primer to improve adhesion before repainting. An oil-based primer is ideal, but if you choose to use an acrylic primer, choose one that is designed for cabinet and trim enamel. For example, a favorite among professional painters is Fresh Start High-Hiding All-Purpose Primer; it provides excellent hide and suppresses stains. After applying the primer, let it dry for an hour or so.

Sand the Surface

When painting over a previous coat of paint it is almost always necessary to sand the surface. This will create a smoother surface for the new paint to adhere to, and it will help the chipped areas blend in with the rest of the cabinet. You can use a hand held sanding sponge or a block sander for this task. It is important to choose a sandpaper grit that matches your existing cabinet finish. If you aren’t sure what grit your cabinet is painted with, get a sample at the paint counter and apply it to an out of the way area on your cabinet to see how it looks.

After sanding, wipe the cabinet surfaces down with a degreaser to ensure they are completely clean. You should also clean the cabinet hardware and hinges. Using a microfiber rag and warm water should be enough to remove any grease build up, but you may need to use a stronger product like TSP Heavy Duty cleaner. Make sure you follow the TSP’s instructions on how to use it and always work in a well ventilated area.

If you’re not going to re-stain the cabinets you can skip this step, but if they are stained it’s essential. If you don’t sand the cabinets before staining they will be abrasive and won’t take stains well, so you will have to repaint them. You should also sand the cabinet hinges and hardware to prepare them for reinstallation. Once the sanding and cleaning are done it’s time to start painting. The best cabinet paint is a high-quality oil-based primer, but if you are only doing touch-ups you can usually get away with just using a regular latex wall paint.

Apply Multiple Thin Coats of Paint

Cabinet painting is a great way to refresh the look of your kitchen. But when the new paint starts to chip, you need to act quickly before the problem worsens. Avoiding chipping and peeling after refinishing is all about proper preparation, using the right products, and applying thin coats. Here are some tips to keep in mind to prevent your cabinets from becoming a paint chip nightmare:

Whether you’re doing touch-ups or repainting your entire kitchen, multiple thin coats are always better than one thick coat. Thin coats allow the finish to dry more evenly, minimizing brush strokes and imperfections. They also help the finish hold up against daily wear and tear.

The type of paint you use is also important. Choose a durable, high-quality paint made specifically for cabinets or other high-traffic areas. Low-quality products may not adhere to the surface as well, leading to a less durable finish that chips and peels more easily.

Improper Surface Preparation

The surface of your cabinets must be clean and sanded before applying any paint or stain. If grease, dirt, or old varnish is still on the surface, it can cause problems with adhesion and lead to chipping and peeling over time. Skipping the sanding step or using a low-quality sandpaper can also cause problems.

Choosing the Right Primer

Apply a Sealant

A fresh coat of paint can transform your kitchen cabinets, giving the space a beautiful new look. However, the elation can turn to disappointment when the paint chips and starts to peel in just a few months. This is a common problem among homeowners, often due to moisture in the Alexandria area, poor prep work, or cheap paint. Luckily, it’s also one of the easiest fixes!

Start by carefully cleaning the cabinet surfaces to remove any grease or dust. A degreaser or a damp cloth will do the trick. Once the surface is clean, lightly sand the chipped areas to smooth them out. Use a piece of 320-grit sandpaper for this task, which will give the surface an even finish without taking off too much extra paint.

Once the sanded areas are completely dry, apply multiple thin coats of paint to the affected surfaces. Allow each coat to dry fully between applications. It’s important to apply many light layers in order to ensure that the new paint blends well with the existing layer and doesn’t look too obvious.

Finally, if you’re using a custom-tinted paint and don’t have a sample in the same sheen, do a test patch on an out-of-the-way spot of your cabinets to make sure that the touch ups will match. This step isn’t usually necessary when working with touch ups, but it’s a good idea in general to avoid sheen differences if possible.

With the right preparation and application techniques, your cabinet painting job can last a long time! Investing in high-quality paint and taking care to prepare the surface properly will help keep your cabinets looking great for longer.

Author: Violet Poole

Common Household Pests and How Professional Pest Control Eliminates Them