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Many homeowners know the feeling of unease that accompanies finding mice or other rodents in their home. Whether in the kitchen, attic, basement or dining room, a rodent sighting can incite surprise and fear in even the most composed homeowner. Unfortunately, these common pests are resourceful creatures that can enter a building or home through the smallest opening or crack, and they require very little space to travel inside. In fact, mice can easily fit through spaces as small as a nickel!

Rodents seek shelter indoors, especially during the cooler fall and winter months, and once inside can cause more than just an unpleasant infestation. Rodents put homes at risk for electrical fires by gnawing through wires. More frequently, though, rodents serve as vectors, carrying bacteria, such as salmonella, on their bodies and contaminating food sources, kitchen surfaces and equipment.

Fortunately, there are 10 simple steps homeowners can take to prevent rodent infestations:

Install door sweeps on exterior door, and repair damaged screens.
Screen vents and openings to chimneys.
Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the home, using caulk, steel wool or a combination of both.
Store food in airtight containers, and dispose of garbage regularly.
Keep attics, basements and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains that provide the perfect breeding site for pests.
Inspect items, such as boxes, grocery bags and other packages, brought into the home for rodents.
Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house, and keep shrubbery trimmed and cut back from the house.
If you suspect a rodent infestation in your home, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and treat the pest problem immediately. Rodents are known to reproduce quickly, and a small problem can turn into a big issue overnight if left untreated.

Source: National Pest Management Association/PestWorld.org

Published with permission from RISMedia.

When a family member is in crisis, its only natural to want to help. If a relative is in danger of losing a home to foreclosure, things are complicated. Even if you want to help by loaning a loved one money, it might not be the best course of action.

Whats the Source of the Problem?
Before you think about giving a relative a loan to avoid foreclosure, be sure that you understand the situation and how your family member got there. If a loved one lost a job, went through a divorce or a spouses death, or had unforeseen medical expenses, it might make sense for you to help financially if you can. Everyone goes through tough times, and often circumstances are out of our control. A loan from you could set your loved one back on solid financial footing.

If, on the other hand, your family member is facing foreclosure because he or she bought a house that was too expensive or spent money frivolously instead of focusing on necessities, loaning that person money would be a bad idea. A loan from you wouldnt solve the real problem, which is irresponsibility. After you bailed out your relative, he or she would likely continue with the same habits that led to financial problems and wind up stuck again. You dont want to get in the habit of rushing in to rescue someone who keeps repeating the same mistakes.

Can You Afford to Help?
Maybe your loved one is in trouble because of circumstances beyond his or her control and you would like to help, but a large sum of money would be required to prevent foreclosure. Perhaps you could come up with the amount needed, but doing so would require you to wipe out your emergency fund, tap into your retirement account, or raid your childrens college savings.

In that case, as much as youd like to help your loved one, offering a loan would be too risky for you and your immediate family. Using your emergency fund to cover a relatives mortgage could leave you unable to afford an emergency repair to your own home or car or an unexpected medical bill, and withdrawing a large sum from retirement or college savings could jeopardize your or your childrens future plans and financial security. You can suggest that your relative explore other options, such as a short sale or deed in lieu of foreclosure.

Make the Right Decision
Wanting to help a family member facing financial problems is admirable, but you should consider things carefully. If your relative is at risk of foreclosure because of a one-time hardship and you want to”and can afford to”help, you should. On the other hand, if your family member is irresponsible or needs so much money that providing a loan would put your own financial health at risk, youd be better off advising your relative to consider other options.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Investment in home improvements can produce great returns, if you put your dollars in the right place. How should homeowners invest to reap the highest returns? Start with projects that cost relatively less, as illustrated in this infographic.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Worn-out or inefficient appliances can lead to high utility bills.

The Environmental Protection Agency created the ENERGY STAR program to encourage companies to produce energy-efficient appliances that use less electricity and water to save consumers money.

ENERGY STAR appliances cost more to buy and repair, but you would have lower monthly utility bills.

Stainless steel appliances are attractive and durable, but they are expensive and show dirt, dust and fingerprints.

Smart appliances run at off-peak times or use low-energy cycles. Many can be controlled through a smartphone app. They can be expensive to buy and repair.

If you’re thinking about upgrading appliances, compare models, features and prices.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Revamp your mudroom with these features.

Cubbies and Seating

Cubbies will keep your room organized. A place to sit while putting your shoes on is also helpful.

Pet-Washing Station

All it takes is a small tub or shower area with a handheld sprayer to keep your pets clean.

Sink and Counter Space

For any miscellaneous needs, its practical to have a sink and counter space in your mudroom.

Laundry Area

Having a laundry area in the mudroom is a welcome addition for quick clean ups from outside.

Published with permission from RISMedia.