How to Prevent Radon in Your CT Home?

Radon gas in your Connecticut home can be prevented with radon mitigation systems. These systems are like a vacuum for the soil under your home. They are installed by certified radon remediation professionals and are become permanent components of your home.

They are comprised of suction pipes that enter the soil under the concrete floor or a crawl space vapor barrier, a radon fan, and an exhaust pipe to vent the radon gas out into the atmosphere above the home. They run continuously to grab the radon from the soil before it can enter the your home home.

Testing Your CT Well for Coliform and E.Coli Bacteria

Water Testing CT Ecoli coliform Bacteria Coliform and E.Coli Bacteria in Your Well water. Bacteria exist in many Connecticut well waters, especially shallow or poorly constructed wells under the influence of water from the surface. However even if your well is a deep properly constructed well, it can become accidentally contaminated by coliform bacteria.

Septic tanks can contaminate drinking water wells with bacteria as well. In some cases, wells are contaminated as a result of recent service or pump repair work.

Other sources of bacterial contamination may include run-off from yards, feedlots, pastures, and other farm land areas where animal waste products are deposited. Insect pests, rodents and/or wildlife coming into the well can also cause E.coli or coliform bacteria pollution. Harmful bacteria can enter a water source by means of floods or possibly by surface run-off during heavy periods of rain in Connecticut as well. Continue Reading

CT Pest Inspection Guidelines For Mortgages

CT Pest Inspection Guidelines For Mortgages. This past week we got a call from a well seasoned Realtor, and is extrordinary at what she does. The reason for her call was because she had a question concerning CT Pest Inspections and who is allowed to pay for them.

After answering this Realtor’s question, we realized, if this very experienced Realtor did not know Pest Inspection Guidelines For Mortgage Loans, then most likely other Realtors and Home Buyers today do not know the guidelines for Termite Inspections in CT.

Spring is here and Carpenter Ants are Out in CT!

Warm Spring days bring the carpenter ants out of hibernation in CT. Schedule your Pest Inspection today. Longer days lead to increased heating of ant nests and soon worker ants can be seen foraging. The first carpenter ants seen are usually sluggish, and headed towards moisture sources. Since carpenter ants feed on honey dew and insects that they either capture or find, natural food sources are rare in Spring. Moisture sources such as sinks, showers, bathtubs, toilets, and water leaks offer a drink of water after a long winter. Some foods like wet cat food, soda cans, sugar, or grease may also serve as a quick source of energy until their natural food sources awaken outdoors.

Once trees and shrubs start to produce new leaves and flower buds the associated insects that feed on them show up. Aphids, inchworms, scales, mealy bugs, whiteflies and a host of others all serve as dinner for the hungry carpenter ants. Rotting fruit, or dead animals may also provide sugars and protein for a carpenter ant colony. Carpenter ant nests located outside generally take longer to wake up in CT. Ants seen inside a house early in Spring usually means that the colony is living somewhere within. Typical nest locations include but are not limited to: exterior columns, steps, decks or porches; roof rafters, joists, and sheathing; roof trim and siding; interior walls and ceilings; hollow doors, door and window frames; sills, joists, and sub floors.

Damage from carpenter ants can be extensive, and may be accompanied by some type of moisture problem. Carpenter ants excavate channels or galleries used for living space within wooden members. Over time these galleries may become quite large and complex. Frass, a mixture of small wood chips, fecal material, and dead insect parts, may be ejected from the …

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What is that Rotten Egg Smell In Your CT Water?

What is that Rotten Egg Smell In Your Water?

Hydrogen Sulfide : CT Water containing hydrogen sulfide usually does not pose a health risk, but does give water a nuisance “rotten egg” smell and taste. Water supplies in Connecticut with as little as 1.0 ppm (part per million) hydrogen sulfide are corrosive, may tarnish copper and silverware, and occasionally release a black material that stains laundry and porcelain.

Hydrogen sulfide is formed by sulfur bacteria that may occur naturally in CT water. These bacteria use the sulfur in decaying plants, rocks, or soil as their food or energy source and as a by-product produce hydrogen sulfide. The sulfur bacteria do not cause disease, but their presence in water can cause a bad taste or odor.

Why a Pest Inspection for Your New Connecticut Home?

Pests can already be in your “New” Home. While you would expect your brand-new Connecticut home to be clean and pest-free, it’s actually pretty common to find out certain pests have already arrived ahead of you. These are usually insects that were either already in the building materials or that are attracted to the high moisture levels in a new home. Often times a pest inspection is required on new homes in CT.

Many wood-boring insects infest dying or freshly fallen trees or unseasoned wood that is waiting to be processed or milled. The beetle larvae can continue to develop in the wood after it has been used in your house.