|
Incidents of graffiti occur in the most homeowner associations. The association monitors and immediately removes graffiti from common areas and encourages you to do the same with your property. The association recommends these steps for dealing with graffiti:
If you happen to see someone defacing property, don't try to stop it yourself. Call the police immediately and report a vandalism in progress. Make a mental note of as many details as possible about the perpetrators-how many, what age, male or female, distinctive clothing-that will help police.
Encourage your neighbors to do the same-watch for and report graffiti vandals.
When graffiti appears on your property, photograph it before removing it. Record when and where it appeared, when it was removed, the cost and other relevant information. Share your documentation with the police and insurance agent.
Remove graffiti immediately. "Taggers" gain more notoriety the longer the graffiti remains. Removing it quickly sends a message that you care about your community.
Install good lighting in areas vulnerable to graffiti.
Plant shrubs or climbing vines in graffiti-prone areas. Or, replace walls with hedges.
In problem areas where graffiti reappears regularly, try applying a layer of clear paint or silicone coating over painted surfaces. This will make cleaning future graffiti much easier.
Working together, we can reduce this problem in your community.
Back to Articles List
Pests inside your home can be annoying, harmful and downright scary. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to combat pest problems. Of course, your first stop can be your last by calling an exterminator. But you can often save time and money by doing it yourself. Here are some methods for treating bugs locally.
Boric acid powder, like Borid, works as localized pest-control for spot-specific problems. Just sprinkle it behind the refrigerator or around the stove, washing machine or wherever you suspect pests are. It kills roaches, water bugs, ants, fleas and silverfish. Many pest control powders continue working for more than three months. Be sure to read the precautions-these powders can be harmful to infants and pets.
Many insecticide sprays that professionals use, like the water-soluble Demon-WP, and the proper sprayers to apply them are readily available in stores or online. Generic brands are usually available at lower cost. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully. Be wary of taking on large projects, like treating for termites, which can involve drilling, digging and more.
Staple products, like Combat, can also be effective, if you know what pests they should be used against. Combat is used specifically to target ants and roaches. The pests take the bait back to their nests, where presumably it destroys the entire infestation. This can be a good, cheap method-but again be aware of safety precautions.
Remember, all these methods are effective, but you can also eliminate bug problems by identifying why they're coming into your home. For example, ants are almost always a sign of excess moisture in your house or yard. Other pests are attracted to trash and food remnants. Eliminate whatever is attracting the pests, and you will eliminate the need for insecticides.
Back to Articles List | 
