H & H Pest Control Blog

Most people already know that mosquito bites are more than just itchy nuisances. While the majority of bumps will clear up in a few days and heal entirely on their own, some of these winged monsters carry dangerous — sometimes deadly — diseases. But that's no reason to stay inside when there's so much beauty to be found in the beautiful state of North Carolina. If you're searching for how to get rid of mosquito bites, over-the-counter treatments such as ice, topical corticosteroids, and antihistamines can bring down the mosquito bites swelling and control the inflammation. Taking these steps may help speed the healing process, so you can stop pausing to scratch every few minutes. Find out more about what's normal for a mosquito bite and how you can control these pests. 

As the weather starts to warm up, termites are ready to hit the ground running. And while they rarely emerge from the actual ground, that doesn't mean that you can't be on the look-out for their calling cards. These tiny pests eat all cellulose-based plants, and there are no homes immune from their wrath. Termites may appreciate wooden structures the most but that doesn't mean they can't thrive in all construction types. Their insidious nature is such that they can remain invisible until they start causing serious damage to your property. You don't want to take a chance with termites because the costs of ignoring them will always be higher than the costs of a preventative termite inspection or proactive treatment. 

Moisture in your home comes from many sources, including showering, cooking, using a humidifier and moisture that seeps in from your basement or crawlspace. While you do need some humidity in your home to be comfortable, too much encourages the growth of mold and mildew. In turn, the mold and mildew attract bugs, cause wood to decay, damages electronics and cause health problems. If you have excess moisture in your home, H&H Pest Control and Waterproofing’s waterproofing services help remove the excess moisture.

If you have moisture or water running into your basement, the waterproofing either was not installed on the home or it has worn out. Basement waterproofing not only keeps water and moisture out of the basement, but it keeps excessive humidity out of your house. When you have too much moisture in your basement and in your house, you give mold and mildew the perfect environment to grow. Our waterproofing services at H&H Pest Control and Waterproofing stop the excess moisture that causes mold and mildew.

Moisture and mold can be silent killers in your home. Not only can moisture wear away at the foundation of your home and damage flooring, baseboards, furniture, and appliances, but it can also cause chronic, debilitating illness for those exposed. Perhaps even more alarming is the fact that many renters and homeowners don’t know there’s moisture because it hides in places that aren’t always visible or accessible.

If you don’t use moisture control practices in your home, you could have mold hiding under wallpaper, baseboards and other trim. You create humidity in your home by cooking, showering, doing dishes, using an unvented clothes dryer and using a humidifier. When water gets in through the basement or crawlspace because of poor drainage, the humidity increases, which could cause mold to form.

A basement or crawlspace built with blocks needs to be waterproofed. Cement and blocks are not waterproof, so water seeps through to the inside. Most builders put waterproofing on the blocks, but it does wear out after some years. When excess moisture gets through the waterproofing or the cement, if it wasn’t waterproofed, your house becomes damp, which encourages mold to grow. Putting in moisture control measures while you are building is less expensive than having to do it later.

French drain systems divert water from where it pools to a place where the water cannot hurt buildings or your landscaping. Often, people install a French drain and let it evacuate water to a part of the landscape that requires extra water. A deeper French drain, or a footing drain, moves a lot of water, while a shallow French drain, also known as a curtain drain, is uphill of the area you want to dry out. The curtain drain stops the water from flowing downhill and forces it away from the soggy spot. Footing drains are suitable for keeping water out of your basement. They are placed at the footing for the basement, so are easier to install while you are building your house, but we can install them after the build is finished.

Waterproofing your basement can go a long way toward making sure you don't have moisture and water problems in your home. But is basement waterproofing worth it? If you have moisture problems, waterproofing can be an excellent way to get your home back to normal dampness levels and reduce the chances of mold, mildew, and related concerns. Many pests are also attracted to damp or moist conditions, so drying out your home can help keep bugs and rodents away, too. Here's what you should know about your home's waterproofing, and when you should update it.

Whether you just bought a home or you're building one, every home needs waterproofing. Not having your basement or crawlspace properly waterproofed can mean not only water damage similar to flooding, but also moisture issues, mold, and insects. When you have proper basement waterproofing, though, you don't have to worry about those kinds of things anymore. You can just enjoy your home, and know that your investment is being properly protected. There are several different types of waterproofing, and you'll want to choose the right one. How do you do that? By working with a quality waterproofing company.

When it comes to making sure your basement is free from water and moisture, the best thing to do is choose waterproofing that will protect it for the long term. With the right basement waterproofing, you won't have to worry about any water or moisture problems. That can also help reduce insect issues, mold problems, and related concerns. Here's what to consider, when you're trying to decide on the waterproofing you want and need for your basement. Is basement waterproofing worth it? We'll help you find out.

Excess moisture can be a big problem for homeowners. But what does it mean to have too much moisture in your house? How much is too much? Those are fair questions, and if you're not familiar with home ownership, you might not know what constitutes a problem and what doesn't. If you're googling terms like excess moisture meaning and moisture in house, you're definitely not alone. A lot of people aren't sure whether they have too much moisture in their home, or whether they're worried over nothing. Here's what to look for, and how to make things better if too much moisture is present.

Depending on the application, you may need a waterproofing membrane or a vapor barrier. The two are distinctly different as they perform different jobs. A waterproofing membrane keeps water from seeping into the basement or crawlspace. A vapor barrier stops the moisture from penetrating the walls if the moisture is in a vapor state. A waterproofing barrier is a liquid that is usually “painted” onto the concrete. It hardens into a rubbery substance. Waterproofing barriers do slow vapor from getting into the home, but will not stop it completely. A vapor barrier or moisture-reducing barrier may be made from epoxy, a polymer-based substance or polyurethane. This material fills pores and stops moisture vapor from entering the home.

Part of homeownership is taking care of your home, including making sure crawlspaces and basements are waterproofed. When a home is built, the contractor should put waterproofing on the outside of the block or concrete for exterior basement waterproofing. However, depending on what the contractor uses and how much of the material is exposed to the sun, it could wear off over time. The waterproofing keeps water from seeping into basements and crawlspaces. If it is damp under your home, that could lead to mold problems inside. Waterproofing the basement or crawlspace before it gets out of hand will save you a lot of money in the long run. The waterproofing cost is based on the size of the home and the type of waterproofing that needs to be done. It could cost upwards of $5,000 to evaluate the site, repair any defects, waterproof the walls, install a sump pump or French drain, clean the window wells and gutters and epoxy injection.

When you have a new house built with a basement or a crawlspace that is enclosed with blocks, you need to waterproof the cement or block once the cement cures. A good waterproofing definition is making a permeable substance impervious with a barrier. You’ll find waterproofing materials on basements, crawlspaces, in bathrooms and kitchens, on decks, roofs and in swimming pools and water tanks. Building a house without waterproofing it allows water to seep in through the concrete, which then causes flooding and mold problems.