Ants in Pineapple Plants

Pineapples (Ananas comosus) are typical edible landscaping plants in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11, though they are gaining popularity since indoor denizens as well. Pineapples are generally hardy and also have few pests, but do suffer from scale insects and mealybugs, both sap-feeding insects which attract ants.

Ants

Argentine ants (Linepithema humile), the most common ants in the house and garden, are mainly sugar-feeding insects that live in shallow mounds from the dirt. Sometimes infesting houseplants or finding their way in through tiny cracks in homes, these 1/8 inch long, dull brown ants are not dangerous to humans but can be ascertained nuisances once they’ve located an ample food supply.

Honeydew

Although ants may be drawn to over-ripe pineapples, it’s considerably more likely they are farming scale insects or mealybugs which are feeding on plants. These insects excrete a sticky, sweet substance called honeydew that ants will go to great lengths to procure. When ants find a colony of scale or mealybugs, they’ll protect these nuisance insects, even moving them about from plant to plant to help increase their numbers.

Potted Pineapples

Pineapples in pots may host ants as permanent guests in their land, especially if the ants are feeding on honeydew produced by insects living on the plant. If you discover that ants are living on your own potted pineapples, take the plants outside and submerge them into the very top of their pot for approximately 20 minutes in a bucket of water laced with 2 tbsp of insecticidal soap each quart of water. This will kill all the ants living in the pot without damaging the plants. Treating the leaves of the pineapple for sap-sucking insects is crucial to keeping ant control — spray them using the undiluted insecticidal soap you used to kill the ants.

Outdoor Control

Ants in exterior pineapple plantings can be more difficult to handle, but it’s not impossible once sap-feeding insects have been controlled. Argentine ants easily accept sugar-based ant discharges when they are put on each side of their paths. Check these bait stations regularly so the food supply doesn’t run out as worker ants carry the poisoned bait back to their nests, slowly poisoning the entire colony. Any pineapples planted in containers or raised beds can benefit from an application of a sticky barrier.

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How to Adjust Garage Door Tension

You need proper tension on a garage door to operate the door by hand or with an automatic opener. If the tension is too loose, the springs that help lift the doorway are ineffective as well as the weight of the door causes this unsafe. Too much tension equates to a door that does not shut all the way or stay closed. If your garage door has torsion springs throughout the inside of the door opening, then you need a professional to adjust the tension. Sectional doors and hinged doors have been corrected with a basic procedure for each kind.

Extension Springs

Close the garage door. Position a stepladder in the locale of the automated opener. Unplug the power cord to the opener. Pull down on the emergency release cord to disconnect the door in the opener’s track.

Lift up the doorway halfway in the inside, using one of the cross members. If the door stays at the halfway position without assistance, the tension is correct. If it lowers by itself, the tension is too loose. It is too tight if it increases beyond halfway without assistance.

Open the door fully by hand. Cut a two-by-four brace that installs vertically in the outer border of the doorway, using a handsaw. Place the brace in place in the outer border of the doorway.

Move the stepladder to the area of an extension spring in the upper end of the doorway in the trail on a single side. Loosen the lock nut on the threaded adjuster stem in the outer end of the pulley and spring assembly with an open-end rhythm.

Tighten the adjuster three full turns clockwise to include tension in the event the door closed and did not stay open halfway. Loosen the adjuster three turns counterclockwise in the event the doorway raised without assistance. Repeat the exact same adjustment in the pulley and spring adjuster on the opposite path.

Hold the outer border of the door open with one hand and get rid of the two-by-four brace. Lower the door halfway and test the tension. Repeat these steps, as necessary, until the door stays open halfway.

Lower the door by hand. Pull the disconnect cord to re-engage the closer. Plug in the power cord to the automated opener.

Hinge Springs

Disconnect the doorway in the automated opener, using the disconnect cord. Go to the exterior of the garagedoor.

Raise the door with the handle on the exterior. If the door is difficult to increase, the tension at the hinge springs is too loose and the automatic closer must work too difficult to raise the doorway. If the door increases too fast, the tension is too tight and the automated opener must work too difficult to shut the door.

Open the door fully to relieve the tension on the hinge springs at each side of the doorway opening. Put in a vertical two-by-four brace in the outer border of the door to prevent the door from dropping closed when the springs have been adjusted.

Ask an assistant to help fix the tension on the springs.

Put on gloves. Begin at the hinge and spring at the same side of the doorway opening. Note the link in the anchor chain where the hook in the lower end of the spring is attached, such as the third or second link in the upper end of the string.

Grip the spring together with both hands and pull downward so your helper can disconnect the anchor chain from the hook in the lower end of the spring.

Pull downward on the spring and reattach the hook in the lower end of the spring at the following link down the string to increase the spring tension. Reattach the hook at the following join to loosen the tension. Repeat the identical procedure at the hinge and spring in the opposite side of the doorway.

Hold the door open and remove the brace. Reattach the doorway in the opener track utilizing the disconnect cord.

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What Chemical Can Affect the Growth of Banana Trees?

Like many plants, banana trees ( Musa species) are nourished by sunlight, water and several elements found in the soil. All these elements are crucial to the development of the banana tree; a deficiency or excess can affect the tree’s capacity to grow, grow to adulthood and fruit. Additionally, several chemicals used in elimination of damaging plants in the lawn or landscape can affect the growth of a banana tree.

Macronutrients

Banana trees require several chemical elements, called macronutrients, in good amounts for healthy growth. Nitrogen is a essential driver of growth, supplying energy for the synthesis of protein. Potassium helps shore up the plant’s defenses against disease and regulates the metabolism of the plant. Phosphorus promotes cell division and calcium strengthens the cell walls. A deficit in any of these vital elements can stunt a banana plant’s growth. An excess in compound component, such as nitrogen, can burn the main system of the banana tree, preventing it from obtaining sufficient nourishment to thrive.

Micronutrients

Several micronutrients can also be crucial to the energy processes of the banana tree. Sulfur, magnesium, iron and manganese play a part in the development and deployment of chlorophyll, which the plant uses to harness energy from the sun. Zinc, boron, copper and molybdenum are essential components for a healthy antioxidant tree, regulating and supplying materials for distinct developmental processes within the plant.

Broad Spectrum Herbicides

Herbicides designed for use with numerous species of plants are used for control of unwanted or infected banana trees. Chemicals such as 2,4D and glyphosate can kill banana trees within a matter of weeks using constant therapy. These substances have to be sprayed directly on the plant for complete effectiveness. Using the substances elsewhere on the lawn shouldn’t significantly influence the growth of desirable banana plants.

Kerosene

Just as much as a cupful of spilled kerosene that gets into the main system of the plant may severely harm the banana plant or kill it. The compound, used as a fuel in mobile heaters, penetrates the plant’s root system and keeps it from absorbing nutrients. Enough kerosene can kill a banana tree in as little as five days.

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The way to Reduce Garage Humidity

Excess moisture in your house can damage both your home and your wellness. High indoor humidity leads to mould and mildew growth and offers an ideal breeding ground for dust mites, which can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms. Unwanted moisture can also result in rot, which might damage the finishes and construction of your house. While excessive humidity is common in bathrooms and toilets, it can also be a major problem from the garage, which is very prone to moisture infiltration.

Boost Ventilation

Increasing ventilation is still one of the easiest and most cost-effective methods of decreasing garage humidity. Open windows or doors in the garage whenever feasible to permit moisture to escape, and turn on exhaust fans in the garage if you have them. A portable fan can also help to dry up moisture and blow moist atmosphere outside. Clear the floor to avoid moisture getting trapped between the floor and your poles or other items, and stick to open shelving, which allows air to circulate. If you would like not to open the windows, even opening coverings or blinds to permit sunlight inside can help warm the space and dry up moisture. If you reside in a new house, keep in mind that it can take several months for materials and finishes to dry out, as stated by the Michigan State University Extension. Avoid making major changes to address humidity in the garage till you’ve given your house time to dry out after moving in.

Redirect Exhaust Vents

If garage moisture is a persistent problem, check whether your dryer vent is directed to the garagedoor. All exhaust fans and exhaust systems in your house should vent outside, but contractors may alternatively direct exhaust to the attic or garage to decrease costs. Moving your drier, bathtub and oven exhaust vents to the exterior can cut garage humidity considerably. In case you have a utility sink or alternative supply of moisture in your garage, consult a contractor around adding an exhaust fan to eliminate unwanted moisture.

Assess for Plumbing Issues

Plumbing leaks and pooled water are common sources of unwanted garage moisture. Leaking washing machine hoses and leaking water heaters represent two of the best causes of moisture damage in the house in accordance with Ringling College of Art and Design. If your washing machine or water heater is located in the garage, check for leaks and have them repaired whenever possible. You can also start looking for humidity-causing leaks at utility sinks in the garage. Besides leaks, it’s also essential to ensure moisture can drain properly. Assess drains around utility sinks or any other drains in the garage to be certain they’re working properly.

Use Your Air Conditioner

In case you have a central ac system, then the air conditioner itself can act as a dehumidifier. If you’re garage is currently insulated and conditioned, turn the machine to circulate air and eliminate extra moisture. Otherwise, consult a contractor about adding a cooling vent for your own garage and tying it to the present cooling system.

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How to Make a Deep Seating Patio Cushion

Revamp your outdoor space by making deep seating patio cushions, an achievable project for anybody with basic sewing skills. It only requires that you measure and cut out three pattern pieces and sew a few straight seams, and also you’re able to complete the cushions in a matter of hours. Making custom cushions is much less expensive than buying them, and you’ll have a huge selection of fabric options to select from. Use firm-density upholstery foam to get a seat cushion or soft-density foam to get a rear cushion; preferably, purchase deep seating cushion forms that fit your chairs.

Assess the width and depth of the seat or the rear of the seat for which you’re making the cushion.

Mark a rectangle on 5-inch upholstery foam matching the dimensions of the chair seat or back. Use the present straight edges of the foam just as two of the pillow sides, if at all possible. Cut out the foam along the marked lines using a serrated knife. You may also ask the personnel at the upholstery store to reduce the foam to size for you. Instead, purchase a deep seating cushion kind that suits the seat.

Mark and cut out two rectangles of upholstery fabric 1 inch more and one inch wider than the seat or back of the seat.

Mark and cut out a 6-inch deep rectangle of fabric with a length equivalent to the perimeter of the seat or rear of the seat — two times the length and 2 times the width — and one inch. This is actually the boxing strip.

Fold the boxing strip in half across its width using the right-sides facing and also the brief edges aligned. Place pins along the short edges. Sew the short edges together, leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Press the seam open.

Pin one side of this boxing strip — now sewn into a loop — around the perimeter of one of this fabric rectangles, with the right-sides facing. Sew the boxing strip to the rectangle around the whole perimeter, leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

Pin the other side of this boxing strip around the outside of the other cloth rectangle using all the right-sides facing. Sew the boxing strip to the rectangle and three sides only, leaving the fourth side seam open.

Make 1/4-inch snips to the corners of this seams using scissors. Be careful not to cut too close to the stitching. Turn the pillow cover right-side out through the open seam.

Insert the upholstery foam or cushion kind into the cover through the seam.

Thread a needle and sew the open seam closed using a slip stitch.

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What Types of Steam Cleaning Machines Clean Different Types of Floors?

Walk the aisle in a box or hardware shop , and you come using a high number of machines that boast that they are able to make your wood, tile, carpeting or laminate floors look brand new. Avoid product confusion by understanding which kind of flooring, and knowing every machine’s limitations you’re going to use on it. An cleaner for nylon carpeting differs from one that cleans wooltimber and laminate floors may need an alternative cleaning system.

Steam Versus Vapor Steam

Some flooring cleansers are steamers, and many others work with vapor steam. The detergent from the tank heats, as the flooring is passed over by the machine, and the remedy is released. The dirt is removed by A suction mechanism and wetness. It isn’t the steam that cleans; it’s the detergent. In a vapor steam machine, a vapor is created from water from the tank. It is not suctioned up; following the dirt gets loosened, instead, you must vacuum the floor. The benefit of the vapor steam is that no solutions are required for the cleaning procedure.

Cleaning Carpets

Shampooing carpets leaves the floor wet and cleans them. Steam brings germs, bacteria, dust mites and dirt up and attacks. The warm water and steam because of the mechanism onto the machine. You also have the benefit of using the solution, avoiding and picking your cleansing solution. While an acidic-based cleaner is recommended for wool and organic fibers an detergent is used on synthetic rugs.

Cleaning Wood Floors

Steam is not recommended for cleaning wood floors. The boards swell Since the water or vapors are absorbed from the wood . Water has a detrimental effect on the finish applied to the wood’s surface, requiring if steam cleaning has been done re-finishing. This holds true for wood flooring or engineered timber installed over cement.

Laminate Flooring

Water is a danger to the finished installation of laminate flooring, which is the item is not recommended for laundry or kitchen room usage. Cleaning laminate floors introduces the water element, and, after cleansings, the planks will buckle because the glue used to secure the steam and water has affected them. The boards’ borders may curl, or a summit may shape in the center of the board if too much moisture has been absorbed.

Tile Floors

The best cleaner for a tile floor is warm steam or water. With temperatures approaching 200 levels, germs and dirt are obliterated. Use tap water or a gentle cleanser in the tank to prevent damaging the grout. Many steamers have a mechanism that removes the a nozzle attachment that absorbs the dampness left behind.

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DIY Hollywood Regency Decor

Meanwhile, the Hollywood Regency style of decorating captures the glitz and glamor of Hollywood’s Golden Age from 1930 to approximately 1959. Strongly affected by designers of the era, like William Haines and Dorothy Draper, the design reflects an eclectic mixture of highly ornamental, traditional decor with Baroque and Neoclassical influences and contemporary, minimalist design fashions. Even though Hollywood Regency has been a fashion once created for the elite social circles of affluent actors, you can still achieve this look with additional budget friendly options from putting in the work.

Wall Punch-Ups

Add some Hollywood Regency flair to your walls with color and pattern. Wide vertical stripes on walls were a touch appearance of interior designer, Dorothy Draper. Take this look by matching a neutral shade of white with light blue, mint green, salmon, coral or create high contrast with black stripes. When painting stripes, then you’ll cover the whole wall with the lighter base color and then measure, tape and mark the lines for each stripe. Wallpaper also offers a good option for adding color and pattern to walls. Chinoiserie style wallpaper, commonly located in Hollywood Regency style rooms, characteristics Chinese inspired art and civilization. Other typical patterns include damask, trellis or banana-leaf prints.

Furniture and Lamp Refinishing

Turn ordinary thrift shop furniture to Hollywood glam pieces with glossy, highly lacquered finishes. Lacquer spray paint gives furniture an ultra-shine, but a metallic sheen gives an added touch of glamor. It only needs a spray primer first, then a few thin, even coats of color. Lacquered white or black pieces add a classic look or proceed with daring colors of turquoise, teal, emerald green, coral or purple. French Regency, Art Deco, Oriental and contemporary, very low profile furniture styles work best for this eclectic style. Install crystal knobs on drawers and doors. Create elegant lighting by spray painting an old lamp or chandelier pure white or with shiny silver lacquer paint. Add sparkling strands of crystal beads and cover the lighting fixtures with a sheer fabric drum shade for gently diffused light and a classy, classy appearance.

Fabulous Fabrics

Reupholster a chair or cover some accent pillows with Hollywood Regency inspired cloth patterns. Trellis patterns were favored by English designer David Hicks, who led his powerful designs to Hollywood Regency styles at the ’60s and ’70s. Accent a room with a trellis-patterned carpet, reupholstered chair or cover the rear wall of a bookcase with this pattern on wallpaper. Soften the room with velvet or silk drapes on windows or walls. Embellish a sofa with Chinoiserie fabric-covered cushions or use the cloth to cover a headboard. With decoupage, fabric and a clear-coat polyurethane sealer, you may add a posh appearance to dresser drawers, a complete table or cupboard doors with chintz fabric, a Greek key print or a Draper-inspired banana leaf print.

Chic Accessories

Home cocktail parties fit perfectly with all the existence associated with Hollywood Regency design. Fashion a home bar out of a sideboard, a console table or possibly a little, rolling cart, ensuring it’s an element of Hollywood glitz, including a shiny lacquered finish, brass hardware, a glass top or mirrored panels. Pour liquor into elegant glass carafes or cut crystal bottles. Accent a wall with an oversized pop art print on canvas and design your own eclectic mix of treasures like faux furs and animal print rugs, vintage beaded necklaces as curtain tiebacks or strings of glass beads hung in window frames to add additional sparkle to your room.

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