7 Ways A Homeowner Can Make Life Tougher For Termites Print

We rundown this Rosie On The House show.

Spotlighting RED ROCK STATE PARK in Sedona.  With Michelle Thompson, Arizona State Park's Communications Chief & Heidi Erickson, Manager of Red Rock State Park.

Heidi talks about what her job entails, trails and some of the things to look forward to at the park.

Michelle's job is to promote this park at the other 34 when visitors come to the state.

All the parks are beautiful but Michelle gives 3 parks she would suggest to visitors.

Heidi talks about the history and how Red Rock State park came to be.

Red Rock State Park has numerous EVENTS.  Bird watching, archeological hikes, ethnobotany hikes and more.  

Find all of the ARIZONA STATE PARKS and get details on locations, events, camping, cabins and more on a easy, gorgeous website.

We have our winner for the Sedona Staycation.  But you can register for our next Rosie On The House Sanderson Ford Staycation.  CLICK HERE  There's a different staycation each month!

Time to plant your spring garden!  With Jay Harper of FARMS CHOICE .

Things you should plant now are tomatoes, peppers and some leafy greens.

Getting your dirt mix ready for the garden.  Organic material is the first thing to add.  A good organic compost that doesn't have a strong ammonia odor.  Jay talks about the materials needed.   Then add your fertilizer.

These plants are called annunals.  Their designed to grow, flower, produce once a season.

Jay gives tips on irrigation ideas.

Questions for Jay include:

A problem with ROLLY POLLYS in their garden.  Suggest Diatomaceous Earth

Treating rocky soil for a new garden or build a raised garden.

Romey talks about the benefits of a keyhole shaped raised garden with pavers.

CALLER:  Wants to know how to apply diatomaceous earth.  Also applying in damp soil.

EMAIL:   Wants to know if they can plant their summer lawn now.  Rye grass to bermuda.

How to handle weeds after recent rains.  Jay has suggestions for pre-emergents for weed control.

EMAIL:  Has a wrap around container garden and wants to use a soaker hose.  Jay suggests different types of soakers and timers/controlers.

CALLER:  Has a new house with a dead lawn and didn't plant winter grass.  Wants to know if he can plant a summer lawn now and what to do.

TEXT:  Wants to know how to keep cats out of the garden without harming them.

THE APS HOUR!!  APS representatives discuss the recent APS rate modification increase.

What representatives have been consumed with since August with educating and changing customers to one of the 7 rate modification plans.

APS got Rosie's power bill and did an analysis on two of the updated rate plans.   

Here's a link to the APS Rate Plans. 

CALLER:  Customer with a low income  is on the APS Equalizer plan and loves it!  Talks about why and explains his power usage.

Explain that electricity produced that is not use cannot be stored.  Once produced, it needs to be used or its gone.

APS talks about how they decide how much electricity to produce on a daily basis.

CALLER:  Confusion on the deadline to make your rate plan change.  APS has a hard deadline of May 1st to have all customers moved to an appropriate plan.  Also how the new tax cut affects refunds to customers.

Another analysis of a bill for a customer who's less agressive on power consumption.  

Stagger use of appliances to manage/lower your power consumption.

Considering solar power?  Kyle with Sun Valley Solar Solutions explains how solar could save on your power bill and a special offer to get started.

APS offers a basic way you can save money:  SHIFT, STAGGERING & SAVE!  Shift your usage to off peak times, Stagger your appliance usage, and Save money!

APS has OPTIONS to help you keep your electric bill in line.

Talking Termites!  The latest treatments on how to control them before they cause problems.

Mike Saldivar of Action Termite & Pest Control, Rob Ives of  Control Solutions, maker of Fuse used by Action Termite to fight termites.  Also from Texas A&M Dr. Janis Reed, Technical Services Director of Control Solutions.

Follow our BLOG on 7 Ways A Homeowner Can Make Life Tougher On Termites.

Interview with Technical Services Director of Control Solutions Dr. Janis Reed.  Talking about the concerns homeowners have about pesticides.  And things to consider when you have a termite or any bug problem.

Dr. Reed discuss the safety protocols.  Beginning with hiring a professional.  And how these products are used PROPERLY when it migrates into the soil.

Dr. Reed gives details on the termidicide Action Termite is using called Fuse.

Mike gives simple tips for the homeowner to keep moisture away from the home to keep termites from moving in.  Also inspect for mud tubes at the foundation around the home once a month.

Termites are one thing.  The other is scorpions.  Mike gives his effective strategy to control them.  Including sealing the home.

The pros and cons of Diatomaceous Earth on scorpions.

The thing about pesticides is 'More Is Not Better'.