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Spring Home & GardenDon't be a mosquito magnet this seasonGear up for green renovations(NC)Grab your work boots and pick up Power Authority, an Energy Star qualified(NC)The arrival of warm weatherlike to rest in dense vegetation. Remove your paint brushes, it's renovation season frontload model reduces water use bybecomes a precious opportunity for us tostanding water on your property (as little as again. As the sun emerges from behind that almost 45 per cent and energy use by aboutenjoy our time outside, but it's also a chancea tablespoon of water can become a breeding winter cloud and the mercury rises, Canadians 65 per cent.for swarming bugs to enjoy us, too. In addi-ground for mosquitoes!) and cut back grass-everywhere prepare for a little DIY. Before you 3. Opt for bamboo hardwood floors tion to preventing us from experiencing thees and other plants that appeal to bother-get started, why not take a cue from the bud-bamboo is considered an environmentallybest that summer in Canada has to offer,some bugs.ding trees and growing grass and consider the friendly flooring material due to its highstinging or biting insects can also present aWatch what you wear: Wear light-coloured environment before you put your blue prints yield and relatively fast rate at which itthreat to our health.clothing when outside, since mosquitoes into action. Before taking on any home renova-replenishes itself.Protect yourself and your family fromprefer darker shades that radiate heat.tion challenges, think about the three Rs 4. Use healthier paint conventionalpesky mosquitoes this summer with theseDon't leave protection to chance: Don't rely Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.paints contain solvents, toxic metals andeffective tips from Jim Lovisek, a profes-on home remedies, bath oils or gadgets qual-Here are five building and renovation tips volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that cansional animal and insect wrangler, whoity repellents are available in a variety of that will help you while keeping the environ-cause smog, ozone pollution and indoor airpartnered with OFF! to help Canadiansstrengths and formulations to suit different ment in mind:quality problems with negative health effects.spend more bug-free time outdoors:needs. For example, OFF! offers a variety of 1. Go vintage opt for oneofakind, Go for zero or lowVOC paint, made byBe prepared, even on-the-go: Part of sum-family care products, perfect for use in social gentlyused items that you can use to deco-most major paint manufacturers today.mer fun is being spontaneous whether it'ssituations, as well as more potent Deep Woods rate your home at a reduced cost. Flea mar-5. Selecting building materials Fora last-minute hike in the great outdoors orproducts, which provide longer-term protec-kets, thrift shops and Habitat for Humanity everything from the foundation, walls, roof,an impromptu picnic in the park. Insecttion for when bugs are at their worst.ReStores are wonderful resources. You can floors, windows, insulation and furnishings,repellents like the new OFF! Mini Spray areDon't use strong fragrances: Heavily find your local ReStore at www.habitat.ca.consider the following:the perfect size to keep in the car, golf bag,scented toiletries, such as soap and perfume, 2. Green up your appliances if renovat-a. Is it local? Shipping materials from fartackle box, purse or soccer bag so it's easymay attract mosquitoes.ing your kitchen or laundry room, consider-away adds to their carbon footprintto be prepared, no matter where annoyingTake a proactive stance and protect your-getting rid of those energysucking appli-b. Is it sustainable?mosquitoes are found.self and your family from bothersome bugs ances and replacing them with energyeffi-c. Does it offer good insulation? This willAvoid mosquito-prone spots: Mosquitoesthis summer! More information is available cient models. According to the Ontario lessen your heating and cooling needs.are attracted to damp, stagnant areas andonline at www.bugsmart.caGREEN HARDWOOD FLOORINGGRANDLandscaping & Property Management IncOPENINGDesign t MaintenancetConstruction t Snow RemovalSPECIALS15 yrs Quality ServiceHardwood starting49from $2 sq. ft.Mention this Ad for %Huge inventory ofYour Property Improvement10 OFF hand-scraped hardwood418 Speers Rd., QEW/403OakvilleSpeers Rd.905-815-8818SIGN # 216005SIGN # 216002SIGN # 216006SIGN # 216009$998,800$659,000$529,900$210,0001500 Pinery Crescent1411 Acton Crescent2927 Westoak Trails Boulevard1300 Marlborough, Suite #335OakvilleOakvilleOakvilleOakville905-483-1138905-601-5633905-827-8787905-945-0005Location!JUST LISTEDPerfect Family HomeGreat InvestmentSIGN # 202134SIGN # 202116SIGN # 262016SIGN # 202117$824,900$695,900$443,000$398,800289-878-4400415 Locust St suite 401508 Vanguard Cresent222 Chalmers Street5005 Spruce AveBurlingtonOakvilleOakvilleBurlington Sell Your House. Pay Yourself.905-335-1654905-465-1414905-681-6253905-822-66444th LineDorval Dr.25 Friday, July 15, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER www.insideHALTON.com