Tag: lake living

Tips on How to Deal with Bugs & Insects on the Lake

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips
Woman applying mosquito repellent bug spray next to lake
Photo courtesy of Mamavation.

There are a huge number of advantages to living in a lake house. From the scenic views to the ability to go fishing or swimming whenever you want. However, like every other place in the world, there are always a few drawbacks – even if they are small ones. For example, living on a freshwater lake means that you may have to deal with a few bugs now and again, whether they’re harmless mayflies or those pesky mosquitoes. The following are a few tips on how to deal with bugs and insects (the pesky variety) so that they don’t take away from the amazing lake living experience:

Mosquitoes

Mosquito spray bug repellent

Mosquitoes are easily one of the most irritating bugs to deal with. Odds are you’ve been bitten by a mosquito at least once or twice in your lifetime.

Mosquitoes breed and thrive in an environment that combines standing water, heat, and humidity. These conditions are optimal for them to breed. This means that when summer comes around, odds are you’ll see your share of mosquitoes around the lake.

The following are a few tips to help you deal with those mosquitoes so that they don’t ruin your summer. After all, you’ll want to enjoy those sunsets without swatting at mosquitoes every second.

  • Install ceiling fans – Mosquitoes do not take kindly to breezy environments. If your lake home doesn’t already have ceiling fans, you should consider installing them. Not only will they keep mosquitoes away – they’ll also improve the comfort of your home! If you have a porch or a deck that you enjoy using during the spring or summer seasons, you may want to consider installing a ceiling fan or two out there as well.
  • Install screens – We all like to leave our doors and windows open during the warmer days of the year in order to allow fresh air to circulate throughout the house. However, this is an open invitation to mosquitoes. Install screens so that you can open your home up without letting any mosquitoes or other flying bugs in. You may even want to screen your porch in if you haven’t done so already.
  • Avoid standing water – Yes, your lake home is technically sitting on a huge area of standing water. However, prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs even closer to your home by making sure you don’t leave any form of standing water out in your yard.
  • Add citronella plants to your yard – Mosquitoes can’t stand citronella. You can use citronella candles to help keep mosquitoes at bay as well as put citronella oil on your skin to keep from being bitten. You may even want to plant a few citronella plants in your yard around your home. Even potted citronella plants on your porch can help prevent a mosquito invasion.

Mayflies

Bug spray Young child near flying insects
Photo courtesy of Mamavation.

Okay, so mayflies aren’t nearly as annoying as mosquitoes – mostly because they don’t bite. But, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t a huge nuisance.  After all, nobody wants a cloud of mayflies surrounding their head as they try to enjoy the outdoors.

  • Replace lights – Mayflies are attracted to certain colored-lights. Light bulbs that produce a yellowish color won’t attract mayflies as much. Neither will sodium vapor bulbs. Consider replacing your outdoor light bulbs and turn all outdoor lights off when you turn in for the night. If you prefer to leave lights on for security reasons, consider installing motion-detecting lights that only turn on when motion is detected.
  • Keep the yard clean – Keep the area around your yard clean, keeping the grass trimmed and rid of dead organic matter. This includes leaves and branches which can attract mayflies.

Roaches and Ants

Roaches and ants can be a problem no matter where you live, whether it’s on the lake or in the city. Keep the following tips in mind to help prevent roach or ant infestations:

  • Don’t leave food out – Never leave food out, in or outside your home. This is sure to attract roaches or ants. Always throw away your leftover food in a sealed garbage can, garbage disposal, or put it away in your refrigerator.
  • Seal gaps – Go through your lake home and make sure there are no gaps in your window and door openings. Caulk your windows and add weatherstripping to your doors to eliminate entry points.
  • Keep the area around your home clear – You should have at least a foot of space between your lake home’s exterior and any shrubs, mulch, or trees to help protect against easy entry into your home by insects.

Living on a lake can be an absolutely amazing experience so don’t let the thought of bugs put you off. Following these tips can certainly help to keep your lake home bug-free. For more tips and advice on enjoying your time at the lake, read here.

Must Have Items For Safe Boating

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Family on boatThere are many ways that you can ensure safety as well as enjoyment as a boat operator. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with safety equipment and consider items that will provide comfort while using your vessel.

Always ensure that you have the valid Certificate of Number while the boat is in use. This will allow you to prove registration and ownership should you be approached by law enforcement.

You should also keep on your boat at least one wearable life jacket for each person on board.

The life jackets must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved, which would be indicated on the label. They also must be the appropriate size and type for each person, and in good condition.

A throwable, such as a life ring or flotation cushion, must be kept on board for vessels 16 feet or longer.Flotation device for boat safety

In the case of an emergency, a whistle and an emergency light would be necessary. Emergency lights come in many varieties such as strobe lights that can be attached to the boat, lantern-styles, and utility style for bright, adequate illumination. Distress signals are required for boat use as well. Signals such as an orange distress flag (used by day only), or signal flares.

Another item required to keep on board for safe boating is a fire extinguisher. Although you are surrounded by water, it is still necessary to keep a fire extinguisher handy in case of a fire. Be sure that you have the correct type for your boat, meeting the minimum requirements for the size and type of your vessel.

There are some situations in which you may need to make lots of noise, besides the laughter and fun from passengers on board. In meeting, crossing, or overtaking situations, sound signals are required. This is particularly during times of reduced visibility or while at anchor. You will need to keep at least one sound producing device available, such as a bell, a whistle, air horn, or gong.

To aide in navigation, it is helpful to keep a lake map available for reference. Many boats come equipped with GPS, which is the most convenient way to navigate waters.

But in the absence of GPS, or if it fails for whatever reason, keeping a lake map would ensure efficient navigation. Lake maps also inform of any lake hazards, general configuration, and character of the bottom and will include prominent landmarks and facilities.

Besides safety equipment, there are many things that you can keep on your boat that will ensure comfort and convenience. A VHF Radio would be used for communication and emergency traffic, and an AM-FM radio would be great for your favorite tunes or to catch up on local news.

A compass is a great idea to keep on board, as well. You can purchase a magnetic compass to ensure that your boat is pointed in the right direction at all times.Compass for boat safety

Be sure to always keep a tow line on board, and that it is an efficient length. 75′ is recommended, by at least 1/2″ thick. A small tool kit and spare parts would come in handy should you ever find yourself in a situation that requires repair.

Waterproof flashlights in various sizes and styles can be purchased as well and would be easy to tuck into a small space out of the way. And don’t forget extra batteries!

Understanding Endangered Species Along Your Shoreline

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

As a homeowner, one of the best real estate investments you can make is in waterfront property. Homes on the water make excellent retirement or vacation homes because of their location and natural beauty. They also present special challenges though when it comes to endangered or protected animal species.

Here’s what you need to know about how the Endangered Species Act could affect your own private shoreline. Continue reading “Understanding Endangered Species Along Your Shoreline”

9 Great Reasons Why People Love Living on the Water

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips
American Lake House with Stunning Rock Walk Way

Whether you’re looking for a full-time residence or a vacation retreat, a home on the water is an excellent choice for a number of reasons. Perhaps you’ve dreamed of owning a home near water, but never really considered all the advantages in doing so? If so, here are nine great reasons why people just love living on the water:

Continue reading “9 Great Reasons Why People Love Living on the Water”

5 Reasons To Consider Solar Power for Your Vacation Home

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

usplashWhen it comes to renewable energy, few of them are as accessible as solar power after the initial set-up costs have been absorbed. It is an essentially perfectly-green technology. Solar panels for vacation homes and other buildings last multiple decades and exude no waste whatsoever to the environment during their many years of operation.

If you are committed to making a vacation home eco-friendly, then solar panels may be the single most important addition you make.

Here are 5 good reasons to consider using solar power for your vacation home:

  1. Most Practical Energy Savings:  There’s been a lot of talk about many different kinds of renewable energy. There’s biomass, which uses plant and animal matter to make electricity, but it is much more expensive than solar power and can even increase your carbon footprint if misused. Wind power is great, but it is much more location-sensitive than solar. The same thing applies to geothermal and hydroelectric power generated by flowing water. You have to be reasonably near sources for these to be a relevant part of your energy plan. Solar power, on the other hand, is essentially infinite. The sun is always on and accessible for half the day, and solar panels can store much of that energy for night use.
  2. Long Life:  Once you buy them, solar panels are insured to last until your newborn babies move out of the house, graduate from college, and perhaps get married in their late twenties. It’s an investment for your vacation home that will likely last even longer than that. 25 years is simply the usual warranty offered by solar panel companies. The insurance often includes protection against “Acts of God,” too. This way accidents don’t pose a threat to the potential returns on your initial investment. As with anything sold to consumers, the growing demand for solar is already improving the already robust safeguards in place for the technology. In fact, solar power systems installed almost 50 years ago have far exceeded the warranties guaranteed today. This gives you an idea of the inherent efficiency of the product. Today’s technology is much better. It isn’t inconceivable that one day the solar power running your vacation home will last the average human lifetime.
  3. UnsplashSaving Money:  In addition to the complete lack of a carbon footprint inspired by solar energy, there’s the cost savings. A strategic investment in solar panels, in conjunction with other eco-friendly measures, will significantly reduce any monthly responsibilities you have towards the energy bill. With the many government incentives, you can even sell solar power to your neighbors. That is if your vacation home isn’t completely isolated from others. Even on the stock market front, investing in companies that rely on solar energy to power their offices, or that hold revenue-producing solar assets, lowers your risk, since the technology is proven. This is relevant to your vacation home in case you ever want to sell it. Having solar panels undoubtedly increases the value.
  4. Self-Reliance:  Self-reliance is a big must for a vacation home, depending on the location. Being off-grid comes in handy during power outages and energy spikes, since your source is isolated. The tax credits you will enjoy from the federal government are just a bonus to the other benefits of solar power. If you’re someone that doesn’t like surprises, solar power offers you the chance to lock-in your energy costs for decades. The sun cannot be taxed!
  5. Full Scale Adoption:  There are rumblings that a full-scale transition to solar power is inevitable, given the many benefits. In fact, it might put utility companies – in their current, fossil fuel-based incarnation – out of business. Even now, solar panels are becoming more and more economically competitive. Federal and state incentives are adding fuel to the fire. If you generate more solar power than you need, you can sell some. You can sell to the utility company in your area, or skip the middleman and sell it to your neighbors. Solar panels generate the most power at midday, the same time that utility companies make the most money. Electricity use is at maximum – representing a true threat to the existence of utility companies as they stand now.

As the solar revolution gathers steam, expect the start-up costs to be driven down even further. If your vacation home happens to also employ other sources of renewable energy like geothermal and wind-based energy, your monthly utility bills might be a shock you actually enjoy.