Around the Home
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Resources, Articles and Useful Links
Fall Home Invaders |
What is it about insects and spiders that can cause a sense of panic?! There is a certain quality to creepy-crawlies that can do that. During the fall, it is common to see an increase in insects and spiders in homes. |
Montana Well Educated Program - Eduation on well water quality |
The goal of the Well Educated program is to provide private well owner education about water quality as it relates to health, and quality of life. The outcome is a service that helps prevent nonpoint source ground water contamination from private wells through well owner education while simultaneously providing means to monitor ground water quality. |
Houseplant Selection and Care MontGuide |
This MontGuide addresses environmental needs to aid in houseplant selection so they can thrive, and not just survive. Topics include appropriate lighting, watering, fertility, temperature, and humidity. |
Are Bats In My House? Tips to Determining the Answer Without Using a Ladder |
Bats encountered in one’s living space pose specific health concerns, namely possible rabies exposure to loved ones and pets. |
Water Heater Maintenance (pdf) |
A water heater’s like a trusty workhorse-steady, reliable and practically maintenance-free. But giving your water heater a little extra TLC can significantly reduce your energy costs |
How to Save Energy While Heating Your Home (pdf) |
About 75 cents of every home energy dollar goes for heating your house. There are several low- and no-cost strategies you can employ to keep heating costs under control. Here ís how to get started saving energy. |
Preventing Roof Damage From Ice Dams (pdf) |
In mid-winter, when most water in Montana is bound in snow and ice, water comes running into the house. This is counterintuitive because a roof would normally leak during rainy weather, not snowy winter. Ice dams are annoying because sometimes the battle to remove them can last for years. And they’re destructive, potentially causing thousands of dollars in home damage. |
Recommended Safeguards for Residential Vermiculite (Zonolite) Attic Insulation |
The purpose of this guide is to promote awareness of vermiculite (Zonolite) attic or wall insulation, as steps should be taken to minimize contact |
Ticks on Companion Animals |
Ticks can be more than a nuisance pest for companion animals because of their potential to transmit diseases. This Montguide describes the biology and life cycles of hard ticks in Montana, health concerns and diseases that may be associated with their bites, the proper way to detect and remove ticks from pets, and products that may help to keep pets safe. |
Montana DPHHS Poison Control and Prevention |
Each year in Montana, there are many poison exposures reported to the Poison Help Center. Poisons can occur from chemicals or medications by being ingested, absorbed through the skin or eyes, or inhaled through the nose and mouth. Recognizing when a poisoning has occurred and getting help right away, as well as learning how to prevent poisonings for both children and adults are vital to staying safe from poisons. |
Food Product Dating |
"Best if Used By" is a type of date you might find on a meat, poultry, or egg product label. Are dates required on these food products? Does it mean the product will be unsafe to use after that date? |
How Can I Safely Store Food in My Home |
There are a few safety and quality considerations for storing food for the week or the year. Safe food storage means we have attempted to reduce or eliminate conditions favorable to growing harmful microorganisms (germs), food spoilage, and foodborne illness. |
Bed Bugs and Pesticides in the Home |
Bed Bugs occur regularly in Montana, though at low numbers relative to many other locations in the U.S. As is true elsewhere, infestations of these nocturnal blood-feeders appear primarily in rooms where people sleep, particularly in bedding. |
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Montana State University and Montana State University Extension prohibit discrimination in all of their programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital and family status. Issued in furtherance of cooperative extension work in agriculture and home economics, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cody Stone, Executive Director of Extension, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717.