Myth 1: You must bend the wires prior to when you apply the wire nuts.

This information comes from the wire nut makers. It is not necessary to twist the wires prior to applying the wire nuts. The majority of high-end wire nuts have the square-cut spring-steel cable that is able to literally pierce copper wires as you twist it. It expands or contracts as electrical wires cool and heat and stay in tight ties. Continue to twist the wire nuts until the wire nut "hits bottom." Keep twisting the nut until the wire insulation is twisting 1-1/2 in. beyond the wire nuts.

Be aware that some lighting fixtures have wire nuts, but they don't contain a spring-steel wire. Don't waste them and use only premium wire nuts with an insert made of wire.

Myth 2: Cheese is the most effective bait for mice traps.

Cheese isn't even on every mouse's "top-10 list." They'll only consume it when nothing else is readily available. Furthermore, the cheese will harden after sitting for a few hours and makes it much easier for rodents to "steal" the bait without dispersing the trap. The ideal bait is bacon or peanut butter, or a mixture of bacon and peanut grease. Mice are attracted by the scent and taste. Make sure to wipe them off the mechanism for trips to ensure the most number of "catches."

Myth 3: The most effective time to water your grass is at night, so the water doesn't go away.

Evening watering can reduce transpiration, allowing the soil to absorb and hold on to more water. It also creates the ideal conditions for the growth of mold and other lawn diseases. The ideal time to water the lawn is early in the morning when the sun rises. Late riser? Make use of a timer for watering. In addition, using an impact sprinkler will be the most effective kind of sprinkler. Beware of sprinklers that shoot fine sprays or streams in the air, as the water will evaporate quickly.

Misunderstanding 1: You shouldn't paint stucco.

Normal house paint seals pores in stucco. When the stucco expands and contracts, the paint breaks, which breaks the seal. Water then enters the stucco and is trapped within, and the paint begins to disintegrate. It's not long to be left with pieces of unpainted stucco and paint patches--not an appealing look.

But, you can also make use of elastomeric paint, which is designed specifically to be used on stucco. It contracts and expands with stucco and is resistant to breaking. Elastomeric paints let air in, allowing moisture to escape. The best part is that painters who are DIY can put it on their selves.

If you're not thinking of painting your stucco yourself, think about employing a contractor to "fog" it. Fogging contractors make use of a spray gun that mixes the colorant with a fine cement slurry. Fogging is a lot quicker and more affordable than dashing and lasts nearly the same amount of time.

Myth 4: Cleaning the ducts is something that must be performed frequently.

Most homes never need duct cleaning. There are a few exceptions, however. If you notice mold or even insect or rodent nests within the ducts, you must eliminate the source of contamination or infiltration. You can get the ducts professionally cleaned and disinfected. Expect to pay between $350 and $1,000 for a thorough task which includes cleaning the ducts using special brushes. Do not go with inexpensive cleaning ducts "specials" for $100 or less. These low-cost services typically blast compressed air through ducts. The air gets loose particles moving. However, it does not remove the rodent, mold, or insects' traces.