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Healthy homes

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Displaying 11 - 20 of 23 resources

How to test and treat my residential well water?

Q: I am fairly new to using my well, and I had a few questions: My well has a holding tank and the water tested positive for E. coli bacteria. I had a UV light installed and was wondering what else I should do to ...

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How to get rid of mold in my home?

Q: In the fall and winter months, I struggle with mold in my attic, closets, and on my windowsills. I have been sick for some time and believe it's from the mold. What are some tips for identifying and removing mold in my house?

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Bats in my attic—what should I do?

Q: Before sunrise, I sit on my deck and a couple of times recently, I've seen a bat fly into the eves and not come out. I can see there is a separation where a bat could squeeze in. I am wondering what to do to get rid of the bats and not put my family at risk of disease.

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Stink bugs and boxelder bugs everywhere?

Q: The exterior of my house is covered in stink bugs and boxelder bugs. Occasionally, some also get inside my home. How do I get rid of them without using pesticides?

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Canned food safety during the heat wave?

Q: We had a chest of store-bought canned meat that we forgot about in our unconditioned/uninsulated metal roof shop during the recent 115º F weather. When I puncture a can to open it still breathes in, not out. No cans are swollen. Is it safe to eat?

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Is my food still safe after power outages?

Q: As of this morning, we have been without any power for more than five days and it is still out, with a prediction of 2-4 more days until we reconnect. I have been assuming that we would lose the contents of our ...

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I have fungus gnats everywhere. Can you help?

Q: I grew several plants outside this last summer Rosemary, Geranium, etc. When I brought them in for winter it seems I now have fungus gnats in all my houseplants. Please give advice. I would prefer not to use chemicals but am getting desperate.

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Are home-preserved gifts safe to eat?

Q: I received a home preserved gift for the holidays. How do I know it's safe to eat?

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When can I open my windows?

Q: We have been dealing with wildfire smoke/ash and low air quality for over a week. Given the clearing that has occurred just today after a much-appreciated rain, can we open our windows (as opposed to our filtered air system)? If not, how will we know when it is safe to do so?

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Can you clarify plastic and styrofoam recyling?

Q: Our local garbage service's info about what can and can’t be recycled is difficult to understand. Do you have up to date info as to what plastics can be recycled, as well as information about how to recycle plastic bags and styrofoam here in Benton County?

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