Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Best Pest Control ServicesWhy Use Pest Control Services?

We spent 85 hours evaluating 10 pest control services by comparing their prices, treatments and pest prevention tips. We contacted various pest control agencies to determine what services they provided and what states they covered. We also spoke with an Environment Protection Agency (EPA) spokesperson and a garden associate from a popular home improvement store to better understand eco-friendly pesticides and effective eradication techniques. Our evaluation helped us determine that Terminix is the best pest control service overall, due to its quick response times, effective treatments plans and extensive list of 288 pest prevention tips. Terminix offers services in 46 states and covers most pests.

Truly Nolen is the best value option for pest control services as long as it operates in your area. Youll find this company working in 15 states but at a lower price than Terminix. With 24-hour assistance and fast response times, this service can really help you in an emergency whether you're dealing with bugs or other wildlife.

Eco-Wise Pest Control is the perfect choice for the environmentally conscious. This service pays particular attention to its effect on the planet by using organic, low-impact pesticides to control your vermin. You can find this service operating in 32 states eliminating many types of pests.

Since you can simply buy a spray or a bug bomb at your local drugstore, why would you pay for professional treatment? The truth is you might not have to. However, while ant traps and other cheaper methods may work for minor problems, an infestation usually calls for more. You can always experiment with a few home remedies before, or even during, professional treatments. Some users swear by electronic pest control devices, which are also referred to as ultrasonic pest control devices. You simply plug a nightlight-sized unit into your wall and then forget about it. It is designed to use the wiring in your house to irritate the nervous system of mice, roaches, spiders and more. If none of the things you try on your own work, it is time to call in professional exterminators.

We spoke with a garden associate who has over 20 years of experience as a licensed corporate pest control agent at a local home improvement store to learn more about safe pesticide practices and prevention techniques. He said that in todays world, people want immediate solutions to pest problems but that these remedies usually come at a cost. It can take time to eliminate a pest problem, but people dont want to wait so they use these chemical products that kill bugs quickly, but they also leave dangerous chemicals in the home long after the invader is gone.

He also pointed out that many of the bug killers on store shelves have been banned from professional pest control use, yet typical consumers with no professional qualifications have access to them. Pointing to specific chemicals in the pesticides, he explained that some of those chemicals kill by affecting a pests nerves or hormones. He warned that humans can be affected by these chemicals as well so you should exercise caution when using them.

If you plan on taking care of your pest problem yourself, make sure you follow the label instructions and use the chemicals responsibly. To make sure you are using a chemical safely, check the EPA website.

Even the pros might not be able to solve the problem right away. Ants, spiders, roaches and other pests can reproduce quickly, and they can be at any stage of development when an exterminator visits your home, so removing them completely can take a while often requiring several treatments. Most pest control companies offer at least a 30-day guarantee on one-time treatments, so you can request a return treatment within that period if youre unhappy with the results.

The best services safeguard you and your loved ones or employees from unwanted visitors by having a technician inspect and identify the pest problem, offer an instant quote and then exterminate. When you have a bug problem, you don't want to wait long for someone to take care of it. The best pest control companies will respond to your call within 24 hours. They will handle your current bug problem and help you take preventive measures to ensure bugs wont return. Techs can use many methods, such as sprays and bait traps, to control several varieties of pests termites, ants, spiders, wasps, snakes, bedbugs and others.

Beyond common bug problems, we looked for companies that cover such wildlife as snakes, rodents and even birds. The best all-around companies can handle several types of pests, but the right service for you depends on your infestation. Keep in mind that not all services can treat for termites, which can do serious damage to a home.

Pest control companies must also follow regulations for the chemicals they use. And the best companies, like Terminix, use environmentally safe chemicals and spray more powerful poisons responsibly. Some services, such as Eco-Wise, even offer natural and organic pest control options.

We contacted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to learn about safe and eco-friendly pesticide usage. One of the most important takeaways they gave us was that you should ask the exterminator what pesticides they plan on using. A spokesperson from EPA stated, Be sure the pesticides being used areregistered with EPA, as necessary, and that the applicator reads and follows the instructions on the label. With the knowledge found on the EPA website, you can see whether the exterminator is using chemicals correctly or if their technique might place you and your loved ones at risk. Keep in mind that good pest control companies wont be afraid to share their chemical list with you.

While it's true that many bug problems can be taken care of without expert assistance, some situations cannot. Many professional pest control services, such as Orkin, have specific service packages to help you tackle difficult pests like termites, mosquitos, rodents and bed bugs. You can often choose between a one-time service, seasonal service or a monthly service to keep those bugs at bay, but some situations might be trickier and demand a specific eradication regimen. Many professional pest control companies, like Truly Nolen, cover both residential and commercial pest control treatments.

In order to legally eliminate termites, each pest control company must pass certifications provided by the state they are in. For this reason, not all pest control companies can handle termite removal. Similarly, not all pest control services handle wildlife, so if you need to remove that pesky raccoon from your basement or those messy bats from your attic, make sure the service you call can handle your problem.

There are many things you can do to prevent bugs from entering and settling into your home:

If preventive measures do not work or the problem is already past prevention, there are many home remedies and store-bought pest poisons and traps that you can use to deter or kill unwanted intruders.

Ideally, eliminating and discouraging pests yourself is the best way to go, but if these approaches don't work or if they seem like too much work, you might want to call a professional.

We spent 85 hours contacting and researching 10 exterminator companies to determine which ones offer the best prices, most thorough services and fastest response times. We made a list of each companys services and compared them against each other to determine the best of the best. To get a more in-depth understanding of pesticides and safe exterminating practices, we contacted both the EPA and a garden associate at a popular home improvement store. Our goal was to give each pest control company an unbiased evaluation by standardizing our comparison as much as possible. However, this was difficult since the services dont all operate in the same states. We chose to evaluate companies that operate within a larger number of states since this would make them more likely to offer services in your area.

When determining a price range score, we wanted to give each pest control company an unbiased evaluation. While the best way to do this would have been to get a quote from each service for the same location and pest, these companies dont all operate in the same states. We tried to standardize our information by getting as many quotes as possible for a 2,500-square foot home in California, since this was the most common state the services operated in. Whenever a company didnt operate in California, we located a 2,500-square foot home in the region where they operate and got a quote for that home. It isnt perfect, but it is the closest we could get to a controlled test.

In our evaluation, companies with lower priced services scored higher than higher priced services. Overall, we found that pricing is relatively similar for most pest control companies. Based on our research, the most reasonable pricing for a one-time treatment is usually around $150, while the best pricing for a one-year treatment is typically around $500. Additional factors can raise or lower the cost of your treatment:

There are many things to look for beyond price, though. Most pest control companies cover common pests like ants, wasps, termites and spiders. If your area has a native pest that isnt common in other places, youll want to make sure the service you call can handle it. This especially applies to wildlife removal, which not all services offer.

We awarded more points to services that offer 24-hour support since this can really give you peace of mind during an emergency. We also scored services higher if they offered a treatment guarantee. A company that guarantees its work will generally return as often as needed until your bug problem has effectively been eliminated. Also, look for services that let you manage your own account online, particularly if this level of support is important to you.

We awarded more points to companies that offer extensive pest libraries as well as prevention and control tips. This resource can help you identify which pests you have in your home to help you determine if you can handle the problem on your own or not.

It is standard practice for pest control companies to offer emergency services, and most companies respond within a day or two to treat your home or business. Companies that responded faster were scored higher in our evaluation. All of the companies we researched give you a breakdown of where treatments occur and what pest control products technicians use. Most companies offer free inspections for termites, ants and bedbugs, and then supply you with a quote. Companies are required to follow EPA rules so you can expect them to use products and methods that are safe for you, your family, your pets and the environment.

Whether they fly, creep, crawl or jump, pests can interrupt your everyday life and need to be eliminated or removed. You can expect pests to be around all year, so finding a good pest control service is essential. Remember that modern pest control is just that: control. It takes time and you will not see 100 percent improvement in one treatment. However, if you choose the right exterminator for your area, you should see positive results in minimal time.

Contributing Reviewer:Rebecca Spear

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Best Pest Control Companies 2018 - Orkin, Terminix, Massey ...

Project: Pest Control - Bugs & Insects

Date: 09/16/2018

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Type of Insects: Cockroaches

Desired Project Start Date: Within a few weeks

Project: Pest Control - Bugs & Insects

Date: 09/16/2018

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Is this an emergency?: Yes

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Within 1 week

Comment: I need an exterminator for fleas and roaches.

Project: Pest Control - Bugs & Insects

Date: 09/16/2018

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Type of Insects: Don't Know

Type of Control Service: Pest evaluation, Recurring pest control service, Fumigation

Square footage of home:: Less than 1,000

Desired Project Start Date: Unsure about timing

Comment: Quote for pest control services at our property

Project: Control or Eliminate Small Animals

Date: 09/16/2018

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Small Animal Types: Don't Know

Desired Project Start Date: Two days from now

Comment: Hole on house trim. Unknown animal infiltration.

Project: Control or Eliminate Small Animals

Date: 09/16/2018

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

Comment: Dog is out of control

Project: Control or Inspect for Termites

Date: 09/16/2018

Service Need: Termite inspection

Location of Problem: Detached Outbuilding

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Desired Project Start Date: Unsure about timing

Comment: looks like we have termites in a shed

Project: Pest Control - Bugs & Insects

Date: 09/16/2018

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Type of Insects: Ants, Bees, Hornets or Wasps , Cockroaches, Termites

Is this an emergency?: No

Type of Control Service: One time extermination, Pest evaluation, Termite property damage guarantee, Termite inspection and report

Square footage of home:: 1,000 - 2,000

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Within 1 week

Comment: Insects in the walls

Project: Control or Eliminate Rodents

Date: 09/16/2018

Rodent Types: Rats, Mice

Specific Problem: Rodent waste, Gnawing electrical wiring, Damaged ductwork, Other

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Desired Project Start Date: Today

Comment: removal of a rodent in the house and garage area

Project: Control or Eliminate Rodents

Date: 09/16/2018

Rodent Types: Rats, Mice

Specific Problem: Rodent waste, Nesting

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Desired Project Start Date: Today

Comment: Rodent in house and garage

Project: Control or Eliminate Small Animals

Date: 09/16/2018

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Desired Project Start Date: Unsure about timing

Comment: Smell of dead animal under under house.

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25 Best Pest Control Companies - Houston TX | Exterminators

When it comes time to choose a residential or commercial exterminator, Terminix is the only pest control company you need to know.

For over 85 years, weve served our clients from Eastern NC to Tidewater, VA with customized solutions for pests, termites, and moisture concerns, as well as for insulation and gutter needs. We employ powerful systems that merge the latest in technology with proven, real-world experience.

With Terminix on your side, youre taken care of today, tomorrow and for as long as you maintain your coverage.

From one-time treatments to our pest control plans that offer ultimate protection and peace of mind, theres a Terminix solution thats right for you. We offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee as well as:

*See Terms and Conditions

To see for yourself why thousands of customers from Eastern NC to Tidewater, VArely on Terminix for their pest control needs, call 1-800-BUGS-911 (800-284-7911) to schedule a free initial consultation today, or use our location finder to find your nearest office!

Proudly serving customers in Fayetteville, Elizabeth City, Wilmington, Raleigh, New Bern, Goldsboro, Cary and Durham, NC as well as Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Newport News and Smithfield, VA.

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Terminix Pest Control - Exterminators Eastern NC To ...

Special Offers Save on Pest Control Services Now!

Long Pest Control, Inc. is the leading provider of pest control services in Gig Harbor WA, Puyallup, WA, Tacoma WA and the surrounding areas. We offer a full range of services to help you safely and effectively remove pests from your property. When you need pest exterminators who are skilled and experienced, you can depend on our capable team. Since 1979 we have been helping property owners maintain clean, sanitary, and pest free environments.

We will provide you with fast services to help you get your pest problem under immediate control. We provide same day or next day service so you can get the right assistance quickly. As one of the most responsive pest control companies, we are focused on ensuring your complete satisfaction with fast services when you need them most.

We offer a full range of pest control services including carpenter ant control, insect control, rodent control, and tree and shrub spraying. We also provide preventative services to keep your home free of rodents and insects for the long term. Our seasonal preventative services are offered year round in 90 day intervals so your property is always protected.

Link:
Pest Control & Exterminators Companies Puyallup & Tacoma ...

Project: Pest Control - Bugs & Insects

Date: 09/16/2018

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Is this an emergency?: No

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

Project: Control or Eliminate Small Animals

Date: 09/16/2018

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Is this an emergency?: No

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Within 1 week

Comment: wasp next under some rocks in the garden in the front of the house

Project: Control or Eliminate Rodents

Date: 09/16/2018

Rodent Types: Rats

Specific Problem: Other

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Comment: Rats inside our house

Project: Pest Control - Bugs & Insects

Date: 09/16/2018

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Desired Project Start Date: Within a few weeks

Comment: Roach infested

Project: Control or Eliminate Rodents

Date: 09/15/2018

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Comment: 3 flat building

Project: Control or Eliminate Rodents

Date: 09/15/2018

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Project: Pest Control - Bugs & Insects

Date: 09/15/2018

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Is this an emergency?: No

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: More than 2 weeks

Comment: Assistance with water bugs, mice, ants,spiders and centipedes.

Project: Pest Control - Bugs & Insects

Date: 09/15/2018

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Type of Insects: Don't Know

Desired Project Start Date: Unsure about timing

Comment: Small flying red and black bugs in tree

Project: Control or Eliminate Rodents

Date: 09/15/2018

Rodent Types: Rats, Mice

Specific Problem: Other

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Desired Project Start Date: Today

Project: Pest Control - Bugs & Insects

Date: 09/15/2018

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Type of Insects: Cockroaches, Spiders

Type of Control Service: One time extermination, Pest evaluation

Square footage of home:: 1,000 - 2,000

Desired Project Start Date: Today

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25 Best Pest Control Companies - Chicago IL | Exterminators

It should be blatantly obvious to you The Pond Digger Waterscape Design & Construction company is much more than just waterscaping or the enjoyment of ponds, backyard waterfalls and pondless waterfalls. We are about the information, education and inspiration of pond design, pond care, pond construction and training of how to build a pond properly!

Some say rules are made to be broken, however breaking the rules in the management of pond water quality, the husbandry of Koi, and the basics of pond construction and pond design could spell disaster, wasted time and wasted money!

Cutting edge photographers regularly challenge the conventional wisdom of placing objects into their photographs by a third and yet they occasionally capture something amazing and spontaneous that can hold your attention for a long period of time. However challenging the basic principles of pond design and pond construction like the improper placement of your skimmer, biological waterfall filter or incorrect pump sizing could make the difference between an absolute wonderful pond experience or a spine tingling waterscapes nightmare!

HELPFUL HINT While we are the subject of photography let me pause and point something out When you are presented with a pond design portfolio of beautiful photographs including backyard waterfalls and ponds, there is a strong possibility you will be looking at pictures of somebody elses work! NO KIDDING! Manufacturers provide professional photos for beginner contractors to use on their websites, in their design portfolios and marketing materials!

We see these photo scams ALL the time on pond construction websites and pond design portfolios, at home shows and market nights, on vehicle wraps and business cards, on brochures, flyers and more! Ask your pond designer if ALL the photos in their portfolio are pictures of their actual work and absolutely do not be afraid to ask if you can see some of the work in person.

Our team hosts several pond design construction seminars each year here in Southern California, that are geared to inform, educate and inspire our community. For example, Pond for Schools does more than just beautify our childrens schools; it teaches the next generation of the pond hobbyist and pond construction specialists, not only team work, but How To Build A Pond and properly care for a backyard waterfall and an ecosystem waterscape.

We host Pond Construction Seminars regularly each year to teach both home owners and contractors how to build a pond, but more importantly pond design and pond care. Along with our Spring Pond Care, Fall Pond Care and Koi health and Disease seminars, we cover the full circle of educational seminars.

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Pond Design Gone Wrong The Pond Digger

Do-it-yourself guide with professional techniques for a safe wiring job.

Plastic boxes and flexible nonmetallic cable (commonly called Romex) put electrical wiring projects within the skill range of every dedicated DIYer. In this article, well show you some house wiring basicshow to position outlet and switch boxes and run electrical cable between them. We wont cover many other house wiring details. For help with circuit design and making connections to your main electrical panel, we recommend you consult a licensed electrician.

Besides standard hand tools, youll need a special-purpose tool to cut and strip electric wire. We like the Klein No. 1412 ($18 at hardware stores and home centers). To drill a few holes, use a 3/4-in. spade bit in your electric drill. For larger jobs, rent a heavy-duty right angle drill ($25 per day) and equip it with a 3/4-in. x 6-in. auger bit ($7).

Electrical house wiring mistakes can be deadly, so make sure you obtain a permit from your local building department and have the work inspected when youre finished. Draw a sketch of your room that shows lighting, switch and outlet locations. Review your plan with the inspector and ask whether there are any special requirements.

Measure and mark the center of each box. Use letters and symbols to identify boxes. Add 24 blocks to position boxes away from wide window and door trim.

Position the box so its face will be flush with the wall covering material. Then nail the box to the framing. Double check that the face of the box is parallel with the framing member.

Adjustable depth boxes cost about $2.

First mark the box locations on the studs (Photo 1) using symbols to indicate outlets, switches and lights.

O// = Duplex receptacle; S = Single switch; S3 = Three-way switch;O+ = Light fixture.

Mark the height from the floor to the center of the boxes (usually 48 in. for switches and 12 in. for outlets) or line them up with existing boxes. Then nail up the boxes so the face of the box will be flush with the face of the future wall covering (Photo 2). Most boxes have nibs or marks to help you align the box for use with standard 1/2-in. thick drywall. If youre not sure how thick the final wall material will be, use a special adjustable depth box. Paddle fans require a special box assembly that is rated to support the weight and stress of a spinning fan (see Special Boxes, at the end of this story).

The electrical code limits how many wires you can safely put in an electrical box. To figure the minimum box size required by the National Electrical Code, add:

1 for each hot and neutral wire entering the box1 for all the ground wires combined1 for all the cable clamps combined (if any)2 for each device (switch or outlet-but not light fixtures)

Multiply the total by 2 for 14-gauge wire and 2.25 for 12-gauge wire to get the minimum box size required in cubic inches. Plastic boxes have their volume stamped inside. Steel box capacities are listed in the electrical code.

Bore 3/4-in. holes through the framing members about 8 in. above the boxes. Center the bit on the stud, brace the drill and apply pressure with your thigh for easier drilling of wall studs.

Angle the bit into tight spots. Eyeball the angle to make sure theres at least 1-1/4 in. between the back face of the stud and the cable (Fig. A). Then cover the face of the stud with a metal nail plate to protect the cable where the hole is closer than 1-1/4 in. to the face of the stud (Photo 6).

Rough-in wiring detail.

3/4 x 6 auger bit

With the boxes nailed up, youre ready to drill holes and pull cable. The holes and the cable running through them must be at least 1-1/4 in. from both faces of the stud to prevent nails and screws from hitting the cable (Photo 3).

This means drilling dead center on 24 walls. If you have to drill closer to the face of the stud, protect the area with a nail plate (Photo 6). When you drill floor or ceiling joists, drill toward the end rather than the middle of the span, and keep the holes centered on the width of the joist. You can easily pull two 14-2 or 12-2 cables or one 14-3 or 12-3 cable through a 3/4-in. hole. Drill more holes for additional cables.

When you drill through wall plates (the horizontal framing members on the top and bottom of the wall), keep the hole a few inches from the stud to avoid hitting nails.

Straighten about 12 ft. of cable and thread it through the holes from one box to the next. When you reach each new box, follow the stripping procedure shown in Photo 7, push the conductors and about 1/4 in. of sheathed cable into the box, and staple the cable (Photo 8). Then cut the end still connected to the coil and repeat the process at the other box.

Fish the cable around corners by bending a sharp hook in it. Then stick your little finger into the hole to feel for the cable and guide it through as you apply pressure with the other hand.

Grab the cable at the point you estimate it will enter the box. Cut the cable about 12 in. beyond this spot and strip off all but about 1 in. of sheathing.

Stripping tool, Klein NO. 1412

When youre done drilling holes, pull the cable between the boxes and to the service panel to complete the circuit. Start by pulling about eight loops from the center of the coil and tossing them away from you. Then pull the 12-ft. length of cable back between your thumb and forefinger to remove the twist and straighten it out. The whole process takes only a few seconds and keeps the cable from twisting and kinking as you pull it through the holes (Photo 5).

Once youve pulled the cable through the holes, push it back a little to leave a small amount of slack. This is handy insurance in case you cut the cable a little short and need extra length, and it also allows other tradespeople a little slack to push your wire out of the way.

Photo 6 shows one method of getting the cable around a corner. But keep in mind that its often faster and easier to drill up through the double top plate of the wall and route the cable up over the corner and down the other side.

Remove about 12 in. of the white outer plastic sheathing from the cable before you push it into the box (Photo 7). Use a stripping tool like ours for 12-2 and 14-2 cable, or an inexpensive ($2.50) sheathing stripper that works on all cables. You can also use a sharp knife to slit the sheath, but if you nick the insulation on the electric wire, cut the cable off at that point and try again.

Push the cable into the box so that at least 1/4 in. of sheathing is visible inside the box. The National Electrical Code requires that at least 3 in. of wire protrude beyond the face of the box, but we recommend at least 6 in.

Position outlets so that no point in any wall space is more than 6 ft. from an outlet without crossing a doorway. Install an outlet in every wall section thats 2 ft. wide or wider.

Heres what electrical cable looks like inside.

Punch a hole (or two for two cables) through the knockout area of the box with a screwdriver or the point on your stripping tool. Push the conductors and about 1/4 in. of sheathed cable into the box and staple the cable within 8 in. of the box. The cable must be at least 1-1/4 in. from the face of the framing. Push the first cable aside while you staple the second cable.

Run cable(s) from your completed circuits to the service panel. Leave 4 extra feet of cable for the electrician to work with. Label the cables with the location of the circuit. Then call in the electrician to connect the circuits.

Next staple the cable in place. Position the staples in the following locations:

Because cables must be kept at least 1-1/4 in. from the face of studs, you cant staple them side by side along a 24. The electrical code also prohibits you from placing more than one cable under standard 1/2-in. staples. Instead, weave the cables (Photo 8) or use special cable stackers.

For safe wire connections, cut all the wires to leave at least 6 in. protruding past the face of the box. Leave one bare copper ground wire an extra 6 in. long. Thread the long ground wire through the hole in the top of the special green wire connector and splice all the ground wires by holding them together and twisting the connector clockwise until its tight. Strip the ends of the white and black wires and one end of each 6-in.-long pigtail and splice them with wire connectors. Cover the unstripped end of the black (hot) pigtail with a wire connector for safety.

Group and label the wires in the switch boxes so youll know how to connect them after the drywall is complete.

Fold and pack the wires neatly into the box to conserve space and reduce pressure on connections. Label wires with scraps of cable sheathing.

Complete the rough-in phase of the wiring job by connecting the appropriate wires with wire connectors, adding short lengths of wire (pigtails) where theyre needed and folding all the wires neatly into the boxes.

Photos 11 and 12 illustrate a number of important concepts and handy tips for making up any box. In addition, follow these guidelines:

Protect the cable in 1-1/2 in. or thinner walls by running it through 1/2-in. metal conduit. Anchor a 4 x 4 x 1-1/2 in. metal junction box and attach a length of conduit to it with a conduit connector (youll need two conduits for two cables). Secure another conduit connector to the top of the conduit to protect the cable from the sharp edge of the pipe. Secure the conduit with a conduit strap. Attach the ground wire to the metal box with a ground screw driven into the threaded hole. Finally, cover the box with a plaster ring that matches the wall covering thickness.

Special box: Paddle fan box with bar hanger

Special box: Light fixture or paddle fan box

For an average-size room, youll be able to buy all the electrical rough-in supplies youll need at hardware stores or home centers for less than $100. Heres what to buy:

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you startyoull save time and frustration.

Link:
How to Rough-In Electrical Wiring | The Family Handyman

Homes typically have several kinds of home wiring, including Electrical wiring for lighting and power distribution, permanently installed and portable appliances, telephone, heating or ventilation system control, and increasingly for home theatre and computer networks. [1]

Safety regulations for wiring installation vary widely around the world, with national, regional, and municipal rules sometimes in effect. Some places allow the homeowner to install some or all of the wiring in a home; other jurisdictions require electrical wiring to be installed by licensed electricians only.

In new home construction, wiring for all electrical services can be easily installed before the walls are finished. In existing buildings, installation of a new system, such as a security system or home theatre, may require additional effort to install concealed wiring. Multiple unit dwellings such as condominiums and apartment houses may have additional installation complexity in distributing services within a house.

Services commonly found include:

High-end features might include:

Power and telecommunication services generally require entry points into the home and a location for connection equipment. For electric power supply, a cable is run either overhead or underground into a distribution board in the home. A distribution board, or circuit breaker panel, is typically a metal box mounted on a wall of the home. In many new homes the location of the electrical switchboard is on the outside of the external wall of the garage.

How services are connected will vary depending on the service provider and location of the home.

The following home services are supported by discrete wiring systems[2]

Power points (receptacles, plugs, wallsockets) need to be installed throughout the house in locations where power will be required. In many areas the installation must be done in compliance with standards and by a licensed or qualified electrician. Power points are typically located where there will be an appliance installed such as, telephone, computers, television, home theater, security system, CCTV system.

The number of light fitting does depend on the type of light fitting and the lighting requirements in each room. The incandescent bulb made household lighting practical, but modern homes use a wide variety of light sources to provide desired light levels with higher energy efficiency than incandescent lamps. A lighting designer can provide specific recommendations for lighting in a home. Layout of lighting in the home must consider control of lighting since this affects the wiring. For example, multiway switching is useful for corridors and stairwells so that a light can be turned on and off from two locations. Outdoor yard lighting, and lighting for outbuildings such as garages may use switches inside the home.

Telephone wiring is required between the telephone company's service entrance and locations throughout the home. Often a home will have telephone outlets in the kitchen, study, living room or bedrooms for convenience. Telephone company regulations may limit the total number of telephones that can be in use at one time. The telephone cabling typically uses two pair twisted cable terminated onto a telephone plug. The cabling is typically installed as a daisy chain starting from the point where the telephone company connects to the home or outlets may each be wired back to the entrance.

Data wiring has two components, these are:

The three most common ways data services are delivered to the home:

ADSL service

ADSL services are typically delivered using the telephone cabling. An ADSL modem needs a filter to segregate voice handsets from the ADSL modem.

Cable Modemcable modems are typically installed in location where there is an existing Pay TV service outlet. The installation requires the installation of a Pay TV outlet (F connector).

FiberFiber is the least common but it is growing in numbers. If the home has fiber to it then the fiber terminates on what is known as an Optical Network Termination unit (ONT) and it has a data port on it. Cabling from the street to the point where the ONT is installed is fiber and is typically installed by the service provider.

In all three cases the equipment supplied by the Internet provider will have a connection to the computers installed in the building. This is the data network cabling or LAN cabling.

If more than one computer or device (PC, printers, TV etc.) is to be connected in the home, LAN cabling will be required. The cabling used for data networking is similar to the phone cabling as it is twisted pair but of a much higher quality. The cable is known as Category (Cat) 5 or Cat 6. The cabling must be installed as a star wired configuration, that is the cabling runs from the point next to the modem, hub, or router uninterrupted up to the outlet next to the device that needs to be connected. Computer network wiring cannot be chained from one outlet to the next; each outlet is wired individually back to the hub or router next to the modem. If only one computer is required,it can be directly plugged into the modem. An alternative to a wired LAN especially useful for mobile devices is a wireless LAN, which can reduce or eliminate all the fixed wiring.

Cabling for free to air TV requires the following:

Antenna types vary depending on location; an urban area with nearby transmitters will require a smaller antenna than a rural site with distant stations. The antenna is often mounted outdoors on the roof or a tower. A coaxial or twinlead cable is run from the antenna to the location where the television is located. One common type of cable is designated RG-6 Tri-shield or quad-shield cable. The cable is terminated on a television outlets, typically an F connector mounted on a face plate. If there are multiple outlets, an RF splitter is used to divide the signal among them; outlets on the splitter are connected to television outlets at each location (living room, rec room, bedrooms, den, for example). RF splitters come with different types; some include amplifiers for multiple outlets.

Whilst most TV outlets use the F connector the Television or digital set top box usually come with a connector known as Belling Lee so the cable used to connect from the TV outlet to the television will need to have an F connector in one end and a Belling Lee connector at the other end.

The distribution of pay TV through the home uses the same type of cabling used for Free to Air TV with some variations. The variations are:

In most cases the pay TV company will supply and install the satellite dish or cable from the street and the cabling to the TV set. In many cases Pay TV services also require a telephone point to access movies on demand.

IPTV is television delivered to the home over the Internet. Any device for viewing IPTV must have an internet connection. This may be a wired connection, or wireless.

Home theater pre-wiring requires knowledge of the number of speakers to be installed.

Speaker cable is figure eight multi-strand copper cable. Cabling for the sub-woofer is typically a single shielded cable terminated on an RCA connector. A 7.1 channel system also needs cable for speakers that are installed between the front and back speakers.

The simplest layout for a home theater system is a single piece of furniture containing all one's AV equipment, which simplifies wiring. If, on the other hand, a front projection unit is to be employed, more thought must be given to the layout of the system. Several different cabling systems are commonly used for this application, including HDMI, DVI, and VGA.

Distributed audio provides music throughout the house, where the music sources are all centralized. Rooms are provided with speakers and controls to adjust volume or music source. A system may have central controls or allow for off-site control.

Security monitoring (burglar alarm) systems contain basic components of:

and may have additional components.

Cabling for traditional equipment

Code padThe code pad is typically found inside the front door or any other access door. The code pad is used to alarm the system on departure and disarm the system on entry. The cabling required is 6 core multi strand copper cable.

Siren and strobe lightThe siren and strobe light are typically installed outside the front of the house where it can be seen from the street and is protected from the weather. The cabling required is a 6 core multi strand copper cable.

Motion detectorsThe motion detectors installed in locations throughout the house were any intrusion into the home can be detected. The best way to think of this is, which are the rooms that have direct access from the outside, where can I place a detector to pick up any intrusion. One solution is to place a motion sensor in each room, as this can be expensive an alternative is place one immediately outside in the common corridor to all rooms. The cabling required is a 6 core multi strand copper cable.

Main equipmentThe main equipment is typically installed in a location that is not easily accessible such as a cupboard or sub floor area where in the event of an intrusion the person(s) cannot easily find it and interfere with the unit. The main unit requires a power point installed next to it for main power. It also needs a connection to the telephone line servicing the home so in situations where a back to base service is required it can be connected to the phone line. For details on the telephone connection see the section titled "telephone" in this article. Note the connection of the security system to the phone line requires a wiring configuration that allows the security system to disconnect all phones in the home when it needs to connect to the monitoring center. This is critical, if the wiring is not correct the system may not communicate back to base when an intrusion is detected.

All cabling from the code pad, siren and strobe light and motion detectors need to be run out from the main equipment. It is also recommended that the cabling to each code pad, motion detector are individual runs from the main equipment to the device. By having each device individually connected to the main equipment is facilitates maintenance and allows for more effective monitoring.

Cabling for IP Based systems

Like the traditional equipment the IP based systems require as a minimum:

The difference here is the cabling to connect the main equipment is either Cat 5 or Cat 6 and it is installed as part of the data cabling of the home. See this article the section titled "Data network cabling"

This is becoming more sought after in private home as an additional level of security. The wiring required to install a CCTV system is Data cabling, refer to the section in this article titled "Data network cabling". What you need to determine is where do you want to install the CCTV cameras and wherever you want the camera you need to install a data outlet. The location where you install the cameras will vary from home to home but typically they are installed so you can see anyone approaching any of the entry areas of the home.

The advantage of an IP bases system is the flexibility to add devices at a later stage. That is you can cable to as many locations as you want and have it terminate on a data outlet near where you may be planning to add devices at a later stage. Adding the device is as simple as plugging it into the outlet and configuring the device.

Automation refers to the ability to be able to control a range of devices in the home ranging from lights to curtains. The most common example of automation are referred to as Lighting control systems. Lighting control system need to be installed by a qualified professional as the cabling is only one element but without the equipment and programming you cannot even turn a light on. The cabling required when installing an automation system can be divided into two parts:

ElectricalThis is cabling installed from the electrical switchboard to the light fitting or any other device that is to be controlled by the automation system. For example, if you have four down lights in a room and you wish to control each light individually, then each light will be wired back using electrical cabling back to the electrical switchboard. This means you will have four electrical cables installed from the electrical switchboard to the location where the light fittings will be installed. Each cable will be a three core active, neutral and earth cable.If in that room you also have a free standing lamp plugged into a power point and you also want to control this from your automation system, you will need to have that power point individually wired back to the electrical switchboard.So if you want to individually control every light fitting and every power point or power outlets then each one of these devices must be individually wired back to the electrical switchboard. As you can see this start to become quite a lot of electrical cabling so planning is essential.

Note, when you are using an automation system, there is no need to install any electrical cabling to the light switches. In a traditional electrical installation without automation the lights in a room would be wired back to the light switch which in turn would be wired back to the switchboard or some similar arrangement, so keep reading.

Data BusOnce you have installed the electrical cabling you need to install the data bus cable from the electrical switchboard to every location you want to have a light switch or control panel installed (control panel is like the code pad on a security system or touch screen that gives you access to various control functions). The most common cable used for this is a Category 5 cable. The cable can be installed in either a daisy chain or star wired configuration. The importance is to minimize the cable length to avoid an communications problem on the bus.

Energy management is a new and upcoming topic in particular at the home. Older systems tended to be cable however all new systems use one of a variety of wireless solutions. This enables them to be effectively retrofitted into existing homes with the minimum of disruption.

If a cabled system is selected cabling needs to be deployed to the major appliances in the home. The cabling is installed as part of the data cabling as per detailed in this article in the section titled "Data Network Cabling". In addition to a cable being installed to every major appliance you also need to install a data cable near the electricity meter.

The major appliances being considered at this stage are:

Should a wireless system be selected the need for such disruption is removed. Smart plugs or switches can be used to connected the major appliances to the electricity supply and the home energy management system will wirelessly control them.

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Home wiring - Wikipedia

Two words described the ultimate goal of Demolition pain and destruction.

Clad in black leather and spikes, Ax and Smash steamrolled into WWE from Parts Unknown in the late 1980s and made it painfully clear that they were going to demolish any team that stood in their path. In the ring, they removed their black monster movie masks to reveal painted faces that intimidated opponents before the match even started.

Once the bell rang, Demolition made an immediate impact in the tag team ranks, using brute force to pound their opposition into submission. Few teams, if any, could muster enough offense to stagger Ax or Smash, establishing the painted warriors as a force to be reckoned with in WWE.

Though they were initially managed by Luscious Johnny V, the bruisers ditched the loud New Yorker for the subdued, yet devious Mr. Fuji. It was a match made in heaven (possibly hell), as Fuji passed on all of his tricks to Ax and Smash, giving their brutal brawling style a cunning new edge.

It wasnt long before Demolition had titles around their waists as the pair bulldozed through Strike Force, Tito Santana and Rick Martel, at WrestleMania IV to capture the World Tag Team Championships. Ax and Smash went on to dominate WWE as champions for the next 478 days a record that stood for 28 years until until it was surpassed by The New Day's 484-day tenure in 2015-16.

Ax and Smash captured the titles two more timesbefore deciding that their team was missing a little something. They added another member during their third championship reign in the massive Crush. The three wreaked havoc throughout 1990, with Smash and his new partner taking care of business inside the ring. Ax watched intently from ringside, running interference when necessary to protect their championships.

When their final reign as champions ended, Ax left, paring Demolition down to a duo once again. Looking to regain some of their former success, Smash and Crush reunited with Mr. Fuji briefly before exiting WWE in 1991.

The path of destruction Demolition carved through WWE would never be forgotten. No team has come close to causing the devastation that the original Demolition duo, Ax and Smash left in their wake,

See more here:
Demolition | WWE

Bands that have grown up together have a really good dynamic, no ego involved, says Sean Canan, lead guitarist and chief arranger for the St. Louis based-band Falling Fences. I think that really helps.

Joe Stickley, singer and songwriter for the band, met Canan while both were students at the University of Missouri-Columbia back in 1999. Along with keyboardist Andrew Weir and producer Wil Reeves, theyve been making music together pretty much ever since then. Under the name Joe Stickleys Blue Print, the band released three albums and toured widely in the U.S. before slowing things down about ten years ago.

Thats when Stickley and Canan picked up a weekly gig at McGurks, an Irish pub in St. Louis where they found a way to mix their original material in between Irish folk songs. Eventually, enough originals accumulated and the urge to play louder led to getting the band back together, this time under the name Falling Fences. With the additions of new bass player John Hussung and drummer Joe Winze, they are now releasing their second full-length album, Falling Fences II.

It starts in my living room, says Stickley, then we workshop it in Seans living room, then Johnny comes in to the living room, then we take it to the pub. Then we have a rehearsal with drums and keyboards.

I usually come and twist the feel of the song, Canan adds. I like to turn it into something iconic. Especially with choruses, I want to know what kind of melodies the crowd wants to sing over this. I try to speed the process up, get closer to the finished product as if wed played it a hundred times live.

Canan has studied the mechanics of music making at a masters level over the years. He grew up with a father who taught him the history of rocknroll, and eventually found himself making a living playing guitar. A few years spent in the constantly touring Grateful Dead tribute band the Schwag gave him plenty of grounding in improvisational skills. But, another regular gig, this time at the Broadway Oyster Bar leading Sean Canans Voodoo Players which pays tribute to different classic rock artists every week, has forced him to learn the secrets behind his favorite records.

Ive dissected the studio recordings of Tom Petty, or Fleetwood Mac, Canan says. Weve used some of those techniques on the new Falling Fences record. Like bringing the acoustic guitar in on the chorus, like they do on Dreams. Or percussion, congas, mixed very low.

Whatever the process, the proof is in the pudding, and Falling Fences II is one tasty custard. After a delightful melodic fragment sets the table, the album contains nine songs made richer with all the production details gleaned from the greats. Stickleys vocals are front and center, as befits a collection of songs so literate. He has a wonderful vulnerability in his delivery, which blends beautifully with the backing vocals of Canan, Hussung and Winze, and instrumentation, leading to a greater focus on the images in the lyrics.

I think I see the imagery of a movie I saw a long time ago but cant really remember, and Im trying to describe that, Stickley says. One of the songs, The Hawk and the Dove, is a song about two outlaws. That idea of these outlaws from the 1860s leaving their respective camps to go off together makes its way into the 20th Century in the last track of this album, with two outlaws in Durango, Colorado. I think its a love story, like many records.

The hawk and the dove are two characters, Native American rivals, they rob riverboats, Canan adds. That song in particular is more of a historical setting. We sing about the characters in the other songs, so its woven through. Its fairly conceptual, more so than the other records weve done.

With all this thematic connection going on, not to mention clever little tricks such as opening side two of the LP with the lines, Its good to see you again / I thought you were gone forever, its nice to note that Falling Fences II is musically enchanting, too. Every song has a wonderful melody and highly singable hook in the chorus. The band supports the lyrics, with short, snappy guitar and keyboard solos which tell stories themselves. Instruments, including horns on a few cuts, and voices are all put together to maximize the affect of each song.

With two Falling Fences albums and a backlog of Joe Stickley songs, not to mention a love of working up cover material, plans are in the making for more and more live shows for this band. Falling Fences looks to be around for a long time. After all, theyve already been making music together for almost twenty years.

- Steve Pick, host of Sound Salvation on KDHX

Originally posted here:
Falling Fences