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- Aphids on Flowering Ornamental Plants in the Landscape (C 1246) An introduction to and information on the biology, damage, and management of aphids in the ornamental landscape.
- Bagworms in Urban Landscapes (C 1237) An introduction to bagworms, along with their biology, how they damage landscapes, and management options.
- Be Aware of Your Indoor Air (C 2579) Did you know the air inside buildings is nearly always more polluted than outside air? Learn the types of indoor air pollution and what you can do. This publication was originally published by the LSU AgCenter and released for use in the state of Georgia by UGA Extension Housing & Environment Specialist Pamela Turner.
- Biology and Management of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in Ornamental Landscapes (C 1248) The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys, is a landscape and agricultural pest in the United States. It was introduced from Asia in the mid-1990s, and quickly spread to the entire United States because of its overwintering behavior. They seek dark and dry sites—such as a vehicle parked near trees—in the fall in which to overwinter. It is established in the Piedmont region of the Ge…
- Breathe Easy: Understanding and Controlling Asthma (C 1270) Asthma is a lung disease that affects millions of adults and children, and can be triggered by numerous indoor pollutants such as mold, cockroaches, dust mites, pet dander, and secondhand smoke. There is no cure for asthma, but it can be managed through medication and avoiding allergens that can trigger an attack.
- Building Radon Safe (C 1301) How Radon-Resistant New Construction can Make Homes Safer and Save Money. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium breaks down in soil, rock, and water. This naturally occurring radioactive gas is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall. The Benefits of Building a Radon Resistant Home are that it reduces a fam…
- Chainsaw Safety: Preventing Common Tree Felling Accidents (C 1243) Accidents are common when felling a tree with a chainsaw. Fortunately, most of them can be prevented. Tips for preventing kickback, barber chair, entanglement, setback, and stump jump are presented in this publication, along with techniques for safely releasing spring poles.
- Childproofing Your Home: A Room-by-Room Safety Checklist (C 1049) Nearly 2.3 million children are accidentally injured every year and more than 2,500 are killed, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since one of the biggest threats to children is an injury occurring at home, it is important to take preventative steps to childproof your home. While this may seem like a daunting task at first, this checklist includes basic tips, broken…
- Cleaning Healthy, Cleaning Green (C 1114) People spend an average of 90 percent of their time indoors. Studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show levels of several common organic pollutants to be two to five times higher inside homes than outside. Many of these pollutants come from the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from household cleaning products. Indoor pollutants can be reduced by limiting the numb…
- Crape Myrtle Bark Scale: An Emerging Invasive Pest in the Nursery and Landscape (C 1234) The crape myrtle bark scale (CMBS) is an emerging threat to crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.) in Georgia. As the name indicates, this scale pest attacks the bark of crape myrtle, the only known scale insect that infests crape myrtle bark. A native of Asia, CMBS was first confirmed in Dallas, Texas, in 2004. Since then, the pest has gradually expanded its range to the southeastern states. In Georgi…
- Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite: Avoiding Bed Bugs in Your Home (C 1108) This publication presents helpful information about bed bugs and ways to reduce the risk of bringing them into your home. The circular includes a helpful guide to shopping for secondhand items. For a handy quick-reference guide, download the <a href="https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/pdf/C-1108-2-page-version.pdf">…
- Drinking Water: Interpretation and Recommendations (B 1441) An estimated 1.7 million people in Georgia rely on 640,000 private wells for their drinking water supply. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division enforces EPA's drinking water quality standards for human consumption in public water supplies according to the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act. However, private wells are not regulated. Consequently, private well water users are responsible for en…
- Ensuring Safe Private Well Water for Household Use After a Flood (C 1124) The quality of drinking water from wells may be compromised during a flood. Flooding around the well increases the risk of drinking water becoming contaminated with bacteria or any other contaminants, rendering it unsafe to drink and for washing food items. This publication describes the steps to take when you suspect that your well has been affected by flooding. Steps include well inspection, cal…
- Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting for the Landscape and Garden (C 1247) This publication covers routine maintenance and troubleshooting for common motorized equipment (small engine) that is used by small farmers and gardeners. Gardening and landscape equipment can be an expensive investment for both consumers and professionals. However, quality equipment can last a lifetime when cared for properly. Typically, you get what you pay for when it comes to equipment. Higher…
- Fungus Gnats: A Tiny Nuisance of Houseplants (C 1250) Nothing is more welcoming in the home, office, waiting room, or conference room than lush greenery. The benefits of plants in the home and workplace are well-documented. They remove pollutants, help workers relax and refocus, increase productivity, and make the room look better. Unfortunately, plants often come with the nuisance pest fungus gnats. Learn how to what they are, how they live, and how…
- Hazardous Household Products: What's in Your House? (C 1051) Our homes are filled with potentially hazardous household products we use for cleaning, gardening, auto maintenance and other activities around the house. These products may contain ingredients that can be hazardous when not used, stored and disposed of properly. You can make your home safer and healthier by reducing exposure to hazards in your home by following these tips.
- Healthy Homes: Dealing with Household Clutter (C 1067) Clutter is a collection of things lying around in an untidy mess, usually because we don't have a designated place for it. Household clutter has a big impact on your health and quality of life. This publication will help you asses if you have too much household clutter and then recommends ways to take charge, clear the clutter, and maintain a clutter-free home.
- Home Emergency Preparedness Checklist (B 1428-1) A two-page checklist of the basic list of supplies you should have ready for emergencies. Keep the items you will most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry, waterproof container. Be mindful that this is a basic list of supplies. A more comprehensive list can be found in the Home Emergency Management Guide.
- Home Emergency Preparedness Handbook (B 1428) Communities across Georgia are subject to a number of potential disasters such as fires, flooding, severe storms, earthquakes, dam failures, tornados and hurricanes. While we all hope that such occurrences never happen, it has been shown time and again that being prepared for disasters is prudent. This handbook contains a step-by-step guide to disaster planning along with other essential informati…
- Home Maintenance Checklist (C 1082) Just like your personal health, your home's health will decline without regular care and maintenance. Maintaining a healthy indoor environment helps increase your quality of life and the life of your house. With a few simple steps you can keep your home healthy. Use this checklist as a guideline for your regular spring and fall home maintenance evaluations. Please note that maintenance frequencies…
- Home Safety Checklist (B 1429) Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death for people 65 and older. Trips and falls may be caused by a number of potential hazards, including clutter, rugs, furniture, and extension cords. You can reduce the risk of falling by conducting a simple home assessment. Use the checklist in the PDF to identify possible safety problems in your home and then take action to fix the problems. Sta…
- Household Water Quality Series: Arsenic in Your Water (C 858-12) Arsenic in your drinking water poses a threat to your health. Since private systems are more susceptible to arsenic than public water systems, private well owners should take steps to guard their health. Measures include routine water supply testing and wellhead maintenance and protection.
- Household Water Quality Series: Coliform Bacteria in Your Water (C 858-7) This publication contains information about identifying and controlling coliform bacteria in household water.
- Household Water Quality Series: Corrosive or Scaling Water (C 858-9) Corrosiveness or scaling is an inherent property of some groundwater and is related to the type of rocks or sediments in contact with the groundwater. Corrosion is caused when water reacts with and dissolves metal plumbing. This can add toxic levels of metals like copper and lead to your water. Other problems associated with corrosive water include: • Deterioration and damage to the plumbing • Wat…
- Household Water Quality Series: Disinfecting Your Well Water: Shock Chlorination (C 858-4) Shock chlorination is the process by which home water systems such as wells, springs, and cisterns are disinfected using household liquid bleach (or chlorine). Shock chlorination is the most widely recommended means of treating bacterial contamination in home water systems. This publication contains guidelines for safely and effectively using shock chlorination -- a standard treatment for sanitizi…
- Household Water Quality Series: Home Water Quality and Treatment (C 858-3) The quality of your water supply can have both an immediate and a prolonged effect on the health of your household. Many Americans, especially those dependent upon well water, assume that their water is safe and healthy. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. This publication contains basic information about home water quality and treatment.
- Household Water Quality Series: Household Water Treatment Techniques and Devices: Activated Carbon Filtration (B 1542) Activated carbon, also called activated charcoal, is usually produced from charcoal in granular or powdered form. It is a form of carbon that has been processed (activated) to make it highly porous, with a very large surface area available for physical adsorption or chemical reactions. Among others, water treatment is an important application of activated carbon. Activated carbon filters treat gen…
- Household Water Quality Series: Hydrogen Sulfide and Sulfate (C 858-8) This publication describes hydrogen sulfide and sulfate and its effects on household water quality.
- Household Water Quality Series: Iron and Manganese (C 858-11) Elevated levels of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) are two of the most common water quality problems in Georgia's groundwater. This circular addresses problems associated with high levels of these two elements, levels considered to be a problem, and treatment options to remove the iron or manganese.
- Household Water Quality Series: Lead and Copper (C 858-10) Private wells are exclusively supplied by groundwater. The source waters for most public water systems in south Georgia (and some in north Georgia) are also supplied by groundwater. Generally, lead and copper concentrations in the major underground aquifers in Georgia are far below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) action levels. They enter the household drinking water system and ex…
- Household Water Quality Series: Mercury in Your Water (C 858-13) Mercury in your drinking water poses a threat to your health. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the current standard for mercury in drinking water at 2 parts per billion (ppb). The amount of mercury in public water systems is regulated according to EPA standards. If your water comes from a public system, it is routinely tested to ensure safe mercury levels. However, if you are…
- Household Water Quality Series: Nitrate and Nitrite in Water (C 858-5) Private well owners are responsible for the safety of their drinking water. Maintaining a healthy well requires routine testing for possible contaminants, including nitrate and nitrite. To assist in water safety, the EPA has set standards for nitrate levels in public drinking water systems. Although private well owners are not required to meet these standards, they do serve as a reference for safe…
- Household Water Quality Series: Pesticides, Petroleum Products, and Other Organic Chemicals (C 858-6) Municipal water systems are required by law to be monitored for many contaminants found in pesticides, solvents, and petroleum products. However, if your water comes from a private well or from a system that serves fewer than 25 people or has fewer than 15 connections, it is not regulated under these laws. The safety of water from these sources is the responsibility of the owners. If you suspect t…
- Household Water Quality Series: Protecting Your Well and Wellhead (C858-1) If you are one of the many Americans who use groundwater for drinking, the proper protection of your well and wellhead is essential for the health of your family, yourself and your neighbors. This publication contains information about protecting your well and wellhead from contaminants.
- Household Water Quality Series: Radon in Your Water (C 858-16) Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas formed from the decay of uranium and radium found in geologic deposits. Exposure to radon gas most commonly occurs through elevated levels in home air. However, in Georgia and neighboring states there is a lesser, though still significant, risk of exposure to radon dissolved in drinking water. This circular addresses the issues on its occurrence, hum…
- Household Water Quality Series: Removal of Hydrogen Sulfide and Sulfate (C 858-15) This publication explains how to identify and remove hydrogen sulfide and sulfate from household water.
- Household Water Quality Series: Testing for Water Quality (C 858-2) The quality and safety of drinking water is of great concern to many Americans today because of an increased interest in health and environmental quality. This new focus on water quality has led many Americans to consider testing their water. This publication is intended to help you understand water testing and to identify the tests needed.
- Household Water Quality Series: Uranium in Your Water (C 858-14) Uranium in your drinking water may be harmful to your health. If your water comes from a public system, it is routinely tested to ensure safe levels of uranium. If your source of household water is a private well, cistern or spring, you are solely responsible for the quality of your own drinking water. Private well owners are encouraged to monitor uranium through water testing.
- Household Water Treatment: Disinfection Methods and Devices (B 1487) Pathogens in household waters pose a serious threat to human health. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recorded many drinking water microbial-associated disease outbreaks in the U.S., causing illness, hospitalization, and even death. The two most commonly identified reasons for these outbreaks are the bacterium Legionella spreading from within building plumbing systems (66% …
- Household Water Treatment: Mechanical Filtration Methods and Devices (B 1523) Mechanical filtration removes suspended solids and dirt to greatly improve the clarity of water. Various kinds of mechanical filtration methods and devices are available for home water treatments. Primarily, the size of the suspended solids will determine the appropriate type of mechanical filtration device suitable for your unique situation. Consumers interested in filtration devices should discu…
- Improving the Condition of Your Drinking Water Well (B 1152-03) About 95 percent of Georgia's rural residents depend on groundwater to supply their drinking water and farm needs. Wells are designed to provide clean water. If improperly constructed and maintained, however, they can allow bacteria, nitrates, pesticides, or petroleum products to contaminate ground water. These contaminates can put family and livestock health at risk. This assessment allows you to…
- Insect and Arthropod Pests of Southeastern Neighborhoods (B 1412) This publication is a guide to 110 common pest insects found in and around the home, including prevention and treatment options.
- Iron (Manganese) and Sulfur Bacteria in Your Well Water (B 1457) Presence of bacteria in your drinking water supply does not necessarily pose a health hazard. Certain types of bacteria in household water are more of a nuisance issue. Your water may test negative for coliform and E. coli, but it may still contain other bacteria, typically nuisance bacteria. The two most common types of nuisance bacteria are iron (manganese) and sulfur bacteria. Iron (manganese) …
- Keep Your Pets Safe Around Plants (C 1245) House and garden plants may be toxic to cats and dogs. This visual guide will help pet owners learn which plants are safe, as even common plants can be deadly.
- Larger Canna Leafroller: A Major Insect Pest of Canna Lily (C 1233) An introduction to the larger canna leafroller, plus information on biology and management.
- Leasing Smart in Georgia (C 1217) This publication offers guidance on shopping for rental housing, leasing, moving in, handling repairs, dealing with problems, paying rent, moving out, and fair housing. For more information about renting, visit dca.ga.gov to see the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Landlord-Tenant Handbook, which provides valuable information about the responsibilities and rights of landlords and tenants in…
- Leave it at the Door: A Guide to Reducing Contaminants in Your Home (C 1070) There may be insect fragments, lead dust, pesticides, pollen, dust mites, animal dander, hair, human skin flakes, fungal spores, or cigarette ash in household dust. Around 30 to 40 percent of the contaminants inside your home are brought in from outdoors. Dust gets into your home on shoes and clothing, or pets can track contaminants in on their paws and fur. Not surprisingly, the greatest concentr…
- Managing Joro Spiders in the Landscape (C 1289) The publication gives basic biology and description, with images, of the spider's immature and adult forms, along with recommendations for managing them around the home. The Joro spider is a native of Japan and East Asia that was first documented in the United States in 2014 in northeast Georgia. The initial population appeared to be centered around Braselton and Hoschton, GA, along I-85. By 2022,…
- Mold and Moisture Home Inspection Checklist (C 1083)
- Mold, the Uninvited Guest Series: Preventing Mold in Your Home (C 1047-1) Mold in your home is not only unsightly, it can also cause health problems. If you have mold growing in your home, you may experience allergy-like symptoms, asthma attacks, or other negative health effects. No one wants to live in a home with mold, but unless preventative steps are taken, mold can go from being an unwanted visitor in your home to a permanent resident. Molds are fungi that reprodu…
- Mold, the Uninvited Guest Series: Removing Mold in Your Home (C 1047-2) Mold grows from spores, which are found naturally in the air and cannot be seen by the naked eye. Mold spores act like seeds, causing mold to grow under the right conditions. Mold itself is usually easy to detect. While testing is sometimes used to determine the presence of mold, it is generally not necessary or recommended. Usually a quick investigation with your eyes and nose can tell you if mol…
- Mosquito Control Around the Home (C 1266) Mosquitoes are one of the most common insect pests that homeowners encounter. This circular introduces a few of the basic techniques and materials that homeowners can use to safely reduce mosquito populations around the home. Becoming familiar with mosquito biology is the first step in using an integrated pest management approach to efficiently and effectively reduce mosquito populations. By learn…
- Radon Mitigation Dos and Don'ts (C 1065) Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. A radon reduction system (radon mitigation) reduces high levels of indoor radon to acceptable levels. The system most frequently used is a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. This publication educated homeowners on what they should do before, during and after a radon m…
- Removal of Arsenic From Household Water (C 996) Arsenic in your drinking water may damage your health. Because arsenic in household well water is usually dissolved from natural rock in the aquifer, water treatment is the only way to eliminate it. This publication describes methods for removing arsenic from household drinking water.
- Resolving Human-Nuisance Wildlife Conflicts (B 1248) When wildlife populate a place where they are unwanted or cause damage to valuable plants or structures, they become a nuisance. This publication discusses some basic principles for dealing humanely with nuisance wildlife.
- Rethink Waste Series: Recycle (C 1050-2) In today's disposable economy, it often seems easier to throw away old products and buy new ones. Because everything we need can be produced so quickly and cheaply, we tend to ignore the repercussions of our waste stream. Within this publication are facts and strategies which will help you rethink the notion of recycling.
- Rethink Waste Series: Reduce (C 1050-1) Reducing your actual rate of consumption is the most efficient way to manage the worldwide waste problem. This publication provides strategies you can implement to reduce the amount of waste you and your family produce.
- Safe at Home: Preventing Lung Cancer by Reducing Radon in the Home (C 1296) Radon may be found in one out of every 15 homes and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. This gas can enter your home through cracks and holes in the foundation, or even underground well water. This publication provides information on radon-induced lung cancer and ways to reduce elevated radon inside your home. For more information on radon, visit ugaradon.edu.
- Seed Saving in Georgia Gardens: A starter guide for schools, communities, and homes (C 1242) This circular describes the process of saving seeds, particularly for heirloom varieties in the Georgia garden. This guide is useful for both home gardens and school or community gardens.
- Spanish Series: Hogares Saludables: Cómo Eliminar el Moho en su Hugar (C 1047-2-SP) El moho crece a partir de las esporas, que se encuentran naturalmente en el aire y no se pueden ver a simple vista. Las esporas de moho actúan como semillas, haciendo que el moho crezca si las condiciones son adecuadas. El moho suele ser fácil de detectar. Aunque es posible utilizar pruebas para determinar la presencia de moho, por lo general no es necesario o recomendado hacerlo, usted puede dete…
- Spanish Series: La Biología de Termitas Subterráneas del Este de los Estados Unidos (B 1209-SP) Las termitas subterráneas son los insectos sociales que viven en una sociedad en donde la mayoría de los miembros son insectos inmaduros o juveniles. Sus colonias pueden incluir de miles a millones de termitas, y a pesar de tener un cuerpo-suave, frágil y delicado son insectos formidables. En la naturaleza, las termitas subterráneas están estrechamente asociadas con el hábitat o entorno del suelo …
- Spanish Series: Las Recetas de Limpieza Ecológicas para un Hogar Saludable (C 1117-SP) • Las siguientes páginas “Limpieza ecológica: Recetas para un Hogar Saludable”, deben imprimirse por las dos caras de un papel de calidad gruesa. • Las recetas con números impares se imprimirán en un lado de la cara del papel y las de números pares en el otro lado de la cara del papel. • De tal manera, cada receta puede cortarse y laminarse (o usted puede laminar la página completa y después corta…
- Spanish Series: Lista de Verificación para el Mantenimiento del Hogar (C 1082-SP) Al igual que su salud personal, la salud de su hogar se deteriorará sin un cuidado y mantenimiento regular. Mantener un ambiente interior saludable ayuda a aumentar su calidad de vida y la vida de su casa. Con unos sencillos pasos puede mantener su hogar saludable. Utilice esta lista de verificación como guía para sus evaluaciones periódicas de mantenimiento del hogar en primavera y otoño. Tenga e…
- Spanish Series: Lista de Verificación para Moho y Humedad (C 1083-SP) Las esporas del moho solo necesitan un ambiente favorable, alimentos (madera, papel, alfombra, etc.) y humedad para crecer. Si no se detecta o se trata, el moho puede provocar efectos negativos para la salud, como reacciones alérgicas, infecciones respiratorias y más. Use esta lista de verificación como una guía básica para inspeccionar su hogar en busca de señales de exceso de humedad y crecimien…
- Tips to Prevent Accidental Poisonings: Poison Look-Alikes and Other Dangers (C 1227) Accidental poisonings from medications and household products could happen to anyone. Poison look-alike products are potentially harmful substances that can easily be mistaken for safe ones, usually because they look the same or have very similar packaging. This publication provides information on what to look for and how to avoid poisonings among children, adults, and pets.
- Urban Entomology Pest Series: The Tawny Crazy Ant, Nylanderia fulva, in Georgia (C 1064) The Tawny crazy ant is a highly invasive species from South America. It was introduced into port cities in Florida and Texas. It was detected in Albany, GA, in August 2013 and in Camden and Glynn counties in Georgia in August 2014. The ant somewhat resembles the invasive Argentine ant. This circular is meant to help homeowners and pest management professionals identify the Tawny crazy ant and diff…
- Water Quality and Common Treatments for Private Drinking Water Systems (B 939) An abundant supply of clean, safe drinking water is essential for human and animal health. Water from municipal or public water systems is treated and monitored to ensure that it is safe for human consumption. Many Georgia residents, especially in rural areas, rely on private water systems for human and livestock consumption. Most private water systems are supplied by wells. Water from wells in Ge…
- Your Household Water Quality: Odors in Your Water (C 1016) Homeowners sometimes experience unpleasant odors in their household water. In many cases, the exact cause of the odor is difficult to determine by water testing; however, this publication provides a few general recommendations for treating some common causes of household water odors.