Blog > April 2024 Newsletter - Spring Cleaning For A Pest-Free Home
Is spring cleaning on your mind? Aside from removing the dust and grime that has collected over the colder months, now is also the perfect time to rid your home of pests. Spring is an especially active time for insects and rodents so it’s important not to overlook prevention tasks around your home. Follow the room-by-room guide below to help keep unwanted critters at bay!
Kitchen
Ants and other spring bugs are drawn to kitchens due to readily available food and water sources. To deter them, start by emptying cabinets and pantry shelves, discarding stale items, and wiping down surfaces. Pull out appliances to vacuum behind them and scrub countertops and floors thoroughly.
Bathroom
Moisture-loving pests like cockroaches and silverfish often thrive in bathrooms. Prevent infestations by fixing leaks promptly, cleaning drains, and ensuring proper ventilation. Check under sinks and around tubs and toilets for any moisture issues.
Basement
Rodents and spiders find refuge in cluttered and dark basements. As you sift through your belongings, replace cardboard boxes with sealed plastic bins, and seal cracks and crevices with caulk to prevent pest entry.
Outdoor Space
Inspect your home's exterior for damage and repair as needed. Clean gutters and trim bushes away from the house to discourage pests from entering. Keep mulch and tree stumps away from the foundation to deter termites.
Whichever room you start with, these simple tasks can make a big difference in maintaining the health and integrity of your home!
Join the Conversation on May 1
Do you have specific questions about maintaining a pest-free home? Join me at the next Island Living Today talk! We’ll have a home inspector and pest control expert on hand to share tips and answer questions about protecting your home from insects and rodents.
Home Inspection Series: Pest Control
Time: Wednesday, May 1, 2024 (6-7 PM Pacific Time)
Guest Speakers:
- Patrick Preston - Accredited Home Inspector at HouseMaster
- Bryan Dumesnil - Co-owner and Operator at VI Pest Control
Save your seat using this link
Protecting Your Home From Moisture and Mold
Moisture and mold are serious threats to the home, but last month, we learned that there’s a lot homeowners can do to prevent issues from arising in the first place. The trick is knowing where to look. Luckily, Brad Clark from A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections and Ryan Hill from First General Services Vancouver Island guided us on how to detect water damage throughout the home.
We discussed:
- How to catch water leaks early
- Prevention strategies to mitigate moisture and mold problems
- Practical tips for improving airflow in your home
We dived deep into this topic so watch the full recording now!
Changes to Short-Term Rentals and What It Means for You
To address the housing shortage across the province, the government recently changed legislation regarding short-term rentals. Here’s a simplified breakdown of what you need to know:
- New Residence Rules: Starting May 1, 2024, short-term rentals will be limited to your main residence plus one additional suite or dwelling unit in most major BC communities.
- Regional Licensing: Areas outside municipalities will now be subject to licensing for short-term rentals.
- Data Sharing: Platforms hosting short-term rentals must share data to ensure compliance with regulations.
- No More Grandfathering: Previous exemptions for historical short-term rental use are no longer applicable.
- Provincial Registry: A central registry for short-term rentals will be established for monitoring and enforcement purposes.
It’s important to remember that these rules don’t replace stricter local regulations. For example, Kelowna has tightened restrictions on short-term rentals across the board.
What Does This Mean for You?
- Current Owners: Check if your short-term rental complies with the new rules, alongside existing local and strata regulations.
- Buying Considerations: If you’re looking to purchase a short-term rental property, be aware of evolving laws that may impact your plans.
- Pre-sale Condos: Seek legal advice if you’ve purchased a pre-sale condo for short-term rentals to understand your rights.
- Disclosure: While the law change doesn’t require separate disclosure, transparency with potential buyers or renters is advisable.
- Opt-Out Limits: Individual properties or buildings can't opt out of these regulations, although geographic areas may have exemptions based on rental vacancy rates.
These changes reflect broader efforts to balance housing needs and property usage. Stay informed and seek guidance specific to your situation for a smooth transition in this evolving real estate landscape.
Calm March Despite Pent-Up Demand
The benchmark price of a single-family home on Vancouver Island was $765,600
in March 2024, which is 5% higher than one year ago, but not quite as high as six months ago. Sales activity last month was calmer than expected given a large pool of potential buyers who are eager to find their next home. However, with interest rates being held steady, it appears that buyers are still being cautious. Nonetheless, there were 291 single-family homes, 84 condo apartments, and 82 row/townhouses that sold last month. This is contrasted to 291 single-family homes, 324 condo apartments, and 333 row/townhouses listed for sale.
Community Events to Explore
Apr 24 | 7:30pm
Port Theatre (125 Front St, Nanaimo)
As part of its 50th Anniversary season, Ballet Jazz Montréal has curated a triple bill that includes We Can’t Forget About What’s His Name, a new creation by company member, Ausia Jones, Ten Duets on a Theme of Rescue by Crystal Pite, and Les Chambres des Jacques by Aszure Barton.
Apr 27 | 7:30-10:30pm
Rocking Horse Pub (2038 Rocking Horse Pl, Nanoose Bay)
Lazy Mike Mallon and Annie Mallon are the father/daughter team behind award Nominated artists, South Island Rhythm Kings. They carry a bag of old-school, classic electric blues, carefully curated from the long and rich history of the genre.
Tee Off for NCS Charity Golf Tournament
May 10 | 9:30am-8pm
Fairwinds Golf Club (3730 Fairwinds Dr, Nanoose Bay)
Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a beginner, this tournament is perfect for everyone. With challenging holes, plus tons of fun activities throughout the day, you'll have a blast while making a difference for the Nanoose Community Services team and their clients. Cost: $200 (includes registration fee, 2 golf carts per team, lunch & dinner). Register online.
Nanoose Garden Club Plant Sale
May 11 | 9am-1pm
Nanoose Library Hall (2489 Nanoose Rd, Nanoose Bay)
Make friends over plant care talks and garden tours. Membership is $20 per year, payable at the door (cash or cheque). Guests are welcome to attend club meetings for $3 (cash only).