Bettesworth Construction Team
-
Crawl Spaces
Natural Spider Control That Actually Works: A Builder’s Guide to Keeping Spiders Out
A natural-first spider-control plan starts with identification, exclusion, and habitat management—not scented sprays. Learn how to inspect, make suitable repairs, remove webs, and monitor activity safely.
-
Curb Appeal
The Right Time to Plant Mums for Strong Fall Color and Better Comeback Odds
Plant hardy garden mums in spring for the best chance of a return next year, or plant in fall with roughly four to six weeks before the ground freezes. Learn how to choose, plant, pinch, and protect mums for better fall color and more reliable overwintering.
-
contractor tips
Paint Finish by Room: A Contractor’s Guide to Sheen, Durability, and Cost
Choose sheen by balancing cleanability and moisture exposure against how much you want the finish to reveal wall flaws. Room recommendations, coverage, and cost depend on the specific product and project; compare manufacturer guidance and local prices.
-
fertilizer
Epsom Salt for Lawns: When It Helps, When It Hurts, and How to Apply It Correctly
Epsom salt supplies magnesium and sulfur, but it is not a general lawn fertilizer or a reliable greening treatment. Learn when a soil-test recommendation may support its use, why there is no universal lawn rate, and how to avoid unnecessary applications.
-
Flatware
The Safe Way to Clean Silver Flatware, Jewelry, and Heirlooms at Home
Identify silver and its construction before choosing a cleaning method. Gentle washing may suit some pieces, but polishing, dips, and immersion can damage plating, detail, composite objects, or gemstone jewelry.
-
budget decorating
40 Budget Room Decorating Ideas for a Cohesive, Built-In Look
Make a room feel cohesive and thoughtfully fitted without custom cabinetry by repeating finishes, organizing display, and planning storage. Compare renter-friendly styling with wall-mounted and paint projects before you commit.
-
garden pests
Joro Spiders Around the Garden: What Homeowners Should Do First
Identify a suspected Jorō spider before acting, and ask county Cooperative Extension if you are unsure. Leave out-of-the-way webs alone; consider safe, selective removal only where a web blocks a frequently used path or structure.
-
backyard maintenance
Soap Shavings in the Yard: Cheap Pest Deterrent or Backyard Myth?
Soap shavings are not an established general pest deterrent. Evidence supports only a limited, conditional possibility that soap bars may reduce deer browsing in some settings; it does not prove shavings work or that soap deters rabbits.
-
DIY projects
How to Build a Dry Creek Bed That Actually Handles Yard Drainage
A dry creek bed is a graded, rock-lined swale for surface runoff—not a cure-all for groundwater or standing water. Learn how to plan its grade, outlet, materials, installation, and maintenance safely.
-
container gardening
Potted Hydrangeas That Last: A Builder’s Guide to Planting, Watering, Pruning, and Protecting Them
Potted hydrangea care depends on the plant’s identity, local climate, moisture and pruning needs. Learn how to distinguish florist plants from outdoor nursery hydrangeas and choose suitable light, drainage and winter protection.
