As the temperature drops, uninvited guests may view your home as the perfect winter retreat. Small critters like mice, squirrels, bats, and raccoons are experts at finding cozy nooks to ride out the chill. But don’t worry—keeping your home critter-free this winter is easier than you think. With a few simple steps, you can secure your space against these furry invaders and avoid the damage and mess they can bring.
Ready to critter-proof your home? Let’s get started!
Steps to Take Outside
Animals live outside and you would expect them to be there. However, you don’t want them nesting so close to your home that they may be tempted to venture inside.
Trim landscaping. Keep shrubs close to the house well-trimmed so there are not places for them to build a home. Trim your trees so squirrels won’t be able to easily jump from there to your roof. Avoid using wood chips as mulch, as these make wonderful nesting material.
Store firewood safely. Firewood can be a cozy hideout. Place logs at least 20 feet away from your house. Not only will that keep critters farther away, but the distance will also help protect against a fire risk. Keep the wood at least 18 inches off the ground to reduce the chance of rodents seeking shelter there.
Remove food sources. Food is a major draw for animals. Place bird feeders away from your home and use squirrel guards to keep unwanted visitors out. Store food in sealed containers, and ensure garbage cans are securely closed and inaccessible.
Secure decks and porches. The spaces beneath decks and porches are prime nesting spots. Look for signs of activity like gnawed wood, droppings, or burrow holes. Animals prefer dark, quiet areas, so deter them with a combination of radios, flashing lights, and apple cider vinegar-soaked rags. Once the critters leave, block openings with decorative lattice, burying the bottom edge to prevent reentry.
A note: Groundhogs who burrow under concrete slab, deck, porch are hibernators. You do not need to worry about them in the winter. They will not bother anything. However, during the springtime, you can use some of the above actions to get them to leave. Mylar windmills that move with the wind also will frighten them away.
Steps to Take in the Garage
Your garage is the midpoint between the outside and your house. Due to its proximity to your home, and the amount of stuff you probably store there, it could be inviting for critters.
Seal openings. Garages offer shelter that is relatively warm, dry and protected from the elements. It’s no wonder critters want to be there. They don’t need a lot of space to get inside. Mice can enter in a ¼ inch gap. Check your garage for any openings. Caulk and fill in any cracks. Install a garage weather seal to close the gaps at the bottom of the doors.
Clear the clutter. Critters do not like being out in the open. They are seeking cozy spaces where they can hide. This includes behind boxes, under shelves, beneath insulation, inside old tires, and so on. Remove any unnecessary boxes. Use plastic bins with tight lids so they can’t get inside. Raise items off the floor as a further deterrent.
Eliminate food sources. Don’t keep trash or store food in your garage. Animals can smell a food source. If you must keep food in your garage, seal it in a container that will help prevent the scent from being detected.
Insulate cavity walls. If your garage has cavity walls, you may find them make great homes for smaller animals such as mice. Consider filling them with a spray foam insulation. Not only will it help prevent critters from nesting there, but it will keep your garage warmer. Pro Tip: Choose a foam that includes rodent repellent.
Steps to Take in the Attic and Chimney
Both attics and chimneys are popular places for critters to nest. They are often easily accessible to the outside, and like garages, they offer protection from the outside elements. They also are generally dark and quiet, something critters enjoy.
Check for signs of critters. Listen for noises. Look for droppings or urine stains and for damage such as chewed wood or ripped ventilation ducts. If you suspect that there are animals, take steps to remove them safely. Your local wildlife organization or a professional exterminator are good resources.
Seal entry points. Animals enter your attic through small openings. The easiest way to check is to look during daylight, and see the places where light is coming in. Common spots are by attic vents, and openings in your roof soffits or eaves. Take steps to seal those openings. For attic vents, put a screen to cover the entire vent using ½ inch mesh. Use gutter guards on your roof to keep critters from settling there.
Install chimney covers. These mesh screens allow airflow while blocking access to birds, squirrels, bats and other animals. In addition, make sure your chimney damper is properly closed when you’re not using your fireplace.
Steps to Take Inside
Your home is a warm, comfortable sanctuary for you, but it can also be an inviting retreat for unwelcome critters. With countless hiding spots, from behind your walls to under your cabinets, pests can easily find cozy nooks. The key to keeping them out is vigilance and preparation.
Inspect every room. Conduct a room-by-room inspection to identify potential entry points. Focus on areas where gaps might exist along your floors, under cabinets, or around doors. Pay close attention to places where wires, pipes, or vents penetrate walls; even a tiny ¼-inch gap is enough for a mouse to slip through. Use caulk or sealant to close these gaps and consider plugging larger holes with steel wool, as rodents find it difficult to chew through.
Secure doors and windows. Install or upgrade weather stripping around your doors and windows to seal off any openings. For exterior doors, consider adding a sweep or brush strip to block even the smallest gaps at the bottom. These simple steps help keep pests—and drafts—out.
Examine vents and exhausts. Check your dryer vent, stove exhaust vent, and other external openings. Birds and small animals often see these as perfect nesting spots. Install vent covers or screens to prevent intrusions while maintaining proper airflow.
Store food properly. Avoid leaving food out in the open, including pet food. Store all pantry items in sealed, airtight containers. This not only deters pests but also keeps your food fresher for longer.
Try natural deterrents. Use the power of scent to repel pests naturally. Peppermint oil, for instance, is a proven deterrent for mice. Soak cotton balls in essential oil and place them near suspected entry points or in areas prone to critter activity. Replace them regularly to maintain their potency.
Your home is your greatest investment. Keep up with winter home maintenance and protect your home with the right insurance for added peace of mind.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
It’s a moment every driver dreads: the sudden thud, the jolt of your car, and the sinking realization that you’ve hit an animal. Your heart races, and questions flood your mind—what should you do next? Knowing how to respond calmly and responsibly in this situation can make all the difference. Let’s break down the steps to take if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.
Honk and brake.
You see a deer—or a raccoon, coyote or other animal. Your first instinct might be to swerve. Think twice, as it could put you directly into oncoming traffic or cause you to crash into the trees. The best thing to do is sound your horn and hit your brakes. The hope is the animal will be startled and run, or that you’ll slow down enough to lessen the impact. The only time you should swerve is for animals, like moose, that weigh 1,000 lbs. or more.
Pull over to the side of the road.
Hitting an animal can be nerve-wracking. Do your best to remain calm. You’ll want to pull over safely to the side of the road as soon as possible. Turn on your hazard lights. Put up flares if you have them so you’re visible to other drivers. If it’s dark and the animal is lying on the road, you can point your headlights toward it, so the animal is visible to other motorists.
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
You just experienced a collision. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries, and if anyone needs immediate medical attention, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, attend to any pressing injuries using your first aid kit.
Call the police.
Report the accident to the police. (In some areas, there are fines for not reporting collisions with animals who are 55 lbs. or more.) You will want to let them know if the animal is obstructing the road and is a danger to other drivers. The police will file a report which you can use when you submit an insurance claim.
When it’s safe, get out of your vehicle.
The only times you shouldn’t exit your vehicle is if you hit a predatory animal like a mountain lion or bear, or if conditions outside are dangerous. When you feel comfortable, get out of your car and survey the scene. Carry a light so that any approaching vehicles will be able to see you.
Do not approach the animal.
Take stock of the animal from a safe distance but do not approach. If the animal is hurt, it could be afraid, dangerous and unpredictable. Do not try to move the animal; wait for police or wildlife control assistance. If you hit a farm animal or a family pet, there may be a tag or other identification. This will allow you to contact the owner. Owners of farm animals that are not correctly corralled could be charged with negligence and could be required to pay for your damages.
Take photos of any damage.
Collisions with animals could cause significant damage to your vehicle, including dents you can see and issues you cannot. Take pictures of any damage to your car’s body or bumper. Also take photos of the area around the accident. Make notes about what happened, including road conditions, exact location, date, time, and any other details that tell the story.
Contact your insurance company.
If your car is damaged, you may want to file a claim with your insurance company. You will need comprehensive coverage for collisions with animals. This is an optional addition to your standard vehicle insurance policy. If you don’t have this coverage, you may want to consider adding it.
Take your car to a reputable auto body shop.
You had an accident, and you want to make sure there’s no damage below the surface that you cannot see. If you have a diagnostic scan tool, you can use it to pinpoint issues and know whether your car is safe to drive. You will want to get your car checked out with your trusted mechanic to make sure everything is still working well.
Reduce Your Risk of Hitting an Animal.
You can take steps to reduce your risk of hitting an animal in the future. Follow these guidelines.
Animals are more active at dusk and dawn. Be alert during these hours.
Pay attention to animal crossing signs. These are areas where animals are likely to be.
Look for movement along the side of the road. That could indicate an animal nearby.
Be careful when roads are slippery, and visibility is reduced.
Use your brights to see farther at a distance, if other cars are not coming the opposite direction.
Ask your passengers to watch out for animals too. Another set of eyes is always helpful.
Avoid distractions that could take your attention away from the road.
Finally, make sure your vehicle is protected with the right insurance. This will help your peace of mind should you get into an accident. Safe travels.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
As a teacher, your to-do list might feel never-ending, with lesson plans, grading, and meetings all competing for your time—on top of the countless ways you support your students. But with a few smart time-management strategies, you can regain control of your schedule, reduce stress, and even find a little breathing room in your day.
We’ve compiled the practical tips to help you streamline tasks, stay organized, and create more balance, so you can focus on what you love most: making a difference in the classroom.
How much time do you actually have?
Let’s start by calculating how much unstructured time you have in your schedule during contracted hours. The easiest way is to conduct a time audit.
For 3-5 days, record how much time you spend on different activities (e.g. making copies, doing lesson plans, setting up Google classroom, getting coffee, chatting with colleagues).
Add up the unstructured time you have available daily.
Then, analyze the results. Where is your time going? What’s taking the most time? Do you want to spend time on these things?
Now let’s figure out how to rearrange tasks to fit more neatly into your schedule.
Create a list of tasks you do regularly. This can be daily and/or weekly.
Assign a time estimate to each. If need be, break down larger tasks into smaller, doable chunks to more easily fit into your schedule.
Categorize each task as creative (lesson planning, writing emails), analytical (grading), logistics (paperwork) and tasks that take less than 15 minutes to complete.
Mark the priority tasks that must get done.
Urgent and important – clear deadline and consequences for not acting
Important – no set deadline but helps you stay on top of things
Neither – helpful but not necessary, good to do when time allows
Use a planner to map out your week.
Slot in tasks in available timeslots, starting with the ones you marked as priority.
When possible, group similar tasks together. Task switching takes more energy and is less productive.
If any tasks do not fit in the schedule, keep them on a list to do as you have time.
Consider theming your days to make organization easy, e.g. Monday is administrative work and filing, Tuesday is gathering materials, Wednesday is grading, Thursday is lesson planning, and Friday is photocopy day for the following week’s lessons.
Tips for Better Time Management
Good time management takes practice. Continuously evaluate and adjust your strategies as needed. Here are some additional tips that can help.
Touch it once. When you pick something up, put it where it goes. Those few extra seconds will save you time in the long run and keep you organized.
Tackle 2-minute tasks. Completing these small tasks will keep them off your to-do list later.
Close your door. Anytime you’re without students, keep your classroom door closed to help prevent interruptions. Silence your cell phone and don’t check your email. Set aside time to work on the project at hand.
Protect your prep. If you have a prep in a shared space, put on your headphones and sit in the least visually distracting spot. Put up a sign above your workspace saying “Easily distracted! I’m happy to catch up later. I promise!”
Not everything has to be graded. Use a grading matrix like the one below.
URGENT
LESS URGENT
IMPORTANT
Must grade ASAP (course exams, school/county state requirements)
Must grade when time allows (tests, projects)
LESS IMPORTANT
Students can self-assess using a rubric or grade each other (quizzes)
Consider not grading (practice, homework, warmups, portfolio pieces)
Do the thing you don’t want to do first. Tackling the most challenging or dreaded task early in the day allows you to apply the greatest focus. It also boosts your motivation and makes the rest of your tasks feel easier by comparison
Leverage tech tools to make your life easier. Try Artificial Intelligence (AI) in lesson planning, creating grading rubrics, and writing notes to parents, among other tasks. Just be cautious if you use AI for grading. That has raised some concerns among parents.
Get help from your students. Assign your students roles to help maintain the classroom. They can update centers, file papers, and grade each other’s work on simple quizzes like weekly spelling tests. Similarly, you may be able to use parent volunteers to do some of your photocopying if your school policy allows it.
At the end of each day, write down 3 things you will get done the next morning. That way, you don’t have to think when you walk into class. Prepare your workspace and materials the day before. Similarly, make a list before you leave on Friday for the week ahead.
Learn to say no. Be selective in taking on additional responsibilities beyond your contractual obligations. Pro Tip: When you want to say no but can’t bring yourself to vocalize it, say “I’ll have to let you know.” Then you may follow up with an email declining the task.
Too much work and too little time
If you’re like many teachers, the workday doesn’t always end when the bell rings. There’s always more you could do—but should you? Decide how much time you’re willing to dedicate outside of school hours and set clear boundaries. Even reclaiming a few hours each week can make a meaningful difference.
Schedule appointments or commitments at the end of the school day to ensure you leave on time.
Collaborate with your administrator to prioritize tasks and manage your workload effectively.
Discuss ways your school can help teachers avoid burnout.
Prioritize self-care. A well-rested teacher with good work-life balance is a better educator.
At California Casualty, we’re committed to supporting those who inspire and educate the next generation. Happy American Education Week!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
It’s holiday season and you’re ready to decorate! But as a renter, your options might feel limited. The good news is that with just a few renter-friendly tricks, you can transform your space into a cozy, festive retreat without breaking the rules or losing your deposit. Whether you’re going for a classic winter wonderland or a modern holiday vibe, these tips will let you celebrate in style!
Tailor the décor to fit your lifestyle and space.
You want your place to feel festive but not cramped, so make sure to work with the space you have. You don’t have to add a lot. Use wall space if you don’t have floor space. Swap out your normal décor with seasonal versions; change your throw pillows or put festive covers on them. Choose a holiday doormat. Remember that a pop of color goes a long way in a smaller space.
Stock up on hanging supplies.
Put away the hammer, the screws and the nails. Those will leave permanent holes in your walls. Instead, stock up on suction cups and adhesive hooks. Choose adhesive options that are easily removable and won’t leave marks on the wall. Command strips, washi tape, and wall putty are all good options.
String up the lights.
Set the scene with lighting. Hang strings of LED fairy lights along the ceiling or at other focal points in your home. For lights in doorways, use a curtain tension rod as the base and wrap the lights around it. You can even add some greenery. Choose lights approved for indoor use; battery-powered lights are a plus, so you don’t have to worry about plugging them in. Flameless candles also create a beautiful glow. Keep light safety in mind. Remember to turn lights off when unattended.
Cling to the windows.
Window clings and removable decals are easy to apply and take off. Since static electricity holds them in place, you don’t need any special tools. Plus, you can find plenty of fun options, from snowflakes to candy and holiday themes.
Try these instead of a tree.
There are many alternatives to a full-sized tree, which can take up much-needed space in an apartment. Instead, decorate a blank wall with an outline of a tree using washi tape. Then adorn it with tinsel, lights, and paper ornaments using a wall-safe adhesive. Try a poinsettia stand to create a festive tree; just be aware that this plant can be hazardous if ingested by small children or pets). Decorate your house plants with lights and lightweight ornaments.
Display your favorites.
The holidays are all about memories. Here’s your chance to put some of yours on display. Show off your favorite ornaments in large clear vases. Hang a gallery of beloved holiday photos from years past. Display your holiday cards on a Command picture ledge or decorate your doors with them. Anything that brings you joy is perfect to display at holiday time.
Turn up the scent.
Fragrance goes a long way to set the mood. Bring seasonal scents into your room with pine, peppermint, cinnamon or your own favorite blend. Add a few drops of essential oils to a spray bottle filled with distilled water. Use it to create the perfect scent. Alternatively, poke whole cloves into oranges and use that as a fragrant centerpiece.
Bring on the green.
Hang full-size or miniature wreaths with suction cups or other adhesives. Artificial garlands make great table centerpieces. Fake greenery is maintenance-free and hypo-allergenic. Real greenery brings a natural look and scent but might need some care to stay fresh.
Don’t overload the outlets.
Electrical outlets can only handle a certain amount of power. Overloading them can lead to a blown fuse – for you and your neighbors – or in the worst case, an electrical fire. Limit the number of plugs that you use and the use of extension cords. Unplug all electrical decorations before you go to bed.
Double check the rules.
Check your lease agreement and the rules of the apartment complex. Many do not allow live trees which dry up and can pose a fire risk. Also, be courteous to your neighbors. Avoid motion sensor lights and sounds that could be set off in the middle of the night. If you’re unsure about whether a décor choice is allowed, double check with your landlord.
Finally, make sure you are covered for the unexpected with renter’s insurance. Renter’s insurance is surprisingly affordable. For as little as $10 a month, you can get a renter’s policy at California Casualty. Not all renter’s insurance is the same. Some policies cover more than others and costs vary. Check with your insurance provider to find out the options.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Those beautiful autumn leaves you’ve been admiring are not so pretty when they’re clogging your gutters. Acorns, leaves, branches, and other debris have a way of piling up, leading to blockages that can cause water damage and costly repairs. Enter gutter guards—a practical solution that keeps debris out while letting rainwater flow freely. Here’s a quick guide to gutter guards, including why autumn is the best time to check and clean your own gutters.
What exactly are gutters?
Gutters are channels along the edge of your roof that direct water away from your home. They include downspouts that bring water down to the ground, moving it at least 5-10 feet away from the foundation. When gutters get clogged, they no longer work the way they should. Water could stay pooled in the channels or move in ways that negatively affect your home. Clogged gutters can lead to expensive problems: soil erosion, basement flooding, structural damage, roof damage, siding damage, and foundation issues. A buildup of debris could also increase the risk of a fire. Luckily, there is an easy way to protect your gutters from getting clogged – gutter guards.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are many different types of gutter guards. Some can be self-installed, and others require a professional. Below is a brief description of the main kinds along with their pros and cons. (Check the warranty on your shingles before you install a gutter guard that requires attaching directly to shingles with screws or nails as that could potentially void it.)
Screen Guards
This is like a window screen for your gutters. The screen keeps out debris while the holes let the water pass through.
Pros: These guards are affordable and can be self-installed.
Cons: Dirt and small debris can still pass through the screen and get in your gutter. These guards need to be removed and cleaned at least once a year.
Micro-mesh Guards
Micro-mesh guards are like screen guards, but with holes that are much tinier. They are particularly good at keeping out pine needles and dirt, which can slip through larger openings. These guards are usually made of stainless steel and other durable materials.
Pros: Micro-mesh guards are low maintenance, and long lasting. They are easy to clean and should be cleaned every 3-12 months.
Cons: They require professional installation.
Reverse-Curve Guards (Surface Tension Guards)
These guards are attached beneath the shingles, and they go over the gutter and curve back a little. The curve creates a hood, so debris doesn’t get into the gutter, but the unique design lets the water seep through.
Pros: These are long-lasting and low maintenance guards.
Cons: Reverse-curve guards require professional installation. They also are highly visible and could affect your home’s aesthetic.
Brush Guards
These guards are made of stiff brushes that point up inside your gutters. The bristles catch debris as the water passes through.
Pros: They are easy to install and remove for cleaning.
Cons: These guards require frequent cleaning. Small debris can get caught in the brushes’ bristles, and these guards can be tough to clean as a result.
Foam Guards
This triangular-shaped foam fits inside your gutter to prevent leaves and other debris from lodging there. It’s usually made from polyurethane and has a spongy texture that allows water to flow through. Some foam guards restrict water flow more than others.
Pros: These are affordable and easy to install. They are good at blocking large debris.
Cons: Small debris can enter through gaps between the foam and gutter walls. The foam also can break and is susceptible to mold due to dampness. These need to be replaced every 1-2 years, depending on weather conditions in your area.
DIY vs. Professional
Should you install your own gutter guards or hire a professional? Here are some things to consider.
Choose DIY gutter guards and install them yourself if:
You want or need to save money.
You’re generally handy and comfortable on a ladder.
Your roof is easy to access.
You like the choices available for DIY. You can find most at your local home improvement store.
Hire a professional to install your gutter guards if:
You have the budget for professional installation, and you prefer the convenience.
You want a warranty to show the installation was done correctly and that will address potential future issues.
You want a higher quality gutter guard than is available DIY.
Your roof is unusually steep or is difficult to access.
You have concerns about doing it yourself.
Before the Installation
The best time to install gutter guards is late summer and early fall. This helps prepare for the large volume of leaves that start coming down during the season. Before the installation, you will want to clean and check your gutters.
Cleaning your gutters is part of fall home maintenance. It helps to ensure that your home is ready for winter storm season and severe weather. Here’s a quick overview of how the process is done.
Gather your supplies: a bucket for debris, trowel or gutter scoop, garden hose with spray nozzle, latex or waterproof gloves to protect your hands from wet debris, safety eyewear, and a sturdy ladder.
Start at the downspout. Use your gloved hand or a trowel to remove leaves, twigs and packed material.
Then go up to roof level on your ladder. Use your gloved hand to clear large debris like leaves or twigs. Use the trowel for compacted debris.
Remove and clean the downspout strainer.
Flush the downspout and the gutter with water from your hose.
Look for leaks, making sure water flows freely through the downspout. You will want to repair any issues before you add gutter guards.
Inspect your gutter for rust spots or peeling paint which could show signs of deterioration. Again you will want to address any issues and potentially replace those parts before adding the guards.
Look for mold or mildew near the foundation which could mean water is getting in there. That could signal a larger problem.
Ready to start the project?
Once you have clean gutters without any issues, you are ready to protect them with gutter guards. Measure your gutters so that you will be able to purchase the right length of gutter guards. If you’re doing a DYI installation, make sure to fully read and understand the instructions. Watch tutorials and online customer reviews for a heads up on potential mistakes. Know that installing gutter guards can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days. If you’re choosing a professional installation, make sure to get several estimates and ask for references to avoid scams.
Your home is your greatest investment. Keep it fully protected for added peace of mind.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
