Homes & Gardens

The Most Common December Pests and How to Stop Them?

When temperatures drop and winter sets in, many pests begin searching for warm places to hide. Unfortunately, that often means moving into homes, garages and workplaces. December might feel too cold for insects and rodents to be active, but it’s one of the busiest times of the year for pest control callouts. Understanding which pests are most common at this time of year, and knowing how to deal with them, can help protect your home and stop infestations before they become serious. This guide explains the top December pests, why they appear, and the steps you can take to prevent them....

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Want to compost but don't know how?

Devon residents, who want to recycle their food and garden waste but don’t know how, can pick up some top tips and advice from the experts at a Compost Roadshow.

During August and September Recycle Devon, a partnership of 10 Devon councils, is holding roadshows at various locations throughout the county. Visitors to the roadshows will be able to pick up a discounted compost bin, enter a prize draw and receive some one-to-one advice. Residents who sign a pledge to compost more, use their food waste collection or sign up to the Recycle Devon e-newsletter, could win a luxury hamper....

Think Sink! campaign aims to keep your pipes clear

South West Water is launching a new campaign encouraging customers to dispose of cooking fat, oil and grease in the kitchen bin.

Every year, tens of thousands of litres of waste fat, cooking oil and grease are poured down sinks by people who don’t realise the problems this could cause.

South West Water’s Head of Community Relations, Alan Hyde, explained: “When hot fat, oil and grease cools it forms a solid mass which can build up inside your pipes.

“At best you might notice that your sink or dishwasher isn’t draining as quickly, but blocked pipes can also cause...

Four Simple Ways to Create Space in Your Home

Are you looking to find ways to upgrade your storage and get the most out of the house you have? Over time our homes get so filled up, and it can feel like we’re battling to find places to put our prized possessions. Maybe your family is expanding, or maybe you are enjoy collecting objects and hoard possessions of emotional value. Before you start over stuffing the attic, looking in to upsizing your house or tearing large clumps of your hair out, consider these ways to utilise the space in your home more effectively.

1. Organise Your Belongings

It might seem obvious, but...

Uncertainty continues to stifle SW housing market

House price inflation slowed further in June, according to the latest South West RICS UK Residential Market Survey. At the same time there is little encouragement for sales activity with new instructions declining and new buyer enquiries remaining flat across the region.

The June RICS Residential Market Survey included additional questions to gather further insight regarding the generally flat trend in activity being seen across the region. Respondents cited domestic political uncertainty and Brexit as the biggest influences for subdued activity. Looking at price inflation, in June...

Is your garden wild enough to win an award?

A conservation charity is offering local green fingered folk the chance to have their patches honoured as a ‘wildlife-friendly garden’.

Devon wildlife Trust is launching its Wildlife Gardening Awards to encourage Exeter people to help the city’s varied and precious wildlife. The scheme is free to enter and open to individuals, private gardeners, schools, housing associations, community groups and businesses based in Exeter. The charity plans to present Wildlife Gardening Award plaques to gardens which are able to achieve six nature friendly criteria from a list of 25 that it has...

Apartment with Cathedral views crowned Exeter's most prime piece of real estate

Exeter-based property developer, Burrington Estates has announced one of its seven luxury apartments in Cathedral Yard has sold for what is believed to be a record amount for a property in the city – and before the development has formally launched.

The 2,147 sqft, 3-bed apartment boasts stand-out features including an external terrace and an open-plan dining and reception area enjoying stunning views overlooking the Cathedral and has secured an asking price in excess of £1million, making it the most sought-after piece of real estate in the region.

Renovation of the four-...

Investing in buy-to-let property

In this modern era of faltering pension funds, low interest rates and poorly performing government bonds, it can be difficult to know where to turn for a sound investment proposition. There is, however, one area that has been consistently buoyant and has out performed other investment types: the good old-fashioned concept of investing in bricks and mortar.

The buy-to-let market has proved hugely popular with those looking for a safe investment that will generate positive yields. Let’s examine why, and see if you too should consider becoming a landlord.

The perfect storm...

Teignbridge lead self build study tour

Teignbridge recently invited councils from Cornwall to South Gloucestershire to join a Teignbridge study tour exploring the latest innovation and experience in custom and self build homes.

The tour was designed to provide local authority councillors and officers with an opportunity to increase their knowledge so they can help local residents interested in designing or building their own home.

The first part of the Teignbridge-led tour saw 16 delegates visit the National Self Build and Renovation Centre (NSBRC) in Swindon. The visit was timed to coincide with the NSBRC...

Open day brings benefits of renting in retirement in Exeter

Girlings Retirement Rentals, the UK’s market leader in retirement rentals, is hosting an open day at Homecourt House in Exeter, Devon on Wednesday 5 July to welcome over 55s interested in renting one of three one-bedroom apartments, in one of the most desirable retirement destinations in the UK. Exeter has been named one of the top 20 places to live in the UK. This vibrant city with its stunning Cathedral, great restaurants and fast connections to London is also surrounded by beautiful countryside and close to seaside resorts on East Devon’s World Heritage Listed coastline. Doors will open...

East Devon's new recycling service begins next week

With just days to go before the start of East Devon District Council’s new improved recycling service which begins on Monday June 12, residents are being reminded to refer carefully to the information they have been sent to ensure they are aware of their collection days, what they can recycle and how to separate the items between their box and new sack.

Cardboard, plastics, cartons and small electrical goods have been added to the extensive number of recycling items that residents can currently recycle which includes food waste, paper, glass bottles and jars, tins and cans,...

Homes & Gardens

The Most Common December Pests and How to Stop Them?

Want to compost but don't know how?

Think Sink! campaign aims to keep your pipes clear

Four Simple Ways to Create Space in Your Home

Uncertainty continues to stifle SW housing market

Is your garden wild enough to win an award?

Apartment with Cathedral views crowned Exeter's most prime piece of real estate

Investing in buy-to-let property

Teignbridge lead self build study tour

Open day brings benefits of renting in retirement in Exeter

East Devon's new recycling service begins next week

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