March of the Ants


All due respect to those observing St. Paddy’s Day, but on this day in March, what I’m observing seems to be the start of the annual parade of the ants! Can’t believe it — I just looked at the cat’s bowls and spied those pesky critters! Mind you, it’s not even officially spring yet! (Yeah, I know, what do the ants care? It’s warm today. Woo hoo!)

At any rate, I’m reminded that last year’s ant invasion was particularly outrageous. Lasted a long, long time and the invaders were not deterred by anything we tried, i.e., constant cleaning, ant traps and sprays.

POR: Does anyone have a really effective ant repellent/destroyer to recommend that won’t also make house pets sick?

TIA

Categories: Exterminator
By Brooklynista | 03/18/2011 9:45 AM | Comment

Good Fences = Good Neighbors?


Whose responsibility is it to maintain and repair a chain link fence that is situated in the middle of adjoining property lines when : a gigantic tree on Neighbor X’s property drops a giantic limb onto the fence, thereby crushing it taking out a portion of Neighbor Y’s bamboo fence (attached to the chain link fence) in the process? Is it still 50-50 responsibility of both property owners to replace the damaged fence in that instance?

(And, yes, we know that negotiation and collaborative problem solving is always the better course between next door neighbors. But, just in case, what does the law say?) :)

By Brooklynista | 04/06/2009 10:10 AM | Comment

Runtal Radiators


Hi,

We’re considering replacing our cast iron radiators (hot water system) with Runtal, flat panel rads in just a couple of rooms. Interested in hearing from those of you who have done this as to what your experience has been. Are you happy with your Runtals? Do you stay warm wnough or do you feel they are better in looks than in providing heat? :) Any issues with system compatibility when you are only replacing a few rads and leaving the rest of the system intact? Did you hire an HVAC professional to do the job or rely on a regular plumber for the install? We’d really love to hear the answer to these questions and any other practical advice you can share ASAP as the order really needs to go in this week.

Thanks!

Categories: Heating
By Brooklynista | 10/07/2008 11:07 AM | Comment

ISO a certain KD


Does anyone know how to get in touch with Keenia Farrell, the KD who used to work for Park Slope Kitchen Gallery? Based on rave reviews of her work on this forum, I went there looking for her. Unfortunately, she is no longer there. If any of her former customers know how to reach her (and she is open to being reached for a design assignment) please email me her contact info at brooklynista at yahoo. Thanks!

Categories: Kitchen & Bath
By Brooklynista | 07/28/2008 7:44 PM | Comment