Checklist: August To-Dos for Homeowners

Besides being the hottest month of the year, August is a time of transition. Vacation season is winding down and the school year is starting. Here are several key home maintenance chores to complete.

Transition time

Break out the backpacks, calculators, and lunch bags. Prepare a place at home for the kids to study and access a computer. Set aside the coolers and beach chairs for weekend use.

Eliminate wasp and bird nests

By late summer, pull down abandoned bird’s nests and scrub the area with hot soapy water. For wasp nests, wait until just after dusk when wasps are becoming dormant, then use wasp spray that projects a stream of 20 feet. The next day, inspect to ensure the wasps are gone before pulling down the nest. If you are allergic to wasp stings, call a professional exterminator.

Plant a fall garden

Harvest the last of your summer vegetables and prep the soil for planting a fall garden. Visit your garden center or shop online to choose vegetables that do well in your autumn climate.

Have carpets cleaned

Traffic in and out of the house peaks in summer and so does the dirt tracked inside. Have your carpets professionally cleaned in August so that they look and smell good for the upcoming season. Double-check to ensure the contractor is following the CDC recommendations for safety during the pandemic.