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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, January 2, 2007

Bug OUT!!

By Zenaida Serrano
Advertiser Staff Writer

It's a great day to rid your house of nasty crawlies.

MINETTE MCCABE | The Honolulu Advertiser

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If you're keen to Asian influences like most Hawai'i residents, you know that New Year's means cleaning the home from top to bottom to ensure a spotless abode year-round.

While you're at it, why not take an extra step and pest-proof your digs to make it truly tidy? We talked to experts who offered solutions to invasions by common home invaders — those pesky ants, fleas, mosquitoes and roaches.

Some effective insect-killing products are easily obtainable at local stores, and Durand Laride, who does inventory management for The Home Depot's lawn and garden department in Honolulu, gave us best-selling suggestions from his establishment. (Prices are listed below.)

"Always follow the directions on the packages," Laride emphasized.

Eco-friendly solutions also are available, courtesy of instructors from The Green House, a sustainable-living center in Pauoa that offers workshops for those interested in learning how to make the world a greener place.

Borax is a popular ingredient in natural remedies to battle bugs. But Betty Gearen, who runs The Green House, warns: "Boric acid and borax can be toxic to small children and pets, so keep well out of their reach, and inform other household members of the whereabouts and purpose of the borax powder."

Reach Zenaida Serrano at zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com.

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