Tag: Randall A. Cantrell

Homeowner’s Guide to Selecting a Pest Control Service

A house fly perches on a soft drink can in this file photo by University of Florida entomologist Jerry Butler. The tiny white spots are flecks of powdered sugar from an earlier stroll on a jelly doughnut. In a new study, Butler and colleagues tested house flies captured outside restaurants and found they often carried harmful bacteria, including five species never associated with flies before.

While you can prevent pests from infesting your home, you might need the services of a professional to evict them if they have already moved in. The pest control industry in Florida is the largest in the nation. How do you choose the best pest control company for you? This 6-page fact sheet written by Faith Oi, James E. Davis, John M. Diaz, Sarah M. Ellis, Randall A. Cantrell, Nelly Nelson, and Judy Corbus and published by the UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department is full of practical tips and advice to help you choose a reliable and effective pest control service to help you kick out any uninvited crawlies.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1269

Encouraging Landscape Water-Conservation Behaviors #4: Florida Homeowners' Reactions to Messages that Encourage Landscape Water Conservation Practice Adoption

Sprinklers watering athletic fields. UF/IFAS Phto by Tyler Jones.

This is the fourth publication in a series focused on improving and encouraging water conservation among Florida residents who use irrigation in their home landscape. This four-page fact sheet examines the impact of differently framed messages on Florida residents’ attitudes toward good irrigation practices and their perceived ability to implement those practices. Written by Joy Rumble, Laura A. Warner, Courtney Owens, Alexa Lamm, and Randall Cantrell and published by the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc202

Encouraging Landscape Water-Conservation Behaviors #3: Developing Extension and Outreach Messages That Encourage Landscape Water Conservation Practice Adoption

Setting the sprinkler head for an irrigation system

Message framing can be an effective tool for crafting messages for a target audience. This 5-page fact sheet explains how Extension can use gain and loss message framing to encourage Florida residents who irrigate their home landscape to adopt water-conservation practices. Part three of the series Encouraging Landscape Water-Conservation Behaviors and written by Courtney Owens, Laura Warner, Joy Rumble, Alexa Lamm, and Randall Cantrell, and published by the UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, June 2015.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc201

Using the Decision-Ade(TM) Segmentation Strategy to Better Understand Extension Audiences

Some home occupants are more bothered by their utility bill than others.

Decision-Ade™ is a tool Extension can use to better understand how residents with a range of household budgets feel about their utility bills. Analyzing households in terms of both income and utility bill “botheredness” creates a more comprehensive picture of that household’s utility use and its willingness to modify utility consumption relative to other households. This 5-page fact sheet uses survey data of Florida residents to demonstrate the insights Decision Ade™ can provide and how those insights can inform Extension programming. Written by Randall Cantrell, Laura Warner, Joy Rumble, and Alexa Lamm, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, July 2015.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1461

Encouraging Landscape Water-Conservation Behaviors #1: Tailoring Programs To Florida Residents Who Use Irrigation in the Home Landscape

Figure 1. Level of importance of Florida issues reported by Floridians who use irrigation in the home landscape (N = 1063)

To better promote water-conservation practices among homeowners who irrigate their landscaping, Extension professionals must first have a clear understanding of this target audience’s habits, beliefs, and needs. This 10-page fact sheet recommends that Extension professionals analyze their audiences through several factors, including their interest in water conservation and knowledge of water issues and laws. Written by Laura A. Warner, Emmett Martin, Alexa Lamm, Joy Rumble, and Randall Cantrell, and published by the UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, May 2015. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc199

 

Encouraging Landscape Water-Conservation Behaviors: Information Seeking Preferences of Florida Residents Who Use Irrigation in the Home Landscape

people talking about landscaping choices in Florida-friendly developmentHow can we encourage Florida residents who irrigate their home landscapes to adopt environmentally responsible irrigation practices? Provide them information they are interested in and deliver it through their preferred information channels. This 4-page fact sheet discusses the topics of interest to this audience and how they prefer to receive information about water-conservation practices related to their home landscaping, and makes recommendations for reaching this audience. Written by Courtney Owens, Laura Warner, Joy Rumble, Alexa Lamm, Emmett Martin, Randall Cantrell, and published by the UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, April 2015. (UF/IFAS Photo by Thomas Wright)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc204

Homemade Household Cleaners

Figure 1. Budget-friendly homemade cleaners can save you money.Are you on a budget? Running low on those household cleaners? Instead of heading to the store to buy those more expensive cleaners, make your own! Many homemade household cleaners can be made with just a few inexpensive products that will last a lot longer. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Amanda Griffin and Randall A. Cantrell, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, October 2014. (Photo: iStock/Thinkstock.com)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1449

Closing Your Seasonal Home

Figure 1. Before leaving your seasonal home, perishable items should be eaten, given away, or discarded. Get organized and make a plan before you lock your doors to leave your home for an extended period of time. Proper preparation inside and out will help ensure your return to a clean, undamaged home. Florida’s environment creates the possibility for mildew growth, storm damage, and pests. Unoccupied homes are more susceptible to these types of damage. This 6-page fact sheet provides the necessary steps to prepare your home before leaving for an extended period of time. There is also a checklist to help you remember. Written by Julie England, Audrey Norman, Randall A. Cantrell, and Maria J. Portelos-Rometo, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, June 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/he887

Keeping it Clean: Plan Your Cleaning

fy787This 1-page fact sheet lists the things you should clean as you go, those tasks you should do immediately, and tasks to do less often. Written by Mary N. Harrison, Amanda Griffin, and Randall A. Cantrell, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, May 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy787

Keeping It Clean: A Healthy House

Father and daughter cleaning in the kitchenThe way you clean and maintain your home will affect the health of your family, especially children. The incidence of children diagnosed with asthma is increasing. You can help make your home safe and healthy for your children by eliminating or controlling the risks outlined in this publication. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Mary N. Harrison, Amanda Griffin, and Randall A. Cantrell, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, May 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy786

Keeping it Clean: Controlling Mildew

water splattered tile floorMildew is a mold that can grow and cause damage to your health and home. The concern about mildew is that it is believed to contribute to respiratory problems, like asthma, especially in children. This 1-page fact sheet provides tips for preventing mildew and for getting rid of it. Written by Mary N. Harrison, Randall A. Cantrell, and Amanda Griffin, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, May 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy796

Dealing with a Florida Winter Weather Event

Figure 1. In case of a winter weather event, be sure to have extra batteries, water, canned goods, flashlights, and medical supplies in stock. Credit: ixsooz/iStock/Thinkstock.comPeople in Florida might not consider planning and preparing for winter weather events because of its normally mild temperatures. However, some northern Florida regions experience temperatures below freezing and occasional snow and ice storms during the winter months. These storm events can be dangerous and even deadly. These simple safety reminders can help you and your family be better prepared for Florida’s winter weather events. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Randall Cantrell, Judy Corbus, and Michael Spranger, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, April 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1407

How to Hire and Manage Residential Contractors

Contractor working on window in new homeIf you are looking for a contractor for either home building or remodeling, ask difficult questions before you enter into a contract. This way you and the contractor have a clear understanding of the other’s expectations. Before signing a contract and beginning a project is the best time to thank contractors for their consideration and time, rather than risk entering into an unfortunate working relationship that could require legal intervention. Contractors understand potential clients, and they will inform you if they do not want to accept a contract with you. This negotiation period should not be taken personally by either party and should only develop into a business relationship that exists during the period of hire and warranty outlined in the contract. This 5-page fact sheet was written by Randall A. Cantrell, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, September 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1380

Improving Savings, Health, and Happiness by Re-examining Your Practices and Surroundings series

kids townThis series of EDIS publications introduces readers to the concept of overall community performance and suggests minor modifications to neighborhoods, public schools, and public services that could help citizens improve their communities. This publication is for a general audience and provides a list of changes to public schools that, if enacted, may help improve a community’s performance.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_series_improving_savings_health_and_happiness

Improving Health and Happiness in the Home by Being an Energy Giver Rather Than an Energy Taker (FCS3313/FY1339)

Father and son with laundry basket One way to improve health and happiness in the home is to work toward becoming an energy giver rather than an energy taker. The first step in doing this is to accept that you have some control regarding the attitude you choose to display during your waking hours. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Randall A. Cantrell and Victor W. Harris, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, October 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1339

Differences between Green Homebuilders and Traditional Homebuilders (FCS3308/FY1285)

When renovating an existing home, seek out ENERGY STAR and WaterSense products to improve your home's energy and water efficiency.Homebuilders are not a homogeneous group. Throughout the majority of the US homebuilding history, homebuilders may have used similar practices and building materials, but homebuilders who build to a “green” standard differ from those who do not. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Randall A. Cantrell, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1285

Improving Savings, Health, and Happiness by Making Small Modifications to Your Home (FCS3312/FY1323)

Figure 1. Conceptual framework for overall home performance.Intended for an academic audience, this 7-page fact sheet introduces readers to the concept of overall home performance and offers suggestions of minor conservation measures, maintenance items, and family operations that could help the family improve the overall home performance. Written by Randall A. Cantrell, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1323

Improving Savings and Health by Maintaining Your Home at a Ready-to-Sell Level (FCS3310/FY1321)

We never know when the market will allow for bidding wars on the price of homes, which was the case in some areas before the recent housing crisis. Similarly, we never know when we will have to make a decision about whether or not to move our family. This 4-page fact sheet reviews ways to maintain your home at a ready-to-sell level, which can be a benefit if you have to sell your home or relocate your family. Written by Randall A. Cantrell, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1321

Improving Savings, Health, and Happiness by Modifying How the Family Operates the Home (FCS3311/FY1322)

A toolboxDoes your home routine need a tune-up? This 4-page fact sheet discusses ways to improve your home’s family operations, which are routines and behaviors practiced at home by your family. Written by Randall A. Cantrell, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1322

Improving Savings and Health through Minor Conservation Measures in the Home (FCS3309/FY1320)

Florida homeMechanical upgrades can increase the overall performance of a house by as much as 40%–50%, and the remaining 50%–60% inefficiency in the overall performance of a home is largely misunderstood. This 4-page fact sheet discusses ways to improve your home by making minor conservation measures. Written by Randall A. Cantrell, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1320