Rodent and Pest Control in Philadelphia
How to Handle Rodent and Pest Control in Philadelphia
For some reason I was under the impression that I didn’t have mice in my apartment. That idea was squashed when my roommate trapped a mouse under a cup in our sink. It was then and there that I decided I needed to find out what renters need to know about rodent and pest control in Philadelphia.
SOME FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO RODENT AND PEST PROBLEMS
Contributing factors to Philadelphia’s rodent and pest control problems are large population, density, family poverty, and city age. In our case, it most likely had to do with the garbage not being taken out quickly enough. Fox has reported on restaurants experiencing mice control issues. Mark Coopersmith comments in the Fox article that “Philadelphia is loaded with steam pipes underground.” He goes on to mention that there are tons of access points that have not been sealed. It is no wonder that it is so hard to keep the pests out!
RENTERS: WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO DEAL WITH RODENT AND PEST CONTROL?
- Usually, unless there is a preexisting problem with rodents and pests, it is the tenant’s responsibility to take care of rodent and pest control. At JG Real Estate, we use Rat Zappers to control the furry animals that come into select properties. The easiest thing a renter can do is pick up a mouse trap or repellent to get rid of the problem. This is an inexpensive way to decrease your problem.
- Personally, I am unable (and unwilling) to dispose of a rodent in this way. I don’t want to see the end-product of my efforts to deal with my rodent and pest problem. An exterminator is the best way to go for me. There are tons of them in and around the city. Servicemagic, Orkin, and Western Pet Services are just a few of the places I found that have good reputations in regards to rodent and pest control.
- Some people do not believe in dealing with rodent and pest problems by extermination. For this, I found a humane and easy way to trap a mouse. Get a toilet tube and make one side of it flat so it is able to sit steadily on a table. Put some peanut butter (mice love peanut butter) at the end of the tube and place it at the edge of a table or counter top, hanging off just a little bit. Below that, place a a tall bucket or trash can. When the mouse goes to get the treat off of the edge of your tube, he will fall into the trash can and, voila, he has been caught. You can set the critter free outside and have one less rodent and pest problem on your hand!
Hope this helps!
Finding The Best Elementary Schools in Philadelphia
Raising Children in Philadelphia
Being that children are our future and there has been a recent boom in babies in the city of Philadelphia, I thought it would be great to identify the best schools in Philadelphia.
COMPARING SCHOOLS
I went to GreatSchools, a website that rates schools in your community, and provides you with local information, allows for a platform for other parents’ advice and opinions, and does much more. Broken down into categories, you can see listings for preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools, and also public schools and private schools. You can compare the top-rated elementary, middle, and high schools. This is a great tool for any parent who is deciding whether the city is the best place to raise a family!
THE TOP-RATED PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Here is the list of the top-rated Philadelphia (in and around center city) Public Elementary Schools, according to GreatSchools:
- Ad Prima Charter School, K-4, 186 Students Enrolled
- Laboratory Charter School, K-8, 452 Students Enrolled
- Edmonds Franklin S School, K-5, 605 Students Enrolled
- Penn Alexander School, K-7, 560 Students Enrolled
- Meredith William M School, K-8, 446 Students Enrolled
These schools have great ratings, high scores, and offer amazing programs to their students. They are definitely worth checking out and not writing off solely because they are within the Philadelphia school district.
Philadelphia’s Best Alfresco Dining
The start of Spring is upon us! The flowers are blooming, the bees are buzzing, and the city is a frenzy as people begin to come out from hibernation. I thought it would be a great idea to pick my top five fabulous spots where you can dine outdoors in Philadelphia.
Top 5 List — Center City
- Rittenhouse Square is famed for it’s beautiful park and luxury condos. It also has some of the best restaurants with great space to dine outdoors! You can choose some French cuisine at Parc, seafood at Devon Seafood Grill, or go for something more American at Rouge. No matter what choice you make, you will enjoy your food while people-watching & basking in the sun.
- Closer to the Washington Square area? Be sure to check out Varga Bar and dine outdoors. It is a great restaurant and, as one of its main attractions, has a large area for outdoor seating. If it is a bit chilly out, they turn on the heat lamps, and you can enjoy your wonderful meal while enjoying some of there special beers.
- Right off of the lovely Kelly Drive is Waterworks Restaurant & Lounge. This is a one of a kind spot to dine outdoors, offering views of the river and beautiful boathouse row along with having wonderful food.
- El Vez has some of the best guacamole in this city! Enjoy the great good and wonderful margaritas while sitting outdoors at this fun & funky restaurant. Don’t forget to walk across the street and enjoy some fabulous gelato at Capogiro.
- Reading Terminal Market is renowned for its amazing food and the hustle & bustle atmosphere. If you’re looking to enjoy the scrumptious cuisine but are looking to stay away from the crowds of inside, take your food outside to one of RTM’s outdoor tables!
Hoping this helps you in your search to dine outdoors. Please take the time to enjoy this wonderful city, whether you dine outdoors or walk around the parks – we live in a beautiful city, we should take full advantage!
Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Events
In Philadelphia, St. Patrick’s Day is a day-long event and attraction. Here are some things you can do tomorrow, March 17, 2012.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVITIES AT BARS & RESTAURANTS
All Around the City
- Shamrock Shuffle Bar Crawl: You can buy a ticket, prices range from $15-$20, which includes wristband, cup, and drink specials at each location. This bar crawl has 2 start locations where you can start the madness. There are stops all around the city: Northern Liberties (McFadden’s & Liberties Bar), Old City (Philadelphia Bar and Restaurant & Mad River Bar and Grille), Rittenhouse Square (The Raven Lounge), Center City (Field House & Finn McCools) and Midtown Village (Tavern on Broad, Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar & Blue Bear Tavern). Take advantage of this great bar crawl and celebrate the right way!
Old City
- Mad River Bar & Grille will be hosting a free breakfast buffet from 9-11AM! From 11AM-3PM there will be specials including $3 Coors Light bottles, $4 Svedka drinks, and $5 Car Bombs. There will be live music starting at noon, featuring Megan Krauss, Dapp, and others.
- Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse will be featuring $4 Bud Light & Rolling Rock cans and $6 Guinness drafts.
- Fado Irish Pub has a $10 cover all day. From 7-10AM check out their free pancakes at Pints & Pancakes. There will be Irish Dancers at 3PM and a DJ from 7PM to close
University City
- 2012 Erin Express! There is free bus transportation to each stop from 12PM – 5:30PM. The bars include Mill Creek Tavern, Smokey Joe’s, The Blarney Stone, Cavanaugh’s, Westy’s, Mace’s Crossing, Green Room, Kelliann’s, Slainte, Bonner’s Irish Pub, Callahan’s Grille, Gallagher’s on the Parkway, Cavanaugh’s Rittenhosue, Drinkers West, New Deck, and Copabanana.
Northern Liberties
- Wedge & Fig is having a $17 meal including a three-cheese board, a sampling of Irish-inspired desserts, and a glass of beer!
South Philadelphia
- South Philly Bar & Grill will have the Irish Olympics! This event features games, food & drink specials, prizes, and Irish-themed food menu.
- Hawthorne’s Biercafe will have a traditional Irish feast that includes corned beef, potatoes, Irish soda bread, and a can of Guinness from 5-10PM.
Manayunk
- Kildare’s will feature $10 for a pint and Irish breakfast. WMMR will broadcast during the day & night, and there will be live music.
- The Grape Room will have performances by Dynagroove, Cookie Rabinowitz & Brian Flanagan. Also, they will have $3 Lionshead bottles on special.
Weekend Escapes
Planning a Weekend Getaway
The weather is getting warmer and spring fever is coming. It’s time to start planning your next weekend getaway. Here are some fun weekend getaway ideas within Pennsylvania, total travel time not exceeding 5 hours, regardless of whether you’re staying in the city or venturing elsewhere.
FOR A LOCAL WEEKEND GETAWAY
Some of us don’t want to waste our precious time traveling to far away lands and spending tons on airfare and accommodations just for a weekend getaway. You can escape right in your own city! That being said, because there are so many things to do in this amazing city, try to make your weekend getaway into a themed weekend.
Italy – Wish you could jet-set to Italy for your weekend getaway? Why don’t you try heading to the Italian Market during the day in South Philadelphia and enjoy some of the Italian culture. May 19 & 20, 2012 will be the Italian Market Festival where you can experience the annual procession of saints, and enjoy live entertainment and lots of food! Pick an amazing authentic Italian restaurant like La Fontana della Citta or Dante and Luigi’s to enjoy your evening. Spend your weekend getaway lodged at the Morris House Hotel, a bed & breakfast located right near the Italian Market and many other Philadelphia sights like the Liberty Bell and within walking distance from the Reading Terminal Market.
Mexico – Philadelphia boasts a ton of restaurants that feature authentic Mexican meals. For a fun themed weekend getaway day trip, travel to Northern Liberties. Shack up at the Penn’s View Hotel for the weekend. Experience the Brunch Burritos and Grilled Mexican Corn at El Camino Real. Then head over to Cantina Dos Segundos for some tequila and wonderful margaritas. You could also spend your weekend getaway in University City and book a nights stay at the Sheraton. Give your night a little Mexican flavor by heading to Distrito, said to have the best “Modern Mexican” food this city has to offer.
Greece – Well, there are a some great things Greek in Philadelphia and you can definitely make a weekend surrounding them. Take a look at some of the Greek events going on in Philadelphia like Philadelphia Baklava Greek Cooking Class, Elektra, or the Great Riddles in Archaeology Lecture Series – Atlantis: The Lost Continent? Follow this up by exploring some of the amazing Greek restaurants Philadelphia has to offer like Kanella, Estia, and many more.
If you’re not into the whole “theme” idea, but still want a weekend getaway experience, pick one of the many luxury hotels Philadelphia has to offer, the Four Seasons, Sofitel, Palomar, just to name a few. Choose a great dinner spot, Rouge, Vetri, Continental, Amada, or any others. Plan a day’s worth of itinerary for your weekend getaway. You can stroll along Kelly Drive, take a great walking tour, or jump on one of the bus tours. Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Franklin Institute, or Independence Hall. See sides of the city you haven’t before and make it a little adventure like you would any other vacation spot.
WILLING TO DRIVE A LITTLE FOR YOUR WEEKEND GETAWAY
If you’re willing to get in the car and drive for your weekend getaway, or want to hop on some form of public transportation for a few hours, here are some great spots surrounding Philadelphia that may tickle your fancy!
- About a 3 1/2 hour drive from Philadelphia is the Omni Bedford Springs Resort, the perfect place for a weekend getaway. The resort, which has been standing since the late 1700’s, has been newly renovated and offers everything from indoor pool, golf course, and fly fishing. With a well-trained staff, wonderful restaurant, and breathtaking views from every angle, this resort will definitely rejuvenate you without breaking the bank.
- If you don’t want to travel so far for a weekend getaway, a little bit of a closer drive, the Hotel Fauchereis an estimated 2 1/2 hours from Philadelphia in Millford, Pa. They claim they offer guests “‘a home away from home’ experience,” and features great eateries, fabulous room amenities, and wonderful activities, including hikes and river activities.
- Want a little history during your weekend getaway and you’ve seen the Philadelphia attractions too many times? Take the five hour drive to Pittsburgh and enjoy the rich history and beautiful panoramic views. Stay at the Nextoknob Rental House and receive reservations to local attractions and restaurants. Rustic may not be your idea of a great vacation, but this place looks extremely quaint and relaxing. Take a chance!
We hope this gives you some good ideas for a weekend getaway!!! Here’s to relaxing & enjoying!
Pamper Yourself Philadelphia
Treat Yourself: Philadelphia Spas and Salons
Here are some places you can lay back, relax, and imagine yourself on a tropical island:
- Tierra Mia Organic Nail Spa – Earned “Best of Philly” in 2009, 2010 & 2011. This salon employs practices meant to support and protect the health of women by using pure and organic nail treatments.
- Topper Spa/Salon – There list of services include massage therapy, skincare treatments, nail care, and more. They have been open for 30 years and have a wonderful reputation among Philadelphians.
- Pileggi on the Square – This is a full-service salon! They do everything from hair cuts and styling to make-up application and spray tans. You could say it is a one-stop-shop! They also have a spa menu that includes all different types of facials, skin treatments for men, and exotic body treatments.
- Ovations Salon & Spa – Located right in the heart of Northern Liberties, this salon has hair and spa services. My favorite part: they provide bridal consultations and do make-up and hair for the bride and her bridal party!
- Juju Salon & Organics – This salon and spa provides all-natural organic professional body products and services. They offer great monthly specials and a shop to purchase green products!
