Myth 1: You must bend the wires prior to when you apply the wire nuts.

This information comes from the wire nut makers. There is no need to twist the wires prior to applying the wire nuts. The majority of high-end wire nuts have the square-cut spring-steel cable that actually pierces the copper wires when you twist it. Spring wire contracts and expands when the electrical wires cool and heat while they remain in tight ties. Continue to twist the wire nut until it "hits bottom." Keep twisting the nut until the wire insulation is twisted 1 1/2 in. over the wire nuts.

Be aware that some lighting fixtures have wire nuts, but they don't include a spring-steel wire. Throw away those freebies and choose only the highest-quality wire nuts with an insert of wire.

Myth 2. Cheese is the most effective bait for mice traps.

Cheese isn't even on mice's "top-10 list." They'll only eat it if there's nothing else readily available. Additionally, cheese becomes hard after sitting for a few hours and makes it much easier for rodents to "steal" the bait without creating a trap. The ideal bait is bacon or peanut butter or a mix of bacon and peanut butter grease. Mice are attracted by the scent and taste. Make sure to wipe them off the mechanism for trips to ensure the most number of "catches."

Myth 3 The most effective time to water your grass is at night so that the water doesn't go away.

Evening watering can reduce the rate of evaporation, which allows the soil to absorb and hold on to more water. However, it also creates the ideal conditions for the growth of mold and other lawn diseases. The ideal moment to water your lawn during early in the morning when the sun rises. Late riser? Make use of a timer for watering. In addition, an impact-type sprinkler can be considered the best and most effective kind of sprinkler. Beware of sprinklers that shoot fine sprays or streams in the air as the water quickly evaporates.

1. Misunderstanding: You shouldn't paint stucco.

The normal house paint seals the pores of stucco. As the stucco expands and contracts, the paint breaks, which breaks the seal. Then, water gets into the stucco and is trapped inside, and the paint starts to slough off. It's not for long before you're left with pieces of unpainted stucco and paint patches--not an appealing appearance.

You can, however, apply elastomeric paint that is designed specifically to be used on stucco. It contracts and expands in accordance with the stucco and is resistant to cracking. Elastomeric paints allow air to circulate, allowing moisture to be able to escape. The best part is that Anyone can paint it themselves.

If you're not planning the stucco to be painted, you might consider hiring a professional who can "fog" it. Fogging contractors employ a spray gun that blends a colorant and a cement slurry. Fogging is quicker and more affordable than dashing and lasts nearly the same amount of time.

Myth 4: Cleaning the ducts is something that needs to be carried out often.

Most homes never need duct cleaning. However, there are some exceptions. If you notice mold or even insect or rodent nests in your ducts, remove the source of contamination or infiltration. Then, ensure that the ducts are professionally cleaned and disinfected. Expect to pay between $350 and $1,000 for a thorough task which includes cleaning the ducts with specialized brushes. Do not go with low-cost cleaning of ducts "specials" for $100 or less. These low-cost services typically blow compressed air into the ducts. This gets particles moving. However, it does not remove the rodent, mold, or insects' traces.