These little whirling dervishes of vacuum world can even deal with obstacles such as stairs, thresholds, and transitions between different flooring materials. When it encounters top of a staircase it will come right to edge, stop for a few seconds, make a reverse turn, and go off in another direction.

Since purchasing a robot vacuum cleaner I have gone from vacuuming once a week to every couple of days. The results of increased cleaning frequency are quite visible. This little machine has put shine back into my carpets.

The only disadvantages I have found are minor. For instance, dust storage bin is small. The bin should be emptied after every few uses to prevent it from becoming full. Also power brush can become clogged with small bits of debris. This is easily corrected though by disassembling brush and cleaning bristles. Roomba even provides a special comb for this job. It works quite well.

So, if like me you hate thought of getting out vacuum and pushing it around room, then consider a robot vacuum cleaner to help you with this chore.

Ladies, do you know statistics show that 85% of household chores are done by women. So, if you ever want to get a man to “do” (initiate may be a better term) vacuuming then perhaps consider introducing him to a robot vacuum cleaner. The first few times I used mine I sat for hours watching it operate. I was utterly fascinated by how it traversed labyrinth of my main floor living areas. To extent that I could hardly wait for it to recharge so that I could start it up again.

Here is an interesting idea. Since all men like gadgets, “ Why not get Dad one for fathers day ”. That way he won’t have any excuse for not being involved with vacuuming. Besides, It will pay him back for toaster he got you for your birthday last year.

* Electrolux is a registered trademarks of AB Electrolux of Sweden * Roomba is a registered trademark of iRobot

Store bulk foods in sealed glass, metal or hard plastic containers. Stack bagged or boxed food in neat rows on shelves or cupboards in a way that allows for thorough inspection for evidence of mice. In storage areas, keep stored materials away from walls. Sweep floors frequently to detect fresh mouse droppings.

Always clean up after eating. Do not invite mice by leaving food items or crumbs out overnight.

Seal all holes and openings larger than 1/4 inch across. A mouse can crawl through a hole size of a dime. Use steel wool or cement to seal, screen or cover all holes into house. Place 3 inches of gravel around base of homes or trailers. Enclose foundations of permanent houses with metal roof flashing buried 6 inches deep and rising 12 inches above ground. Mice can jump 12 inches onto a solid surface. Fill gaps around pipes. Fix loose fitting doors. Close openings around chimneys, damaged house siding, broken windows and screens.

Inside, get rid of clutter in basements, storage rooms, sheds, carports, and garages. Remove padded cushions from sofas and chairs, and store them on edge or separate them from one another, off floor. Remove drawers in empty cupboards or chests and place them on sides.

Outside remove piles of trash, junk and lumber. Keep woodpiles more than 12 inches above ground. Keep covers on trash cans and dumpsters. Eliminate weeds and other vegetative cover as well as debris and litter in and around homes, buildings, crops, lawns and other cultivated areas. Lawns should be mowed regularly.

For more on pest control, including mice, deer, mosquitoes, snakes and many more visit:

http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/micecontrol.htm