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FALL 2026
Improvement & Landscaping
Sharing Your Yard With Groundhogs (On Your Terms)
Embracing the Soggy Spots In Your Yard
Power Down
Your Energy Bills
A Special Advertising Section of the Bangor Daily News • Friday, September 4, 2026
2 FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT & LANDSCAPING • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 4, 2026
How to Keep Groundhogs From Making Your Property Home
BY STEPHANIE BOUCHARD
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icture your home as the opening scene of an animated film. It’s a beautiful spring day, and as you stand on your deck with a mug of steaming coffee, you survey your property. The grass is lush and full of clover. Trees and shrubs are leafed out, providing shade and privacy. The vegetable seedlings you planted in raised beds are growing strong. You sigh in contentment. Now the camera cuts to a different point of view: A young groundhog standing on its hind legs scopes out your property. Look at all that clover. There’s coneflower and phlox over there. Delicious. And are those beans growing on the trellis? The groundhog’s eyes widen with excitement when it spies the pièce de résistance: a shed resting on concrete blocks — the perfect protective roof for a burrow entrance. Like people, groundhogs look for particular things when choosing a home. A place that provides easy access to food and a protected living area is prime real estate, said Randy Canarr, owner of Maine Wildlife Management in Winterport. The same features that make your home appealing to you also make it appealing to groundhogs, also known as woodchucks. “You have a beautiful habitat that the groundhogs love,” he said. And they’re willing to put up with less desirable neighbors — us — to live there. Even if you have a live-and-let-live attitude, having groundhogs on your property can be problematic, especially when they burrow beneath the slab foundation of a home, garage, or other structure. While state law allows property owners to kill
groundhogs causing damage, there are several ways to make your property less attractive to them and discourage them from settling in.
MAKE FOOD HARDER TO REACH Add a fence around gardens, making sure to bury hardware cloth 12 to 18 inches deep to prevent groundhogs from digging underneath, said Griffin Dill, an integrated pest management professional with University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Clean up fallen fruit and produce, and if you compost, use an enclosed bin rather than an open pile.
PROTECT BUILDINGS Canarr recommends burying hardware cloth in an L-shape around vulnerable structures such as decks, sheds, and foundations. The barrier can help keep groundhogs from burrowing underneath.
SEAL ABANDONED BURROWS Groundhogs sometimes rotate among several burrows from year to year, Dill said, creating an opportunity to close unused entrances. Before filling holes with soil and rocks, make sure no animals are inside. Lightly block entrances with crumpled newspaper or a small pile of leaves and check over several days to see whether the material has been disturbed.
FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT & LANDSCAPING • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 4, 2026
SKIP MIRACLE REPELLENTS Ammonia-soaked or coyote-scented rags may deter groundhogs temporarily, but they quickly become accustomed to them, Canarr and Dill said. While mothballs are often recommended, Dill noted that they are registered pesticides and are not labeled for use as wildlife repellents.
DON’T RELY ON RELOCATION Trapping and moving groundhogs may seem like a humane solution, but it often is not — for either the animal or the homeowner. “Nature abhors a vacuum,” Canarr said. Without addressing what attracted the groundhog in the first place, another one is likely to move in. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife discourages relocating wildlife because of the potential for conflicts, disease transmission, and other concerns, Dill said. Some of these solutions can be expensive, labor-intensive, or impractical, depending on the situation. In many cases, a little discouragement may be enough. Rather than jumping immediately to expensive solutions, Canarr recommends starting with simple habitat modifications and adding more intensive measures only if they’re needed.
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4 FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT & LANDSCAPING • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 4, 2026
Professional Replacement From Start To Finish COURTESY OF RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN OF GREATER MAINE
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indow and door replacement for a commercial or professionally managed property involves more than selecting products. Scheduling, installation, occupant disruption, long-term maintenance and accountability all matter. Renewal by Andersen of Greater Maine’s Professional Properties division simplifies the process by managing each project from the initial consultation through installation and customer care.
ONE COMPANY. CLEAR ACCOUNTABILITY. When sales, manufacturing, installation and service are divided among multiple companies, communication and responsibility can become unclear. Renewal by Andersen provides one coordinated process. Our team evaluates the property, listens to your priorities, completes detailed measurements, custom-builds the products and professionally installs them. This gives property professionals one reliable point of contact from start to finish.
SOLUTIONS DESIGNED AROUND YOUR PROPERTY Every building has different needs. A historic property may require a solution that complements its original architecture. A multi-unit dwelling may prioritize durability and consistent operation. A business or municipal building may need installation completed in phases to help limit disruption. Renewal by Andersen replacement windows are made with exclusive Fibrex® composite material, designed to provide strength, stability, durability and lowmaintenance performance. Available styles, colors, grille patterns, hardware and glass options allow each solution to balance performance with the character of the property. Professional Properties serves small businesses, multi-unit dwellings, historic preservation projects and public or municipal buildings. With custom-built products, professional installation, ongoing support and one company accountable throughout the process, Renewal by Andersen of Greater Maine provides window and door replacement solutions designed with your property in mind.
FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT & LANDSCAPING • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 4, 2026
(207) 956-5026
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6 FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT & LANDSCAPING • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 4, 2026
Slash Utility Bills by Making Your Home More
Energy Efficient BY WANDA CURTIS
Rising electricity and heating oil costs are making it increasingly difficult for many homeowners to manage household expenses. According to reporting by The Maine Monitor, Maine experienced the third-highest increase in average retail electricity prices in the nation between 2014 and 2024. During that period, the average retail price of electricity in the state rose from 12.65 cents per kilowatt-hour to 19.62 cents per kilowatt-hour — an increase of 55%.
Heating oil costs have also climbed significantly. Nationally, the price of residential heating oil has roughly doubled over the past decade. While homeowners have little control over the cost of electricity and fuel, they can take steps to reduce energy consumption and lower their utility bills. One of the first steps is understanding how much electricity a household uses, said Kate Rankin, director of communications for Efficiency Maine Trust. To help consumers better understand their energy use, Efficiency Maine offers a program through local libraries that allows residents to borrow electricity monitors at no cost. The monitors help homeowners track how much electricity they use each month and identify which appliances consume the most energy. “Efficiency Maine offers a variety of resources to homeowners to help them better manage their energy consumption and potentially reduce costs,” Rankin said. “We offer tips to become more energy efficient, as well as financial incentives such as rebates, instant discounts and loans that can make upgrading to high-efficiency systems more affordable. While we always encourage homeowners to investigate the money-saving technologies they can use and everyday steps they can take to save energy, the current volatility of fuel prices makes our resources even more relevant and valuable to Mainers.” According to home improvement experts, the biggest energy users in most homes are heating and cooling systems, water heaters, refrigerators and freezers, clothes dryers, washing machines, and traditional incandescent light bulbs. Focusing energy-efficiency improvements in those areas can produce significant savings. The Clean Energy Connection’s 2025 Guide notes that much of a home’s energy loss occurs through the building envelope — the walls, roof, windows, doors, insulation, and foundation that separate indoor and outdoor environments. Improving these areas can reduce wasted energy and lower utility costs.
FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT & LANDSCAPING • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 4, 2026
WAYS TO REDUCE ENERGY USE AT HOME • SCHEDULE A PROFESSIONAL energy audit to identify the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy waste. • AIR-SEAL ATTICS AND FOUNDATIONS to prevent heat loss in winter and cool-air loss in summer. • UPGRADE INSULATION in attics, basements, and crawl spaces. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that proper insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by about 15%. • REPLACE OLDER WINDOWS WITH ENERGY STAR®-certified models, which can improve efficiency and lower energy bills. • USE THERMAL CURTAINS to help keep heat inside during colder months. • INSTALL A HEAT PUMP SYSTEM, which can use significantly less electricity than traditional electric resistance heating systems. • KEEP FURNITURE, RUGS, AND OTHER ITEMS AWAY FROM HVAC VENTS to ensure proper airflow. • REPLACE INCANDESCENT BULBS with energy-efficient LED lighting. • INSTALL LOW-FLOW SHOWERHEADS to reduce hot water use. • RUN DISHWASHERS and washing machines only with full loads. • UPGRADE OLDER APPLIANCES TO ENERGY STAR®-certified models. • UNPLUG SMALL APPLIANCES and electronic devices when they are not in use.
SMALL CHANGES CAN ADD UP You may not be able to control the cost of electricity or heating oil, but you can take steps to reduce the amount of energy your household uses. Start with simple, low-cost improvements and gradually invest in larger upgrades as your budget allows. Over time, even modest changes can add up to meaningful savings and a more comfortable, energy-efficient home.
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8 FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT & LANDSCAPING • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 4, 2026
How to Work With Wet Areas on Your Property BY STEPHANIE BOUCHARD
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very spring, you look at that section of your property that’s sopping wet and think to yourself, “I should do something about that bog.” But with the start of tick and mosquito season, you decide to put it off until fall. Now it’s fall, but before you start landscaping that “bog,” you need to know what that soggy area actually is. Many people in Maine refer to wet areas on and around their property as bogs, but there’s a good chance what you think of as a bog is not actually a bog. State regulators and scientists define a bog specifically as “a type of freshwater wetland identified by acidic water, poor draining soils, peat, and indicator plants,” according to Ali Clift, education project manager for the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District. True bogs, Clift noted, are protected by state and federal regulations. Alterations to them — and landscaping activities are considered alterations — require a permit, if
they are allowed at all, according to David Madore, deputy commissioner of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. To determine whether your “bog” is actually a bog, contact the department. Assuming your bog is not really a bog, you have options for enhancing the area by working with the site’s natural conditions. The first thing to do is determine whether invasive plants are present, said Gary Fish, the state horticulturist. Glossy buckthorn, in particular, thrives in wet sites. If invasive plants are present, manage those first and be prepared to replace them with native species suited to wet conditions. Lists of native plants are widely available. The Wild Seed Project, for example, offers a native plant list organized by growing conditions. You can also identify appropriate plants by looking at the native species already growing on the site, Fish said. If you find plants such as dogwoods or willows, you can take 2- to 3-foot cuttings and, using something like rebar for support, live-stake them in place. Fish also said plants commonly used in rain gardens can be good choices for wet areas that periodically dry out because they tolerate both wet and dry conditions. He recommends choosing plants that do double duty by supporting caterpillars and pollinators. One thing you definitely should not do, he said, is fill in or bring in soil to cover up a wet area. “If we can learn to tolerate a few wet areas on our property, it’s not a bad thing,” Fish said. Not only do wet areas support native habitat, they also help maintain groundwater levels. “The more water you can capture, the better chance you’re going to have of keeping your well recharged,” he said. Keeping a wet area wet means, unfortunately, that mosquitoes are not going away. You are not completely at their mercy, though, said Griffin Dill, an integrated pest management professional with University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Because mosquitoes rely on dense brush, tall grasses, and tree cover for protection and resting places, selectively pruning trees and dense brush can increase sunlight and air circulation while making it easier for birds to prey on them, Dill said. “Kind of opening things up around the home landscape can help eliminate some of those resting sites and thus help minimize some of the mosquito encounters,” he said. Reducing or eliminating standing water in places such as flower pots and clogged gutters and using products containing Bti, a naturally occurring bacterium found in soil, can go a long way toward controlling mosquitoes across the landscape, Dill said. And wearing protective clothing and repellent remains one of the most effective ways to reduce mosquito bites while enjoying your yard, Dill said.
FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT & LANDSCAPING • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 4, 2026
IMPROVE YOUR HOME’S COMFORT, EFFICIENCY, AND ENERGY SAVINGS WITH FINANCING FROM SEABOARD FEDERAL CREDIT UNION.
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COURTESY OF SEABOARD FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
hether you’re replacing an aging furnace, installing a new heating or cooling system, upgrading to energy-efficient equipment, purchasing heating fuel, or making essential repairs, Seaboard Federal Credit Union’s Heating & Energy Loan can help make your project more affordable. Investing in energy-efficient improvements can help lower monthly utility costs, increase year-round comfort, and improve your home’s overall efficiency. Take advantage of Seaboard Federal Credit Union’s Heating & Energy Loan Promotion through March 31, 2027. Borrow up to $10,000 for qualifying heating and energy-related expenses with rates as low as 3.99% APR*. Apply online today and take the next step toward a more comfortable, energy-efficient home with Seaboard Federal Credit Union.
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10 FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT & LANDSCAPING • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 4, 2026
Healthier, More Efficient Homes
from the Ground Up COURTESY OF NASON’S HOME SOLUTIONS
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home should be more than just a place to live, it should be healthy, comfortable, and energy efficient. At Nason’s Home Solutions, we believe homeowners deserve solutions that not only solve today’s problems but also protect their homes for years to come. Serving the greater Bangor area and beyond, our team specializes in insulation, waterproofing, and mold remediation, combining industry certifications with a commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer care. Every project begins with understanding the unique needs of each home and delivering lasting solutions that improve both the structure and the environment inside it. One of the most effective ways to improve a home’s performance is through proper insulation. Many homes lose valuable heat through under-insulated attics, walls, and crawl spaces, leading to higher energy bills and uneven indoor temperatures. Professionally installed insulation helps keep warm air inside during Maine’s long winters and reduces unwanted heat gain during the summer. Beyond lowering energy costs, quality insulation creates a quieter, more comfortable living environment by reducing drafts and improving overall temperature consistency. Investing in insulation is one of the smartest ways homeowners can increase comfort while reducing the strain on their heating and cooling systems. Waterproofing is equally important because moisture is one of the greatest threats to a home’s structure. Water intrusion in basements and crawl spaces can lead to foundation damage, wood rot, unpleasant odors, and expensive repairs if left untreated. Professional waterproofing systems are designed to manage water before it becomes a problem, keeping below-grade spaces dry and protecting the home’s structural integrity. By controlling moisture at its source, homeowners gain peace of mind knowing their investment is protected from the damaging effects of water. When moisture is present, mold often follows. Mold is more than an unsightly stain—it can negatively impact indoor air quality and contribute to respiratory irritation, allergies, and other health concerns. Nason’s Home Solutions provides professional mold remediation using industry-recognized practices to safely identify, contain, remove, and prevent mold growth. As IICRC and MICRO certified professionals, our team focuses not only on removing existing mold but also on addressing the underlying moisture issues that allow it to return. The connection between insulation, waterproofing, and mold remediation is simple: each service supports the others in creating a healthier, safer, and more efficient home. Proper insulation improves comfort and lowers energy consumption, waterproofing protects the home’s structure from damaging moisture, and mold remediation restores healthy indoor air quality while preventing future contamination. Together, these services help homeowners enjoy greater comfort, lower utility costs, improved indoor air, and the confidence that their home is protected for years to come. At Nason’s Home Solutions, our mission is to help families create healthier, more efficient homes through solutions that truly last.
FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT & LANDSCAPING • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 4, 2026
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12 FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT & LANDSCAPING • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 4, 2026
The Impact of On Your Home & Wellbeing BY WANDA CURTIS
Colors are all around us — exciting reds, happy yellows, calming blues — making the world a more beautiful place to live. When it comes to your home, the colors you pick to paint your walls and decorate your space are not only important for aesthetic reasons, but they also have measurable effects on both your body and mind. Color psychology refers to the study of how colors affect mental and physical behaviors. Certain colors evoke calm (think soft blues and greens), while others suggest excitement and energy (like bright red and orange). The hue, lighting, room size, and coordinating colors all play a role as well. One of the most studied colors is blue. Research shows certain shades of blue can reduce anxiety, decrease blood pressure and heart rate, and help you sleep better. While the effects of color aren’t necessarily universal — your personal experiences, cultural influences, and the context in which a color is used can all shape how we respond — certain colors are commonly associated with particular moods and atmospheres. Here’s a look at how different colors may influence the mood and ambience of a room, according to Mental Health America. • RED is an intense and stimulating color. Bright hues are known to stimulate the appetite. It’s best used in kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms, or entertainment rooms. • ORANGE is another stimulating color. It’s known to affect appetite and energy, making it great for exercise or playrooms, kitchens, dining rooms, and living rooms. • YELLOW triggers feelings of happiness. Try yellow in kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms, or bathrooms. • PINK is associated with love and kindness. It can reduce feelings of anger. It’s best used in offices, bedrooms, and nurseries. • GREEN is associated with nature and promotes calm. Try shades of green in bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and screened porches. • BLUE also promotes calm, perfect for bedrooms or living rooms. • PURPLE promotes relaxation and imagination. It’s best used in bedrooms, offices, or living rooms. • BROWN provokes a feeling of safety and relaxation. It can be used in any room. • GRAY is associated with comfort and calmness, making it a good neutral choice with a touch of sophistication. Depending on the hue, it pairs well with most other colors. • WHITE is another neutral color option. It can make small spaces seem bigger and can make you feel refreshed. • BLACK in small doses can be a bold and luxurious accent color for living spaces. If you’re not ready to commit to repainting a whole room, experts at Mental Health America suggest using wall art, pillows, blankets, rugs, and other décor to incorporate color into a living space. They also recommend using metallic colors, like silver and gold, to promote excitement and creativity. And remember, ultimately it’s your space. Certain colors can help set an overall tone for a room, but the best choice depends on the mood you want to create for the space and how it makes you feel in your home.