If ants invade your home it's usually only for one reason and that reason is food. Ants have a very sweet tooth and the just love food in particular sticky foods such as syrups, jams, preserves and sugar, but they also like cheese, fats, and meat. Ants also like water and can be found around the source of water and indeed where there is condensation. Once a source of food is found they will carry the food source back to their nest for feed for their Queen and workers.

When ants become a pest to householders the only real way to keep them out is to find out where their nests are located and treat them with an insect dust or spray. If you follow the route the ants take from the food source it will be easy to locate their nest.

If you are unable to locate their nests then an alternative solution is to ring the area with an ant killing powder such as Nippon. Spray the powder as close as possible to skirting boards or indeed outside cracks and crevices, and make sure to check out all holes, air vents, and underneath fitted units such as sinks, drains, baths, cookers etc. Any cracks or holes should be sealed with an appropriate filler, to avoid further infestation.

If you are unable to locate the nest it will be difficult to totally eradicate the problem so the use of insecticides such as Nippon and Doff Sprays or Gels will help. Another useful method to trap the ants is the Nippon and Rentokil ant control system. These both consist of 2 reusable bait stations and gels which are ideal for use in the home and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Be sure to follow the detailed instruction on the box.

Modern electronic pest repellents such as the PestClear range are also a very useful device to help eliminate and keep your home free from most pests and bugs and come in variable sizes and prices to suit most needs.

A comprehensive range of ant and insect repellants are available online at www.hardwareireland.ie and in-store at Expert Hardware, Crumlin Village, Dublin 12.
Remember, if at all possible keep the food source away from ants and they will go elsewhere. Happy Hunting, Hugh

For more information on their products & services you can contact Hardware Ireland on 01 456 0215 or info@hardwareireland.ie.

Gardening advice, and garden products. What to do now in your garden.

This time of the year all gardeners are just itching to get back into the garden. If you want your garden to look well throughout the summer, the preparation must start now. This is the time everything starts to come back to life through the wonder of nature. Spring bulbs are starting to pop their beautiful heads up, with snowdrops and Crocuses first to appear to herald the arrival of spring, so get started now.

• Spread organic-based fertilisers onto your flower and vegetable patches
• Give all pot grown shrubs a top dressing of compost. Remove the top layer of old compost first.
  
• Carry out all first line maintenance of your garden equipment.
  
• Check out your lawnmower and make sure all is in order.
• Sharpen tools, oil your equipment (use 3 in One Oil or WD40 spray) and replace or repair anything that has broken or rusted over the winter months. Remember you will want your equipment to last the full year so if in doubt replace it now.

This is probably a good time to get rid of some accumulated rubbish from your shed or greenhouse as well! If you have not used it in the last year or so chances are you wont need it this year.
Start weeding and digging your beds now once the weather is dry, this will save you a great deal of time and effort later on.

This is the best time to plant trees and shrubs. Planting can take place as long as the ground is not too wet. Hardware Ireland have a fabulous range of summer bulbs and tubers across a full range from Begonias and lupins, to Dahalia and Gladioli and even Hollyhocks all at a knockdown price of any 2 for €5. In addition to bulbs and tubers they also carry a comprehensive range of seeds and accessories to make your garden bloom all summer long. Now is the time to sow all these to reap the benefits later in the year. Make sure to follow all of the instructions on the plant's labels. Consider planting a fruit tree or two. Nothing is more rewarding than picking and eating your own grown fruit.

Prune hardy ever -greens, that may have become overgrown over the winter months. Prune late-flowering shrubs such as hedges and fuchsias. Fuchsia respond really well to hard pruning - cut back to one or two buds above the ground. Remove any dead, diseased or damaged stems from roses this month. On bush varieties, cut stems back to an outward-facing bud, shorten them by about a third or half. Remember after pruning to give the shrub a good feed with organic or general purpose fertilizer and mulch over with organic matter.

Prepare the soil and plant all your brassicas (cabbage, caulies, sprouts) plant peas and shallots ensure to follow instructions on packs. Try your hand at planting some mint. The best way to grow this herb is in pots.

Bedding plants that can now be planted include Polyanthus, Fuchsias and Marguerites, it is also a good time to plant summer - flowering bulbs such as dahlia, gladioli and eucomis. All of these are available online at www.hardwareireland.ie, or call in to expert Hardware, Crumlin Village now.

Do not forget about your houseplants. Move them into slightly larger pots. Large leaved plants including rubber plants and Swiss cheese plants will benefit from a thorough clean. Wash off dust or any grime with a proprietary leaf shine product or with cotton wool soaked in milk and water . Check out a good garden website for further information, just Google gardening and select as desired.
All the above garden products and more are available online at www.hardwareireland.ie.

For more information on their products & services you can contact Hardware Ireland on 01 456 0215 or info@hardwareireland.ie.

There are a number of printer ink suppliers in Ireland and one of the most trusted is Hardware Ireland with a comprehensive range of printer inks and toners, all at very reasonable prices. If however you live in Dublin 12 or indeed, anywhere in Dublin you can pop into their store, Expert Hardware in Crumlin Village anytime between 9.00am and 6.00pm Monday to Saturday.

It is worth noting however that you may find the prices vary online as against in-store. This is due to the fact that there will be no need for stock holding and delivery, online products can be stored in a warehouse and shipped direct you to and thus will only incur a standard delivery charge. Conversely we may have specials on in store on certain lines.

They deliver outside of Ireland as well and cover all of the United Kingdom with printer inks and toners, and most of Europe as well. If they do not have what you need in stock or advertised on their site do not hesitate to contact them as they will source the goods you require.

Their online range consists of Canon, HP, Epson and Brother so all of the major printer makers are cratered for by this one store and online replacement inks site. To make your shopping experience even easier they accept not only Visa and MasterCard but also PayPal, so you can be sure your online shopping is secure.

For more information on their products & services you can contact Hardware Ireland on 01 456 0215 or info@hardwareireland.ie.

With the cold weather really starting to bite it really is time to make sure our houses are as winter-proof as possible. Some quite simple and inexpensive steps can really be effective in this area.

1) Draught Excluders:
These come in a variety of forms and are really simple DIY tasks. Easy steps such as self adhesive draught excluders around doors, windows and letter boxes can be done by anybody and be very effective in the reduction of draughts and ensuring that heat is not escaping from our cozy homes. The fitting of a brush strip along the bottom of front doors can have a dramatic effect in reducing heat loss. These come complete with screws and are again a very simple DIY project. Draught excluders are also available in kits which can be fixed around an entire door frame if so required. All forms of draught excluders are available in brown or white to match door frames and windows. The brush strip and door kits are also available in silver or brass when a more durable draught excluder is required.

2) Chimney Balloons:
Relatively new to the Irish Market, chimney balloons offer a very effective method of heat loss reduction and prevention of downdraughts. It is estimated up to 70% of heat loss in a room with a open fire is lost through a chimney. A chimney balloon is the solution here. They come in 3 different sizes and are simply inflated to block the chimney. In the instance where the house owner seeks to light a fire it may be deflated with a tube and then re-inflated when required again . If a fire is lit when a chimney balloon is in place this is not harmful but will destroy the balloon and a new balloon would have to be purchased.

3) Thermilate Insulating Paint:
A really innovative product which has come to the Irish Market in recent years, insulating paint prevents heat loss by forming a protective barrier on interior walls. Thermilate comes in a 550g pouch which is then mixed into a standard 5L emulsion paint. The paint can then be applied by roller or brush in the normal manner. It is recommended that two coats be applied. The reaction to this product has been excellent. Aside from heat loss reduction the product offers further benefits including reduction or elimination of mould in previously damp rooms.

All the above methods are very user friendly and require no special skills but offer dramatic results. They are very much 'do it yourself' tasks which will result in a more cost effective, heat efficient and cozier home.

Some early savvy purchases can ensure prevention of problems that arose last year or ensure you have some simple DIY cures to hand should disaster strike. Here we look at 5 products which saw a massive surge in demand in the DIY sector last January.

1) Pipe lagging:
Burst pipes was the main problem of last year'ss winter snap. This can be easily prevented with the fitting of pipe lagging. Pipe lagging fits simply around copper piping to prevent pipes from freezing. Pipe lagging is very inexpensive approximately €2 for an 8 foot length and is very simple to apply. The lagging is split in the middle and snaps around the copper pipe. It comes in 1/2" and 3/4" sizes. Following the old adage of "prevention is better than cure" fitting pipe lagging around any exposed copper pipe is a must for all house owners this winter.

2 & 3) Rapid Repair Patches & Leak Fix:
For those who did not have the foresight to fit pipe lagging a few products came to the rescue. Most notable of these were Rapid Repair Patches and Leak Fix . Both these products offer a simple solution to sealing burst pipes. The rapid repair patch is an adhesive patch which is applied by stripping away the backing and fixing to the burst area. The patch is a long lasting permanent solution and may be applied to most surfaces. The patch may be sanded or painted where necessary. Leak fix is a liquid solution to fix burst pipes. As with the rapid repair patch, it is easily applied to the leaked area and offers a long lasting solution.

4) Water Containers:
A surprise tangent of the terrible weather last year was the sudden water shortages. Something which we take for granted all of a sudden caused panic for householders. In a typical January period our store may sell 5 jumbo water containers. Last year we used up all of our suppliers resources and could comfortably have sold 100 times that amount. We know stock a simple collapsible water container which holds 5l of water and could prove an invaluable household item this winter

5) Basic Heating Devices:
Basic heating devices also surged as we tried to get that extra bit of heat last year. Sales rose in everything from radiator keys (a pair of these are a must for any home in the winter) , hot water bottles and various forms of electrical heaters .

For those who use solid fuels it paid off to ensure a good back up supply was available. The snow and frost saw reduction in shop hours and delivery services as the roads became treacherous. Hopefully we will not see such harsh conditions this winter but if we do will you and your home be ready??

Customers from time to time are amazed at the range of goods we carry in our store, with that in mind I thought I might just highlight a few of the newer products that we have purchased to make your life a little bit easier.

Our best selling new product is the electric hot water bottle. This product is amazing, you just plug it in for 15 minutes, unplug, and it will stay warm in your bed for over 6 hours. This unique product can also be used for extra warmth whilst walking around or just looking at TV. At only €15.99 this is a good investment for the winter months ahead. Speaking of the winter, another new product worth a mention is the all new dehumidifier bags, these help to stop damp, mould, mildew, and condensation, by absorbing moisture. At only €2.99 for a pack of 3, they can pay for themselves in no time at all. Another handy product to have in your home this winter is the plumber fix, a strong waterproof self adhesive sealer, which is ideal for fixing small leaks in pipes, radiators, tanks, and cylinders. (Remember last winter). Another novel item for those of you with cold feet are the micro slippers. Simply heat the micro slippers for 90 seconds in a microwave then pop them on your feet for ultimate warmth and relaxation. At only €9.99 a pair for both men and women, sure aren't you worth it. Finish minding yourself with the comfy blanket, which will help you to stay warm and stay cosy, wherever you are.

Storage at this time of the year is always a problem, when we are taking out the winter woollies and putting away the summer clothes. With this in mind, some storage solutions we have are: the wonder hanger, an 8 pack unit that will triple your closet space at only €5.99, an under bed storage unit that slides under the bed and will house 12 pairs of shoes, vacuum bags are an airtight space saving storage system that will also increase your wardrobe space, and keep your summer clothes in pristine condition until next season, at only €5.99 it's a real steal.

At Expert Hardware Crumlin, and online at www.hardwareireland.ie we carry a range of handy products for older or infirmed people who may suffer from arthritis or stiffness of the hands. We have an extension for the common fire/cigarette lighter that solves the problem of trying to ignite your cigarette or fire. The handy handle at only €4.99 is ideal solution for this problem. Also in stock is the J.Popper, an extension handle to make easy work of opening ring pull cans. Another very useful product in this range is the cartridge mate opener. Quick and easy to use, the cartridge mate is the safe and easy way for opening plastic cartridges up to 310ml size. Last but not least in this range is the key aid. A large extension handle that makes opening the door, with a small key, child's play.

Mobile phones are probably one of the best inventions this century, but it can be difficult to read the small numbers. Solution......The Cefon large number sim free phone. This phone is available at only €69.99, a great price, considering that the same phone was made available recently by a major paper on "reader's special offer" at €79.99. For the more robust users, builders etc, the toughphone is the answer. This phone is waterproof, dustproof, can float if dropped in water, and is tough and lightweight, and ready for any challenge.

If you are decorating your home a must have is the Point and Paint applicator. This product paints right up to skirting boards and ceilings and eliminates the need of using masking tape, a real timesaver that works. Another useful new product is the Sel Rite sealant strip-out and smooth-out tool. This brilliant product makes stripping and resealing silicone, child's play. Finally, worth a mention is the Blue Spot precision screwdriver. At €4.99 this ratchet screwdriver is small and neat and comes complete with no 1 and 2 Pozidriv heads, and 2 Philips heads, in the handle.

One more line that sells very well for us both online and in-store is the Steam Mop. Made by Black and Decker, the Steam Mop is the ideal answer for deep clean of wood/laminate, stone/marble, and tile/vinyl surfaces. The steam mop is versatile and easy to use and well worth the €99 investment.

With winter in mind we now have in stock snow shoes. This winter Shoe Grip enables you to walk confidently through snow, ice, wet grass, and even mud. They reduce the risk of slipping and injuries are easy to put on and remove and are lightweight, compact and portable. In sizes, small, medium, and large, they are priced at €14.99 a pair.

Our store has been trading for over 40 years in Crumlin Village and online for 2. We are currently selling to places as far away as Australia and San Francisco, in the good old USA. www.hardwareireland.ie is our URL, if you would like to have a look.

People ask what kind of products we are selling online, and well it's quite extensive actually. Our sales are varied and we are selling a huge variety of products, but our best sellers at the moment are: coal bunkers. (Believe it or not we are selling a large number of these to England, and Scotland.) Hoover bags, electric heaters, coal buckets, moth balls, toilet seats, pet carriers, pet kennels, clothes winders, clothes lines, Basta keys, keep fit products such as the iron gym, and leg magic, and a whole range of products too numerous to add here.

Online we can offer products that we can not easily carry in store such as pet carriers, coal bunkers, and other large items, which we will deliver right to your door.

Call in or visit us online, you will be pleasantly surprised and most welcome.

If you have any queries, or if we can help in any way, please feel free to call in to 6 St. Agnes Road, phone in 00353 (0)1 456 0215 or email us info@hardwareireland.ie and we will be happy to assist.

With the late "Indian Summer" we are experiencing in Ireland, it can be quite easy to forget about the winter that will inevitably follow. Long range forecasts indicate that the dreaded snow, that seems to bring our city and country to a virtual stand-still, is inevitable. Now is the time to do some basic preparation in and around your house to ensure your home is comfy and warm and you don't have any disasters this winter.

Hardware Ireland can help you enjoy the winter in many ways. Here are a few tips which we hope you will find useful.

• First make sure you have enough fuel. A good tip is to spread the cost of your main heating fuel over the year. This can be quite easily arranged with your local Shops, Bord Gais, ESB, or even open up an account with your local solid fuel supplier. A comprehensive range of fuel bunkers and fuel storage devices are available online.

• Check your house insulation. Make sure to check out all exposed pipes and plumbing and ensure to cover them with suitable Pipe Lagging.
•  Doors and windows can be easily Draught Proofed by D.I.Y Strips. Attic insulation and immersion lagging jackets are an absolute must do. A good lagging jacket will pay for itself within the first 3 months, and insulating your attic in a no brainer.

As a general guide heat loss in a house is:

• Walls 35%
  
• Roof 25%
• Windows 10%
• Doors 15%
• Floors 15%

So a quick check now, before the winter sets in can be most beneficial. A cold/damp room can be quite cheaply transformed by using Thermilate Insulating Paint Additive. This product will reduce heat loss by up to 25%, is Eco friendly, will reduce condensation problems, and is suitable for any household paint. This will be a real benefit in both cost saving and comfort, and well worth the effort, and minimal cost.

• Make sure to get your boiler serviced every year. If you have not done so yet then do it now. This will ensure you have minimum discomfort, and stop the effects of "Murphy's Law"
• Check all your radiators, and bleed them now if necessary. Always ensure to have a Radiator Key handy in your home and office at all times through the winter.
• Check your attic and any out-houses/sheds where frost and freezing temperatures may cause damage and consider installing a frost watcher in these areas. A good quality Frost Watcher will automatically switch on when it gets too cold. 
• A final area to check is any unused fireplaces. A huge amount of heat can be lost through you chimney if you do not use your fire. A solution for this is the new Chimney Balloon, which is simple to fit and will stop draughts and cold wind coming down your chimney.
• Once you have made sure you have covered all of the above, perhaps you should now look at getting some alternative/stand alone Heaters to have as standby in case of power failures, breakdowns, or even just to have when you need instant heat, or when you need to only heat one room.
• Finally when all is snug as a bug and our homes are nice and toasty warm let's not forget the washing. Hardware Ireland can supply a great range of Clothes Airers and Clothes Dryers that will take the pain out of watching the washing.

We hope you find this checklist of value. Remember countries such as Canada, Russia, and Alaska, have winters that are really severe and still get on with life. The key is preparation and being ready.

If you have any queries, or if we can help in any way, please feel free to call in to 6 St. Agnes Road, phone in 00353 (0)1 456 0215 or email us info@hardwareireland.ie and we will be happy to assist.

Condensation can be most annoying and can cause damage and mould growth in your home. It can affect both old and new buildings, but is generally more prevalent in older buildings with poor ventilation.

One of the worse effects of condensation is unsightly mould growth. This mould is usually found on finished surfaces, especially wallpaper and paint work, and usually will be found in corners, particularly where there is poor air flow. This mould can cause complaints with health, and will give off a musty, unpleasant smell.

Condensation will usually appear on cold walls, and by windows where it is easily spotted, but it can also occur in hidden areas such as roof spaces and under the sub-floor, where it can lead to dry rot or wet rot.

Condensation usually occurs in the winter months, and is generally caused by poor air-flow and bad ventilation. This occurs during the winter months because ventilation of the house is usually low, due to windows and doors being closed, and windows and door gaps draught proofed, reducing air flow. This allows a build up of water vapour in the house, which in most cases, will cause condensation. The symptoms of condensation are, Water droplets on cold surfaces such as glass and paint, damp wall paper, and actual mould growth.

The main cause of condensation is poor air flow and bad ventilation, however it can also occur by vapour production from outside the area, for example from the kitchen, or drying clothes on radiators. This could end up causing condensation in a cold spare room for example.

How to fix condensation

The first thing to do is get rid of any existing mould or stains. This can be best achieved by the use of good old fashioned elbow grease, hot water, and bleach. (make sure to protect eyes and use appropriate gloves) A full range of products specifically designed for this job is available online at Hardware Ireland.

1. Improve ventilation by installing a ventilation block and grill, or install an electrical ventilation fan.
2. Ensure that some form of heating is turned on in the offending area periodically. The use of thermostatic radiator valves are ideal for this.
3. Remove excess moisture sources - e.g. paraffin heaters or indoor drying of clothes.
4. Insulate cold surfaces.
5. This can be best achieved by using a number of products such as Thermilate Insulating Paint Additive, VC175 Mould Stop,Thompson's damp seal, Zinsser mould and mildew-proof self priming paint, or Zinsser primer-sealer stain killer.
   
6. Prevent possible water penetration.
7. Check all outside area for cracks and gaps that are allowing water to penetrate the building. Ensure all gutters and drain pipes can run free and are not clogged with leaves and debris.
8. Install a Dehumidifier.

In situations where none of the above achieves the required results, then you should consider calling in an expert. All of the above remedies are available online at www.hardwareireland.ie

If you have any queries, or if we can help in any way, please feel free to call in to 6 St. Agnes Road, phone in 00353 (0)1 456 0215 or email us info@hardwareireland.ie and we will be happy to assist.

Energy costs these days are a major concern. The cost of home heating oil has increased dramatically over the past few years. We hear on the news that Bord Gais, and ESB prices will be rising, add this to the fact that our winters are set to get colder, and we can see why energy costs are now a huge concern.

All is not lost and there are ways we can reduce our energy bills without costing too much money if we consider and act on a few of the points below.

1. Check your thermostat: 20ºC is sufficient for a comfortable home or office.
2. Check your windows for drafts and worn out catches and replace if necessary. Pull across heavy curtains at night time and be careful not cover radiators with curtains.
3. Close all room doors to separate heated from unheated areas of your home, and fit thermostatic valves to all heaters where full heat may not be required. E.G. bedrooms, utility room etc.
4. Turn the lights off when leaving a room, and consider fitting timers to control lights and electric heaters.
5. Ensure your loft and hot water tank are insulated.
6. Always wash full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher.
7. Switch appliances off rather than leaving them on standby.
8. Fit compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs): These use a fraction of the electricity an ordinary light bulb and will last up to 10 times longer.
9. Consider changing your boiler and consider installing a solid fuel burner or high efficiency gas boiler.
10. Be conscious of and insist on buying "A" rated electric equipment when you have to replace any household appliance.

At www.hardwareireland.ie we stock a great range of fuel bunkers and storage units. Now is the time to order in your new bunker and fuel to be ready for the winter months ahead. We also stock a full range of kiln dried logs, which can be delivered in bulk straight to your door, anywhere in Ireland and briquettes, and coal which can be delivered anywhere in Dublin, at very reasonable prices.

Also in stock is a terrific range of heaters from electric to paraffin so check out our site now and don't be caught out at the last minute. Remember last winter, we all know that our winters in Ireland are getting colder with the possibility of snow almost guaranteed between November and March. Check out your own snow clearance tools and shovels, and if you have a shortfall get them now. Don't wait until they are "shopped out" by panic buying. Be prepared, visit our site now at www.hardwareireland.ie for all your household and hardware needs.

For more information on our products & services you can contact Hardware Ireland on 01 456 0215 or info@hardwareireland.ie.

Is there a worse feeling than when you wake up on holidays and go to plug in your phone or kettle and you discover you have forgotten your travel adaptor plug!?

There are plenty of worse feelings of course. You might not be going on holiday at all. If you are lucky enough to be heading away this summer check out our travel accessories section on www.hardwareireland.ie.

We have everything you need from luggage tags to easily identify your luggage, to passport covers, to digital luggage scales to ensure your luggage is the correct weight (what a horrible feeling having to pay an extra €40 at baggage!). With our little travel toiletry set you have all you need for looking good on any short weekend breaks away or for those vital little bits of make-up women (and men!) must have at all times. Our great value twin pack luggage padlock (€4.99) set will keep all your good holiday clothes nice and safe while our travel pillow (€3.99) will help make for a comfortable journey.

If you are Irish one of the first things you will do (aside from looking for an Irish bar) is make a nice cup of tea. We have great value in a travel kettle with 2 cups for only €14.99. This works on 110v or 240v so can be used at home or abroad.

Then you'll need your travel iron to take the creases out of that good holiday shirt or dress. You can be sure to keep your money and valuables safe in our travel bumbag and you will ready to enjoy the sun, sea and sand.

Of course we are not all that lucky to get away once a year anymore. It may be that you are holidaying in Ireland or simply going to a festival. If that's the case our travel kettle, padlocks and toiletry sets are still a must. Although we are predicted to have a great summer (we will not hold our breath!), it would take a brave man or woman to go to oxygen without wellingtons (from €13.99) and ponchos (€3.99)! We also have all the other essentials including wellington socks, umbrellas, tents etc. Visit us at www.hardwareireland.ie and for every travel order made over €20 we will give a free travel first aid kit worth €4.99.

www.hardwareireland.ie - we know our customers!

For more information on our products & services you can contact Hardware Ireland on 01 456 0215 or info@hardwareireland.ie.