From rodent risks to restorative design: essential home insights
This episode of This Old House explores the intersection of home safety and transformation. Learn how to identify hantavirus risks, navigate the emotional power of interior design, and evaluate the logistics of backyard water features.
Dr. Zachary Rubin provides a guide to managing rodent infestations, specifically detailing the warning signs of hantavirus and the protocols for safely cleaning up droppings. The episode also addresses structural and health concerns, such as investigating recurring mold, managing old knob-and-tube wiring, and determining if insulating a 100-year-old home is a worthwhile investment.
Beyond maintenance, the program explores the emotional impact of renovation. Writer Annabelle Gurwitch shares how vintage wallpaper served as a tool for healing a room marked by painful memories. Finally, landscape contractor Jen Nawada examines the spectrum of backyard water features, ranging from simple birdbaths to more complex streams.
Source: Hantavirus Warning Signs + Annabelle Gurwitch’s Healing Wallpaper + Backyard Water Features
