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You probably don't want to go camping in a camper infested with mice. They can cause all kinds of trouble, including damaging your furniture or belongings, chewing wires or even getting into your food! Not to mention, they can carry parasites and diseases too. But how you do keep them out? This article will provide some suggestions. How to mouse proof a camper. Before trying to mouse proof your camper, it's important to know how they get in in the first place. Here are a few places a mouse could squeeze through to nest in your RV:
Mice are said to have flexible rib cages which allow them to flatten themselves out and fit through small spaces. Typically, if their head can fit through a space, the rest of their body likely can too. Knowing where those openings are in your camper is key to keeping mice out. Here are some strategies you can use to keep mice out of your camper: Close up any access points. You'll have to examine your entire camper very carefully, both inside and out. When you find access points, you can close them up with:
Keep your food put away. This one might be a given, but you should never leave food out if you want to keep mice away. If you're in your active camping season, it may be too much work to keep taking 100% of your food out every time you leave your camper. But removing anything that you can’t reseal is a good idea. And sweeping up crumbs off the floor can go a long way. Use mice deterrents Mice deterrents are solutions with smells that mice don't like. Some options include:
Keep it light and bright. Mice are nocturnal, meaning they enjoy the dark. You can consider using small nightlights in your RV, to make it less attractive to them. You can also consider having bright lights on the outside of your RV, so they never want to come near in the first place. Now you know how to keep mice out of campers (or at least how to try), but what if they're already in? How to get rid of mice in a camper. Some options include:
For example, some of the ones listed above can be cruel and even fatal for mice. We recommend using humane mouse traps or calling in a professional exterminator whenever possible. And of course, you should always do your own in-depth research to decide which one you want to use. 
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This March, we’re proud to celebrate Women’s History Month and the 2025 theme: “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations. See photos below to discover the stories of remarkable women who have made a difference through education, mentorship, and leadership. Their legacies inspire us to keep pushing forward, fostering communities where everyone can thrive. Let’s honor their courage and commitment as we continue to build a brighter future together. How are you celebrating Women’s History Month? Share your events or shout-outs in the comments below! 💬  Springtime is almost here! The weather is beautiful, the water is inviting, and your boat is looking better now than when you first laid eyes on it. The only thing that would make your marine beauty even better is a gorgeous body of water underneath it. But not so fast…
Before you take your watercraft out on the water, complete the actions on this de-winterizing checklist-created for you by Foremost® Insurance.*
It is important that you perform each action in this checklist with as much attention to detail as possible. Properly de-winterizing your watercraft is crucial to your performance and safety out on the water. *Please note: You should also follow the manufacturer's recommendations for any other maintenance requirements not mentioned in this article. Looking for marine insurance? Get a quote today by calling 936-327-4364 to speak with a licensed agent Content courtesy of Foremost.com. Ah, summer. We dream about in February, and it seems so far away in the cold! A few of these places can be seen in Winter, but summer might be best for them all. It's the time of year the whole country comes alive and beckons us to get on the road and experience it. That's why I've put together this list of what I consider the five coolest places to visit in the U.S. If you've never been to these places, now is the time to pack those bags, explore and enjoy your travels! New York City You have to experience the "Big Apple" at least once. It has everything you could ever want from a big city—museums, Broadway shows, restaurants with every type of food you can imagine, specialty boutiques and high-end shops. Plus, you need to see the Statue of Liberty in person and check out those neon lights of Times Square. Make Central Park one of your main destinations. Remember to see the amazing works of art at the Met and the Guggenheim. This is a city that never sleeps with endless things to try and taste. San Francisco The home of the Golden Gate Bridge offers gorgeous sights across its renowned hilly landscape and so many fun things to do, like riding cable cars, checking out Alcatraz Island, strolling along Fisherman's Wharf and driving up the famously steep and crooked Lombard Street. Just a few miles north, you can leave the hustle and bustle behind to visit the towering Redwood trees in Muir Woods. Or for some tranquility within the city, plan a picnic to Golden Gate Park and see lakes, museums, monuments and the Steinhart Aquarium. For another great view of the city, check out Strawberry Hill in the middle of the park. If you've never been to these places, now is the time to explore! If you're traveling by car, motorcycle or RV, contact your local Foremost agency to get the right coverage for your ride! Grand Canyon If it's natural beauty you're looking for, you'll definitely find it at the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona. If you weren't seeing it with your own eyes, you'd swear it was a painting in glorious shades of red and orange. Nothing can top the magnificent views as you gaze through the canyon over the Colorado River. Visit the South Rim where you'll find Grand Canyon Village and the Bright Angel Trail. And if you're into roughing it in the wilderness, you'll want to head to the North Rim for backcountry camping and some serious hiking. Yellowstone Yellowstone has 2.2 million acres of paradise for you to explore—crystal blue lakes, tumbling water falls, majestic mountains, hot springs, abundant forests, open meadows and active geysers. There are so many trails, it could take weeks to travel them all. Be sure to check out everyone's favorite spots like Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake and Mammoth Hot springs. Then visit lesser known areas like the West Thumb Geyser Basin, the Lewis River Channel and the Dogshead Loop. You will likely be treated to sights of wildlife during your journey since over 60 types of mammals call the park their home. You could see buffalo, elk, coyotes, badgers and perhaps a few bears along the way. Washington D.C. Our country's capital has earned its place on the list of exciting East Coast vacation destinations. Not only can you soak up loads of our country's history by checking out the classic attractions like the White House, Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, you can also enjoy the many hip restaurants, cafes, clubs and boutiques. Endless opportunities abound to learn about our past at museums like the Smithsonian, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum , the Newseum, and the Mount Vernon Estate. It's impossible to leave the city without feeling a deeper connection to our roots and pride in the country we call home. Now that you know where to go, get those bags packed and enjoy your travels!  If you're a music lover, you rejoice in the summertime. That's because it's a spectacular concert season! Music festivals and outdoor concerts abound, offering some of the best opportunities to experience your favorite music live. But this is no secret. In fact, according to Billboard.com 32 million people attend at least one U.S. music festival every year, and most of these festivals are in the summer. If you're planning on attending music festivals this summer, you probably don't want to think about safety when you're dancing and singing along to your favorite songs. That's why it's important to plan ahead and be prepared. Here are some ways you can make the most of your summer concert experiences! Always wear sunscreen. You should apply sunscreen before you head out for the day, but you should also consistently reapply every two hours. It's easy to forget to take care of your skin when you're experiencing a live show, so carry sunscreen with you at all times. You don't want a bad sunburn to ruin the fun! Bring plenty of food and water. The energy and excitement in great live music is uncontainable. Cheering, jumping and dancing during a show is physically exhausting, but you typically don't notice until it's over. That's why it's important to be nourished and hydrated. Drink plenty of water beforehand, and carry water and healthy snacks with you. Some festival-goers wear hydration backpacks that typically hold between two to three liters of water, and they have room to store energy bars and other snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day. Pack the right toiletries. Music festivals are usually sweaty, dirty and smelly…but totally worth it! With toiletries, you should aim to be practical, not glamorous! This is especially true if you will be camping onsite for an entire weekend. Consider packing items like tissues, sanitizing wipes, facial wipes and hand sanitizer. Think twice about electronics. You might want to reconsider bringing your tablet or a fancy camera. Outdoor concerts can have mud, heat and rowdy crowds—all increasing the likelihood that your electronics will be broken, lost or stolen. However, it may be useful to bring a watch, flashlight, your cell phone and a portable battery to charge it. Go with a group. Live music can be much more fun with friends to share it with! Attending shows in a group is also much safer. Concert buddies are extremely helpful in emergency situations and can help if you get lost, sick or injured. If you want to split into small groups, ensure everyone understands the plan. Be strategic with your vehicle. Plan where you'll park so you can choose a convenient location and save time when you first arrive. If you're camping at a festival, you can use your car as a place to store valuables, but don't leave food, toiletries, medications, electronics or other items that can't withstand great heat. Keep your eye on the weather. Be attentive and frequently check weather forecasts both before and during the event. You'll want to pack clothing that's appropriate for the weather, but it never hurts to bring blankets, rain jackets or other alternatives. While at the event, check to ensure there aren't upcoming thunderstorms or heat waves. Plan your schedule carefully. When you're at a weekend-long music festival, your excitement may cause you to forget that you can't do it all. Shows take a lot of energy, and it's unrealistic to plan on rushing to see every band. Instead, prioritize your favorites and plan for time to eat, sleep and take breaks between shows. You may not be as jazzed about safety as you are about experiencing an incredible live show, but you can't have one without the other. These tips are just a few ways you can be safe and fully enjoy your time at every concert you attend this summer. Looking for A Better Insurance Experience? Get a quote today by calling 936-327-4364 to speak with a licensed agent in our office. Content courtesy of Foremost.com   Towing a tiny house can be a daunting task. However, knowing what to expect in advance can make the process much easier. To help customers out, Foremost® a Farmers Insurance® company is providing information about tiny house towing. Of course, any guidance provided by one's trailer, hitch, and vehicle manufacturers should take priority.
Best vehicles for towing tiny houses. Choice of tow vehicle is one of the most important things to get right when towing a tiny house. If the vehicle couldn't handle the load, the situation would be over before it started. In most cases, it's best to use a truck. The chosen truck should be one that can handle the weight of the home. Typically, there is a sticker on the driver's side front door to find its towing capacity. If it's not there, a dealer or manufacturer can be contacted for assistance. Using a truck that can handle the weight of the tiny house, is a good start. If one is not available, consider renting one, and it may be helpful to confirm whether there'd be coverage. Hooking up a tiny house. According to Tiny Home Builders, when towing a tiny house, it is recommended that the trailer to be level to the ground. It will take a bit of manual work to determine the desired hitch height. The front jack on the trailer can be used to get it level. One can measure the height from the coupler to the ground. Experts recommend that hitch height be higher than this measurement. Patience will be needed to find the right height. The weight of the load will cause the springs of the tow vehicle to compress, so it may need a few adjustments to remain level. Once the desired hitch height is determined, either a ball mount with the correct drop, or an adjustable ball mount can be used, by simply changing the height. Checking the weight at the tongue of the trailer is a good idea. Tongue weight scales, which can cost $100 or more, are available for the task. The Tiny Life says that the ideal tongue weight is between 10-15% of the trailer's gross weight. If it's more or less than this, a weight distribution hitch may need to be used. Because most tiny homes are pretty heavy, it may be safer to use one. Connecting a trailer generally requires one to put the coupler in place and use a lock pin to keep it from disengaging. Then, the chains can be crossed in an 'X' form and attached to both sides of the tube receiver. Typically, the left chain crosses over and attaches to the right side of the tube receiver, with the right chain crossing over and attaching to the left side. Next, the wiring harness on the trailer is attached to the tow vehicle. The towing truck should have a compatible plug. If it doesn't, an adapter may be available. For example, if the truck has a four-pin connecter and needs a seven-pin connecter, a seven-pin adapter may be able to be used. Trailers with electric brakes should have a breakaway kit with instructions on how to attach the kit to the trailer. Pre-tow checklist. Before towing a tiny house, the tires on the truck and the trailer should be checked to be sure they're properly inflated, and all lug nuts are tight. Additionally, there should be no wear and tear, such as worn tread. If the tread is low, the tires may need replacement before towing. All external lights on the vehicle and trailer should be working as intended. The battery for any breakaway kit should be fully charged. Lastly, the gas tank should be filled before hitting the road and the spare tire available and properly inflated. To prepare the tiny house for the journey, the windows and vents should be closed. All doors and countertops should be clear. The refrigerator should be latched, and utilities should be disconnected. Lastly, jacks should be up or removed, storage compartments should be secure, wheel chocks should be removed, and doors should be locked. Towing the tiny house. While towing a tiny house, the added length and height to the vehicle needs to be considered. Drivers need to pay close attention to any overpasses and be careful when turning or changing lanes. Drivers need to start breaking earlier than usual, since the added weight will make it harder for the vehicle and home to stop. When moving in reverse, it should be remembered that the trailer will move in the opposite direction that the wheel is turned. So, if one's wheel is turned to the right, the trailer would move to the left. Lastly, drivers should appreciate that stopping for gas may need to occur more frequently, as the added weight will cause the vehicle to consume gas faster. It may feel like an intimidating process, but with planning and prep, you can work towards a safe and smooth towing process. Safe travels and good luck with your move! If you need insurance for your tiny house (or the trailer and/or vehicle you're towing it with), you can get quote from Foremost, a Farmers Insurance® company today! The bell above the door dings and the first customer of the day enters. Grandpa hops up from his desk and greets the customer with a small-town smile ready to answer any question the customer has about his window and door display. Grandma is ready too. She's in the back room rolling new screens on old frames, ready for any customer problem—broken glass, a hole in the screen or bent slider frames. I was busy rolling sticky letters on the windows, drawing pictures for my grandpa's back office and giving the customers a big five-year-old toothless grin as they entered the shop. When I think of a small business, memories of my grandparent's little window and door shop come to mind. With humble beginnings, they poured all they had into their business, but it didn't come without its challenges. In fact, putting aside economic impacts on a small business, there are several challenges that entrepreneurs face daily to keep the doors open. Putting aside economic impacts on a small business, there are several challenges that entrepreneurs face daily to keep the doors open. Here's the top three obstacles small businesses face on a daily basis:
Growing your client base can be a challenge, but it's vital. Your business might have created the most useful thing since a toothpick, but if no one knows about it, income is doomed. Attaining clients can be hard for those that don't have a marketing plan or don't know how to implement it. One step beyond that is retaining a customer base and providing a great product or service that keeps the cliental motivated to come back.
Money management is essential to keep a small business operating, even when the cash is flowing in. Many small business owners have their own assets invested in the company, which means added pressure when business is slower than anticipated. Poor planning and lack of funding can be added stressors.
Many business owners, even successful ones, usually work more hours than their employees and more hours than they plan on. The constant pressure to grow can lead to more work and result in exhaustion. Even those with high energy and passion can find themselves fatigued. It's important for business owners to find the right pace to keep the business running and the employees positive and healthy. Most smart small business owners consider the challenges they might face before they even begin. Although daily obstacles are sure to come up for a business, it certainly doesn't mean failure is ahead. In fact, facing these types of obstacles is sometimes what drives people to pursue their dream in the first place, like my Grandpa. The old window and door shop didn't come without stress, but that's what drove him and grandma to continue excellent customer service and impeccable work. He ran a successful small business for years, devoted time to his family and retired early. I'd say that's the dream most people hope for. Protect what you own and what you do.  There is a risk every time you're out on the road. Protect yourself from these common motorcycle crashes by being a proactive driver. Left Hand Turns Collisions In these cases, the opposite driver makes a left hand turn at an intersection in front of an oncoming motorcyclist. The driver may not see the biker, or they misjudge the speed and distance at which the biker is coming toward them. Tips:
Head on Collisions A head on collision is one of the most dangerous situations for a biker. Keep an eye on oncoming traffic, especially as it gets dark. Tips:
Lane Changing Collisions The small structure of a motorcycle puts it at a higher risk of not being seen, especially on a highway dominated by semi-trucks. Proactive driving will reduce the risk of being involved in a lane changing collision. If you can't see the mirror or face of the driver, you are in their blind spot. Tips:
Rear End Collisions There are situations when a biker is caught off guard and collides with a vehicle in front of them. Stay vigilant on the road. Traffic conditions can change at any time. Tips:
Corner Accidents Be cautious when coming up on a corner. Debris on the road can cause your front tire to slip and lay down your bike. Turns can often be misleading, appearing wider than they really are. Be aware of your skill level and never take on a ride that you don't feel comfortable with. Tips:
Foremost and First Community Financial Group want you to be safe! Though some accidents can't be prevented, it is important to do everything you can to keep yourself out of harm's way while you're on the road. Always be aware of your surroundings, and remember these tips when you ride!  Did you learn how to get better gas mileage in your driver's education classes? If it's been a few years since you earned your driver's license, you may not remember what they taught you or if they even covered the topic of getting better gas mileage. When headlines report "record high gas prices," nearly everyone wants to know how to improve fuel economy. If a commute to work or school is a requirement in your life and you want to stretch those precious gallons of gas each week, the tips we've gathered below may be helpful. Let's start with the basics first. What is gas mileage or fuel economy? The National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) sets the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard for auto manufacturers, regulating how far vehicles must travel on a gallon of fuel. CAFE standards apply to passenger vehicles and light trucks (collectively, light-duty vehicles). Current standards are 28 miles per gallon. In April 2022, new CAFE standards were announced that will require new 2024-2026 vehicles sold in the United States to average at least 40 miles per gallon. The NHTSA along with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also regulate the fuel-economy window stickers on new vehicles that tell consumers how many miles per gallon the vehicle will get under general driving conditions. Now that we've covered the basics, let's get to the ways you can improve gas mileage for your vehicle. Drive the speed limit. Speeding can lower a vehicle's overall fuel efficiency. According to fueleconomy.gov, gas mileage usually decreases at speeds above 50 mph. Now, that doesn't mean drive below posted speed limits, which can be unsafe. Be aware that vehicles will likely consume more fuel at higher rates of speed. Mind the brakes and accelerator. Habitual aggressive driving - putting the pedal to the metal and then braking quickly to slow down - can also contribute to lower fuel economy. Avoiding this type of driving can help improve average gas mileage between 15% and 30%. Use the cruise control. This might be a no-brainer, but using a vehicle's cruise control function, on the highway when traffic allows, helps maintain a constant speed, helping drivers achieve the first two tips we covered and, in most cases, will improve fuel efficiency. Mind the vehicle's cargo limitations. If you're driving a truck and wondering how to improve your truck's gas mileage this tip is especially important. Each vehicle's manual includes the load carrying capacity for the vehicle itself and for towing, if applicable. This includes carrying things on top of the vehicle in any type of roof-top carrier, including cargo boxes, bikes and kayaks. Check your manual to be sure anything you carry is within the stated limits and realize that when you are carrying or towing more people or gear than normal, your gas mileage may decrease. For fuel efficiency, it's a good practice to not haul extra weight if the items are not needed on a regular basis. Maintain the vehicle's tires. Underinflated tires can decrease overall gas milage by about .2% for every 1 psi drop in the average tire pressure of all the tires. Checking tire pressure regularly and making sure they are inflated to the vehicle's indicated tire pressure can help. Your car's owner's manual should include this information if you are unsure. Maintain the vehicle. If a car's engine is not running properly, there's a good chance that it is not using fuel efficiently. It's a good idea to pay attention to the dashboard indicator lights, get routine maintenance and oil changes at the indicated mileage intervals, and have the vehicle inspected by a licensed mechanic to address any issues. Consider a newer car. As mentioned earlier in this article, auto manufacturers must adhere to CAFE standards for the vehicles they sell in the US. The average fuel efficiency has increased over the years, so it follows that on average a newer vehicle should get better mileage than an older vehicle manufactured when the CAFE standards were lower. Keep in mind though, that the type of vehicle you choose also factors into the overall gas mileage. A smaller compact car and a large SUV manufactured in the same year may adhere to that year's CAFE standard, but the smaller car will most likely get better gas mileage than the large SUV. Make sure you do your research when you purchase a new or new-to-you pre-owned car, so you understand the fuel efficiency of the vehicle you choose. Go electric or hybrid. This may not be the tip you're looking for, but if you're in the market for a new vehicle anyway, choosing a vehicle that runs on a combination of gas and electric or solely on electric can also help you cut your overall gas consumption. If you go electric, you'll want to be conscious of the vehicle's electric battery consumption. Many of the same tips we've already covered here like following the speed limit and maintaining the vehicle and its tires can also help an electric vehicle's charge last longer. If you end up changing vehicles in a quest to improve your gas mileage and have questions about insuring your car, speak with a Foremost® agent to shop for auto insurance coverage. Content courtesy of foremost.com  As one of the most common crimes, burglary is nothing to be taken lightly. And unlike common belief, most of these burglaries happen in the middle of the day. According to the National Council for Home Safety and Security, break-ins are more likely to happen between 6AM and 6PM, right in the middle of the day! With the fall season upon us and the holidays approaching, it is important to make your home safe from break-ins. While there are many safety recommendations out there, HowStuffWorks has covered the seven most effective. Don't showboat. If you've just purchased a pricey new computer or television, breakdown the box and place it in the garbage bin instead of leaving it on the curb for everyone to see. Also, take a walk around your house to see how visible expensive items are with the curtains open. You may want to move some of them out of view to avoid enticing thieves. Pretend to be home. A break-in typically happens when no one is home, especially during the day while many people are at work. For that reason, create an illusion that someone is still there. You can leave a light on, along with music or your television. Secure sliding doors and windows. You can easily break into some older sliding doors by simply popping them off of their frame, even when locked. It's harder to do that with newer ones, but you should still take extra precaution to secure them since they can be an inviting entry for burglars. Simply take a strong dowel, steel bar or two-by-four and slide it into the back groove. Although you should always lock your windows before leaving the house, you can install a simple pin or nail into to the frame to stop it from raising more than a few inches. This will add an additional layer of security in case someone pops off the screen and you have left the window unlocked. Also remember to check window air conditioning units. If you can jimmy the window up from the outside, add a stopper to that frame. Don't leave a spare key out. It may seem like a good idea to leave a spare key hidden under a flower pot or doormat in case you get locked out of your house. But that's an open invitation for a burglar to walk inside without any difficulty. Instead, give a spare to a neighbor you know well or friend who lives nearby for safekeeping. Remember to never put any identifying information on your house keys. If you lose them, and someone else finds them, it would be fairly easy to trace them back to your home and break-in. Secure your yard. Tall shrubs and overgrown trees are welcome hiding places for criminals to wait until the coast is clear to get into your house. That doesn't mean you need to cut down every plant in your yard. Just keep things manicured. Prepare before vacation. Alert neighbors you trust about your trip and ask that they keep an eye on your property during that time. More importantly, when you leave town, don't leave signs of an empty house. First, if you have a home phone, don't change your message to alert callers that you have left town. Also avoid having piled up mail, overgrown lawns and newspapers strewn about your yard that send surefire signals you're miles away. Last, but certainly not least, don't announce vacation on social media. Lock it up. More than 40% of break-ins happen without the use of force, which means a lot of people are leaving their houses without locking the doors and windows. If you have a thumb latch lock and a deadbolt on your doors, always lock the dead bolt. Double-check weaker doors such as patio and sliding ones to make sure their locks are strong enough to withstand kicks. When you leave your home, don't forget to lock up the door leading from the garage to inside. Even if your garage door is down, someone can easily open it. Content courtesy for Foremost.com  |
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