Tools & toys

FreshCab

What’s to love: A rodent repellent that uses scent to keep mice at bay.

What does it do: Made from a blend of balsam fir, lavender, Spanish rosemary, cedar, orange and lemon mixed with ground corn cobs, the product uses smells rodents dislike to keep them from staying in or around a house. Place bags anyplace that vermin like to hide.

Earthkind, which makes the repellent, suggests using one 2.5 ounce bag for each 125 square foot space and place near entry points and possible food or water sources. With a heavy infestation more bags are required. A 12-bag package sells for $59.

The Touchscreen Deadbolt Lock

What’s to love: A deadbolt and a door alarm that can be controlled through a smartphone, tablet or computer.

What does it do: Available in a variety of finishes such as satin nickel or aged bronze, the deadbolt - made by Schlage - has a matte finish touchscreen and a memory that holds up to 30 user codes. The deadbolt is enabled to work with Nexia Home Intelligence by Schlage, a home automation system that controls locks, thermostats, lights, etc., through the Internet on a smartphone or computer. The alarm has three settings, which can send alerts for activity, tampering or break in. Base price is $199.

HomeStyle, Pages 37 on 04/12/2014

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