4 Tips for Banishing Bugs from Your Murphy, NC Backyard Barbeques and Cookouts

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Summer’s nice warm weather and extended daylight hours make a perfect setting for Backyard barbeques and cookouts. You invite your family and friends, and everyone enjoys some grilled burgers, hot dogs, or chicken along with tasty side dishes and ice-cold beverages. These informal get-togethers have become one of your favorite summer activities.

Unfortunately, some unwelcome visitors have crashed your guest list. Pesky flies and yellowjackets, most prevalent during the warmer months, often flock to events where food is present. And right around sunset, annoying mosquitoes make an appearance, whining around your head and often biting you multiple times. However, you can minimize your encounters with these obnoxious (and often hazardous) visitors. These 4 useful tips will help to banish the bugs from your outdoor feasts.

Bugs Present Several Hazards During Outdoor Events

Getting bombarded by bugs, especially when you’re trying to enjoy a nice meal with your guests, can be highly annoying. In addition, these bothersome insects can present several health and safety hazards.

First, greedy house flies that feast on your food can carry more than 100 types of disease-carrying germs. Next, the yellowjackets move in, hovering over (and on) your food and sweetened drinks. These pests are especially prevalent during mid/late summer, as they’re searching for food to sustain the colonies’ queens during the long winter. Yellowjackets can be quite aggressive, and they typically sting their victims multiple times, often causing allergic reactions.

Finally, the mosquitoes swoop in to gorge themselves. These stealthy, persistent pests frequently carry West Nile virus and Zika virus, along with several diseases common to specific regions.

Make Your Property Less Desirable to Insects

If troublesome insects don’t find your yard an especially inviting place, they’re less likely to visit – or set up permanent residence there. Most importantly, make your property inhospitable to mosquitoes, which can carry several harmful diseases.

Several times a week, take a walk around your grounds, and drain standing water sources that mosquitoes use as breeding grounds. Regularly change your birdbath water, and also pay attention to your wading pool (if applicable). If you have a garden pond, install a pump that circulates water so it doesn’t become stagnant.

Before spending time on your deck or patio, light well-spaced citronella candles that help to keep pesky mosquitoes at bay. You’ll enjoy the candles’ pleasant scent while lowering the likelihood that you’ll become an easy meal for those nasty pests.

Minimize Your Personal Insect Risks

Protect yourself against marauding insects by taking two types of precautions. Yellowjackets and other stinging bugs are attracted to scented shampoos and colognes, so don’t use these products before your barbeque or picnic.

Next, remember that mosquitoes are highly active at dusk and dawn, so mount two lines of defense against these disease-carrying pests. First, wear long sleeves and pants to make it harder for the mosquitoes to bite your exposed skin. Spray yourself thoroughly with an insect repellant containing DEET or Picaridin. Stock some extra spray for your guests.

Keep Stinging Insects Away From Your Outdoor Feasts

Don’t give yellowjackets and other stinging insects a ticket to your outdoor feast. These voracious little freeloaders are attracted to tasty foods, and you’ll often see them checking out your salads and side dishes. By waving them away, you risk a confrontation with these often-aggressive bugs. To minimize your risks, move your buffet table indoors so guests can fill their plates in peace. If that’s not an option, cover your foods when everyone has served themselves.

Sodas, sweet tea, and other beverages are even more appealing targets for stinging insects. They love to hide in aluminum cans and plastic bottles, and you often don’t notice them until you take a hearty drink of your beverage. To prevent this unpleasant encounter, provide clear plastic cups that will make the bugs easy to see.

Run a Coordinated Cleanup Operation

Stinging insects always gravitate to food and drink, wherever they can find it. In other words, they’ll happily buzz around (and light on) your serving dishes and utensils, table spills, and open trash cans.

Discourage the yellowjackets and their cousins from hanging around your outdoors feast. Clean up spilled food and drink, and wipe up crumbs when you see them. After everyone has finished their meal, bring plates and serving ware indoors for disposal or cleaning. Rinse your beverage cans and bottles, and place them in tightly closed trash cans. Keep those containers sealed, and position them far away from your guests.

After you have made your Murphy, NC yard less attractive to stinging or biting insects, and given yourself a healthy dose of protection, invite your guests to enjoy a tasty outdoor feast. Also, because many of these insects remain active into the fall, keep your guard up until the weather turns cooler.

Create your dream setting for unforgettable Backyard Barbeques and Cookouts—connect with Murphy’s #1 Murphy, NC, realtors to find the perfect home today.

Exceptional quality, knowledge, and professionalism make the Poltrock Team stand out!

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My wife and I have been involved with several properties in the Murphy area with a handful of real estate professionals and would like to say that John Poltrock is by far heads and shoulders above the competition. Quality, Knowledge, Service, and overall professionalism make the Poltrock team stand out from the others.

Ready to experience what sets the Poltrock Team apart? Connect with Murphy’s #1 real estate team today.

–Mike & Debbie Chura.

SOLD Show June 2017 Edition! See what happened in the Real Estate Market in Cherokee County

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Watch the video above to find out what real estate sold did if May 2017. It covers Cherokee County NC, Murphy, NC, Andrews, and more. Questions? Ready to sell? Email a reply or Call us now at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

Did you WIN the $100 this Month? A Poltrock Team Tumbler or one of The Gift Cards? Lots for chances to win!

Be a pal, share with a friend and give them a chance to win $100! Know someone who would appreciate our SOLD Show? Send it immediately to them by CLICKING HERE!

RE/MAX SOLD 64% of HOUSE SALES this May!

We hope you enjoy! We’re here for you so if you need your real estate sold or have questions, we’re only a call or click away.

For expert help buying or selling property in Cherokee County, contact Murphy, NC, realtors today—we’re here to get you results!

PS – Feel free to forward this video to your friends and family. Not getting this to your inbox and want it? Also, WIN $100 Each Month!! Click HERE to join our SOLD Real Estate Update.

60th Anniversary Wagon Train Re-enacts Region’s Colorful History Near Murphy, NC

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Settling your family in a new location is always an adventure. You find that perfect home in a beautiful spot, arrange for professional movers, and pack your personal effects in carefully labeled boxes. On the big day, you arrive at the new home, ready to resume your active life while getting acquainted with your community.

Original Wagon Train Travelers Faced a Challenging Journey

But what if you embarked on that move with everything you owned in your vehicle? And you rode on deeply rutted roads often mired in mud and obstructed by fallen trees? During the late 1800s, many western North Carolina families traveled this way, making the trek from Asheville to Murphy, NC or stopping at a town along the way. Some travelers ventured as far as eastern Tennessee or northern Alabama.

Hardy travelers endured these bone-jarring trips in no-frills wooden wagons with uncomfortable seats and no air conditioning. Their companions rode along on horseback, fully exposed to the often-nasty weather conditions. In other words, neither form of transportation offered much in the way of creature comforts.

The WNC Wagon Train Tells the Tales of a Bygone Era

To commemorate these historic rides, the Western North Carolina Wagon Train, one of the longest-running wagon trains in the United States, gathers each summer in Andrews, North Carolina. Founded in 1958 as the Tellico to Murphy Wagon Train, the late-June caravan first traveled across the mountains from Tellico Plains, Tennessee to Murphy, North Carolina.

Much to everyone’s surprise, the Wagon Train’s inaugural journey drew considerable interest, with 67 wagons and 325 horseback riders taking part in this historic trek. Following each day’s ride, the group gathered in a well-spaced campground along the winding route. Spectators were plentiful throughout the trip, with thousands of cheering fans welcoming the group to Murphy on the 4th of July.

For the next six years, the Tellico to Murphy Wagon Train used the same route. Building on that initial success, the group began varying its routes through the mountains, always culminating in a visit to a designated town’s Fourth of July Parade. In recent years, however, the Wagon Train has found it more difficult to secure travel routes and campground facilities. Because of these challenges, the group established an ongoing Andrews, North Carolina base camp, and enjoys a standing invitation to the town’s Fourth of July Parade.

Now called the WNC Wagon Train, Inc., the organization enjoys oversight by a board of directors from western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, northern Georgia, and Alabama. The group has also expanded its mission to include a focus on fair treatment of horses through education, practice, and enrichment efforts.

The WNC Wagon Train Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary in 2017

The 2017 WNC Wagon Train will celebrate this storied group’s 60th Anniversary from June 29 – July 7. Bring your family to Andrews, North Carolina to meet these intrepid “travelers,” and share a fascinating slice of our region’s history. The Wagon Train’s 60th Anniversary festivities begin on June 29, also known as “Gathering Day.” Throughout that day, Wagon Train participants will congregate in Andrews at the corner of Robbinsville Road and Highway 74, in the big field visible from the highway (also called the 4-Lane).

Each morning through July 7, riders will hitch their trusty horses to the wagons, setting off to explore the sparsely traveled roads around Andrews and the Valley River valley. They’ll return to their camp every night, enjoying dinner together and likely spinning tales of the day’s ride.

On Tuesday, July 4, the Wagon Train will enjoy a Layover Day, which fortunately coincides with Andrews’ Fourth of July Parade, set to kick off at 10 a.m. Riders will decorate their horses and wagons for the big event, adding another festive touch to this patriotic celebration. Following the parade, the Wagon Train participants will host an afternoon of lively games. Events include kids’ games, horseback and ground contests, a team pulling competition, a dunking booth, and much more.

Enjoy the WNC Wagon Train’s 60th Anniversary Celebration

If you’re intrigued by the WNC Wagon Train’s 60th Anniversary festivities, and you’d like to watch this dynamic historical display unfold, claim a comfortable viewing spot along one of the group’s daily routes. Or, if you’re an experienced horseman or horsewoman, and you can handle several hours of riding on often-challenging roads, consider joining one (or more) of the group’s treks through the Valley River valley and surrounding hills. View the daily schedule below:

Thursday, June 29: Gathering Day
Friday, June 30: Whitaker Lane: 15 miles, Grade 6
Saturday, July 1: Chestnut Flat: 12 miles, Grade 6
Sunday, July 2: Pisgah Loop: 10 miles, Grade 3
Monday, July 3: Fairview: 16 miles, Grade 3
Tuesday, July 4: Layover Day: Andrews Town Parade at 10 a.m.
Wednesday, July 5: Perkins Falls: 8 miles, Grade 4
Thursday, July 6: Tatham Gap: 12 miles, Grade 7
Friday, July 7: Webb Creek: 10 miles, Grade 5

Now that you have the makings of a great summer outing, pile your family in the car and make the short trip from Murphy, NC to Andrews. Then, pick a good vantage point along a WNC Wagon Train route, and step back in time as you imagine our region’s settlers making the exciting journey to their new homes.

Want to explore more local treasures like the Wagon Train? Reach out to Murphy’s #1 real estate team at Murphy, NC, realtors  and let us help you find your place in the mountains!

Online Open House for 81 Trinity Drive in Murphy, NC

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Online Video Open House

81 Trinity Drive in Murphy NC

Secluded Relaxation is yours in this cozy 2 bed, 2 bath home on a paved double drive! Hillside location, full length decks with French door access to living room and kitchen/dining room. Welcoming living room has stone gas fireplace perfect for chilly evenings. Cook up all your favorites in the expansive kitchen with double-sided fridge, twin sinks, electric cooktop, and breakfast bar. Feast indoors in the dining area, or carry to the deck for alfresco meals with ease. Master bedroom with large window for outside viewing. Full laundry room on main floor. Unfinished basement has roughed-in plumbing for third bath and room for more living space. Oodles of possibilities: make them happen here!

For more information please call us 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

Outdoor Kitchens Provide Your Murphy, NC Home with All-Season Entertaining Options

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When it comes to fun summer get-togethers, grilling hot dogs and burgers with family and friends just can’t be beat. You fire up the family bbq, smokers, charcoal or propane grill in the backyard, fill a table with tasty sides and desserts, and sip sweet tea or a cold one while you relax in a comfortable chair.

After Labor Day Weekend, however, the summer bbq often winds down and everyone moves inside for the season. But with a nicely equipped outdoor kitchen, you can enjoy many meals outside for most of the year. Learn how to give your Murphy, NC home a pleasant backyard cooking and entertaining space that still fits within your budget.

21st CENTURY OUTDOOR KITCHENS SERVE TWO PURPOSES

Modern outdoor kitchens and grills are a relatively recent phenomenon, gaining prominence during the 2008 recession. Cash-strapped consumers, who started cooking at home to save money, often enjoyed a cookout on the deck or patio. At that time, a grill and basic serving amenities comprised a simple outdoor kitchen. Then, as families sought ways to enhance their home’s value while creating a more vacation-like feel, they gradually transformed their outdoor kitchens into extended living and entertaining spaces.

Today, new construction and remodeled homes often include some version of an outdoor kitchen. Although the bbq and grills remain popular, this coordinated cooking complex often features stylish countertops and cabinets, plus refrigeration and an onsite sink. Specialty equipment can include a built-in smokers, food warmer, ice maker, and even a nicely equipped bar center.

MIXING AND MATCHING OUTDOOR KITCHEN COMPONENTS

When it comes to outdoor kitchen amenities, the sky (and your budget) are the limit. Built-in vented grills have become increasingly common, and are often joined by a smoker and even a bbq island. A nearby food warmer and/or warming drawer keep your tasty cooked food at the right temperature. At the opposite end of the spectrum, outdoor refrigeration equipment nicely chills your sides, salads, and sweet tea. While you’re waiting for the big feast, enjoy a cold beer or cocktail from the bar center.

If you’re hosting a cool-weather gathering, minimize the chill by placing one or more propane patio heaters in strategic spots. While keeping you warm, they’ll add a festive touch to your outdoors feast.

GUIDELINES FOR CREATING YOUR CUSTOM OUTDOOR KITCHEN

To design an inviting, easy-to-use outdoor kitchen, engage in some thorough advance planning work. Invite your propane service company to provide their professional expertise for running gar to your bbq or grills, and hire the services of a reputable plumber and electrician. Although the process will take some time, you’ll increase your odds of a quality finished product.

Define Your Cooking & Entertaining Space: Good space planning is key to creating a high-quality outdoor kitchen. First, consider your family’s preferences, as you’ll essentially be designing an “extended family room” in the great outdoors. If possible, place your outdoor kitchen near your existing kitchen, making it easier to transport food and serving ware back and forth.

In addition, decide how you’ll entertain on a larger scale. If you enjoy informal cookouts and a bbq, for example, you might require a different layout and traffic flow compared to seated dinners. Regardless of your entertaining style, design an efficient “working triangle” between your refrigerator, sink, and cooking station. For the best result, consult with a kitchen design professional.

Choose Your Appliances & Food Service Equipment: Your appliance selection is key to your outdoor kitchen’s space requirements and designs. Simply speaking, if you must accommodate more appliances, your outdoor kitchen will need a bigger footprint. When choosing a layout, consider straight line, L-shaped, and semi-circle designs. Because your bbq, grills and appliances take up space otherwise reserved for countertops, consider installing larger cabinets that provide more food preparation surface area.

Because more appliances require extra power sources, consult with an electrician experienced with outdoor kitchen projects. Ask about the need for additional utility lines to handle the enhanced electric, gas, water, and waste demands. If your region sees freezing temperatures during fall and winter, minimize water lines’ freezing and cracking risks by providing effective insulation.

Add Shade, Lighting, and/or Landscaping Elements: Consider installing a solid roof that provides welcome shade and inclement weather protection. Understand that you’ll likely need to follow local building codes that ensure structural integrity and adequate ventilation.

Choose your outdoor kitchen’s lighting effects, and work with your electrician to bring your ideas to fruition. Again, realize that increased power demands may require an upgrade to your home’s electrical service, so be prepared for this expense.

Give your outdoor kitchen a striking look that blends nicely with your interior décor. Choose complementary styles and color palettes, and select sturdy structural materials such as brick or stone. For your countertop surfaces, consider durable granite, tile, or concrete. If you desire, add some plants and/or other landscape elements to soften the kitchen’s hard, angular lines.

Select Durable, Properly Sized Furniture: If you want to purchase an eight-seat patio dining set, plus comfortable seating options for another dozen guests, ensure that your space can accommodate that furniture. Assign locations for serving carts, barstools, and other furnishings, if applicable.

While laying out the items’ dimensions on paper is helpful, creating cardboard mockups will help you visualize the traffic flow. Most importantly, you’ll learn whether your guests will be packed in like sardines or they can comfortably mingle and nosh their way through the party.

After your outdoor kitchen area gets the finishing touches, host the first of many backyard gatherings on your patio for your family and friends. Chances are, this all-season addition to your Murphy, NC home will add a new dimension to your cookouts, potluck dinners, and festive parties.

Thinking about adding value and year-round enjoyment to your home with custom Outdoor Kitchens? Let The Poltrock Team help you find the perfect property or renovation-ready space. Work with trusted murphy nc realtors who know how to turn outdoor dreams into real estate wins.z

John Poltrock and His Team are Absolutely the Best

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John Poltrock and his team are absolutely the best. He listed the house, two offers on the same day 60 days after listing. WOW. John walked me through listing, feed back on all showings, offers, and knew contractors to call for any work to be completely.

Looking for a smooth, successful home-selling experience like William’s? John Poltrock and his team have the expertise, connections, and dedication to get it done. Work with top-rated realtors in murphy nc who truly deliver.

— William Cogan

Best Agency in Murphy, NC

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John is personable and very professional He and his staff are thorough and excellent communicators. It’s the best agency in Murphy MC. We had 18 showings in 3 months and sold our home at full asking price. Professional photography and superb marketing.

From professional photography to consistent communication, Gary and Sofia discovered why we’re the Best Agency in Murphy, NC. You can experience the same results with trusted murphy nc realtors.

— Gary Leventhal & Sofia Slutsky

We Would Recommend Wayne to Anyone

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Wayne Cofer represented us in the purchase of our dream retirement home in Murphy, N.C. He helped keep things moving along and kept us abreast of what was happening.

He met our deadline and got us the results we were hoping for. He works whatever hours it takes to get the job done. He gave us options and recommendations on various service providers to help us prepare for our move even before we closed. We would recommend him to anyone. Thanks Wayne.

From expert guidance to dependable communication, Wayne made Jackie’s dream retirement home a reality. Let us help you find yours too—partner with trusted realtors murphy nc.

—Jackie Bispo