Mosquito-Proof Your Yard + Kasie Hunt’s Forever Home + The Wild History of the Murphy Bed

This Old House Radio Hour

Want fewer mosquitoes in your backyard without resorting to chemical sprays? Botanist Joseph Reynolds explains how to use non-toxic methods to dramatically reduce their numbers. CNN anchor Kasie Hunt takes us inside the landmark 1949 mid-century modern house that gave her the sense of home and permanence she'd always wanted. In The Secret History of Your Home, we reveal how the Murphy bed went from a clever solution to a romantic problem to a Prohibition-era accomplice and modern luxury. And find out when a leaking deck is too complicated for a DIY repair, and why waterproofing may be one project worth leaving to a pro.

On this episode you’ll learn:
* Why painting tile flooring usually isn’t a great long-term solution and which flooring options can create a durable, uniform look throughout a home.
* How to stop mice from nesting inside an outdoor mini-split unit and repair the insulation they’ve chewed through.
* When a growing crack across your ceiling could indicate structural movement—and when it’s time to have a professional investigate.
* Why walls can appear to “cry” or sweat and how excess indoor moisture and poor ventilation may be causing it.

All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-864-7460.

More description

Want fewer mosquitoes in your backyard without resorting to chemical sprays? Botanist Joseph Reynolds explains how to use non-toxic methods to dramatically reduce their numbers. CNN anchor Kasie Hunt takes us inside the landmark 1949 mid-century modern house that gave her the sense of home and permanence she'd always wanted. In The Secret History of Your Home, we reveal how the Murphy bed went from a clever solution to a romantic problem to a Prohibition-era accomplice and modern luxury. And find out when a leaking deck is too complicated for a DIY repair, and why waterproofing may be one project worth leaving to a pro.

On this episode you’ll learn:
* Why painting tile flooring usually isn’t a great long-term solution and which flooring options can create a durable, uniform look throughout a home.
* How to stop mice from nesting inside an outdoor mini-split unit and repair the insulation they’ve chewed through.
* When a growing crack across your ceiling could indicate structural movement—and when it’s time to have a professional investigate.
* Why walls can appear to “cry” or sweat and how excess indoor moisture and poor ventilation may be causing it.

All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-864-7460.

2026-08-25 51 min
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