Myth 1: You must bend the wires prior to when you attach the wire nuts.

This suggestion comes straight from the manufacturers of wire nuts. It is not necessary to twist the wires prior to applying the wire nuts. The most high-quality wire nuts include an elongated spring-steel wire which is able to literally pierce the copper wires when you twist it. Spring wire contracts and expands when the electrical wires cool and heat while they remain in tight ties. Continue to twist the wire nuts until the wire nut "hits bottom." Keep turning the nut until wire insulation is twisted 1 1/2 in. beyond the wire nuts.

Not all lighting fixtures have wire nuts, but they don't contain a spring-steel wire. Throw away those freebies and choose only the highest-quality wire nuts with an insert made of wire.

Myth 2: Cheese is the most effective bait for mice traps.

Cheese isn't even on every mouse's "top-10 list." They'll only eat it if there's nothing else readily available. Furthermore, the cheese will harden after being out for a few hours, which makes it easier for the mice to "steal" the bait without creating a trap. The ideal bait is bacon or peanut butter, or a mix of bacon and peanut grease. Mice will not resist the smell and taste. Therefore, wipe it off the mechanism for trips to ensure the maximum amount of "catches."

Myth 3: The ideal time to water your grass is at night so that the water doesn't go away.

Evening watering reduces the rate of evaporation, which allows the soil to absorb and hold on to more water. It also creates the perfect conditions for the growth of mold and other lawn diseases. The ideal timing to water the lawn during early in the morning when the sun rises. Late riser? Consider a timer to water. In addition, an impact-type sprinkler can be considered the best and most effective kind of sprinkler. Beware of sprinklers that shoot fine sprays or streams in the air, as the water quickly evaporates.

1. Misunderstanding: You shouldn't paint stucco.

The normal house paint seals the pores in stucco. As the stucco expands and contracts, the paint breaks the seal. Water then enters the stucco and gets caught inside, and the paint begins to disintegrate. It's not for long before you've left with bare stucco and paint patches--not an appealing appearance.

You can, however, make use of elastomeric paint, which is designed specifically to be used on stucco. The paint expands or contracts in accordance with the stucco and is resistant to cracking. Elastomeric paints allow air to circulate, allowing moisture to escape. The great thing is that painters who are DIY can put it on by themselves.

If you're not looking to paint your stucco, think about hiring a professional to "fog" it. Fogging contractors employ a spray gun that blends the colorant with a fine cement slurry. Fogging is a lot more efficient and less expensive than dashing and can last almost the same amount of time.

Myth 4: Cleaning the ducts is something that needs to be performed often.

Most homes never need duct cleaning. However, there are some exceptions. If you discover mold or nests of insects or rodents in your ducts, remove the source of the problem or infiltration. You can get the ducts professionally cleaned and disinfected. Expect to pay between $350 and $1,000 for a thorough task which includes cleaning the ducts with specialized brushes. Do not go with inexpensive cleaning ducts "specials" for $100 or less. The low-cost options usually blast compressed air through ducts. This gets particles moving. However, it does not remove the rodent, mold, or insect remains.