And roaches are usually at the top of the list of unwelcome visitors. In addition, cockroaches can cause allergies that can trigger asthma in some people. Fortunately, we can show you how to keep roaches away and eliminate any that might get in. An American cockroach can grow as large as 2 inches long.Credit: gan chaonan/Getty Images Know Your Prey First, knowing which sort of bug you’re up against is good....
Keep your area rug or kitchen runner in place using one of these foolproof tips. Brie Goldman 1. Tokeep rugs from sliding, consider using a rug pad that is appropriate for your floor. Credit:Brie Goldman Felt rug pads are one of the most effective and commonly used options for large area rugs. They come in standard sizes and thicknesses but can also be custom-ordered to suit oversized rugs. These non-slip pads are soft but dense....
In culinary uses, any of the above can help enhance both sweet and savory dishes. For a refresher on all things fresh, check out our complete fresh herb storage and life-extending guide here. How Long Are Spices Good for Once Opened? Credit: Blaine Moats Wondering “do spices go bad?” (Salt is the only spice cabinet exception to this rule. It should last a lifetime.) Credit: Jason Donnelly it’s possible for you to judge the freshness of any spice by the color and aroma....
Also, the tender vegetation in the container is a tempting food source. Encourage these active rodents to play in the dirt elsewhere with these simple tactics for protecting your potted plants. Make a Barrier Disrupt a squirrels container feast or digging habit with the help of a barrier. Credit:blightylad-infocus / Getty Images Extend the cylinder at least 2 feet above the rim of the pot. Mold the wire to the shape of the container as needed....
Enjoy a wasp-free outdoor dining experience with these tips from experts. koster62 / Getty Images Warm weather invites alfresco dining. Whether its abarbequeorpicnic, you may get some unwanted guests buzzing around. Credit:koster62 / Getty Images What Are Wasps? There are tens of thousands of known wasp species, with thousands of new ones identified each year. Wasps tend to be narrower in size than bees and have different diets. Credit:Matthew Benson...
Try these nighttime and washday tricks to keep sheets looking new for years. While yellowing is impossible to prevent completely, there are some ways to stave off the inevitable. What Causes Yellowing in White Sheets? Credit: Joseph Keller Everything from lotion to deep conditioning treatments can leave behind buildup that creates yellow staining on white bedding. These include the overuse of laundry products, overstuffing the washing machine, and storing sheets in plastic....
Not all cakes require yourbaking panto be greased and/or floured. If your recipe doesn’t call for a greased pan, skip this step. When greasing the sides and corners of the pan, turn the pan as you grease. Credit: Blaine Moats Cakes baked in these kinds of pans are notorious for sticking. The flour will “skate” over the greased surface and stick to it. Tap out any extra flour into the garbage....
Learn how to kill a tree safely and effectively to eliminate invasive, unsightly, or improperly placed trees. Perhaps a previous homeowner planted a tree too close to the foundation. Maybe unwanted tree seedlings have popped up in inconvenient places around your yard. Credit:seven75 / Getty Images Maybe someone unknowingly planted a tree that’s considered invasive in your area. Or, perhaps you’ve got a tree that triggers your or a loved one’s allergies....
Keeping weeds under control doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals. Mulch also helps conserve moisture. Leave the plastic in place for four to six weeks. Credit: Peter Krumhardt Flaming Scorching is another way to kill weeds naturally. Neveruse flaming in fire-prone regions or during fire weather alerts. Use atea kettlefor precise utility of boiling water. Credit: Courtesy of Amazon These organic weed-killer products work, but they also have certain limitations....
If you’ve never related to maximalism or minimalism, this interior design style is for you. Kim Cornelison Since the beginning of interior design, people have debated maximalism vs. minimalism. But what if you’ve never felt connected to either? Credit:Kim Cornelison Well, your time has finally come: Midimalism is here. Do you think patterns are a must but don’t believe in mixing them? Do you enjoy color but only in small doses?...
Use these expert-recommended tips to determine if youre ready to purchase your first home. So how do you know if youre truly ready to take the leap? To help you determine whether youre ready tobuy a home, experts are sharing their top tips. Credit:Getty Images / Drazen Zigic CynthiaMeyer, a certified financial planner with Real Life Planning, recommends regularly keeping tabs on it. A score of 760 or above typically earns you the lowest interest rate the market offers....
Enhance your outdoor living space by adding some beautiful landscaping. A little landscaping can go a long way towardmaking your yard an even more pleasant placeto relax and entertain. Before long, you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy the beautiful haven you’ve created. Credit: Laurie Black Start by picking out a fewlarger shrubsor evensmall treesyou’d like to include. Then choose smaller perennials and ornamental grasses to fill in around them....
To set your yard apart,invest in streetscapingto add to your home’s current and future value. For a clearer view, walk down the street, then walk back. Then, do the same in the other direction. Credit: Laurie Black Photography it’s possible for you to also approach your house slowly from each way in your car. Does your house blend with those nearby? Does it sit well on the site or look out of place?...
