How to Keep Skunks Away From Your Yard—Permanently

Not only are these creatures smelly, but they can be dangerous, too. Aside from being a nuisance, skunks can also be dangerous. “They also host parasites such as fleas and ticks.” Photo:PHOTO 24/Getty Images “This underscores the importance of avoiding direct contact with these animals, Fredericks adds. If that isnt enough reason to take preventive measures, know that these critters can also ruin your landscaping. They might also burrow under sheds or decks, potentially causing structural damage....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 332 words · Jennifer Knight

How to Keep Spiders Out of Your House

An expert shares tips and tricks for keeping those creepy-crawlies away. Senthil Murugan/Getty Images Spiders are a scary-looking bunch. So while spiders certainly have their positives, theyre not exactly the most desirable housemates. Photo:Senthil Murugan/Getty Images How to Prevent Spiders Fear not! There are plenty of steps you’ve got the option to take to ensure youll be spidey-free. Constantly tidying up is a must to keep spiders at bay. (When youre done, always empty the vacuum or dispose of the collecting bag....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 236 words · Jenny Allen

How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Garden

A few smart strategies can help keep your tomatoes bite-free. The best strategy for keeping squirrels out of the garden: Don’t beat them, join them. Hartung recommends creating a little stash of sunflowers. Photo:Stanzi11/Getty Images Plant them in a corner of the gardenespecially near a fence, which squirrels use as a road." Hartung also recommends fruiting shrubs like currants or hawthorns or rosessquirrels like the rosehips. “The best action is simple housekeeping,” says Roger Dickens, technical services manager atTerminix....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 216 words · Dylan Merritt

How to Keep Stink Bugs Away From Your House—Permanently, According to Exterminators

Say goodbye to these odiferous pests once and for all. What Are Stink Bugs? Stink bugs, scientifically known asPentatomidae, are a family of insects native to Asia. Photo:Petra Richli/Getty Images They are characterized by their distinctive shield-like shape and the smelly odor they emit when they feel threatened. Stink bugs are named for their smelly odor, which they emit when they feel threatened or are crushed. What Attracts Stink Bugs to Your Home?...

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 600 words · Colleen Stanley

How to Keep Towels Soft and Fluffy—No Matter How Many Times You Wash Them

Try a few of these smart laundry tactics to help your towels reach maximum coziness. Instead, opt to wash after a few uses, says Becky Rapinchuk, cleaning expert of CLEAN MAMA. double-check you hang your towels between uses so they are able to dry out as quickly as possible. Photo:baytunc / Getty Images The tip to ensuring that your clothing and towels have enough room to wash properly? Do the palm test....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 114 words · Jimmy White

How to Keep White Socks White—Without Using Bleach

A little prevention and the right laundry products equals really clean socks. Try these tips to keep your white socks white from the start. So break out the slippers to slide over your socks. Jun / Getty Images

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 38 words · Karen King

How to Keep Your Hair Moisturized—Even if It’s Naturally Dry

Its not just about using a deep conditioner. Jonathan Knowles/Getty Images The second your hair starts feeling dry, its time for some TLC intervention. Dry hair also lacks shine and lusterno matter how many oil-based products you sit on top of it. Photo:Jonathan Knowles/Getty Images On the other hand, moisturized hair (andscalp) has more vibrance, elasticity, and bounce. So whats the secret to keeping hair moisturized? We asked stylists to fill us in on their best tips and tricks....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 302 words · Lauren Leonard

How to Keep Your Necklaces From Getting Tangled or Turning on Your Neck

Keep your necklace right where it belongs, thanks to these tips. Yet there are ways to minimize the movement, so don’t give up on necklaces just yet. This is because the clasp is likely heavier than the chain itself. There are a few tricks to prevent this from happening. Counterweight your pendant. Look for a necklace that has a counterweight on the clasp, or add one yourself. Choose a necklace design that has a heavier pendantor the pendant is stuck in place....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 356 words · Jenny Kerr

How to Keep Your Orchid Alive and Flourishing, According to a Pro Gardener

When theyre in full bloom, orchids are upscale yet playful, confident yet charming. But unfortunately, all of those attributes come with a catch: Orchids are really easy to kill. To be fair, no one buys an orchid with the intent to watch it die. Photo:Maryviolet/Getty Images Dont worry, even professional gardeners understand. So, don’t take it too personally if an orchid has died under your watch. Here’s what you should know and do to keep your next orchid alive and thriving....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 316 words · Cassandra Campbell

How to Keep Your Shower Clean Daily With Low Effort Tasks

Keep those grout lines sparklingno elbow grease necessary. The solution: Start incorporating low-effort mini cleaning moves into your daily shower routine. Here are eight easy ways tokeep your shower cleanall the time. Photo: Amazon This will loosen and rinse any hair, dust, or soap accumulated on the walls. Mildew and grout thrive in damp environments, so wiping water off the walls will help prevent its spread. This minimalist squeegee with a bamboo handle makes this daily task feel like less of a chore....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 196 words · David Mccoy

How to Keep Your Skin Hydrated and Glowy This Winter, According to a Dermatologist

Hydrated skin in 30-degree weather? Mariya Borisova/Getty Images Cold weather can be harsh on our skin. For the millions of Americans who live with dermatological conditions, chilly climates are especially tough on the skin. Photo:Mariya Borisova/Getty Images As winter blows in, its important that we adjust ourskincare routinesto accommodate these drier conditions. Here are a dermatologists tips for keeping your skin feeling hydrated and healthy when temperatures drop. This could mean swapping out your lightweight moisturizer for one with a thick, creamy consistency....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 235 words · Kenneth Armstrong

How to Know if You Have Well-Draining Soil, According to Gardening Pros

Here’s what you oughta know about this key gardening component. you might also dig a test hole to check whether the soil you have is draining correctly. “The second filling should drain within about an hour.” Photo:Goroden Koff/Getty Images If you notice your soil isn’t draining correctly, don’t worryit isnt the end of the world. All you need is some backup. Check the soil before you water and let it tell you when moisture is needed....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 110 words · Kelly Maynard

How to Know If Your Acne Is Hormonal

Dermatologists explain the difference between hormonal vs. bacterial acne. SeventyFour/Getty Images Dealing with face andbody breakoutsis something that tons of people experience. Understanding the differenttype of acneyou have is a giant step toward treating and clearing it up. Photo:SeventyFour/Getty Images What Is Hormonal Acne? These fluctuations increase oil production which clog pores and promote bacterial overgrowth. Adequate sleep is important to reduce cortisol fluctuations which can also increase oil production, she adds....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 108 words · Heather Hughes