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If you’ve spotted sugar ants in your kitchen or pantry and want to evict these pests who have a sweet tooth ASAP, you’ve come to the right place. It’s frustrating to see them crawl all over a fruit bowl on the kitchen counter or an ice pop your kid dripped on the floor. Experts who study sugar ant behavior (yes, that’s a thing) explain exactly how to get rid of sugar ants fast (ant killers are your friend) and what’s a waste of time and money when you clearly have a problem inside your home. But first, get to know a little more about these pesky creatures.What Are Sugar Ants? Sugar ants is a term for any kind of ant that prefers sweet nourishment—especially from sugary liquids—and doesn’t require a lot of water. They’re usually dark brown or black, and don’t grow as large as some other types of ants. According to Michael Skvarla, Ph.D., assistant research professor of Arthropod Identification at Penn State University, one common example found in many parts of the country is the odorous house ant, Tapinoma sessile, whose scientific name isn’t nearly as easy to remember as sugar ants. Usually no more than one-eighth inch long, these brown ants are pretty stinky when they’re crushed. Other examples of sugar ants include argentine ants and ghost ants. “It’s useful to identify what species may be causing you a problem because they may require different management strategies,” says Andrew Sutherland, Ph.D., an urban pest management advisor at the University of California Davis. “In particular, you’ll want to find out whether you have a primarily outdoor species that has come in or if it’s an indoor species that’s nesting inside the house.” For instance, Sutherland says, argentine ants readily enter homes but they nest outside. If you can’t ID the type of ant, your county office of the USDA’s Cooperative Extension System may be able to help. The Not-So-Secret Lives of Sugar Ants In the spring and summer months, colonies of ants who primarily live outside may send scouter or worker ants inside for food. “With argentine ants, you may even be able to follow their trail to see how they’re getting in and out of the house,” says Sutherland. Some ants, on the other hand, may build a nest inside, which may prove to be more difficult to control. Either way, in the search for nourishment, sugar ants may make a beeline for the kitchen or pantry. If they find something to nibble on, they’ll help themselves to food for the colony, take it “to go” and spread the word about their goodies by leaving a pheromone trail. At this point, Skvarla says many homeowners freak out (we’re not judging) and make the problem worse. There’s no need to panic, because experts created a plan of attack. RHJGetting Rid of Sugar Ants Once and For All You can try a handful of ways to give sugar ants the boot on your own. What works best depends on the kind of sugar ants you’re dealing with and how early you caught the problem. If You Think You’re Dealing With an Outdoor SpeciesSutherland suggests watching the ants to see where they go—and try to seal up access points. When you cut off their bridge into the house, they might move onto a different food source. If You Need a Quick Fix Fill a spray bottle with 10 percent dish soap and 90 percent water. Spray it on the ants, and then just wipe ‘em up. Sutherland says it’s an effective strategy for short-term control, like when you’re having company and don’t want ants to rear their ugly heads. “You’ll erase their pheromone trail and slow them down and confuse them,” says Sutherland. “It won’t affect the nest, so eventually they’ll probably return.” White vinegar can be used in a similar way as a soap solution. “It will kill ants on contact and will probably alter the pheromone trail,” Sutherland says. He adds that vinegar and certain essential oils, such as peppermint, thyme and citrus, may also serve as a repellent during the very short time when you can smell them. “I prefer soap to these other options because it creates a residue that does not volatilize, and is present for longer on the surface,” he says. If You Want to Tackle the Problem Head OnBuy ant bait that contains food and a slow-acting toxin. Sutherland prefers baits to spraying pesticides indoors because you won’t have the residue on your countertops and other surfaces—it remains confined within the bait. “Plus, you have a chance to knock out an entire colony of ants with bait,” says Sutherland. Worker ants may bring it back to the colony and they share it. If it gets to the queen, the colony will die out! Terro Liquid Ant Killer, 12 Bait StationsSome species react best to liquid or gel baits, while other species are more attracted to granular baits. Different brands use various types of food sources, and what ants prefer may even vary seasonally. “In winter and spring, odorous house ants in my area tend to be more attracted to a granular protein-based bait, but later in the summer and fall, they’re most attracted to the sugary baits.” Since professionals might not even know what types of bait will work best, they often put out a couple of different types. Copy their idea, and then be patient!When the ants come marching along for the bait, you’re going to have to resist killing them on the spot. “Expect at least 5 to 10 days for the problem to clear up,” Skvarla cautions. What’s more, Sutherland warns that you may even see an increase in ants at first because they’re attracted to the food. If there’s more than one queen and the colony moves, you may have to repeat the process a second or third time until you wipe out the ants for good. How to Keep Sugar Ants Outside Once you’ve had a sugar ant issue, you’ll probably never want to deal with it again. These effective strategies will help fortify your territory. Landscape the perimeter of your home with rocks or pebbles, which will deter outdoor ants who don’t like to cross these obstacles. Seal exterior doors and windows, which can help with all kinds of pests. “If you can see daylight coming through the bottom of your door, ants can get through there and it needs to be sealed,” Sutherland says. Inspect the bottom of your garage door. Particularly in newer homes, the roll-down garage doors may have a gap at the bottom, according to Sutherland. If you see one, consider buying a threshold seal to keep out pests.Keep open food off the counter as much as possible. Move dog bowls and food away from exterior doors, which may attract ants from outside.Make another sweep of the kitchen before bed, cleaning up any sugary spills, whether it’s juicy watermelon that dripped on the counter or a spot of honey that didn’t make it into your tea. Related StoriesThe former senior editor at Parents who started the brand’s awards programs, Karen Cicero is a seasoned journalist who specializes in travel, book, lifestyle and food coverage.Cicero has visited almost every state with her family (look out Wyoming, she’s coming for you next!) She recently presented at several travel industry conferences, including PRSA and the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Alliance. A mom who goes overboard for all the holidays, Cicero lives in the Christmas city itself: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. More

From replacing drafty windows to installing solar panels, there are many ways to make a house more energy-efficient. While clean energy home upgrades may cost you upfront, they can improve the value of your home and save you money down the line. Plus, they’re better for the planet and help support a sustainable lifestyle. With President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the largest-ever investment in clean energy and climate action, there’s no need to entirely invest in clean energy technologies on your own dime. When tax season rolls around next year, you can receive a tax credit to save thousands — including up to 30% on rooftop solar panels, heat pumps or new insulation. So if you’re ready to make energy-efficient upgrades to your home, here are the four that will save you the most money:To understand your home’s energy use, start with a home energy audit. You can receive up to $150 in tax credit.1. Swap in energy-efficient doors and windows. Not only can new windows, sliding doors or a modern front door boost your curb appeal, but energy-efficient options will save you money down the line. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. If your windows and doors are in good condition, try clean upgrades, like covering air leaks with caulk or weatherstrip. And when tax season rolls around, families who make energy-efficiency improvements can receive tax credits worth up to $500 for exterior doors and $600 for windows. John keeble//Getty Images2. Install an electric heat pump.Heat pumps, an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners, use electricity to heat or cool your home — depending on the time of year. While they have a high upfront cost (the transition will likely be a few thousand dollars), you’ll likely save an average of $500 per year on energy bills. Plus, families who install an efficient electric heat pump for heating and cooling can receive a tax credit of up to $2,000. 3. Replace old insulation.Insulation can last around 80 to 100 years, but some may start losing effectiveness much earlier. If your insulation is not properly reducing heat gain in warmer weather and heat loss in colder weather, heating and cooling costs will increase. An energy audit will help determine if your insulation should be replaced — and if it does, you can receive a tax credit up to 30 percent off the cost of new insulation.ferrantraite//Getty Images4. Invest in rooftop solar energy.Solar panel systems can be pricey (the average cost is around $22,000), but the investment can drastically reduce — or even eliminate — the cost of electric bills. They also help reduce carbon emissions and increase your property’s value! Luckily, if you’ve installed solar panels anytime since January 1, 2017 — or plan to in the next decade, you can save up to 30 percent of the cost of the installation via a tax credit. Related StoriesAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries. More

Both the best clothes steamers and top-notch steam irons are powerhouses when it comes to removing wrinkles from clothing. But they work in different ways and can give you different results depending on the type of garments and fabrics you want to smooth. We test both appliances in the Good Housekeeping Home Care & Cleaning Lab for how well they de-wrinkle a wide variety of fibers, fabrics and clothing items, how much steam they produce, how easy they are to use and more. Which is best for you depends on the type of clothing that makes up the majority of your wardrobe and how much time and effort you want to put into smoothing it. Below, we explore the pros and cons of each and include our top clothes steamer and iron picks to help you decide what’s best for you.When to choose a clothes steamerLightweight, portable, easy to store and great for travel, a clothes steamer smooths fabrics right on the hanger. Many now have big water tanks and multiple settings for more power. Some steam continuously, while others do so when you press a trigger or button. They are a great option if you often need to smooth one item before heading out the door and mostly wear clothing with an unstructured, casual feel. Steamer pros:Great for knits, hard-to-iron structured jackets, soft casual garments and embellishments like sequins and beadsCan freshen and deodorize home furnishing, like draperies, without taking them downSaves time when you need to de-wrinkle in a hurrySteamer cons: Water tanks can be small meaning more frequent refillingSome must be used vertically to prevent leaksCan struggle with creases, pleats and stubborn wrinklesThe Best Clothes SteamersTop Clothes Steamer PicksConair Turbo Extreme Steam Hand Held Fabric SteamerCredit: ConairConair Power Steam Handheld Travel Garment SteamerCredit: ConairJiffy Steamer Company LLC J-2000 Beige Garment Steamer Credit: JiffyWhen to choose an ironAn iron is a wrinkle-removing champ thanks to its heavy weight, steam output and wide soleplate and temperature range. It’s best for those items where you want a sharp, crisp, fresh-from-the-dry-cleaner look and for batch pressing multiple garments in one session. It’s also better for sewers and quilters who many need to flatten their work as they go. Iron pros:Offers a large water tank and spray and steam burst buttons for better pressing resultsLet’s you adjust the steam level and temperature to match the fabricSets creases and gives dress shirts, pants, linens and more a smooth, pressed lookIron cons:Requires a board or another flat surface to press onNavigating shoulders, collars, cuffs and other curves and tight areas can be challengingNeeds time to cool down from a cotton or linen setting before ironing delicate and sheer fabrics to avoid damageBest Steam IronsTop Steam Iron PicksCHI Retractable Cord Steam IronCredit: CHIBLACK+DECKER Vitessa Advanced Steam Iron Credit: Black & DeckerPanasonic 360 Cordless Freestyle IronCredit: PanasonicThe Bottom Line: Steamer or Iron?Having both a clothes steamer and a steam iron gives you the most options for achieving smooth, wrinkle-free clothes no matter what the fabric or style. If you need to make an either-or decision, clothes steamers are stellar for on-the-go de-wrinkling and giving garments a flowy, relaxed look and feel. An iron is your best bet if you prefer a flat, crisp, sharp vibe or frequently sew, quilt or do other crafts requiring strong steam, heat and pressure. How we test clothes steamers and steam ironsPhilip FriedmanIn the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we dedicate hours to evaluating each steamer and iron we test. We measure the grams of steam they produce and at what rate they pump it out. We take temperatures in various spots on each iron’s soleplate at several heat settings and track the high and low temperature swings as it heats up and cools down. For both appliances, we check how hot the handles and bodies get, for safety.We weigh the appliances to determine how heavy they are to lift and hold, assess how user-friendly the controls are, how easy the water tank is to fill and see into and how long they take to heat up. Finally, we twist and ball up cotton, linen, wool, silk, nylon and other synthetic fabrics and garments and allow the creases to set overnight. The next day, we iron or steam the swatches and garments, rating the smoothness using standard visual guides borrowed from the textiles industry all while checking for any spitting, spotting or dripping. Jill SollazzoWhat to consider when shopping for a clothes steamer✔️ Water tank: If you expect to steam often or do several garments in one session, look for a large water tank for a longer steam time and a model that offers continuous steam over one that requires you to press a button to pump out the steam. The water tank should also be easy to remove, fill, replace and see through so you know when it needs refilling. ✔️ Design: If you will use the steamer occasionally or just for travel, consider a slim model that’s compact, lightweight and easy to pack and store. Many mid-size handheld models now have small heated plates that mimic an iron’s soleplate and give you the option to steam or press out wrinkles. Large professional steamers — the kind that magazine photos stylists use — have extra-large tanks for super long steam times, telescoping poles and hooks for holding garments. They can be wheeled to where you need them, but they do take up more storage space. ✔️ Water type: Most use regular tap water, but some brands recommend distilled, especially if your tap water is extremely hard. Check the product’s use and care guide on the brand website for details on the type of water it requires.✔️ Features: Steamers that offer multiple settings work best on both delicate and heavy fabrics. Attachments may include lint remover pads, brushes to fluff fabrics and protectors to shield delicate fabrics from hot steam. Some have on-board clamps to help set creases and pleats. What to consider when shopping for a steam iron✔️ Size: An iron should be comfortable to lift and hold and not so heavy that it becomes a chore to use. Most fall within a range from about 2 pounds to almost 5 pounds. The heavier they are, the better they press out wrinkles, but a too-heavy iron makes ironing tiresome. To cover more ground quickly, choose an iron with a large soleplate and a large, see-through water tank. ✔️ Power: Generally, we’ve found that the best-performing irons require 1,700 to 1,800 watts of power to produce strong and long bursts of steam. Cordless irons are an option many prefer but they cool off quickly and need to be put back on the corded base every time you reposition the garment. Electronic controls in higher-end irons help ensure more precise fabric temperature settings and selections.✔️ Soleplate: Ceramic and titanium soleplates are the most durable, provide the best glide and are easiest to clean. Stainless steel and non-stick work well when new, but can scratch and ultimately snag fabrics over time. And more holes in the soleplate don’t guarantee more steam from the iron. ✔️ Safety: Most irons today automatically shut off in seconds or minutes when tipped. We prefer those that turn off quickly when landing in any direction, not just onto the soleplate. Some, designed for sewing and quilting, delay or don’t shut off at all to help make crafting easier. ✔️ Features: Steam burst and spray features are helpful to dampen fabrics while ironing and for extra oomph removing stubborn wrinkles. Vertical steam works well for drapes, bed skirts and other home furnishings, though we’ve found a clothes steamer is actually more effective than an iron when used vertically. A steam station with a large, separate water tank, powerful steam and a sturdy base is good for quilting, sewing and handling big batches of rumpled garments. Nice extras include a button groove around the soleplate to iron around buttons and a retractable cord for easy storage. Are there any fabrics that should not be steamed?Most fabrics handle steaming well. Even sheer, delicate ones, like silk can take light steam. Some fabrics like velvet, corduroy and lace do better with steaming than with ironing, as steaming doesn’t flatten them like ironing can. The only fabrics where it’s best to avoid steam — from a clothes steamer or an iron — are vinyl, fabrics with a waxy finish or garments with thin plastic trim or embellishments that steaming could melt. Steam leather and suede very carefully, if at all. Does steaming kill bacteria? Yes! In fact, we recommend steaming to help freshen and deodorize hard-to-wash items like mattresses, throw pillows, athletic shoes and stuffed toys. Just be sure to pass the steamer over the fabric surface slowly for the time recommended by the manufacturer to sanitize fabrics. Steam also kills dust mites near the surface. After steaming, you must remember to vacuum the fabric surface to remove them. Why trust Good Housekeeping?Carolyn Forté has tested dozens of steam irons and clothes steamers in over 40 years of experience researching, testing and writing about appliances like the best dryers, top washing machines and best-performing vacuums. As the executive director of the Cleaning Lab, she oversees all testing done by our reviews analysts, including the most recent tests of steam irons and the currently underway category test of clothes steamers. Plus, she spent 19 of those 40 years in the GH Textiles Lab so she has extensive experience caring for all types of fabrics and fibers. And at home, she owns both a clothes steamer and steam iron for whatever the task requires and time permits. Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

It’s getting near summertime, and while the livin’ might be easy, keeping your home cool and your energy bill in check will take a little more effort. So we’ve collected some energy-saving tips to help you focus on relaxing and enjoying the sunny season.Close your curtainsOr your blinds, or shades, or shutters — whatever covers your windows. Yes, an action that simple can make an appreciable difference in your energy use, and yet the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 75 percent of window coverings in our homes stay in the same position every day. The result can be unwanted solar gain, a technical term for how much an object or room heats up due to the absorption of the sun’s radiation. So get into the habit: During the day, keep the windows that receive direct sun covered; before turning in for the night, cover those that will be the first to receive sun from the east in the morning.Give your oven a restWhile it isn’t your kitchen’s biggest energy gobbler — that’s your refrigerator — your oven is an appliance you can choose not to use. And in summer, leaving it off helps in two ways, saving the energy it takes to run it and preventing it from heating up your kitchen and making your air conditioning have to work harder. So whenever possible this summer, go oven-free: Use your stovetop, microwave, or air fryer, all of which typically run on less energy than an oven. Or take advantage of the warm weather and get dinner going on the grill. Your home will stay cooler, and — while this part may not be scientifically proven — your food may well taste better, too.Flip on the fanJudy AlcantaraIf you raise your thermostat by just two degrees and use your ceiling fan to stay cool, you can lower your air-conditioning costs by up to 14 percent, according to the EPA’s Energy Star program. “Remember to make sure your fans are spinning in the right direction: counterclockwise in the summer for maximum cooling effect, and clockwise come winter to help distribute warm air throughout the room,” says Dan DiClerico, home improvement and outdoor director at the Good Housekeeping Institute.Also, keep in mind that ceiling fans just make the room feel cooler; they don’t actually lower its temperature. The breeze they create helps evaporate sweat from your skin, creating a wind-chill effect. Plus, fans redistribute cold air (which tends to settle) so it circulates around your face, not the floor, again providing a cooling effect on you but not the space. All of which means that when no one’s in the room, they’re not having any effect on anyone’s comfort level — so turn them off and save that extra bit of electricity.Upgrade to a heat pump to keep coolCourtesy of TraneHeat pumps are an energy-efficient alternative to both heat and cool your home. They work by transporting warm air — moving it indoors in the winter and transferring it to the outdoors in the summer. There are many options out there these days, but after running multiple models through their paces, the expert engineers at the Good Housekeeping Institute awarded the Trane XV20i Variable Speed Heat Pump with Trane Link a Good Housekeeping Home Renovation Award. The industry standout delivers both precision and efficiency. It continually monitors the weather outside, taking into account fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels. Then it slows down or speeds up accordingly, so you’re always using the minimum amount of energy required while keeping your home’s temperature to within half a degree of your chosen set point. “And besides delivering optimal performance, the variable-speed motor is extremely quiet,” says DiClerico. “You’ll appreciate that during those hot summer months when the system is running full-tilt.”You can also pair the heat pump, via the company’s Trane Link connectivity technology, with a Trane Link UX360 Smart Thermostat. It gives you an extra measure of control over your comfort — you can monitor and adjust the temperature from your smartphone, which means you always decide how much energy you use.Change filters frequentlyTrane’s heating and cooling systems are some of the most energy-efficient available today, according to DiClerico, and you can ensure that they’re always working at peak performance by replacing your air filters at least once every 30 to 90 days. Not only will that improve indoor air quality by helping your system effectively capture common irritants and allergens like dust, pollen, and pet dander, but it can lower your energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent, according to the company. More