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Moths are one of the worst critters to have in your home. These insects love invading spaces, all in search of dark areas to lay their eggs and find food. This means you’re likely to spot them in basements, attics or closets. They’re not fun to cohabitate with, especially since they love chewing on things like sweaters and leaving their icky insect casings around your household. While they’re primarily harmless creatures, it’s still disturbing to see them fluttering throughout your space. That’s why we’re sharing tips on how to get rid of moths for good.Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about moths and the best ways to rid these insects from your home. The first step? Figure out which moth type — clothes moths or pantry moths — have invaded your home. While both are equally annoying, they have different food sources. Clothes moths swarm your linens and wardrobe and pantry moths multiply in the kitchen. That’s why it’s key to implement effective preventative measures, including throwing away contaminated materials and sealing up seasonal clothing and pantry items. And if you want to skip the typical moth balls and store-bought moth traps, we have DIY ideas that can help keep moths away from your everyday items, along with a simple solution to trap and kill them overnight. When it comes to our tips, we consulted with our Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab experts as well as professional pest exterminators. Follow their pointers below to learn exactly how to deal with moths and keep them out of your home forever. This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.YOUR PEST PREVENTION GUIDE2. Pinpoint whether you have clothes or pantry moths.play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playHomeowners usually come into contact with one of two types of moths: pantry moths and clothes moths. Just like their categories imply, these insects go after different food sources in different parts of the house. For the pantry variety, also sometimes called flour moths, most are attracted to grains and dry goods: cereals, crackers, rice and other stored foods, according to Orkin entomologist Chelle Hartzer. They typically hitch a ride home from the grocery store, having arrived there from contaminated warehouses or factories. When they invade your space, you might notice icky webbing or tiny caterpillars inside your snacks, a not-so-pleasant gift from the pupae and larvae. Clothes moths naturally like closets and wardrobes, with the caterpillars relying on natural fibers like linen, wool, silk or fur for sustenance. These little buggers find lots of ways into your home or apartment — they can fly in through an open door or window, ride in on store-bought clothing (particularly used clothing) or even make their way through small cracks in your facade.An adult Indian meal moth, a pantry moth, is usually half an inch long with gray and bronze wings.Getty ImagesThe common clothes moth, also called the webbing clothes moth, looks whitish-gold in color.Getty Images”While clothes moths mainly munch on natural fibers, they have been known to eat through synthetics to get to a food source, like a stain,” adds Carolyn Forté, Executive Director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “That’s why it’s imperative to clean your clothes before storing them. Even stains you can’t see, like perspiration or clear drinks, can oxidize over time in storage and attract insects.”Besides holes, these pests can also leave behind pupae skins, webbing, frass and insect excrement that looks like large grains of sand, according to pest management brand Woodstream.According to Terminix Pest Control, food-infesting moths are typically much larger than clothes moths — double the size, even. Another identifying characteristic: If you look at a food moth under a microscope, it doesn’t have any hair. Clothes moths, on the other hand, have tiny tufts of hair. 2. Start cleaning and throw out infested materials.If you’re trying to get rid of pantry moths, the first step in stopping an infestation is getting out the trash bags. Throw out any potentially contaminated food and remove it from the house. If you’re dealing with clothes moths, start by making a laundry pile. Wash what you can with hot water and detergent, then dry on medium to high heat to kill larvae, unless the care label recommends otherwise, Forté says. Dry cleaning can also debug garments.In both the kitchen and the closet, vacuum everything: the carpet, walls, baseboards… you name it. Use the crevice tool to clean along edges and in corners. Then throw out the vacuum bag right away or empty the dust cup outside and wash it thoroughly, as it may contain eggs. Finally, scrub shelves and walls thoroughly with a soap-and-water mix. Pantry shelves can also be wiped with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water. If you can’t identify the source of the problem, call in a professional. A pest control operator can also help with widespread infestations or hard-to-clean items like moth-infested furniture or rugs.3. Skip the mothballs and seal everything up.Giacinto Canini//Getty ImagesYour grandma’s favorite method is on the outs now that many experts consider the chemicals in mothballs — naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene — a health risk. California already considers the pesticides known carcinogens, and the European Union has banned naphthalene. Children and small pets may also be tempted to eat mothballs because they can look like treats, the National Pesticide Information Center states.Play it safe and deter clothes moths in other ways, Forté advises. A multi-pronged approach of thorough cleaning and tightly sealing items will protect your home from moths — without the lingering smell. Seal seasonal clothing in airtight bags or boxes; the vacuum-sealed variety are a good bet. Store them in the main part of the house, not in a hot, humid attic or basement. “Items like expensive cashmere can even be placed in a zippered plastic bag with some cotton batting to absorb moisture and stored in your freezer, if you have room,” Forté says.And contrary to popular belief, experts at Terminix say cedar chests are not the most effective storage solutions. While you can try the natural repellent, don’t rely on cedar as a quick fix or a lasting remedy. The wood’s oils may prevent infestations by harming small larvae, but it won’t clean up existing ones and the effect loses potency after a few years.In the pantry, stash foods in glass or hard plastic airtight storage containers. This has the bonus effect of deterring moisture-loving mold and other pests like ants and cockroaches. It’s also a good idea to check food from the grocery store before placing it in your pantry too, as that’s how infestations usually start.4. Consider homemade solutions.There are various DIY traps you can make using what you already have at home. Some will kill these pests instantly, while others are effective ways to prevent them from invading.Create a herb mix: Herbs are great moth repellants, as they don’t like the smell. Fill a plastic bag with herbs — lavender, rosemary, cloves, etc. — and hang the bag anywhere you want moths to avoid. Or, dilute your essential oils to spray on your clothes and belongings. Use light and dish soap: Blogger Merissa Alink of Little House Living created her fly trap to rid her home of the plant-eating miller moths, also known as “army cutworms.” She poured water into a bowl and then filled it with foamy dish soap. Place the bowl under a light — in her case, it was under the stove light — before turning off all the lights in the rest of the space. The following day, she had a bowl full of drowned moths. Wipe with vinegar: Vinegar is a natural cleansing agent so it helps to wash and scrub the areas where you found the larvae and eggs. When using vinegar, be mindful that it can corrode wood and stone surfaces. 5. Vacuum and clean regularly.Prevent future pest problems with regular housekeeping. Wiping down surfaces and getting rid of dust, fibers and crumbs will go a long way. Monitor for signs of moth activity not only in your clothes and food, but in other places as well. For example, pantry moths often go for birdseed, Hartzer says, so keep that away from the house and garage.According to Woodstream, clothing moths will also find homes in antiques like wool rugs, horsehair-stuffed furniture, preserved animals, piano felt and old dolls with real hair. Check these items before you purchase them at an estate sale, and inspect them regularly afterward. Another favorite? Pet fur, so check your dog’s supplies too. Keeping a watchful eye could prevent you from another major moth headache later on.What You Need to Control Moths20 Pack Vacuum Storage BagsNow 17% OffCredit: Cozy EssentialFlour and Pantry Moth TrapsCredit: BioCareClothes Moth Traps Credit: Maxguard 6-Pack Home Storage BinsCredit: Minekkyes Contributing WriterCaroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From 2015 to 2019, she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. She’s a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and dreams of the day Northwestern will go back to the Rose Bowl.  Assistant EditorMariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women’s Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master’s degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She’s also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.  More

If spring cleaning has you itching to reimagine your home but your budget doesn’t allow for a full renovation, we’ve got the fix. A whole host of them, actually — because rethinking your setup doesn’t require a stacked bank account and a trip to the home-furnishings store. There are plenty of remarkably simple (and affordable) tweaks that will elevate your existing decor — many of which you can accomplish without purchasing a thing. Read on for your easy DIY to-do list.Refresh your sleep space.A revamped headboard will let you score the bed of your dreams. Even better: Our tips mean you don’t have to set foot in a store. The craftier among us can build their own with a bit of reclaimed wood and some power tools. Or you can reupholster an existing headboard for the trendy tufted look.CreativaStudio//Getty ImagesStep up your flooring. One classic way to pull together a room is by adding an area rug or two. But you can also make your existing ones look newer by treating them with Furniture Clinic’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, a Good Housekeeping Seal recipient. Crafted using non-hazardous plant extracts, the spray loosens dirt and stain molecules in about 15 minutes, leaving even a years-old purchase looking cleaner and brighter.Furniture Clinic Carpet & Upholstery CleanerFurniture Clinic Carpet & Upholstery CleanerChange your colors.Though it’s troubled many prospective home buyers, repainting really is an easy fix. It’s easier to imagine (and to accomplish) when you home in on just one accent wall rather than an entire room. Trust us: One gallon of paint (ideally in a bold, vibrant tone) will go a long way. “In our latest interior-paint tests, some budget brands performed as well as paints costing two or three times as much,” says Dan DiClerico, the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab director at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Kinga Krzeminska//Getty ImagesAdd a new twist to cabinets and drawers.Give them a face-lift by swapping out the old hardware for fun new knobs and drawer pulls. Then finish the job with a coat of Furniture Clinic’s Wood Stain, which comes in 12 long-lasting, protective shades.Furniture Clinic Wood StainFurniture Clinic Wood StainStick on an updated vibe.For an advanced take on the accent wall, think wallpaper. Look beyond the floral variety you remember from Grandma’s place at the myriad appealing options in exciting patterns and colors. For the commitment-averse, there’s also an abundance of attractive peel-and-stick wallpapers to choose from.Decorate artfully.Gallery walls are nice, but they’re not the only option for livening up your walls. Consider framing your favorite photographs, moving existing pieces around for variety (pro tip: try propping a few against a shelf or mantel), or even busting out the watercolors to create a masterpiece of your own for the space. Oscar Wong//Getty ImagesSlip into a fresh look.A new sectional might not fit the budget — but a revitalized slipcover can accomplish nearly as much. Furniture Clinic’s FabriCoat can be used to restore the color of old upholstery, or you can also choose to change its color entirely (without affecting the texture of the fabric). If you have some veteran leather pieces, restore them to their former selves with the brand’s Leather Re-Coloring Balm, another product that has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal.FabriCoat Fabric PaintFurniture Clinic Leather Recoloring Balm More

When you have an inviting outdoor space, you’ll find yourself making any excuse to move everything there, from holiday meals to casual hang time with friends. But how do you create such a space? Michelle Sturgis, owner and principal designer of Slate Studio, recommends treating your patio just as you would any room inside your house. “Make sure all the comforts of indoor living translate outdoors,” she advises. “You’ll double your space!” Here are some of Sturgis’s top tips for making yours the place to be this season.1) Resist the urge to match everything.Those 12-piece furniture sets at a discount might be tempting, but it’s much more eye-catching to curate various complementary pieces. Have fun by mixing and matching different textures, like a concrete coffee table with teak furniture, or rattan side tables to accent a fabric couch. Consider including existing furniture or antique-store finds as part of the collage — but you’ll want to be sure the older items don’t look worn out. For instance, for any wooden outdoor pieces, you can use Furniture Clinic’s Garden Furniture Restoration Kit, a recent Good Housekeeping Seal recipient, to keep them well-maintained throughout the season.Furniture Clinic Garden Furniture Restoration KitFurniture Clinic Garden Furniture Restoration KitKate Stoupas//Getty Images2) Level out your lighting.Give your space a glow-up by thinking about it from three perspectives: low, middle and high. Ways to introduce light at ground level include low-voltage LEDs on step risers, solar lights to adorn a pathway and floor lanterns with battery-operated candles. For mid-level lighting, think about your tabletop space and the area surrounding it. Opt for a table with a built-in fire pit, spring for some pretty candelabras or pick colorful centerpiece-style lanterns. Incorporate uplighting around your landscaping for an eye-level effect. And while string lights are one of the most popular ways to add high-level lighting, other fun options include rattan drop pendants, or chandeliers if you have a pergola.3) Create texture with outdoor fabrics.The more layers you have, the more comfortable your vibe will be. Consider hanging curtains in a pergola or covered patio to add privacy and softness. Outdoor rugs can go a long way toward creating a cozy atmosphere. And mix and match floor poufs, pillows and blankets for a warm, casual feel. If your outdoor fabrics ever start looking worse for wear, spruce them up with Furniture Clinic’s FabriCoat, which lets you restore them to their original tone or even alter their shade. Go a step further and help your fabric resist spots and stains with Furniture Clinic’s Carpet & Upholstery Protector.FabriCoat Fabric Paint FabriCoat Fabric Paint asbe//Getty Images4) Be strategic with color.Even fabrics designed for the outdoors will eventually fade with constant exposure to the sun. For longevity’s sake, lighter colors like creams and pale grays are good choices for furniture upholstery — even if they do fade a bit, the color will still look as it should. Save darker colors for items like outdoor rugs, especially if they’re shaded by trees or furniture. And for brighter pops of color, use throw pillows and blankets that can easily be stored away when not in use.5) Make it user-friendly.The better-organized your outdoor space is, the more often you’ll use it. So make sure odds and ends like paper towels, spray bottles, compostable utensils and a lighter are always on hand in attractive storage bins. Or, if you’re not one for scattered pieces, consider options like a storage bench that doubles as seating or a beautiful outdoor shelving unit.hiphunter//Getty Images6) Don’t forget the sunscreen … for your furnitureA little TLC goes a long way when it comes to outdoor-furniture care. Wooden pieces get hit especially hard by the weather, causing the loss of natural oils, deterioration and warping. But regular use of a high-quality furniture oil, like Furniture Clinic’s Wood Teak Oil, another Good Housekeeping Seal holder, provides UV protection, replaces natural oils and prevents dryness and splitting.Furniture Clinic Teak OilFurniture Clinic Teak Oil More

In terms of cleaning, your microwave may be the appliance you overlook most often. Over time, food, dirt and grease build up, making it harder to scrub or easily wipe away any spills or splatters. If you’ve had enough of your smelly and grimy microwave or are unsure of how to get it back in tip-top shape, follow our easy guide below on how to clean a microwave. Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, and Jodhaira Rodriguez, Home Care & Cleaning Lab reviews analyst, share the best ways to clean stuck-on food. You can use everyday cleaning products, like dish soap and Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, or opt for more natural ingredients, like baking soda, lemon and vinegar. “Vinegar works well on grease,” Rodriguez says. “The lemon-water method for the interior helps steam up the inside and loosens up any food that’s stuck.”We even share tips for all types of microwaves — think over-the-range, built-in and countertop models. Plus, you’ll learn how to rid your microwave of unpleasant smells (lemon can help here!), and we’ll share pointers on washing over-the-range filters and turntables.More From Good Housekeeping play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playSo, go ahead and follow our detailed directions to make the microwave cleaning process as easy as possible. How to Clean the Inside of a Microwave With Lemon and Vinegar AndreyPopov//Getty ImagesSplatters can leave your microwave looking sad. To target your microwave’s interior – turntable included — consider this step-by-step:Combine 1 cup water and lemon, lime or orange slices (squeeze juice from the fruit slices into the water) in a microwave-safe bowl. Or, if you have white or apple cider vinegar on hand, combine a few tablespoons and 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl.Place the bowl in the microwave and turn it on high power for several minutes until the mixture boils and the window steams up. Let it cool for five minutes before opening the door, then remove the bowl and wipe the inside clean with a sponge.This content is imported from Tiktok. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.How to Clean Greasy Microwave Doors With Dish Soap and Baking Soda It’s not just the inside that counts: Remove smudges and grease from the microwave’s exterior with these tips and tricks. Clean the entire door — edges, both sides and where it seals the oven — with a sponge dampened with water and dipped in a little baking soda. Wipe with a damp cloth or sponge to rinse. Clean a greasy window with a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Rinse and wipe dry. For heavy grease build-up and stuck-on splatters, wipe your microwave door down with an all-purpose grease-cutting cleaner (like Mr. Clean Deep Cleaning Mist ) or a sudsy mix of dish soap and water. Apply the cleaner with a cloth or sponge to prevent the cleaner from getting into the vent holes. Scrub with a non-scratch pad (such as Scotch-Brite), if needed. Similarly, to avoid damage, never spray electronic controls directly with the cleaner. Always apply the cleaner to a cloth first, then wipe the controls. This content is imported from Tiktok. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.How to Clean a Microwave Filter If you have an over-the-range microwave, clean the filter at least monthly. The filter is meant to catch grease, so leaving it uncleaned will lead to a sticky mess on the filter and walls. “These filters are similar to the ones in kitchen range hoods and can be removed and washed in the sink in warm, sudsy water,” says Forté. Keep it submerged for at least 10 minutes. If the residue is still there or is resistant to scrubbing, add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the water and soak it again. Also, be sure to always follow your microwave manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. How to Get a Burnt Smell (and All Smells, Really) Out of the Microwave When cooking something smelly in the microwave, the smell comes back as soon as you turn the oven back on. That means it’s best to get rid of the stench right away. For light odors (spicy food with a strong aroma, for example), air out the oven by leaving the door open, or place a bowl of baking soda inside with the door closed to absorb smells. For strong odors (think: burnt popcorn), clean any leftover residue and place an odor-absorbing gel, like Fresh Wave, inside until you run it again.How to Remove Stuck-on Food from the Microwave’s InteriorMarianVejcik//Getty ImagesTo get rid of dried-on food, use Good Housekeeping Seal Star Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Place the turntable in the dishwasher or wash it by hand with sudsy water and a non-scratch scrub sponge. What You Need to Clean a Microwave ProperlyKeep CleaningAmanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more. Assistant EditorMariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women’s Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master’s degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She’s also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.  More

Between Steph Curry’s intense NBA schedule and Ayesha Curry’s many business ventures, there’s no shortage of travel plans. Considering the couple’s busy lifestyle, time spent at home — with their three children — is that much more important. As a renowned restaurateur, chef, The New York Times bestselling author and lifestyle influencer, Ayesha has a lot on her plate. She connected with Pottery Barn to help furnish and decorate the family’s newest space: a condo in San Francisco, California. “This location is really prime for us,” says Curry. “It’s right in between where Stephen goes to work at Chase Center and my restaurant, Intentional Smoke.”When the family enters through the front door, they are immediately greeted by a calming color palette.Pottery Barn”The kitchen is 100% the most used space in our home,” says Curry. “The bar stools are so large and spacious, you kind of just melt into them.” Pottery BarnFor her home away from home, Curry envisioned a warm interior ideal for family gatherings and hosting friends — as she describes it: “something a little bit elevated, but still livable.” Pottery Barn curated a selection of furniture pieces and decor that blend sophisticated, timeless style with family-friendly design. Ayesha’s decision to collaborate with Pottery Barn comes off the heels of the Sweet July by Ayesha Curry x Pottery Barn collection, which launched earlier this month.”I feel like there’s a story to be told throughout all of the rooms, but I love how each space is still uniquely its own,” says Curry. “Somehow all comes together seamlessly and feels cohesive.”Living Room Pottery BarnThe Dream Square Sectional acts as the focal point of this cozy living room. The design is elevated with a reclaimed wood coffee table, hand-knotted wool rug, boucle round armchairs and plush accents (hint: tons of throw pillows). “I’m obsessed with the living room,” says Curry, who finds that the simple color palette offers a little bit of warmth, but still feels zen.Palisades Side TableSweet July Faux SucculentNow 20% OffSweet July Geo ShamNow 20% OffDining RoomPottery BarnFor the dining room, Curry pairs the timeless Heritage Extending Dining Table with black, farmhouse-style dining chairs — instantly adding depth to the neutral interior. Finally, a nature-inspired area rug, abstract wall art and chic tabletop decor bring the entire space together. Primary BedroomPottery BarnLayers of plush textures turn this bright bedroom into a welcoming space. A pair of upholstered swivel armchairs craft a comfortable window spot to take in the view, while the metal and wood nightstands on each side of the bed create a sense of symmetry.”The bedroom came together in an extremely successful way,” says Curry, who finds it “the perfect cozy space.”Belgian Flax Linen Duvet CoverSweet July Yarn Dye PillowcasesNow 20% OffCayman Wood & Metal NightstandLoungePottery BarnKnown as the “lounge nook” to Curry, this multi-functional room acts as a place for the children to do homework, adults to relax or guests to hang out. The metal round nesting coffee tables offer a ton of style and function, while the vintage-inspired leather loveseat and woven accent chair offer plenty of seating.Watch the Full Condo Tour With Ayesha CurryThis content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Associate Lifestyle EditorAlyssa 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

Our gardens and flowering pots spring back to life throughout April and May — but their arrival signals that “June” bugs are soon to follow. Many homeowners can’t help but notice a myriad of shiny beetles buzzing around their favorite planting beds, seasonal mulch or worse yet, flying around near the entryways of your home (just like mosquitos!). While they’re not particularly dangerous for your health, June bugs are indeed a hazard for many of the plants, flowers and backyard crops you may be planting right now for the summer season.Calling them June bugs is a reference to a colloquial term, experts say, as there are actually well over 200 different species of bugs across North America. “June” bugs may go by different nicknames in various U.S. regions, “but they often get this moniker because the adults are commonly seen emerging in late Spring — usually, in May or June,” explains Avery Russell, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology at Missouri State University.This content is imported from twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Whether you call them May-June beetles or screen-thumpers, these large pests are often seen gathering around exterior lights as the first sign they’ve chosen to settle in your own backyard. What other warning signs may clue you into an infestation, you may ask? Read on to learn more about June bugs’ threat to gardens, how they interact with your family, and how to get rid of them according to pest experts in academia as well as commercial pest removal.What are June bugs — and what exactly do they do?These pests are way too large for you to miss, and include common variations of Japanese beetles and European chafers, according to horticulture information published by the University of Wisconsin-Madison. They’re also sometimes referred to as scarab beetles — but there’s a good chance you know them as “May” bugs if you’re located in a region where temperatures are higher this month than those in the Northeast or Pacific Northwest.”They’re probably most known for crashing into windows and screens at night if you leave the light on,” explains David Coyle, Ph.D., assistant professor of forest health and invasive species at Clemson University. “The larval form — or young — of these insects is called a white grub; if you’ve ever been digging in the garden and seen a ‘C’-shaped white grub in the spring and early summer, that’s probably a young June bug.”Warunporn Thangthongtip//Getty ImagesJune bugs can range in color, usually a shade of light brown or dark brown; each beetle-like bug has six legs that contain hair-like protrusions, as most other beetles do.”Most folks can identify a June bug as a brown beetle that often can startle a person by flying into their face or hair,” explains Megan Wede, a pest control specialist, marketing lead and co-owner of Minnesota-based Done Right Pest Solutions. “Pets often eat them if they become a nuisance to the pet.”Regardless of which stage of life they are at, June bugs can encroach on your garden and the plant life in and around your exterior spaces (as well as some indoor spots, too!). They’re known to feast on the leaves of garden plants, trees and shrubbery; while they aren’t usually able to kill plants off entirely until a major infestation has formed, Wede says they can destroy the outward appearance and profile of many of your leaves and flowers.”There are many species of June bugs, some of which can feed on garden and landscape plants; in some cases, this feeding can be very severe and injure, or kill plants,” Coyle adds. “Most species, however, tend to feed on shrubs and trees, and their feeding damage can be barely noticeable.”Sometimes, June bugs catch the flack for the trouble that larger animals that hunt them — including moles — bring to your garden. Usually, June bugs prefer to munch on turfgrass, and can cause large patches of this grass to wither and die; they may also prefer corn, roses and thin-skinned fruits in addition to the ornamental plants they’re known to gravitate towards, according to materials published by the University of Maine.Can June bugs bite you? The real harm they pose:While they can spell disaster for gardening perfectionists and purists, June bugs don’t pose any threat to humans, including children. “Their jaws are weak and can pinch, used only in defense,” Russell explains.If you’ve heard of or have seen someone struggle with a June bug attached to their skin, it’s likely because these bugs have claws that “stick” to your fingers or hands, leading to a ticklish effect — but nothing dangerous, Coyle tells Good Housekeeping.This content is imported from twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.”June bugs don’t pose any threat to people or pets, and I’ve never known anyone or anything to be bitten by one of these beetles,” he says. “In fact, scarab beetles are revered in ancient Egyptian culture as they were seen as a symbol of renewal and rebirth, which is why you see this type of beetle featured on many ancient artifacts.”Additionally, June bugs won’t threaten the structural integrity of the interiors of your home or its foundation, so don’t sweat it if one follows you inside. They’re intensely attracted to light, Wede says, and may get inside your home through an opening in doors or windows at night. “When this happens, they are — at most — annoying and considered gross. But there’s no risk to one’s home structurally.”Signs of a June bug infestationWhile they arrive in early summer in the form of larvae (or grubs!), most homeowners don’t realize their gardens or yards are being impacted by a June bug infestation until early fall when the weather tends to dry out. “Damage to leaves is often minor and largely unnoticeable, but damage by the larvae to turfgrass is the first thing many people notice, in dead grass patches,” Russell shares.Because newborn June bugs burrow underground in yards and gardens, you may notice that holes are being dug by predators, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture — but this is a rare occurrence. Lawn conditions are often the first clue that you may be dealing with excessive June bugs on your property. Ultimately, however, action may not be required.”In natural landscapes, grubs are a common component of the soil fauna across the country. Their damage is rarely, if ever, noticed,” advises Coyle, who adds that fungi and other causes could be the root cause of impacted greenery. “Just because you see patches of lawn dying doesn’t necessarily mean you have a June bug problem… The first step is figuring out exactly what is causing the damage you see.” This content is imported from twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.With over one million insects on earth, they are exemplary specimens for biodiversity. One in every four known animals on Earth is a beetle! We need your help to advocate for all of these creatures! Biodiversity is priceless & we can’t take it for granted. https://t.co/jOnoZ1gQM6— The Xerces Society (@xercessociety) April 21, 2023If you’re concerned about holes and irregularities appearing on flowering plants in your garden due to June bugs, though, targeted removal is often your best bet for dealing with them in the long run. You’ll need to start by contacting a local Extension office in your area and speaking with a representative. “They’ll provide you unbiased information and advice,” Coyle stresses.How to get rid of June bugsOnce you’ve confirmed your garden woes are indeed caused by adult June bugs or their larvae, you’ll need to pursue a few different strategies to prevent regular damage every season. Many pest control providers will recommend what’s known as grub control, meaning they’ll treat lawns and garden beds with chemical treatment — but these treatments should be a resort only if a licensed provider has confirmed larvae are present, as they can be more destructive than you’d think.”Keep in mind these will not only kill the June bug grub, but will also kill many other types of soil fauna, some of which are beneficial,” Coyle explains. “There are also beneficial nematodes that can be applied in targeted areas. These microscopic predatory worms seek out and feed on June bug grubs.”Otherwise, adult June bugs may be targeted with gardening tools that keep them away from the plants they have been munching on, so to speak. Coyle says deterrent sprays — like neem oil — can be applied to leaves and other problem areas as needed. If you only notice a swarm in one area, adult June bugs can be picked off one by one and dropped into a container of soapy water, which kills the insects.The season for June bugs is short, and they die off fairly quickly, Wede says. You may find success by turning to an electric light that targets other flying insects for mitigation, or even commercial beetle traps that can keep June bugs from flying around. “You can put these out on the patio or deck so you can enjoy the outdoors,” she adds. The bottom line: “One of the best things you can do is promote a diverse ecosystem on your property. Many types of birds — like crows, robins, and blue jays — feed on grubs in the soil,” Coyle says. “Since birds are natural predators of grubs, doing things that promote a healthy bird population will help keep grub numbers under control.”Keep Pests Away:Health EditorZee Krstic is a health editor for Good Housekeeping, where he covers health and nutrition news, decodes diet and fitness trends and reviews the best products in the wellness aisle. Prior to joining GH in 2019, Zee fostered a nutrition background as an editor at Cooking Light and is continually developing his grasp of holistic health through collaboration with leading academic experts and clinical care providers. He has written about food and dining for Time, among other publications.Dr. Coyle, assistant professorof Forest Health and Invasive Species, joined Clemson University in 2018 with a focus on the forest health and invasive species Extension. Prior to Clemson, he created and directed the Southern Forest Health and Invasive Species program, which provided education and training to forestry professionals across the southeastern U.S. Dr. Coyle uses various forms of communication – including social media, traditional writing, and in-person visits – to help educate people about forest health, invasive species, and forest management. He is a member of the Society of American Foresters and the Entomological Society of America, serves on the Board of Directors for the North American Invasive Species Management Association, and is Co-Director of ProForest (an organization working to promote proactive forest pest management). More

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. just launched GreenRow — its first major brand in more than 10 years. The collection of unique home decor and furniture goes against what you might expect from a sustainable home brand: an infusion of bright color. GreenRow’s debut assortment includes living, bedroom and dining furniture as well as handcrafted rugs, bedding, curtains, table linens, lighting and more. We spoke with Jaimee Seabury, Williams-Sonoma’s vice president of strategy and business development, to learn about the heirloom-quality pieces. The new brand uses low-impact materials wherever possible, down to innovative packaging. From India to Turkey, Seabury traveled the world in search of not only design inspiration — but to learn about responsibile practices and scout out farms and artisans who could bring the brand the company envisioned to life. Other stops on Seabury’s tour included New Zealand to source responsible wool, Portugal for linen and Guatemala for recycled apparel (used as the frame for the slipcover couch). The brand even finds ways to use scraps of material, such as using leftover fabric from ottomans as upholstery for stools.The Flatweave Dining Bench has an acacia wood frame and contains a responsible wool cushion and natural latex fill.Product Shot ImageThe Ava Slipcovered Bed lining is made from 90 percent recycled cotton, plus your choice of fabric.Product Shot Image Unlike most sustainable home furnishings, which tend to be neutral or minimal, GreenRow priorities color and pattern. “What I love about this collection is that we were able to infuse color and details throughout and it just has an emotional feel to it that you wouldn’t expect from a sustainable brand,” says Seabury, who notes that the rugs from India initially inspired the collection’s vibrant color palette.While some dyes can be harmful to people and the environment, the brand uses non-toxic dyes (which require less water) and vegetable dyes for rugs, when possible. In some cases, these more responsible practices and materials lead to a higher price tag — but GreenRow believes their items are designed to last. Stripes, checkered and diamond-patterned, the line of handcrafted rugs start at $249. Product Shot Image”GreenRow is focused on creating modern heirlooms by combining bright colors and thoughtful details into sustainable materials,” Seabury adds. “In addition to a timeless aesthetic, we are also committed to utilizing sustainable manufacturing practices and teaching our customers how to care for our products in order to ensure their longevity.” GreenRow has also aligned with the best practices of all Williams-Sonoma, Inc. brands by partnering with third-party organizations to certify products against industry-leading standards such as Textile Exchange’s Global Recycling Standard, Fair Trade USA and Nest’s Ethical Handcraft Program. Associate Lifestyle EditorAlyssa 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

In addition to the joy of watching cherry blossoms and tulips bloom, spring welcomes the ritual of spring cleaning. And as satisfying as it is to finally organize that pantry and dust your headboards, consider springing into this new season by adding a few fire-protection safety checks to your cleaning list. Because house fires are more dangerous than you might imagine: According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fire deaths in the U.S. hit a 14-year high in 2021.“Today’s home fires burn faster than ever due to multiple factors,” notes Susan McKelvey, communications manager at the NFPA. “For example, many homes these days are made with synthetic materials that burn at high temperatures, generating toxic black smoke and gasses that can make it difficult or even impossible to see and breathe within moments.” In addition, modern open floor plans allow oxygen to move through the house easily, which can help an existing fire spread quickly, according to McKelvey: “In a typical home fire, you may have as little as two minutes to escape from the time the smoke alarm sounds.”So it’s more vital than ever to create (and practice) an escape plan, as well as to be diligent about protecting your home. Here are five other fire-safety tasks you may not have considered to add to your spring checklist.Getty Images/Kinga KrzeminskaCheck your curb appealIn an every-second-counts situation, you don’t want the emergency help you so diligently called to have any trouble finding you. So while you’re sprucing up your front porch and planting those fresh hydrangeas and daisies, take a beat to check that your house number is still easily visible from the street.“This is very important, as it ensures that the fire department can quickly and easily identify your home in an emergency,” says McKelvey. If you discover that despite your best efforts, your house number still can’t be seen, consider painting the number on the curb in huge, bright figures, or installing larger ones that are more visible to the naked eye.Create a safety perimeterWith wildfires burning up large swaths of the country each year, particular attention to your landscaping can be crucial. Piled-up yard waste such as weeds, leaves, pine needles and grass clippings are easy traps for a raging fire, which can eat them up and then spread much faster. So you’ll want to make sure these materials aren’t accumulating in your roof and gutters, as well as anywhere within a five-foot radius of your home, aka the “immediate zone.” This perimeter is the most important area to take immediate action on, notes McKelvey, as it’s the most vulnerable to embers (the main means by which raging wildfires ignite homes).Courtesy of TingInvest in a smart fire-prevention deviceFile this under “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Not only should you have a reliable method to detect fires originating both inside and outside the home immediately, but you should also be sure you’re investing in the latest technology to prevent them from happening in the first place. The Ting smart sensor and service help suss out potential electrical fires by continuously monitoring your electrical system for arcing and other power-quality issues that can indicate an electrical fire hazard.Better yet? It’s incredibly user-friendly. All you do is plug it into an outlet and it’s installed within two minutes with the use of a Wi-Fi connection and the Ting Sensor smartphone app. Once it’s up and running, should the smart sensor detect an electrical fire hazard in your home, the brand’s dedicated fire-safety team is at the ready to lead you through every step to mitigate it. “I also like that the app is truly safety-focused, with useful information beyond Ting, such as tips on keeping your smoke alarms in working order,” says Dan DiClerico, GH’s director of home improvement & outdoor, who has been home-testing the system over the past year.Give your grill a full preseason inspectionWith barbecue season on the horizon, you’ll want to do more than just clean your grill grates: While you’re at it, clear off any debris that may have collected over the winter, says McKelvey.“Sometimes spiders or other insects find their way into a grill, or a bird may have even built a nest in there,” she explains. And that can be quite the combustible situation if you don’t check closely before lighting the grill up for the first time this year.Regular old grease buildup can cause fires, too, of course. “Also, check that the hose and connections from the gas tank to the grill are in good condition and free of leaks or damage,” adds McKelvey, since gas leaks can lead to fires or even explosions.Getty Images/Sergei TelenkovDeal with dangerous liquidsFlammable liquids with a flash point of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit can spark something truly scary in no time at all. This is why you want to take care to not use gasoline, paint thinners, acetone, oil-based paints, stains or varnishes, toluene, diethyl ether or alcohols while smoking or near an open flame, storing them in well-ventilated areas about 50 feet away.And if you spill any of those on your clothing or use a rag to clean them up, place the dirty laundry outside to dry before throwing it in the washer, says McKelvey. Never pile it up together or put it in the dryer, even after washing — it could spontaneously combust. And keep the flammable liquids themselves tightly sealed in their original containers so they can’t spill accidentally and pool without anyone knowing. More