And frankly, no one wants to sink into an outdoor loveseat with a musty odor. These are all signs that the structural integrity of your wood or metal patio furniture is wearing down. Want more design inspiration? KatarzynaBialasiewicz / Getty Images “Always sit before you commit,” she says. “Comfort matters just as much outdoors as it does inside.” An outdoor throw blanket or two can also do wonders. Springfrom / Getty Images...

These insects may still be relatively small, but they can do major damage to your home if ignored. Meet the Expert Ed Dolshunis the Vice President of Business Development and Technical Director at Catchmaster. Carpenter ants build their nests and expand their colony within the studs and other framing elements of a home. Oxford Scientific / Getty Images As a result, the structural integrity of your house may become comprised and ultimately lead to expensive repairs....

Kostikova / Getty Images At peak, my plant collection numbered in the mid 90s. Now I’m down in the low 80s. (I know, I know, 80 is still a lot.) Kostikova / Getty Images After nine years of only expanding my plant collection, I’ve accepted that I went overboard. I’m not throwing out plants that are in mint condition. It’s the ones that are suffering, struggling, or pest-covered that I’ve stopped trying to rescue....

Overwatering can lead to damage, create conditions for pests, and even kill your houseplants. Here are five common signs you’re overwatering your houseplants to watch out. Wilting or Yellowing Leaves Yellowing leavesare one of the most common signs you’re overwatering a houseplant. Anna Sadovskaia / Getty (Underwatering can also cause yellow, wilted leavescheck the soil moisture to determine the cause.) Allow an overly soggy plant to dry out before watering again....

But how do you know for a fact this is what will fix your space? Be careful, though; these can quickly become red flags. Want more design inspiration? VisualField / Getty Images This is definitely true if you notice any discoloration spreading, and especially if its black or yellow. These could indicate bigger issues, likemoldfrom water damage, says Da Cruz. Look for faded color, chalkiness, and loss of sheen. Chipped, cracked, and peeling paint on a red doorPhoto by Tim Graham/Getty Images News Collection/Getty Images (cropped)...

Design bySuperbloom/ Photo byAva Hiller Small front yards don’t have to cramp your style. Most of these ideas can be beneficial to the surrounding wildlife and insects near your home. Passmore explains how she likes bunch grasses since they are able to thrive yearly after they’re established. Design bySuperbloom/ Photo byAva Hiller Growing in tufts, they can make a large visual impact in a small space, Passmore says. Want more gardening tips?...

Olivia Ettienne, a Tasker withTaskrabbit, recommends clearing all the dirt and debris out. She recommends pressure washing the area if possible. He recommends a variety of outdoor lighting approaches.String lights are great for setting a cozy scene. Carlos Barquero / Getty Images Install spotlights and tree-mounted lights if you want to show off your backyard’s landscaping. Meanwhile, don’t neglect your air filters, either. Ettienne encourages people to double-check to change them out to ensure quality airflow, especially on hot summer days....

We checked in with a few home tech experts to find out what’s more trouble than value. Meet the Expert Want more design inspiration? With these options, you also might not have a full scope of your property. d3sign / Getty Images Put cameras on posts in the yard for optimal viewing and recording property-wide, adds Wilson. This includes sconces, outdoor lights, and pot lights or downlights. Once those lights are wired into your house, they’re permanent, she says....

However, there are some ways you might make even a cheap artificial tree pass as the real deal. However, reading the tree’s product description can help. Want more design inspiration? Kseniya Starkova / Getty Images Fluff Your Tree One dead giveaway of a fake tree is smashed branches. Fluffing and shaping the branches is essential, says designer Tami O’Malley of Tami O’Malley Design. Layering your decorationsis key to achieving that cozy, inviting feel, O’Malley says....

Thankfully, in a pinch, dishwasher pods have you covered. “When its time to take the trash out, youll notice the difference.” Want more cleaning and organizing tips? The Spruce / Jason Donnelly But, just a little more power from a pod could help you out. King’s method of choice is a dishwasher pod and hot water. Refresh Outdoor Furniture In the same vein, dishwasher pods can be used to clean outdoor furniture....

Anastasiia Krivenok / Getty Images Cockroaches are persistent pests, but certain essential oils can repel them effectively. Meet the Expert Gary Andersonis a pest control expert with EcoGuard Pest Management. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Anastasiia Krivenok / Getty Images Use oregano oil on cotton balls placed in hidden areas or corners where cockroaches are likely to travel. it’s possible for you to also add a few drops to cleaning solutions for extra repellent power....

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault If you’ve noticedsigns of mice in your house, try not to panic. Wondering how do mice get in your house? Mice have outstanding sensory abilities, particularly smell and temperature sensing. The Spruce / Adrienne Legault Given their flexible body structure, mice can squeeze through open crevices the size of a quarter-inch button. The same goes for open windows, even if high up. Thoroughly inspect your house pipes and seal any cracks, gaps, and broken joints....

But, where to start? With so manythings to declutterand so many surfaces to wipe, spring cleaning can quickly become overwhelming. Unless you tackle one space at a time. Anna Puzatykh / Getty Images For many, that is the kitchen with all its hard surfaces and nooks and crannies. Because its visited so regularly, its bound to need some TLC! Think spaces like the laundry room and mudroom. The Spruce / Meg MacDonald...