Rochel Maday is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home improvement topics and is dedicated to providing valuable information that empowers homeowners to tackle their projects with confidence. Her work has been published in Angi, Bob Vila, Forbes and elsewhere. When not writing, Rochel enjoys digging into gardening projects and watching documentaries with her husband and their four kids.
Carpet beetles may be tiny, but they can wreak havoc on your home and belongings. If you’ve ever found mysterious holes in your favorite sweater or noticed strange larvae crawling around your carpeted bedroom floor, you might have a carpet beetle infestation on your hands. Carpet beetles, scientifically known as Anthrenus verbasci, originated from Europe…
Seeing an earwig scurry across your floor is enough to give you shivers. But before reaching for the nearest shoe or bug spray, take a moment to understand what you’re dealing with and how to tackle these pincer-waving pests. Earwigs are small insects known for their distinctive pincers at the end of their abdomens. Scientifically…
Knock, knock! Who’s there? It’s your neighborhood woodpecker, a bird known for its strong beak and ability to peck holes in various surfaces. Unfortunately, these birds sometimes go after your home instead of nearby tree trunks. Woodpeckers, including the yellow-bellied sapsucker, may drill holes in your wooden siding or trim, or damage your home’s exterior…
Has your once healthy green lawn suddenly developed brown spots? These spots aren’t just unsightly — they’re often a sign of an underlying condition that requires attention and could put your entire lawn at risk. Whether it’s a pest infestation, poor soil health or quickly spreading disease, you’ll want to determine the cause of your…
Creeping Charlie, scientifically known as Glechoma hederacea, is a persistent weed that has invaded residential lawns for generations. The plant originated in Europe and was introduced to North America in the 1800s. Also known as ground ivy, creeping Charlie thrives in moist, shady areas but can adapt to various conditions. It grows low to the…
St. Augustine grass is a warm-season turfgrass species common along the Gulf Coast, including in Florida and Texas. It’s known for its blue-green appearance and high tolerance for heat, humidity and salt. Like any type of grass, St. Augustine requires proper care and lawn maintenance to thrive. Without routine mowing, watering, and weed and pest…
Is your lawn in need of a serious makeover? With thinning, dead spots, brown grass and weeds, a lawn can go from pristine to patchy in a single season. We spoke with lawn experts Rafi Friedman, CEO of Coastal Luxury Outdoors, and Marty Teresi, host of The Grass Station Podcast, to get their input on…
While a nuisance, weeds in your yard or flower beds can provide valuable insight into your lawn’s health. They can reveal underlying problems such as soil compaction, poor drainage, nutrient deficiencies or even inadequate sunlight. But when weeds begin to overstay their welcome, consider a lawn weed killer. Finding the best weed killer starts with…
Summer is a great time to relax, but don’t forget about your lawn. With soaring temps, seasonal droughts and pesky pests, your lawn needs a little extra love during the summer months. Warm weather means lots of plants popping up — including weeds. Weeds steal nutrients, water and sunlight from your grass, so start your…
Keeping your lawn’s grass green and healthy doesn’t come easy, but preemergent herbicides can help. A preemergent herbicide is a weed killer applied to soil before weed seeds germinate, preventing them from sprouting and establishing roots. Knowing when to apply preemergent is crucial for success. Spraying too early or late in the growing season can…
As you’re ready to kick off a new lawn care season, you might find yourself less than excited if your yard is dotted with fluffy dandelion heads and other weeds. That backyard oasis you’ve been dreaming of all winter doesn’t materialize on its own. Wish as you may for lush grass, chances are, your yard…
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