3+ hour, 15+ min ago (814+ words) With Christmas less than a month away now, many Brits will be looking forward to putting up their tree. But as well as festive cheer, your fir could also bring unwanted visitors into your home, an expert has warned. Sophie Thorogood, a pest prevention specialist at Pest-Stop, says a wide range of creepy crawlies could be secretly stowed away on your Christmas tree. From beetles to flies, moths and spiders, firs can be magnets for creepy crawlies." 'We've seen significantly higher insect numbers throughout 2025 due to the warm weather,' she said. Despite the potential for more insects this year, there's no need to skip the real tree tradition, she explained. It only takes a few extra precautions to ensure your celebrations remain pest-free. Experts say there's a 'good chance your Christmas tree could be carrying some unexpected passengers' (file image)…...

7+ hour, 24+ min ago (623+ words) At First Choice Pest Control, we combine decades of industry experience with a unique personalized approach that has set us apart for 20 years. From seasonal pests to long-term prevention, our team ensures your home stays protected with proven treatments and lasting results. Michigan's climate makes homes vulnerable to pest activity all year. Each season brings its own challenges: Warm weather wakes up ants, spiders, stinging insects, and overwintering pests looking to nest or invade your home. Hot conditions bring mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, carpenter ants, wasps, earwigs, and more. Rodents, spiders, and boxelder bugs begin searching for warmth and shelter, making homes their prime target. Cold months push mice, rats, and other pests indoors'often causing damage that goes unnoticed. Because different pests require different treatments, having Pest Control Services Swartz Creek MI'that understands these seasonal patterns is essential. This is where…...

8+ hour, 50+ min ago (28+ words) Mothballs are most effective at getting rid of clothes moths, but according to some pest control pros, they can help deter other pests that feed on natural fibers....

10+ hour, 46+ min ago (552+ words) Kristeen has worked as a professional writer for more than 15 years, with the bulk of her experience involving health, wellness, and lifestyle content. Her work is regularly featured on Healthline and EverydayHealth, and she's also a consistently sought-after feature and ghostwriter on numerous topics related to lifestyle and wellness. 12 Common Pests That Will Scurry Away After Catching The Smell Of This Kitchen Essential Whether you're managing pests inside your home or around your yard and garden, they are a year-round issue. Waiting to treat a pest problem until it's a widespread or you have a severe infestation on your hands will take much more work and money to resolve. Dealing with it promptly or, better yet, preventing it altogether is the preferred route. This is where employing pest deterrents can help. One possible deterrent against some common pests may already…...

18+ hour, 9+ min ago (226+ words) Q: I heard that California has restricted the use of some rodent poisons and that some baits that were once legal are now restricted. Can you give us an update on what is now restricted and what is okay to use? This is a subject especially close to my heart (and wallet) since we just spent over $700 to repair rat damage to my husband's car. Currently, the list of approved rodenticides for household use in California includes bromethaline, cholecalciferol, and zinc phosphide. For more information, go to Home & Garden Pest Newsletter volume 2 issue 2 on the UC IPM website. Q: I've read about birth control baits for rats and mice. Are these safe and effective? How do they work? I have been using an electronic repellent for my car and have noticed that the rats haven't been leaving empty snail shells on the…...

18+ hour, 9+ min ago (226+ words) Q: I heard that California has restricted the use of some rodent poisons and that some baits that were once legal are now restricted. Can you give us an update on what is now restricted and what is okay to use? This is a subject especially close to my heart (and wallet) since we just spent over $700 to repair rat damage to my husband's car. Currently, the list of approved rodenticides for household use in California includes bromethaline, cholecalciferol, and zinc phosphide. For more information, go to Home & Garden Pest Newsletter volume 2 issue 2 on the UC IPM website. Q: I've read about birth control baits for rats and mice. Are these safe and effective? How do they work? I have been using an electronic repellent for my car and have noticed that the rats haven't been leaving empty snail shells on the…...

18+ hour, 46+ min ago (509+ words) Keep these pests away from your food. Keeping pests such as mice out of your home is important year-round, but there are certain times when they're more prevalent. During the winter months, mice tend to scurry indoors to stay warm and dry'and if your home isn't mouse-proof, it could provide the perfect refuge. Pantries offer warmth, food, and safety for mice. If you wait until winter begins to mouse-proof your pantry, you might already have an infestation that's harder to control. The last thing you want is to walk into your pantry and find mouse droppings near your food'or worse, signs they've gotten into it. To help you get ahead, we spoke with a pest control expert on how to mouse-proof your pantry before winter and keep these furry pests out all season. Jim McHale, president of JP McHale Pest…...

21+ hour, 46+ min ago (283+ words) Shop secondhand safely with these tips from the pros. Thrift shopping is a wonderful way to fill your home and closet with beautiful d'cor, furnishings, and clothes for a fraction of the cost. However, it can also create pesky pest problems if you're not careful. Bed bugs love items like upholstered furniture and clothing (or really anything with crevices for them to hide in), which are prime thrift store items. That said, if you arm yourself with the right knowledge and learn how to spot bed bugs properly, you can enjoy thrifting without bringing these pests into your home. Below, two experts share what to do during and after your thrift trip to stay protected." There are some precautions you can take when thrift shopping to avoid bringing bed bugs home with you. You've found the perfect puffy coat on…...

21+ hour, 46+ min ago (124+ words) Breaking news and analysis on politics, business, world, national news, entertainment and more. In-depth DC, Virginia, Maryland news coverage including traffic, weather, crime, education, restaurant reviews and more. Montgomery County officials condemned a unit and ordered inspections for the entire Arrive apartment complex after TikTok video showed multiple dead rats. For the first 10 years, Stephanie Lawton loved living in downtown Silver Spring at the Arrive building complex. Her rental unit featured a huge bedroom and plenty of closet space at a great price, not to mention a walkable location to a Metro station and nightlife for socializing with friends easily. Arrive also offered amenities like a sundeck and outdoor track, and little extras like movies on the courtyard lawn during the summer....

22+ hour, 16+ min ago (559+ words) She began her writing career in 2021 and has since worked behind the scenes as a ghostwriter for a variety of websites and content platforms. Over the years, she's explored many niches, but always finds herself drawn back to home improvement, DIY projects, and clever everyday solutions. The Grossest Place Roaches Are Secretly Hiding In Your Home We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Humans survive icy winters, brutal deadlines, and heartbreaks, but do you know who's the real overachiever of persistence? Roaches. Cunning in their survival instincts, they've been crawling our planet for over 300 million years. And believe it or not, more than 14 million American households per year report dealing with their stealthy visits, according to the US Census Bureau. The fact that roaches are gross is only part of the problem. They can also trigger allergies…...