Instead of a tarp, use a lawn or sport umbrella to collect and distribute leaves

Have you ever gone to pull that <a href="/tips/clothing/avoid-wrinkles-and-hanger-bumps-on-sweaters">wrinkled sweater</a>&nbsp;out of your <a href="/tips/home-garden/use-garbage-bags-to-quickly-pack-closet">closet</a> only to notice that it's full of holes? Or how about that Pendleton Wool blanket that mysteriously starts to resemble Swiss cheese?

Moths and carpet beetles can and will infest your closet, pantry, and carpets while silently damaging your clothing, food and furniture.

These pests can wreak havoc on your carpets, clothing, and food storage. But don't despair! You can do a few things to get rid of these pesky bugs. Read on to learn how to win the battle of the bugs.

Before we get into how to get rid of carpet beetles and moths, it's essential to know which pest you're dealing with. The most common carpet beetle is the black carpet beetle, which is about 1/8 inch long and has a black or brown body. Other types of carpet beetles include the furniture carpet beetle and the varied carpet beetle. They get their name from their fondness for eating carpets and feasting on clothing and other fabrics. Carpet beetles are particularly attracted to natural fibers like wool and fur.

On the other hand, moths are generally a bit larger than carpet beetles and are gray or brown. They, too, love to eat fabric but are especially drawn to stored food items like grains and cereals. Adult moths can also cause damage to your carpets by laying their eggs in them; the moth larvae then hatch and start eating away at the fibers. Yuck!.

How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles and Moths: The Game Plan

Now that you know which bug you're up against, it's time to formulate a plan of attack. Fortunately, there are ways to eliminate all the species of carpet beetles without hiring a professional exterminator. Here are some tips to help you keep them out of your home.

How to Get Rid of a Carpet Beetle Infestation

Carpet beetles are pesky little creatures that can wreak havoc on your carpets and furniture. You can do some things to get rid of them for good.

Just sprinkle some boric acid onto your carpet and vacuum it up after a few hours. The boric acid will kill carpet beetle eggs and adult beetles, eliminating the infestation. Just be sure to keep your pets and children away from the treated area until the vacuuming is complete. You can also purchase boric acid traps, which will help to quickly eliminate any beetles that come into contact with them.

If you see any signs of damage caused by carpet beetles, it's essential to treat the area immediately. Spray insecticidal soap directly onto the affected area. This will kill both the adults and larvae. Be careful not to let children or pets come near the treated area.

You don't want to trap carpet beetles inside your house. Check underneath upholstered furniture and behind appliances for places where they could hide. Once you've sealed off potential hiding spots, seal up any gaps around windows and doors.

Steam cleaning works best against carpet beetles because it removes the moisture that allows them to survive. You can use a steam cleaner to clean up areas where carpet beetles are hiding.

You can use natural remedies to kill carpet beetles. Mix one part white vinegar and three parts water. Spray it on the infested areas. Let it dry completely. Repeat every week. This method works best if you do it once a month.

Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock composed of the remains of diatoms, a type of algae. The unique structure of the diatomaceous earth makes it an effective insecticide. When dry, it is abrasive to the exoskeletons of insects, causing them to dehydrate and die. It also helps prevent the growth of mildew and mold. Although diatomaceous earth is safe for humans and animals, pregnant women and children under five should avoid it.

So, how can you tell which kind of moth you're dealing with? Clothing moths prefer natural fibers like wool and cotton, while flour and grain are more likely to attract pantry moths. If you find moth's sweater holes in your cashmere sweater, chances are they're clothes moths. And, if you find them near your pantry or cupboards, they're probably pantry moths.

Once you've identified which type of moth you're dealing with, you can take steps to get kill moths:

Vacuum any areas where you've seen moths or caterpillars and any cracks or crevices where they might be hiding. Set up moth traps using sticky paper or pheromone traps, which lure the moths into a space they can't escape. They're easy to use and inexpensive. You'll find them in hardware stores, garden centers, and online retailers.

Moth repellents are another effective method for keeping moths away. You can apply insect repellents directly to clothing or spray them onto fabric. Some products contain DEET, which is toxic to insects, while others contain natural ingredients such as citronella oil.

If you don't want to purchase expensive mothballs, store clothing properly. Hang items up high to discourage moths from crawling down to your clothing. Also, try storing clothing in plastic bags rather than paper ones. This prevents moths from getting trapped in the folds of the bag. Keep your closet clean and ventilate it well. Clothes that hang too close together allow for condensation and humidity. These conditions encourage mold and mildew growth.

Cedar products are a great way to protect your belongings from moth damage. The cedar oil deters moths from laying their eggs in your clothes. Cedar hangers, cedar chips, and cedar balls are a great way to keep your drawers smelling fresh.

Place herbs in a small cloth bag and hang them in the closet. Dilute the essential oil in water and spray the inside of your closet. Don't let the oils drip onto your clothes.

White vinegar is an effective cleaner you can use to clean almost anything. You can even use it to clean your car! Here are some tips on how to use white vinegar effectively.

No one wants to deal with a house infestation, but sometimes there's no avoiding it. If you've already dealt with the problem, you're probably wondering how to prevent future infestations. Luckily, you can do a few things to deter pests from making themselves home in your house.

If you still see bugs after taking these preventive measures, it may be time to call a professional exterminator. They will have the tools and expertise necessary to eliminate your bug problem.

Battle of the Bugs: How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles and Moths

How often have you gone to the grocery store, picked out a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and then watched them wilt within a couple of days? The answer is probably too many times to count!

We've compiled a list of 11 tips to make your fresh-cut flowers last longer. With just a little extra care, you can enjoy those fresh blooms for days (or even weeks!). So next time you're at the florist, pick up a bunch of flowers and try these tips:

Before bringing your beautiful flowers home, wrap the stem with a moistened paper towel to protect the "cut" end and prevent the stem from drying out. Once you're home, trim an inch or two off the bottom of the stems and immediately put your flowers in a clean vase with fresh water. Change the water every few days to keep them looking their best.&nbsp;

Cutting the stem at a 45-degree angle will increase the surface area to help the flowers absorb water more efficiently. The sooner you can get your bouquet hydrated, the better, since the entire process is quite shocking to the flowers.

If you want to extend flower life, keep the stems clean. Depending on the type of flower, you may need to use a sterilized knife (X-Acto knives and razors work well), or shear to remove any thorns or leaves below the water line in the vase. These leaves can rot and contaminate the clean water, causing the flowers to wilt more quickly.

Believe it or not, you can actually use sugar to extend the life of flowers. Adding around&nbsp;three tablespoons of brown or granulated sugar to the vase water can help flowers stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Add two tablespoons of white vinegar per quart of warm water to the mix. The sugar gives food to the plants, and the vinegar will prevent bacterial growth.

While it might seem strange to add to flowers, you might want to do it for several reasons. For one, it could prevent your flowers from dying prematurely. And while we don't recommend doing this every day, you can use it once a week to prolong flower life.

The best way to do this is to add a teaspoon of bleach to your watering can. This will kill off any harmful bacteria in your water, on the flower stems, and even in your glass vase. If you're worried about the smell, a little citrus oil or essential oils will cover up the scent.

You'll find that the effect isn't immediate - it takes a little while for the chlorine to work its magic. But over a month, you'll see that your flowers look fresher and healthier.

Removing dying flowers may seem like an act of mercy, but in reality, it can help your plants to thrive. When a flower starts to wilt, it not only looks terrible, but it also speeds up the decomposition process, releasing bacteria and other particles that can contaminate the water and shorten the lifespan of the other flowers. So be sure to cut off any wilted blooms as soon as you notice them. Not only will your arrangement look better for it, but your cut flowers will last longer too.

Vodka is high in ethanol, which acts as a natural preservative. Adding a few drops to your vase water can help your flowers stay fresh and perky for up to a week. Just be sure to use plain (and cheap) vodka - no need to waste your good stuff on flowers!

Aspirin relieves headaches and fever but can also make flowers last longer. A study found that flowers grown in water containing crushed aspirin had fewer problems with algae growth and were less likely to die during periods of stress. They suggest that aspirin works because it lowers the pH level of the solution, making it easier for the plant roots to absorb nutrients.

Contrary to popular belief, most flowers don't like direct sunlight. They actually prefer a cooler temperature and some shade. The sun's rays cause the flowers to lose moisture, leading to wilting and premature death. By keeping them in a cool, shady spot, you'll find that they grow much larger and healthier.

If you're buying your grown flowers, look for those kept in a cool, shaded place. Also, avoid placing them near air conditioners and heaters since they'll dry out the blooms quickly.

9. Spritz the Petals With Water or Hair Spray

One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep cut flowers looking fresh is to spritz them with water or hair spray. Just as it preserves your hairstyles, a spritz of hairspray can keep your cut flowers fresh. This helps to keep the petals from drying out and wilting. In addition, it can also help to prevent the flowers from getting dusty or faded. Stand a foot away from your arrangement and give them a quick blast just on the underside of the leaves and petals. You'll see how much better they look.

10. Store Flowers in the Refrigerator Overnight

Most florists&nbsp;<a href="https://www.longfield-gardens.com/article/how-to-make-cut-flowers-last-longer">keep flowers in a cool room</a> where the air temperature is between 34 and 36°F, and the humidity is between 90 and 95%. Flowers are susceptible to temperature changes, so keeping them chilled overnight helps to keep flowers fresh.

Based on that, some believe keeping your flowers in the fridge will make them bloom longer. Simply place your flowers inside the vase into your fridge before bed each night, and let them chill out overnight. Just make sure to remove them from the fridge in the morning so they can warm up gradually to room temperature. Your flowers will thank you!.

Like any living creature, flowers last longer if you feed them. Feeding will help your flowers grow faster and bloom more frequently. A packet of flower food contains essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. You can use flower food in several ways. First, spray it on the leaves of your plant. Second, apply it to the base of each stem where the buds form. And finally, put some flower food inside your plant's vase.

Depending on the species, some flowers can last from a few days to a few weeks without water. If you're looking for a flower that will last a little longer without water, there are a few options to choose from:

So, if you're looking for a long-lasting floral arrangement, these five types of flowers will do the trick! If you're not sure which type of flower to choose, ask your florist for advice. They'll be able to help you pick the perfect bloom for your needs.

11 Tips to Make Cut Flowers Last Longer

If you've ever had to move clothes on hangers in your closet, your technique might be to squish them together and throw them haphazardly into your moving truck.

By wrapping them in&nbsp;garbage bags you can keep your clothes organized and make transporting them much simpler.

If you don't have any garbage bags, you can try wrapping them in&nbsp;saran wrap.

Additionally, you can write what category of clothing they are in&nbsp;Sharpie marker ("Formal", "Suits", "Casual",&nbsp; "Skirts", etc.) to make unpacking a bit more predictable.

Need to quickly pack a closet? Use garbage bags.

Most of the time when you clean the house, you probably don't think about cleaning the blinds. But let's be honest -- even if you do, it's typically low on the list of chores that you actually end up completing.

The worst part is that the more you neglect it, the more those blinds accumulate dust, dirt, pet dander, pasta sauce, skin cells, and who knows what else.&nbsp;

Question: Why not use a vacuum cleaner to clean them?

Answer: While a vacuum cleaner may be used to clean blinds, it will still leave dust behind.

A washcloth or paper towel may work, but they're both kind of awkward to hold, and may not catch all of the dust on the first pass.

By using a pair of regular&nbsp;kitchen tongs&nbsp;and a&nbsp;microfiber towel&nbsp;(or sock), you can clean those blinds stress-free and maybe even look forward to doing so the next time you're cleaning house.

Before you begin, grab the following items:

Wrap each side of your tongs with a microfiber towel or sock.

Tie them together with your rubber bands. 2 rubber bands for each side is probably sufficient but you can add more if there are air pockets you want to reduce.

Step 3: Clamp down on your blinds and start dusting

Starting from the top left corner&nbsp;(since you will inevitably will be dropping dust onto the rungs below), clamp down on a single blind and drag your hand all the way to the other side.

Step 4: Rinse the tongs in a bowl of water

You shouldn't continue to "clean" the other rungs without first removing the debris from the previous rung you dusted.

Take a bowl of water (or tall cup) and submerge the dusted tongs in them. Swirl them around, pull them out, and then wring them out into another bowl so they stop dripping.

Repeat this step for all rungs in your blinds.

Clean dust from your blinds with a microfiber cloth and tongs

Silica packets (also known as oxygen scavengers/absorbers) are usually included with food packaging to help reduce the amount of oxygen in the package. You can repurpose these by putting them in your toolbox. This will help reduce moisture and in turn prevent any rust from forming on your tools. Works well especially in coastal areas.

Place old silica packets in your toolbox to reduce the likelihood of rusted tools.

Tired of that unsightly alarm panel staring at you in the middle of the wall? Install two hinges and screw them onto your canvas print to hide it while it's not in use.

Hide your alarm panel with a canvas print

A seam ripper is used to rip out stitching in clothing, but can be used as a perfect little tool to cut through all the hair that gets tangled in your vacuum cleaner bristles.

Use a seam ripper to cut out hair tangled in your vacuum cleaner

If you're hanging art, photos, or anything on the wall, trace an outline of it on a piece of paper and nail the paper template to the wall so you line it up evenly. Once you've nailed the template, pull the paper off and hang your item onto the nail. 

Hang your photos on the wall in the perfect spot by using paper templates.

This is a tip I used to use back in my Starbucks barista days. As is the duty of a barista, every night the bathrooms must be cleaned.

One night, the mop station's faucet wasn't working. Thankfully, the customer bathrooms were&nbsp;and an idea was born.

Using just a dustpan, position it under the sink so that the edge which you would normally be sweeping into is snug against the base of the faucet, and that the handle hangs over the edge of the sink. Point it directly into the center of the bucket on the ground.

Next, turn on the water and let it do its thing until the larger bucket is filled up. Now you can clean up those bathrooms and close up shop at a reasonable time!

A dustpan can be used to drain water out of a small sink into a larger bucket.

Drill holes in the bottom of the garbage can to prevent suction

Take a Phillips screwdriver or any other sharp object to poke holes about a foot apart on the hose and turn it on low pressure. Now you don't have to keep moving the hose as often.

Convert an old hose into a sprinkler by poking holes in it.

If you've ever broken a glass, you'll know the pain of trying to clean up all the glass afterwards. Usually a vacuum can get most of it, but sometimes there might be a piece way&nbsp;outside of the area it shattered.

If you take a flashlight, and shine it parallel to the floor, the shiny bits (or earrings, food, etc. that you dropped) should reflect off of the light. From there, you can take a piece of wet paper towel to gently wipe the area down.

Instead of a tarp, use a lawn or sport umbrella to collect and distribute leaves

More Home & Garden Tips

Battle of the Bugs: Removing Carpet Beetles and Moths

11 Tips to Make Cut Flowers Last Longer

Use Garbage Bags to Quickly Pack Your Closet

Clean Blinds with Kitchen Tongs and a Towel

Place old silica packets in your toolbox to reduce the likelihood of rusted tools.

Hide your alarm panel with a canvas painting

Use a seam ripper to cut out hair tangled in your vacuum cleaner

Hang Photos in the Perfect Spot With Paper Templates

Fill Larger Buckets With a Dustpan in the Sink

Drill holes in the bottom of the garbage can to prevent suction

Convert an old hose into a sprinkler by poking holes in it.

Use a Flashlight to Illuminate Things in the Dark

Tip Categories

Recently Viewed Tips