While there are any number of insects and diseases waiting to attack and feast on your squash plants, sudden wilting of squash plants is a sure sign of the squash vine borer. The squash vine borer is the larva of a black moth with orange-red markings. It has a wingspan of about 1 - 1 1/2 in. (25 to 37 mm). The moth lays its reddish-brown eggs on the squash leaves, often on the underside, where you can’t see them....

When you’re creating a color palette for a kid’s room it’s okay to use paint colors in unexpected ways. This color scheme doesn’t leave the ceiling without color, which makes the room even more special. Paint on the ceiling is a playful way to add color to a kid’s room or bathroom. This beautiful formal dining room in shades of blue can give you the confidence to try a monochromatic palette with any color you love....

Ants can be a relentless intruder. This is certainly true in our kitchen, where no matter how clean we keep our counters, the stubborn, plucky insects just keep coming back. And of course, when you see one, there are likely hundreds or thousands more. While we definitely needed to get rid of the ones inside our home, we also knew that the only way to effectively keep infestations at bay is to attack the problem at its source....

We researched dozens of home weather stations, used hands-on experience, and paid special attention to sensor types and accuracy, system expandability, and smart features like connectivity, apps, and personalized weather forecasts. The Ambient Weather WS-2000 is the best overall home weather station due to its excellent sensor suite, optional additional sensors, and high-definition tablet-style display. Here are the best home weather stations you can rely on for real-time weather data and personalized forecasts....

With tips from Hall and other experts in mind, we researched a wide range of pajamas, looking at fabric type and quality, fit, sizing options, comfort, and price. Our winner, the Hanna Andersson Adult Unisex Long Johns, comes in attractive colors with lots of matching family options, and has proven to be extremely durable even after many runs through the washer and dryer. Read on for the best pajamas currently on the market....

We researched the best party board games, considering the number and age of the players, time commitment, and difficulty level of each. Our favorite pick is Settlers of Catan: Family Edition. The strategy-based game is challenging, fun, and has a high replay value. Here are the best party board games. Settlers of Catan has been translated into over 30 different languages, so it’s safe to say this one appeals to a range of audiences....

After considering standalone, decorative, fabric, plastic/vinyl, and curtain/liner sets, we determined the Quiet Town The Sun Shower to be the best model for most people. It’s made of a non-chlorinated EVA that’s free of PVC and BPA, and provides crystal clear color and subtle styling. Read on for our other top picks. Many plastic liners cloud where they get nicks or creases, but the Quiet Town didn’t crease and stayed cleared throughout use....

We researched top-rated cooling sheets and put some to the test in different climates to see how they really performed. After sleeping on and laundering the sheets over the course of several weeks, our testers rated them according to their quality, texture, breathability, durability, and overall value. During testing, the Olive + Crate Cooling Eucalyptus Sheets stood out as our top pick for their breathability and softness. Read on for some of our other top options, informed by both testing and independent research....

“Mattresses will last five to 10 years, with higher-quality ones tending to hold up better,” says Joshua Roland, MD, a board-certified sleep medicine physician. “The chance of satisfaction with your choice can be improved with some research on the product beforehand, as well as a bit of self-reflection on what type of sleep conditions you prefer.” We’ve spent the last two years testing a wide range of mattress-in-a-box options, evaluating each for comfort, quality, durability, and value....

We researched tons of brands that offer decorating and organizational tools, as well as tool kits for home improvers of all levels. Our list includes a 65-piece tool set from Stanley, a stylish leather tool bag, renovation budget spreadsheet from Etsy, and more. Here are the best gifts for home improvers. Organizing Even home improvers with a well-appointed workbench won’t say no to a nifty accessory that makes jobs easier and helps them stay organized—from a well laid-out tool bag or tool belt, a sturdy tablet case, a rugged and versatile ladder, or a wrist band that puts nails and screws within easy reach, to digital gifts such as home renovation planning software....

Here are the best second anniversary gifts. We love this pick for couples who may not be able to physically travel anytime soon or just love to learn more about different cultures and cities. With the amount of experiences available, every recipient is guaranteed to find something they love. This is a unique gift that they are sure to remember for years to come. It may even inspire your next vacation....

We researched the best gifts, considering traditional steel and modern jewelry options that fit any budget. Our favorites include stylish watches from Samsung and Nashelle and the Vysta 29 Piece Grill Accessories Tools Set, which is great for grilling enthusiasts and will last for years to come. Here are the best 11-year anniversary gifts. These professional-grade stainless steel BBQ tools are rust-proof and include hooks for storage and an aluminum case—so your home chef can take them on their next camping trip....

Our top pick, Pergo Timber Graft + Wet Protect is waterproof, budget-friendly, and looks like real wood. Here are the best laminate flooring options for your home. Today’s Pergo products have crisp, deep embossing and images and colors with close fidelity to the original material. This is manifested in products like wide laminate planks that look similar to real hardwood planks or tiles that look like travertine, marble, or slate....

Our top pick, the Nest Eucalyptus TENCEL Luxury Sheet Set, is both incredibly soft and wonderfully durable. The sumptuous fibers of these California king sheets are cooling and comfortable, and they feel fantastic right out of the package. Discover more of our favorite sheet sets for larger beds and mattresses below. In addition to feeling luxuriously soft against your skin, Nest’s TENCEL lyocell fibers also help keep you comfortable, dry, and cool when you’re running hot....

Our top choice, the DAICH SpreadStone Mineral Select Countertop Refinishing Kit, is made of natural stone, has a semi-gloss finish, and can be used on laminate, plywood and particle board. Here are the best DIY countertop refinishing kits. Our No. 1 pick is DAICH SpreadStone Mineral Select. This low-VOC refinishing product is made of real stone and comes in lots of natural colors and finishes. The three-step kit creates an entirely new surface over your existing kitchen or bathroom countertops....

The reliability of the Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 air compressor, along with its relatively silent performance, wins its position as our top choice. Here are our favorite air compressors in a variety of categories. A good, useful air compressor is one that will get the job done whenever you need it. You don’t necessarily need a lot of bells and whistles, or extra features that you won’t use. What you do need, however, is reliability....

To help you in your search, we researched the best bathtub cleaners, evaluating each product on ease of use, effectiveness, and value. Our favorite bathtub cleaner, the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath Scrubber Sponge, contains a soap scum-eliminating solution that activates with water. It’s extremely effective and reusable. Below, the best bathtub cleaners on the market. These magical sponges make cleaning the bathroom incredibly quick and efficient—and who doesn’t love that?...

To help narrow down your search, we spent hours researching the best blanket brands and consulted Nadia Sabri M.D, FAAP for guidance on kid-friendly fabrics. Considering material, durability, and care instructions, we picked the Saranoni Bamboni Toddler Blanket as our top pick. The lightweight blanket provides ultra soft comfort with easy-to-follow care instructions. From toddler to teen and everything in between, here are the best blankets that any kid is sure to love....

We compiled buying tips from Forehand and Nicole Fisher of BNR Interiors, then researched standout options for different rooms and decor schemes. Our top choice is Pottery Barn’s Curtain Rod & Wall Bracket, a high-quality, versatile set that comes in a range of sizes and finishes. Here are the best curtain rods for every taste and budget below. This rod and bracket bundle comes with all the mounting hardware you need for installation....