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Carpet Beetles Three species of carpet beetles look very similar (the black carpet beetle is the most common); the only difference is in their coloration pattern. Female carpet beetles lay around 100 soft white eggs in concealed places that hatch in eight to 15 days. They hatch more quickly in warmer weather. The eggs are laid on clothing, furniture, cracks in flooring, and, of course, carpet. These beetles typically produce four generations within a year....

Cutting down a tree by yourself with safety in mind is not as simple as turning on the chainsaw and yelling timber. There are a few crucial tips to be learned for how to cut down a tree safely. Plus, the most important part of cutting down a tree safely is knowing when it is best to hire professional tree experts. HelmetHearing protectionSafety glassesClear face screenChapsLong-sleeved shirtPantsSteel-toe bootsProtective gloves...

There is a specific method that is used to fold the flag and that eventually creates a blue and white triangle shape. You’ve probably seen this traditional way to fold the American flag, but perhaps never knew it is the correct way to fold and store it. Make sure that the flag is clean and dry before you get started and that there are no rips, tears or holes in it....

But it is in the larval stage that this pest does damage to your trees. The caterpillars attack certain host trees after hatching; they can eat a substantial percentage of the leaves on the tree. A small infestation is unlikely to kill a mature, healthy tree; the tree will grow a new set of leaves. But a large infestation can cause damage that is fatal to young and/or stressed-out specimens....

If you suspect that squirrels are nesting under your roof, it’s time to take action. Learn ways you can humanely remove squirrels—and prevent their return. How Do Squirrels Get Into Attics? Squirrels love attics because they are uninhabited, warm, dry, high up, and protected from predators. But the most important reason for squirrels to hide out in attics is to have babies. Once they take up residence in your attic, they will use their urine to mark the space as their territory....

Pros and Cons of White Kitchen Cabinets Pros Neutral: White cabinets help provide a neutral canvas for other elements such as cabinet fixtures. Because white cabinets do not overwhelm the kitchen, they let you dress up the space in other ways—with fun and interesting countertops, for example. Clean: The color white is not more hygienic than any other color. But it does psychologically convey a cleaner feeling. Feeling: White cabinets help you avoid the heavy, ponderous feeling of darker woods....

The problem is that many people aren’t confident in their knowledge of proper guest etiquette, so they feel uncomfortable having to decide what to give. Remember that the size or price of the gift is insignificant. What you need to focus on instead is what that person will like. It also needs to be appropriate for the situation. For example, a gift for a single person or a couple’s dinner party would be different from what you’d gift a family that’s hosting you for the weekend....

Modern hyacinths are some of the easiest-to-grow perennial spring bulbs. Hyacinths will come back every year, though their flowers will diminish in vigor after a few seasons. They are best planted in the fall and have a moderate growth rate. Hyacinths can grow outdoors in the ground or pots, as well as indoors in a bulb vase filled with water. Please be careful and keep them out of the reach of kids and critters: The bulbs are toxic to humans and pets....

Japanese forest grass is normally planted as a container-grown nursery plant in spring, though it can also be planted when it turns cool in the fall. Just make sure not to plant it during summer’s dry heat. It can take a full year to reach its full size, and then will spread slowly in a manner that doesn’t require much in the way of control. Spreading mulch over the ground around the plants will help keep the soil cool and retain moisture during summer, and also will keep weeds at bay....

Pacific rhododendrons are commonly found on the western coast of the U.S. and Canada, where you may spot them among fir trees and redwoods. These beautiful plants can even reach tree-like heights depending on the amount of sunlight received. Common pests include weevils—particularly root weevils. Light Pacific rhododendrons thrive best in partial shade to full sun. Did you know that the amount of sun this plant gets can actual change its appearance?...

Sensitive plants may be sold as potted nursery starts, but it is more common to plant them from seeds started in the spring. They have a very fast growth rate, and in the garden, they have been known to reach a full 5 feet in width in their first growing season. They are very short-lived, however, and decline with every passing year, so they are often planted afresh each year as annuals....

Selecting a planting site Choose a sunny and well-drained area in loamy, sandy, or clay soil that is acidic to slightly alkaline. The tree can tolerate a site with some shade. Once the tree is established, it can tolerate drought and some wind, but it will not withstand severe conditions, especially when it is young. A strawberry tree can do well despite the presence of salt runoff or salt spray. This strawberry tree can also thrive when planted in urban areas and along streets and highways....