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.
The block foundation is made from concrete cinder blocks. These blocks are a mix of cement, sand and water, and are reinforced with steel. This makes them strong, while the two holes in the blocks make them easier to handle and better for insulation. Cinder blocks are a cost-effective option. Choosing the proper foundation is…
A foundation inspection can uncover serious issues in your home that may otherwise go unnoticed. This type of inspection goes beyond surface-level charm and aesthetics to assess the foundation that holds your home together. If you have cracks in your foundation, an inspection will tell you if they’re nonstructural or serious. Whether you’re a homeowner…
Ignoring a foundation crack can lead to costly repairs and compromise your home’s integrity. You should address foundation cracks immediately to prevent further damage. Whether you notice a crack in your basement wall or crawl space, understanding the best repair methods is essential. To provide the most reliable advice on foundation crack repairs, we consulted…
While foundation cracks can be concerning, spotting a fissure on your basement wall doesn’t mean your house is doomed. However, as a homeowner, it’s important to understand the different types of foundation cracks, what they relay about your home’s structural health and whether or not you need your foundation repaired. We spoke with Joshua Parrish,…
Mole crickets, which get their name from their mole-like burrowing habits, disrupt your grass’s root systems, leading to patchy spots and unsightly damage. To get rid of mole crickets, start by identifying these pests, then choose the appropriate control methods, which could include hiring one of the best pest control companies. Regular monitoring and proper…
Bedbugs and ticks have a few similarities but many differences. Bedbugs trigger more frequent calls to the best pest control professionals, while ticks, often outdoor pests, don’t usually establish long-term infestations in homes. Still, both of these tiny, blood-sucking pests can wreak havoc on your peace of mind and health. “Both bedbugs and ticks cause…
While mice might seem harmless at first glance, they can quickly become unwelcome guests, leaving behind a trail of droppings and gnawed belongings. To help you find the perfect pest control solution, we contacted seasoned pest control pros — such as Derrick Clay, district manager of Jacksonville and Orlando, Florida at Trutech Wildlife Service, and…
It’s a nightmare scenario. You’ve just climbed into your bed, eager for a good night’s rest — then, you spot a bedbug. It’s just one, but that doesn’t stop the panic from setting in as you imagine your home overrun by these tiny, bloodsucking pests. Thankfully, finding a lone bedbug doesn’t mean you’re dealing with…
Drain flies have a nasty habit of turning your bathroom into their personal hangout space. These tiny insects can quickly become a nuisance in any home, leaving you wondering how to reclaim your sinks, drains and pipes. Drain fly infestations can be eliminated with a combination of active and preventive treatments, such as setting up…
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…
Brown spots on your once-healthy green lawn 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 lawn’s brown spots before starting…
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 requires proper care and lawn maintenance to thrive. It can succumb to brown spots and thin growth without routine mowing, watering, and weed and pest prevention. If your St. Augustine lawn has been looking lax rather than lush lately, don’t panic. You can take several approaches to restore and revive it, including…
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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