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Best Natural Sleep Aids

Remember the days when you slept like a baby and always woke up feeling refreshed and energized? The last time I slept that way was when I was a teenager. It seems like sleep has become more evasive the older I’ve gotten and the more I’ve had to “adult.” If you’re like me and you can’t seem to get enough shuteye at night no matter what you do, here are some of the best natural sleep aids I’ve discovered.

Valerian

This herbal medicine is made from a plant’s root. Though it’s not very well-known, it’s a great ingredient for achieving deep, restful sleep. If you have trouble finding it at your grocery store, look for it at your local health food store. Most people add it to tea and take it an hour or so before bedtime.

Though valerian is a great sleep aid, it may interact with some medications. So before you give it a try, talk to your doctor. You should also know that if you take valerian regularly, you shouldn’t suddenly stop taking it. Doing so can cause some anxiety or withdrawal symptoms (eek!)

Chamomile

Chamomile flowers are some of my favorites because they’re so bright and cheerful. They look a lot like daisies. But as energetic as their appearance may be, these little flowers are very effective at helping you sleep. Chamomile tea promotes relaxation and can help you wind down in the hours leading up to bedtime. You may also find that drinking chamomile tea before bed improves your quality of sleep as well.

Just make sure you don’t consume more than the recommended dose. Taking too much chamomile may cause you to get nauseous or to throw up. You may also want to consult with your allergist or doctor before consuming if you have known allergies to flowers in the daisy family.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone your body naturally produces in the pineal gland. It helps control circadian rhythms so you sleep better. Unfortunately, some of us don’t seem to create sufficient melatonin to help us nod off at night. Taking anywhere between 1 and 5 mg of melatonin right before bed may help induce sleep.

If you decide to try melatonin, only use it for a maximum of two weeks. Using it longer than that could potentially hamper your ability to produce your own melatonin going forward. Some people may discover that melatonin helps them fall asleep quickly, but causes them to wake frequently in the night. Others may feel more depressed or irritable when using melatonin as a sleep aid. If these things happen to you, discontinue using melatonin products right away.

Lavender

Lavender is a highly fragrant plant that is used in many sleep aid products. It produces a calming effect and may help you fall asleep more easily at night. You can use lavender in a variety of ways. My favorite way is to dilute a few drops of lavender essential oil into a diffuser in my room. I turn the diffuser on at bedtime to enjoy the relaxing benefits of the fumes.

You can also put a few drops of diluted lavender oil right on your pillowcase. Some people even rub a little diluted lavender oil around their nose before going to bed. Just keep in mind that this is a very fragrant oil, so you only need a little bit.

Magnesium

Magnesium is an important mineral that helps boost heart and brain function. However, it may also help relax the body and mind so you can get a restful sleep. Studies show that insufficient levels of magnesium are associated with insomnia and troubled sleep. You can take magnesium in supplement form before bed to see if it helps you get more rest at night.

I love each of these sleep aids and alternate between them regularly. To find out which one works best for you, give each of them a try on different nights over the next few weeks. Happy sleeping!

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Considering The Pros And Cons Of A Bidet Before Purchase

How often do you change your bathroom routine? For most people, bathroom habits don’t change much from their early years, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t. Recently, there has been a significant rise in interest for the bidet, a bathroom accessory with several variations and benefits.

Understanding Bidet Designs

A bidet is a sanitation tool for personal cleaning. Rather than using toilet paper, a person uses the stream of water produced by the bidet to clean their hindquarters. The bidet comes in three iterations: standalone, modern, and shower.

The standalone bidet resembles a second toilet in the bathroom but without a toilet seat. Also, a traditional design includes a faucet, so a more accurate depiction is a sink toilet. Facing toward or away from the tap, you straddle the bidet and rinse your rear.

Modern bidets are attachments to your existing toilet. You will have several buttons on the side of the seat, and when pressed, a wand will emerge from under the seat to spray your hiney.

Finally, a shower bidet is a toilet attachment resembling a shower wand. Once you do your business, you take the wand down from its wall mount and clean yourself.

Benefits of Using Bidets

Records exist about the bidet as far back as 1726, but despite the history, many people are unfamiliar or feel icky thinking about the device. However, there are several advantages to using a bidet, some that extend the personal experience.

  • Hygiene:

Bidets are undeniably more sanitary than toilet paper or wipes. Even the most hygienic person will likely leave behind particles or bits that can lead to odor, infection, or irritation. A bidet sprays the area, washing away any remnants, making it a fantastic tool for older people or those who do not have the flexibility to clean themselves effectively.

  • Environment:

Over 36 billion rolls of toilet paper go to waste every year. Using a bidet can reduce that number significantly. Bidets limit the number of rolls needed and thereby the number of trees used for creating a product responsible for eliminating an estimated 27,000 trees daily.

  • Plumbing:

If you use a bidet correctly, the device rinses away the waste. Using toilet paper to dry your hind parts is unnecessary; instead, use small cloth towels and put them in the hamper after each use. By eliminating toilet paper usage, you limit environmental impact, and you ensure you have clear and clear pipes in your home.

Negatives of Using Bidets

Bidets have several pros, but that does not mean they are without any cons. Several negatives of using a bidet include:

  • Infections:

For the females out there, wiping is not a willy-nilly process. Cleaning yourself involves limiting exposure to certain sensitive and vulnerable areas. Unfortunately, if a bidet is not measured correctly, it can lead to overspray and the spread of fecal matter, which can lead to feminine infections.

  • Installation:

While some modern bidets install quickly without significant required changes to your existing bathroom or plumbing, others might need a renovation or bathroom overhaul, especially if looking for a standalone system. Make sure your budget can afford the potential costs.

  • Learning curve:

While the bidet is a straightforward and simplistic device, it still requires practice and patience. Bidet noobs will probably experience overspray and wet clothes. The only advice is to practice and have a spare pair of underwear and pants nearby.

The bidet is a useful and, in some respects, a traditional bathroom tool. However, despite its age, not everyone will enjoy the pressure washing of their rear. 

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5 Ways To Simplify Your Grocery Shopping

Grocery shopping is an essential activity, but there are right and wrong ways to accomplish it. Most people know that shopping with a plan and on a budget is the best strategy for making the most of your weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly grocery jaunts. Still, some people need specifics about how to plan for a successful trip. They need help to simplify the grocery buying process.

Family planners seem like grocery gurus. They create a plan and execute it on a schedule with few, if any, variants. To be a shopping master, shoppers need discipline and a commitment to five techniques.

1. Stick to the List

The worst thing anyone can do is go to a grocery store without a list. Entering a market without a plan will lead to impulse buys, depleting your budget.

Every experienced family planner knows the grocery list is the law. Write a list of all essentials and wants when at home, and once at the store, do not deviate from the list.

Taking a military approach to shopping should have several benefits, including speed. People can shave precious minutes off their trip when they stick to their grocery list and ignore everything else.

2. Plan Meals and Snacks

Meal planning helps curb wasteful spending habits. Many families ignore the practice or use bare-bones planning strategies, such as only planning dinners. By avoiding thorough meal planning, a family likely spends money on food, snacks, and meals that will go to waste.

Effective meal planning involves creating a detailed meal schedule that includes main meals and snacks. Food budgets can go a long way when a family sticks to the plan.

3. Buy in Bulk (When It Makes Sense)

Big box retailers and membership warehouses often sell bulk merchandise. People find bulk buying tempting because of the implied savings, but not every offering is a saving.

Also, sometimes buying in bulk makes little sense. For example, how quickly can a single person go through gallons of mayonnaise? Only buy bulk items when there is value; usually, avoid purchasing perishable items this way.

Bulk paper products or dry goods sometimes make sense. However, always check the cost per unit to understand how much of a deal the store offers.

4. Limit the Number of Stores and Trips

Too many people run all over the place to shop for groceries, always chasing the best deals. Sometimes, visiting multiple stores is worth it, but most of the time, it isn't.

It's common for an area to have four or more grocery chains. If shoppers want to simplify their shopping, they should select one or two chains and stick to them.

5. Use Coupons Whenever Possible

There is no reason to become obsessed with couponing, but coupons provide significant value, especially to the frugal shopper. The best way to maximize savings is to have a coupon system.

The best shoppers will look through circulars when they receive them. They clip any coupons of interest and put them in their purse, pocketbook, or grocery list notebook. As the coupons expire, they cycle them out for new ones.

Grocery shopping will not always be fun, but it doesn't have to be a nightmare. Shoppers can simplify the entire process by organizing a list, creating meal plans, limiting stores and using coupons.

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Do Most Coffee Creamers Have Dangerous Chemicals?

I’m a “no sugar, two creams, please” type of girl. So you can imagine my surprise when a friend of mine sent me an article saying that coffee creamers aren’t good for you — more than that, they’re downright dangerous! Every fiber of my being wanted to shout “that’s blasphemy!” Are coffee creamers really bad for you?

What’s In Your Favorite Coffee Creamer?

The first shocker for me is that most coffee creamers are loaded with sugar — more than a teaspoon per serving! But that’s not the worst part by a long shot:

Hydrogenated Oil

This is just another name for trans fats. To make this artificial fat, manufacturers add powdered nickel or other metals to vegetable oil. Hydrogenated oil adds a "creamier" texture. According to the FDA, partially hydrogenated oils are not Generally Recognized as Safe in food. They raise bad cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

Cellulose Gel

I’ll give you a hint: cellulose is another name for “wood.” That’s right, some popular coffee creamers add small amounts of wood pulp to help thicken the consistency of cheaper ingredients. Don’t want wood particles in your coffee? Yeah, me either.

Carrageenan

This additive and preservative is technically “natural” because it comes from a type of moss (mmm!). But carrageenan has been linked to a bunch of health problems, from IBS and bloating to colon cancer and arthritis.

Why do companies use these weird ingredients if they’re so bad for you? Because they’re cheap. Some corporations are happy to make a profit whether it hurts you or not.

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What Are the Best Alternatives to Coffee Creamer?

Now for the good news. There are a lot of tasty, natural and healthy alternatives you can add to your joe. And the flavor is WAY better:

  • Milk: Simple, heathy and easy. Depending on whether you choose whole or 2%, milk isn’t as thick as other options, but it has less total fat and gives you calcium, vitamin D… the whole shebang.
  • Heavy cream: This has more fat than milk (1 tsp has 50 calories), but you also don’t need to use much. This is my favorite option for “treating myself” for the first cup of coffee in the day, but I don’t use it for other cups.
  • Almond milk: Tons of vitamin B12, a creamy texture and a nutty flavor make almond milk amazing for coffee.
  • Coconut oil: If you’re on a keto diet, coconut oil in your coffee is a must. It gives you a rush of energy, boosts your metabolism and provides healthy MCT oil for burning fat. This is how you make Bulletproof coffee at home.
  • Coconut milk: Some brands add a lot of sugar, but you can find coconut milk that is just pureed coconut and water. Trust me, this option is really creamy and it adds an irresistible aroma to your coffee.
  • Unsweetened nut milk: You don’t need to buy an artificial creamer to enjoy hazelnut, vanilla or macadamia nut in your coffee. Just go straight to the source. Macadamia nut milk has all that delicious flavor you want, and zero weird ingredients.

Some cheapskate companies still try to sneak in carrageenan into these natural alternatives, so look at the label before you buy. It’s perfectly possible to enjoy creamy coffee and stay healthy at the same time. Now I’m going to celebrate with … you know what!

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7 Surprising Spices That Support Healthy Hair

If you've been into natural beauty since you tinted your tresses with henna in middle school, you've probably tried everything from avocado masks to skin-smoothing shea butter. It's time to revitalize your easy, breezy routine by adding these seven spices to your hair care regimen.

Black Pepper

Pepper up your tresses by applying this go-to spice, which facilitates the flow of blood and nutrients to your scalp and hair follicles. You'll notice your hair remains healthy and strong even as it grows faster than expected. Just mix a tablespoon of black pepper with about 1/4 cup each black castor and coconut oils (organic if possible). Apply it to your scalp for about 20 minutes, then rinse completely before styling those gorgeous locks.

Chamomile

While you're making your next cup of tea, steep some for your hair to revitalize your roots, soothe itching, and moisturize the scalp and strands. You only need to boil a teaspoon of chamomile flower in 1 cup of water and use it to rinse your hair after your next shampoo and condition.

Cinnamon

You know about the sun's unwanted impact on your skin, but you should also be aware of environmental damage to your hair and scalp. In addition to wearing a hat whenever you have a pool day planned, you can use cinnamon to dial back dryness and damage caused by the sun. Because it increases cell turnover and circulation, it also encourages hair growth. To take advantage of this spicy tip, simply stir some cinnamon (a teaspoon or two) into your oatmeal, cereal or morning beverage of choice. You can also mix it with some olive oil and honey to make a salve that will soothe and exfoliate your scalp.

Cumin

In addition to cooking up an amazing curry, cumin can reduce symptoms of dry scalp, help moisturize your mane, and even prevent damage. To try this tip, slowly stir warm water into powdered cumin until you have a pasty texture. Spread the solution on clean hair and relax for 30 minutes, then wash it out, condition, and do your thing.

Gingko Biloba

Ginkgo makes a great rinse if you want to accelerate hair growth. According to research published in Neuroradiology, this herb works by stimulating blood flow to the scalp. Throw a few cups of dried ginkgo Biloba in a pot of boiling water and steep for a few minutes, then use the resulting mixture as a rinse whenever you wash your hair.

Rosemary

Essential oil made from this herb can help with hair growth. However, don't put the formula directly onto your scalp, which can cause irritation. Instead, add a few drops to your shampoo or mix with a gentle, moisturizing oil like sunflower, coconut and jojoba to make a hair mask. A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research even showed that the spice can shield against pattern baldness by rejuvenating nerves in the scalp.

Mustard

It's not just a sandwich spread - when massaged into your scalp, mustard oil boosts the health of your hair with fatty acids and antioxidants. It has been also used to help hair growth for generations in India since it's rich in nutritious zinc, iron, calcium, and vitamins A, D and E. In addition, studies suggest mustard oil may help shield the scalp from the sun's damaging UV rays. Finally, you can even use this essential substance to treat minor scalp infections and deep condition your tresses.

Next time you feel like your locks are looking a little lackluster, raid your kitchen for any of these seven spices to restore your hair to its most glorious state without leaving your home.

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7 Natural Stain Removers To Try Before Harsh Commercial Products

Many people are uncomfortable using harsh chemicals to clean their clothing or homes. Unfortunately, when faced with a stain, it is challenging to think of anything more potent than an assortment of chemicals, right?

While people usually turn to strong commercial cleaners for removing stains, they don't have to. It is possible to keep a green laundry routine with several natural products you likely have lying around the house.

1. Baking Soda

Why spend your hard-earned money on expensive commercial cleaners when you probably already have one of the most durable and affordable stain removers in your laundry room or kitchen cabinets: baking soda? According to Arm & Hammer — a baking soda manufacturer — mixing six tablespoons of baking soda with a third cup of warm water is enough to remove some of the toughest stains. As a bonus, baking soda is safe on all fabrics and acts as an odor remover.

2. Lemon and Lime Juice

Both lemon and lime juice can help remove stains on clothing because they contain acetic acid. However, the acid acts as a natural bleaching agent, so you will want to be careful about what fabrics and colors you use it on. Experts suggest only using the juices on white materials and explain both juices can help remove yellowing and rust stains.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

If you're like most people, you store a bottle of hydrogen peroxide in your medicine cabinet. The oxidizing agent is an excellent bleach substitute and is nowhere near as harsh. While you don't want to use the first-aid disinfectant on colors, it is suitable on white materials for removing yellowing, nail polish dye, red wine and curry stains.

4. Distilled White Vinegar

White vinegar is cheaper than apple cider vinegar and will not stain fabrics. The product is also safer than chlorine bleach and most fabric softeners. Besides using vinegar to clean clothing, you can also use it to clean the washing machine.

5. Table Salt

Some stains require a little elbow grease to eliminate. Salt acts as an abrasive cleaner and is an excellent tool against red wine and rust stains. You can also use salt to absorb liquids before they set.

When using the product to absorb, sprinkle it liberally over a spill. Let it absorb the liquid before brushing it away. Finally, wash the item. If you do not wash the salt out of the article, it can cause white stains.

6. Borax

Borax — a mineral composed of boron, sodium, oxygen and water — is a household cleaner. Experts suggest that adding borax to any detergent can boost the products' cleaning and stain removal abilities. However, the compound can irritate the skin.

7. Cornstarch, Chalk or Talc

Cornstarch, white chalk, baby powder or talcum powder are excellent natural remedies for oily stains. All you need to do is sprinkle your chosen product over the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes before brushing it away. Following treatment, wash the clothing or fabrics as usual.

While commercial cleaners are effective stain removers, they also contain harsh chemicals. If you want a safer method of removing stains, consider one of the seven options above. What do you have to lose?

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Laundry Stripping: The Process and Its Effectiveness

Laundry stripping is the latest social media sensation. With videos raking in millions of views, social media "gurus" claim the aggressive cleaning and soaking method can revitalize dingy clothing.

According to advocates of the practice, stripping cleans fabric of buildup from detergent, fabric softener, and soil. As evidence, laundry strippers post videos of bathtubs filled with brown or discolored water after overnight soaks.

Despite positive reviews from proponents, fabric-care scientists explain that discolored water is a result of buildup and dyes and fibers. Stripping is a harsh process and is not suitable for all fabrics, especially delicate materials.

Effectiveness of Laundry Stripping

Despite its aggressiveness, laundry stripping is an effective process. What makes it effective is the chemical solution of washing soda, borax, powdered detergent, and hot water.

Because the process can also leech dyes and natural oils in fabrics, you must check laundry care tags. The tag should state whether a material can handle hot water soaking.

Laundry Stripping and Fabric Safety Concerns

Despite the hype, laundry stripping is not safe for many fabrics. Some items you should not put through the process include:

  • Wool
  • Workout clothes (spandex)
  • Cold-water clothing
  • Dark fabrics

Laundry stripping is most effective on light-colored sheets and towels. These items' thickness, size, and bulk make detergent buildup more likely.

How To Strip Laundry

Some washing machines allow for extended soaks, but that does not mean they can handle the stripping solution. Many appliance manufacturers like Maytag do not recommend laundry stripping in a washer. Manufacturers recommend trying traditional detergents and additives in a long, hot machine soak followed by a rinse cycle.

If you insist on trying the laundry stripping process, you will want to use a large bucket or your bathtub. The process has six steps:

  1. Fill your preferred reservoir with extremely hot water.
  2. Mix 1 cup powdered laundry detergent with 1/4 cup of borax and a 1/4 cup of washing soda.
  3. Submerge laundry in the solution and stir.
  4. Leave the laundry in the solution overnight, stirring occasionally.
  5. Drain the reservoir and rinse the laundry in the washing machine or by hand.
  6. Dry the laundry as usual.

Frequency of Stripping

While some people might want to use laundry stripping often, it is best to reserve the method to only a few times per year. Performing the process too often can damage your fabrics. Also, buildup does not occur fast enough to warrant the method over two to three times per year.

You can usually tell when materials need stripping. Fabrics can feel sticky, smell stale, or feel coarse. Towels might lose their absorbency, and color can become faded or dingy. You should only use stripping when clothing or materials show signs of buildup.

Avoiding Build-Up in the First Place

Laundry stripping is unnecessary if you take necessary precautions when doing laundry. Arguably, the best way to avoid stripping is to use the correct amount of detergent. Too many people use too much detergent. You can also try a few other techniques, including:

  • Not adding detergent and softener together
  • Adding softener during the rinse cycle only
  • Using an extra rinse cycle
  • Not loading the washer over 3/4 of the way
  • Reading detergent directions for measurements

Laundry stripping is effective for removing detergent and soil buildup. Unfortunately, the process can also strip dyes and natural oils, meaning it can harm some fabrics. It is better to use an extra rinse cycle and accurate detergent measurements to avoid buildup altogether.

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Why ‘Brutal Honesty’ Is a Relationship Red Flag

You've probably heard it before; a friend or family member says something insulting to you, then claims they were only being 'brutally honest.' This statement can leave you wondering whether you were right to be offended and whether your loved one has your best interests in mind.

Many people wear this questionable character trait as a badge of honor. And as you might already know, brutally honest people typically don't have your best interests in mind when speaking their truth.

How to Distinguish Between Honesty and Brutality

Honesty is a crucial aspect of all healthy relationships. The key is to be honest without judging the other person. If your partner is unhappy with your contributions around the house, they should broach the issue directly but in a constructive way. This entails offering solutions and providing support to get everyone on the same page.

Conversely, brutal honesty is concerned with tearing the other party down. Instead of just addressing the issue, the brutally honest person will call your character into question. Using the above example regarding housework, they may claim that you're lazy or unmotivated, whereas the issue might stem from a new work schedule or recent illness.

Signs That You're Being Emotionally Abused

For some people, brutal honesty strays into the territory of abuse. Identifying abuse in your relationships can be challenging, especially romantic ones. And while every relationship is different, the following signs typically indicate that abuse is occurring:

  • Harsh Personal Critiques - It's OK to find fault with a loved one's actions, and it's also OK to call those actions out. What's not OK is harshly criticizing a person, especially someone you're supposed to love. 
  • Claims of Over-Sensitivity or Irrationality - It's normal to be sensitive after someone insults or belittles you. Many abusers use this claim to cast doubt on the other person's rationality and reasonability, which causes them to question themselves in the future. 
  • Assumption of Motivations - Even people who've known each other for years can't read each other's minds. Be wary if a loved one claims to know what you're thinking as a means of placing blame on you. For example, they may say you have malicious intent when you do not.

Manipulation - Abusers will also claim that they're the ones actually receiving the poor treatment. This is often the case when you respond to something the person said strongly, in which case they might turn it around and claim that you're the one being abusive. 

What You Can Do About a Brutally Honest Person

The first step is to broach the subject with your loved one. Remain calm and collected as you discuss how their words hurt. Displays of emotion are normal and natural, but they can provide the other person fodder for their baseless claims. Use examples that have occurred in your life and use clear, concise language to explain how they made you feel.

Pay close attention to your loved one's response. If they express genuine dismay that they hurt you and promise to do better, it may be possible to move forward. However, if the cycle of brutal honesty simply begins again, you might want to consider whether the relationship is worthwhile.

You Deserve a Loving and Kind Relationship

You deserve respectful treatment, regardless of the type of relationship or how long you've known the person. And if the person is reluctant to alter their behaviors, they're prioritizing their brutal outlook on life over your feelings.

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Cleaning Products and Expiration Dates

Many people are surprised to turn over their cleaning products and find expiration dates. However, it is standard practice for many manufacturers to list these dates to ensure customers get the most use out of the product.

If you are like most people, you might hang on to cleaning products for months or even years past their best effective dates. Does that mean the product is no longer going to clean your glass or counter? Not necessarily. The longevity of a product typically depends on the chemicals and formula used.

Why Do Cleaning Products Expire?

When referring to expiration, a manufacturer typically refers to the potency of the product more than anything else. A cleaning product will not usually spoil. Still, the efficacy or usefulness of the item might degrade over time. 

Bleach, a standard household cleaner, typically loses potency about six months after opening it. Experts suggest that bleach will lose approximately 20% of its effectiveness after six months. Glass cleaners tend to hold their potency for longer periods, up to two years.

Therefore, when looking at an expiration date on a cleaning product, do not assume it is no longer safe to use. In most instances, the expiration only signifies the product will not work as well as it once did. It would be best to be cautious of this degradation, especially when using anti-bacterial cleaners.

How Long Should They Last?

While bleach tends to have a short lifespan, most household cleaners will last. In many cases, manufacturers use preservatives to ensure a longer shelf life, in some cases two years. 

Not all products will list an expiration date. They will typically have a "born on date" or lot or batch number. If you are not sure how long you have had a product or think it might no longer be safe or effective, you can contact the manufacturer for more information.

How Can You Dispose of Expired Items?

Some people might want to use every drop of a cleaning product to get the most out of their purchase, but you are better off tossing it once a product reaches expiration. However, do not throw partially full bottles into the trash. Many products are toxic, and throwing them away recklessly can contaminate waterways. 

When you must discard a cleaning product, check the bottle. Most bottles or labels will give instructions for disposal. If you cannot find instructions, contact the manufacturer.

Should You Have an Inventory System?

If the products you use have an expiration date, be sure to organize them according to it in storage. You always want to use the first products you purchased before newer products. 

If there is no expiration date, use a sharpie to label the bottom of the bottle with the date you opened the product. Labeling the products means you always know how long you have been using a product and when to pitch it.

Expiration dates do not mean the same thing on cleaning products as food. Food spoils past its expiration, but cleaning products lose potency. Still, to get the most out of your cleaning supplies, it is best to use products before they expire.

Have you ever used cleaning products past their "best by" date? Did it still perform? Comment below.

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Turning Your Home Into an Insect Repelling Machine: 8 Strategies

As the weather warms, insects begin to come out in full force. No one likes to have a yard or house filled with buzzing or creepy-crawly pests. The key is to work before the weather turns to ensure your home repels insects, that it is uninviting and forces them to move on.

1. Seal Doors and Windows

The primary areas of entry are the doors and the windows. You will need to check that the sealant around these vulnerable entry points is intact. If you have any windows that lack screening, you will want to install them to help control what comes in with the cool spring breeze.

2. Repair Cracks and Seal Pipe penetrations

Most insects are tiny and can fit through minuscule cracks or separations. You will need to walk your property and inspect the foundation, structure, and roof for cracks. Use a weatherproof sealer to close any existing gaps. You should also assess the areas where pipes are coming into the house. The cutaway for pipes is often larger than necessary, leaving an opening for bugs to get inside.

3. Maintain Your Yard

Yard debris attracts insects and spiders. Piles of leaves and sticks provide plenty of hiding spaces. When the waste is piled near your home, it won't take long for bugs to make their way into your kitchen. You need to take care of your yard and ensure that any debris is removed quickly.

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4. Store Garbage Correctly

Many insects live in the trash. Garbage provides an abundant food source. When you store your trach, you need to put it in sealed containers. It is also best to keep your trash bins in a garage or shed so other critters cannot find through way into the bags.

5. Cover Other Openings

While sealing the cracks, doorways, and windows around the property helps reduce the risks of bug infestations, you also want to seal any other openings.

One opening most people forget about is the chimney. You can find a fine wire mesh to go over your chimney without restricting ventilation.

6. Keep Foundation Clear

While many people love the look of garden beds and bushes right up against their house, it is not the best thing for insect control. Bugs need shelter, warmth, and food. Bushes and other plant life close to the foundation provide everything. Maintaining a clear foundation with plants staying at least three feet away is better.

7. Declutter Your Space

You cannot forget that insects are most likely already inside your home. The best way to force comfy insects out of your home is to take away some of the sources of their comfort, like cleaning out your cupboards and the bread draw. It also might help to vacuum every day to minimize the likelihood of crumbs.

8. Make a Home for Birds and Bats

The best way to control the insect population around your home is to encourage the nesting of natural predators. Some of the most significant insect eaters are birds and bats.

While most people are OK with encouraging birds, some hit a wall when it comes to bats. However, bats are the most efficient insect predator. That's why installing a bat box is a good idea.

As the weather starts to change with spring right around the corner, it is necessary to consider ways of controlling the insect population around your house. Do you know of any more ways to repel insects? Comment below.