Latest news with #ChrisHutton
The Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Sun
The 40p trick to keep moths out of your home this summer – they hate it but it'll make your pad smell super fresh
Abigail Wilson, Senior Digital Writer Published: Invalid Date, IF you've noticed the emergence of moths in your home, fear not, we've got just the thing. With spring in full swing, many of us will spot the unwanted insects fly into our homes. 2 Not only can moths find their way into our belongings, make holes in clothes and eat our food, but professional pest control services can cost hundreds of pounds too. Luckily for you, a storage expert has revealed that prevention is key and has shared a purse-friendly trick to help keep the pests far away from your home. And don't worry, there's barely any faff involved. Chris Hutton, an expert from Adams SelfStore, shared a "simple and highly effective solution" that will banish moths for good. And not only will it get rid of moths, but it'll ensure your pad smells fresh too. Chris explained: "While we might find lavender 's scent calming and pleasant, moths find it repellent. 'All you need to do is place a sachet where moths are likely to hide, wardrobes, drawers, or anywhere they can make a home. 'Once they catch a whiff of lavender, they'll make themselves scarce. "Simple as that." The expert recommended placing lavender sachets around homes in places such as "wardrobes, under cushions, in storage boxes, or even inside your pantry to keep moths away from your most vulnerable items." Top Pest Control Tips for Your Yard Not only this, but he warned that although small, moths "can cause big problems". Chris also stressed: "The key to dealing with moths is staying one step ahead. IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. 'With just a small investment in lavender, you can prevent damage to your belongings." But that's not all, as he claimed that doing so will ensure you "enjoy a peaceful, moth-free home this spring." The key to dealing with moths is staying one step ahead Chris Hutton According to Chris, a 50g bag of lavender can be bought for as little as £2 online. He recommended using just 10g per sachet, which will cost you only 40p per pouch, making this trick great for those on a budget. And with temperatures set to soar and summer right around the corner, there's no time like the present, with now being the perfect time to take action and keep moths at bay.
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Tom's Guide
Banish cockroaches with this $2 ingredient that experts say they 'cannot stand'
I don't like to think of myself as unwelcoming, but I prefer to keep critters out of my home. However, in the warmer months, when I have my doors and windows open wide to invite the fresh air in, I'm also giving an open invitation to pests. I refuse to shut all my doors and windows to prevent the likes of cockroaches from making themselves at home, and that's why I was intrigued to discover another way to encourage them to make a quick exit. Because I know they won't pay any attention when I tell them, 'Please don't bother to take off your shoes, you won't be staying.' With the warmer weather creeping in, cockroaches are emerging from their winter hiding spots and heading indoors in search of food, warmth and shelter. Their internal sat nav takes them straight to your kitchen, pantry, or behind your appliances, where they make themselves at home. But, according to Chris Hutton, storage expert and owner of Adams Selfstore, once they claim residence, they are hard to remove. Apart from being an unwelcome sight, they pose a serious health hazard and are known for carrying bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. What's more, if they infiltrate your food stores, they can leave behind more than the mess of damaged packaging. Cockroaches can cause gastrointestinal infections and allergic reactions. Calling in pest control needn't be your first resort, as there's one method that will send cockroaches packing. And all it will cost you is $2, saving you from forking out on expensive pest control. Inside this packet you'll receive 1 ounce of dried bay leaves. Apart from adding fragrance and a distinctive flavor to your food, the leaves can be used to deter cockroaches. Place the leaves around your home to keep the pests out. 'Cockroaches are an extremely hardy bug that can be quite difficult to remove from homes. However, they absolutely cannot stand the smell of bay leaves,' says Hutton. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. So, what is the secret power in bay leaves? Eucalyptol and terpenes are the natural compounds found in aromatic herbs that are often added to recipes to enhance flavor. These fragrant oils are known to repel insects. Hutton explains that the smell is overwhelming and unbearable to cockroaches, driving them to flee the area in search of a less offensive environment. 'Once a cockroach catches even the slightest whiff of bay leaves, they'll run in the opposite direction. It makes for a natural, chemical-free deterrent, and can save households hundreds in pest control costs.' Hutton recommends placing a handful of dried bay leaves in areas where cockroaches are likely to hide or enter. Think about the areas behind kitchen appliances, in cupboards, under your sink, or near cracks in walls. But once you've placed the bay leaves in these prime areas, don't just forget about them. Hutton recommends replacing them every couple of weeks to keep the scent potent and effective. Apart from using bay leaves, there are other ways to get rid of cockroaches, including maintaining good hygiene practices. Hutton suggests keeping food sealed and surfaces clean and wiping up any crumbs or spills promptly.
Tom's Guide
23-05-2025
- General
- Tom's Guide
Keep rats and mice away from your home with this simple $1 item
Nobody likes the thought of dealing with a pest problem, especially when you've spotted the telltale signs you have mice. As the weather warms up, this also marks the peak of the breeding season for mice and rats. Since pests are always in search of warmth, sources of food and shelter, rodents can easily make their way into your property through holes and cracks. But if you don't want to spend a fortune on pest control call-outs, there is a simple, and cheaper hack that could keep rodents out — and this costs as little as $1. According to experts, all you need is steel wool. Although we might often clean with this handy scourer, this non-toxic material can be used to block any entry points and gaps around the home, preventing rodents from getting inside. In addition, while rodents are known to chew through just about anything, this is the one material that they can't sink their teeth into. "Mice can squeeze through the tiniest gaps, but one material they can't chew through is steel wool," says Chris Hutton, storage expert at Adam Selfstore to the Express. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. 'Just pack gaps around pipes or skirting boards with steel wool and seal with caulk for extra protection." Not only can rats and mice become a nuisance, but they can cause serious damage to your property by chewing on woodwork, electrical cables or gas and water pipes. Steel wool makes a simple yet effective barrier to seal any potential entry points for unwanted pests. This can be bought for as little as $1 in your local homeware store or you can buy in bulk online. This assorted grade steel wool can be put to use for many things around the home. And if you want to prevent a rodent infestation, this is ideal for blocking entry points. Simply go around your home and yard looking for any entry points that could invite rodents in. These could include holes or gaps in brickwork, baseboards, around pipes and vent openings. Then tightly fill with steel wool, sealing any small holes in your foundation, siding, and doorway. If you want extra protection, you can also use caulk or strong adhesive. In addition, you could also use weather-stripping such as Foam Insulation Tape, Weather Stripping Door Seal Strip as a barrier around doorways. The more difficult you make it for rodents to enter your property, the less likely they will return. Alternatively, essential oils such as peppermint, lavender or citronella are known to repel rodents too. So if you don't want to attract rats and mice to your home this season, this simple steel wool hack might keep them out for good.
The Herald Scotland
04-05-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
How do I get rid of moths in my house? Easy 47p hack
However, one expert has revealed there is a cheap hack which could save your home – and it's easy. Chris Hutton, storage expert at Adams SelfStore, has shared a highly effective fix. Tips to Keep Flies Out of Your Home 'Moth larvae don't hibernate; they hatch as soon as the conditions are right,' explains Chris. 'With spring's early warmth, your cupboards, drawers, and even those forgotten spots under the sofa become prime breeding grounds for moths.' What scent will keep moths away? For just 47p per sachet, you can protect your home from these pests with a clever lavender hack that requires no chemicals. 12 handmade pouches of natural French lavender are available to buy on Amazon for £5.75, which works out at 47p each – this could safeguard your clothes, cushions, and even kitchen cupboard staples. The solution, according to Chris, is as simple as it is effective. He continued: 'While we might find lavender's scent calming and pleasant, moths find it repellent. All you need to do is place a sachet where moths are likely to hide, wardrobes, drawers, or anywhere they can make a home. Once they catch a whiff of the lavender, they'll make themselves scarce. Simple as that. 'Moths might be small, but they can cause big problems. A few pence invested in lavender sachets could save you a lot of time and money in the long run.' Chris also highlights that lavender isn't just an effective moth repellent; it offers additional benefits for your home. He commented: 'Not only does lavender work to repel moths, but it also leaves your home smelling fresh and inviting. It's a natural scent that can create a soothing atmosphere throughout your home.' How to Get Rid of Ants from Your Home Beyond protecting clothes and food, lavender sachets are versatile enough for use in any room of the house. Recommended reading: Chris said: 'Place them in wardrobes, under cushions, in storage boxes, or even inside your pantry to keep moths away from your most vulnerable items. 'It's a simple, eco-friendly solution that fits effortlessly into your spring cleaning routine.' Chris summed up: 'The key to dealing with moths is staying one step ahead. With just a small investment in lavender, you can prevent damage to your belongings and enjoy a peaceful, moth-free home this spring.'
