Katie-Ann Gupwell

Rats can chew through plastic bins to reach food waste, according to pest-control specialists Catchem Pest Control. Using metal bins with secure lids can reduce the risk of rodent infestations and also deter mice and squirrels. Residents are advised to keep food and water concealed, while compost-bin users should avoid adding meat and dairy, keep the compost damp, and turn it regularly.

Cucumbers can stay fresh for up to a week when stored in a warmer part of the refrigerator, such as the door or crisper drawer, rather than at the back where temperatures are colder. Mimi Morley of HelloFresh advises that cucumbers are vulnerable to chilling injury, while wrapping them in kitchen roll and keeping them away from ethylene-producing fruit such as bananas and tomatoes may help prevent mushiness and spoilage.

Adding soaked and chopped dried porcini mushrooms to spaghetti bolognese can enhance its depth, umami and richness. The recipe combines the porcini with beef mince, bacon, vegetables, tomatoes and pasta, simmering the sauce for 15 minutes before serving.

Adding a small knob of butter while cooking is said to make baked beans richer, creamier and smoother, while helping balance the sweetness of the sauce. Online food enthusiasts also recommend ingredients such as black pepper, cheese, brown sauce, curry powder, Marmite, onions, spices and olive oil, though preferences remain divided. Tinned beans can be easily customised, while making them from scratch offers further scope for experimentation.

Wrapping bread in a clean cotton tea towel and storing it in a cool, dry place away from refrigerators and dishwashers may help it stay fresh longer. Heat and moisture from these appliances can dry bread out or encourage mould, while cotton allows excess moisture to escape without causing the bread to dry too quickly. Freezing tightly wrapped bread is also recommended for longer-term storage.

Coating jacket potatoes with oil and generously applying coarse salt before baking can produce crispier skins. The potatoes should be washed, dried thoroughly, pierced with a fork, and baked uncovered on a tray for about an hour, with cooking time adjusted for size. Salt draws moisture from the skin through osmosis, while oil helps it adhere and promotes browning; wrapping the potatoes in foil should be avoided because it causes steaming.

Homeowners are advised to spend five minutes inspecting their property's exterior for gaps, holes, damaged vents and other potential rat entry points, particularly around electrical boxes, pipes and walls. Recommended prevention measures include sealing openings with suitable materials, covering external vents, closing door gaps, trimming branches that reach roofs, and reconsidering garden bird feeders, which can attract rats. Anyone who suspects an infestation should contact a pest-control professional.

Households using gas combi boilers may still be generating heat and using gas despite switching off central heating due to hot water settings that activate the boiler with every use of taps or showers. Engineer Patrick Garner advises setting boilers to hot‑water‑only mode, reducing hot water temperatures to around 45–50°C for combi systems, and disabling pre‑heat or comfort modes that cause repeated firing and heat loss. Additional cost‑saving tips include consolidating washing‑up, fixing dripping taps and avoiding unnecessary upgrades such as solar diverters unless specific systems are already installed.

easyJet passengers are advised to understand the airline’s baggage rules to avoid unexpected fees, particularly during peak travel times. Travellers receive one free small cabin bag, but larger cabin bags and overhead locker access often incur additional charges. Expert advice highlights the benefits of comparing baggage options early, booking allowances in advance to secure lower prices and considering shared checked luggage for better value. Lightweight suitcases can maximise packing weight, while package holiday customers are urged to review baggage options during booking to avoid higher costs later.

Dead flies accumulate on windowsills because they become trapped while moving toward light, eventually dehydrating and overheating. Mixing peppermint oil with water and applying it to windowsills works as a natural deterrent by overwhelming flies’ senses. The oil must be reapplied every few days and used cautiously around pets. Cleaning away existing dead flies and sealing gaps around window frames further helps prevent recurring problems.

A visitor’s TikTok video showing long queues at Alton Towers sparked debate as waiting times for some rides exceeded two hours. Commenters described the scene as chaotic while others advised strategies such as arriving early or using fast‑track passes. The resort said peak‑season waits can be lengthy but highlighted measures including live queue updates and operational adjustments to improve the guest experience.

A woman who missed her original flight and boarded United Airlines Flight 232 instead died when the aircraft crash‑landed in Sioux City, Iowa, following a catastrophic engine failure that caused loss of flight controls. Reddit users shared related experiences of near‑misses and personal losses connected to the 1989 disaster, which killed more than 100 people but saw many survivors due to the crew's exceptional handling of the emergency.

Citrus peels and other strong-smelling natural materials such as vinegar, used coffee grounds and peppermint can deter wasps by disrupting their scent receptors. Scattering fresh or dried citrus peels around doors, windows and outdoor areas or applying a homemade citrus or vinegar spray can help keep wasps away, though the effects are localised and require regular reapplication, according to gardener Ish Kamran.

A simple annual‑leave strategy allows workers in the UK to turn four days off around the August Bank Holiday into nine consecutive days away from work. Similar approaches can be applied at Christmas and during May bank holidays to extend breaks without using much leave. Travel expert Chris Jeffery highlights that choosing the right travel dates can also reduce costs, with late June and early July offering some of the best-value staycations due to lower prices and fewer crowds.

A Wimbledon attendee, Lylaa Ali Shaikh, highlighted the cost and quality of the tournament’s traditional strawberries and cream, expressing surprise at the low £2.85 price and praising the freshness and taste. She described the serving process and noted the long‑standing tradition of the dish at Wimbledon, where large quantities are consumed annually.