7/13/10

Avoid using electric bug zappers in the backyard. Mosquitoes are attracted to two things: light and carbon dioxide. If you use a bug zapper, the mosquitoes will flock to it; if you're sitting anywhere near it, they'll sense you breathing out CO2 and divert their flight from the light to you. Instead, turn on an electric fan when you're outside to create a breeze; mosquitoes won't sense any CO2, so you'll stay bite-free and cool.

7/12/10

Many of us have solar lights in the backyard and know they're good for the planet because they use the power of the sun to charge up and illuminate our yards at night. What we don't know is that the mini solar panels on top of the lights can collect dust, pollen and dirt over time, making them less efficient and unable to charge enough to work. To keep your lights working brightly, make it an annual habit to wipe down the panels using water and a microfiber towel. These towels are designed to grip onto dirt and dust using just water; one cleaning and the lights will work almost as good as new.

7/11/10

Water in the morning. On hot summer days, watering wilted plants and dry grass in the afternoon does nothing because the hot, dry sun quickly evaporates the water. The best time of day to water is early in the morning when the outside temperature is the coolest. This gives the plants a good supply of water to face the heat of the day, and there is less evaporation. If you can't water in the morning, wait till after sunset to turn the sprinklers on.