Around this time of year, carpenter ants invade homes and can be a nuisance. While they don't bite, they are busily looking for food sources in your home. To naturally repel these ants, first remove all sugary items from surfaces and secure them in a safe place, like a refrigerator. Then make a mixture of boric acid and white powdered sugar and leave it where they tend to gather. The ants will feast on the mixture and take it back to their colony. The boric acid is a natural insecticide and will do in the entire colony. In no time, no ants.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Remember when you needed to sort your recyclables based on material, such as newspaper, glass, paper and metal? Now the materials may be commingled in one bin for recycling. Trash companies and recyclers opted for what's called "single-stream recycling" for both convenience and to increase recycling. In comparison to "source-separated" recycling, the commingled system wins hands down. A Waste Management survey showed a 300 percent increase in recycling participation when people didn't have to sort. That's a big increase to reduce waste.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

In most communities, you're given two trash receptacles -- one for recycling and one for actual garbage. Ever wonder what happens if you decide to not recycle and use both for trash? If a recycling container (full of trash) is picked up, it can contaminate an entire load of recyclables. Not only does this potentially divert a whole truck of recyclables to the landfill, but it can also cost you money. Many trash companies notice misuse of bins and will bill you for the additional trash and inconvenience of contaminating a load of recyclables.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION