When carving real pumpkins, one of the insider tricks to prevent the cut edges from deteriorating quickly is to smear them with petroleum jelly. This technique works because the jelly creates a barrier between the cut pumpkin and air, which can speed up the decomposition process. But petroleum jelly is not edible, and it's not biodegradable. Leaving pumpkins outdoors can invite critters to nibble at them, and that can lead to animals accidentally ingesting petroleum jelly. Instead of carving, opt for intact pumpkins, which will last longer and remain edible far after the Halloween holiday.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know that when the temperatures get cooler outside, butterflies will seek out warmth and often end up inside our homes? While the daytime temperatures indoors may be ideal, when the central heating turns on at night, it can become problematic for butterflies. They'll fly around the house to seek out cooler conditions and end up expending all of their energy to total exhaustion. If you do find a butterfly, don't kill it: Instead, use an empty shoebox to capture it and take it outdoors to shelter, such as a storage shed, or even your garage.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know that male frogs spend the winter months in the muddy part of the pond underwater and breathe through their skin? But organic debris like dead plants and leaves can decay under ice and release gases that can kill the frogs. To help, take the time to remove excess debris from ponds and place that organic matter in a compost bin or on solid land to naturally decompose. And do one more thing: Float a tennis ball on the water. This will prevent ice from totally sealing over the pond this winter.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION