Homeowners may see it as a way of protecting their investment, but think twice about removing bird nests that can be in nooks and crannies on the outside of your house. For the few short weeks birds are raising their young, the noise and mess will be worth it; the nesting birds will soon leave and become your best insect killers around the house, eating hundreds of insects every single day. Wait until the babies leave the nest before removing it, and the birds will repay your hospitality tenfold.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If your car has been driven just over 30,000 miles, it's time to replace the spark plugs. Over time, spark plugs can become covered in carbon deposits, which make them work harder and decrease your car's overall fuel efficiency. When your car misfires (when the engine stops for a brief second then picks up again), it's a sure sign your spark plugs need replacing. Misfires increase exhaust emissions, which can affect your car's fuel efficiency as well.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Aluminum cans are a greener option than plastic bottles, since metal can be recycled almost limitlessly, but care must be taken when recycling them. The smell of residual liquid inside aluminum cans intensifies when they dry out; the strong scent of sugar or beer is too tempting for wildlife. The razor-sharp edges of the cans' openings can also harm wild animals. Before recycling, simply rinse out the inside and crush the can. A recycling bin with a tight-fitting lid instead of a plastic bucket is best for keeping curious critters out.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION