For some, offering treats at Halloween means leaving a big bowl of candy in a bowl by the door. But if you live in a community where there's wildlife that might wander into your yard, you might want to avoid this. A bowl of candy is too tempting for animals, and both the candy AND the wrappers can pose a hazard for them. If you must leave out a bowl, put it higher on a table and close to the door, with a light to deter animals as much as possible. Don't forget to bring it in before tucking in for the night!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It's fun to decorate your home for Halloween, but wildlife experts ask everyone to avoid one decoration in particular: fake spiderwebs. The meshy webs that mimic the look and feel of real spiderwebs can be a hazard for birds, who end up tangled in the artificial meshy mess and can die as a result. Even loose faux spiderwebs with open holes can pose a choking hazard. So this Halloween, go with natural decor like gourds, pumpkins and straw, and skip anything fake or artificial.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

With an estimated $2,000 worth of food thrown away every year in the average American household, being savvy about food waste is both ecological and economical. Take advantage of the plethora of recipes online to turn ingredients destined for the trash into delicious new things to eat. Overripe fruit can be made into fruit leather; vegetable peelings and tops come together for a flavorful veggie broth; and even stale bread and crackers can be transformed into bread pudding or crispy breadcrumbs to adorn salads. Be clever to cut your food waste as much as possible.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION