Image: Humanoid

Health Risks for Animals Around Plants

Those rabbits, squirrels and other critters that hang around your backyard can do much more damage than just eating your plants, flowers and vegetables. Some of these wild animals can potentially be carrying disease that could threaten your health, as well as that of your family and pets.

Animals are exposed to a wide variety of diseases in the wild. They can easily transmit these diseases to others by coming in contact with the vegetables you eat, by defecating or urinating in your yard, or through biting. What’s more, many animals also carry harmful parasites that can “jump” to pets and humans.

Taking appropriate steps to deter these nuisance animals from entering your yard or garden can greatly reduce your exposure… Read More

Have your ever thought about how great it would be to have a backyard brimming with fresh fruits and berries? Perhaps you think creating a small backyard orchard would be a huge project that you’re not quite sure you’re ready to tackle.

By taking some time to learn more about the process, you can decide if growing fruits and berries is something that is worth your time and effort. Image: matthileo

Choosing the Right Location

As with any type of planting, choosing the right location for growing fruits and berries is a key to success. Your site should contain dry, loamy soil, as too much moisture facilitates the spread of disease. Planting in the middle of a slope can limit the harmful… Read More

Image:EJP Photo

Unlike humans, animals don’t have the luxury of curling up with a good book next to the fireplace on a cold, rainy or snowy day. Although many animals are blessed with fur coats and other natural features that protect them from the elements, it doesn’t mean they enjoy being wet or cold any more than you do.

Who hasn’t, at one time or another, discovered a cat sleeping underneath a car on a chilly or stormy day, taking advantage of the heat of the engine as well as the shelter it provides? And you may have owned or observed a pet that is absolutely terrified by the sound of thunder!

Pets and Natural Disasters

As we have seen most recently with Hurricane Sandy, natural disasters, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, can… Read More

Image: Kevin Law

Birds can be delightful visitors to your yard. Not only are they relaxing to listen to and watch, they also provide additional benefits for your property, such as snacking on harmful insects that could destroy your garden.

While birds certainly appreciate your gesture of giving them food, so do other potentially disruptive critters, like squirrels. Creating a yard that is a haven for birds but not squirrels can pose quite a challenge!

Creating a Bird-Friendly Environment

To attract birds to your property, you need to create a habitat that contains the essential elements they need to thrive: food, water and shelter. Strategically placed birdfeeders containing a variety of seeds and other bird favorites can provide munchies for visiting birds throughout the year.

Adding conifers,… Read More