Outdoor Guide - For Those Who Live Outside: Safety, Wildlife, Tips, Gardening, & Travel

If You See A Blue Porch Light, This Is What It Means

staff@outdoorguide.com (TeeJay Small) — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:15:00 +0000

If you've driven around and seen a bunch of front porches with blue lights, it's likely the community is paying tribute to these hard-working professionals.

It's Peak West Nile Virus Season In The US: Here's How You Can Protect Yourself

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:21:03 +0000

West Nile virus has been a significant concern all summer, but September is peak season for the mosquito-borne disease. Take control by protecting yourself.

Think Twice Before Letting AI Decide Your Hiking Route

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 12:15:00 +0000

It seems like planning a hike - complete with route, supplies, and timelines - is an ideal use of an AI chatbot. But the risks may outweigh the benefits.

Say Goodbye To Wasps & Hornets With A Natural Solution They Can't Survive

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Dealing with a wasp nest under your eaves or in your garage can be stressful, but you can douse them and kill them from a distance with a household cleaner.

Deet Vs. Picaridin: What's The Difference?

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Among the many mosquito repellents, DEET and picaridin are two of the best. While both are considered safe, one might be the better option for sensitive skin.

What To Do If You're Bitten By A Brown Recluse Spider

staff@outdoorguide.com (TeeJay Small) — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:15:00 +0000

It's worth noting that brown recluse spiders rarely bite, and their bites are usually mild. But when they're not, don't panic: Take these steps to be safe.

Boomers Loved These Outdoor Activities — Now They're Nearly Forgotten

staff@outdoorguide.com (TeeJay Small) — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 12:15:00 +0000

It's a trope that boomers lived differently than today's kids. But their outdoor games and toys were unsupervised and carried next to no safety regulations.

Boomers Grew Up Playing On Them — Now Experts Say They're A Safety Hazard

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:15:00 +0000

It can get tiresome to hear how brave or independent boomer kids were. But seeing this aspect of their formative years, it's a wonder any of them made it.

Think Before You Burn: The Material That's Banned In Fire Pits Across America

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Once, your neighbors could toss anything into a fire pit, spewing toxic smoke everywhere. These days, burning the worst items is banned in all 50 states.

Boomers Everywhere Used It Into The '70s — Now It's Forever Banned In The US

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Many things Boomers grew up using, like lawn darts and leaded gas, are no longer legal. One yard product seemed like a cure-all, until dangers were discovered.

Say Goodbye To Termites: The EPA's Best Advice For Preventing An Infestation

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Termites are the bane of homeowners. While there's plenty of advice online and from pest control companies, it's nice to know we can go straight to the EPA.

Not Essential Oils: There's A Smarter Way To Prevent Carpenter Bees From Drilling Into Your Deck

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Carpenter bees are beneficial pollinators, but they wreak havoc on wood decks and other structures. One trick to deter them also makes your deck look fresh.

Skip The Decoy: There's A Better Way To Prevent Birds From Flying Into Windows

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 12:15:00 +0000

The "thunk" sound when a bird hits a window of your house is chilling. A decoy protects one section, but one cheap method helps birds avoid the whole window.

Termites Can't Stand This Natural Ingredient That Makes Your Patio Smell Great

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Termites are the bane of any homeowner, and they're hungry for your patio and outdoor structures. This pleasant essential oil can help drive they away.

These Mushrooms Look The Same, But One Is A Delicacy And One Is Poisonous

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Successfully foraging for mushrooms is incredibly rewarding and delicious. But one popular wild mushroom has several lookalikes that can be damaging or deadly.

If You Don't Want To Attract Wasps, Avoid This Sweet-Smelling Mistake

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Sitting outside and having a wasp or two fly uncomfortably close around you isn't fun. If they won't leave, it may be because you smell like flowers to them.

Not Red Or Green: Wearing These Colors Attracts Wasps The Most

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:15:00 +0000

It's never any fun to have a wasp (or several) buzzing around you. Wearing any number of colors may attract them, but not necessarily the colors you'd expect.

These 'Grapes' Look The Same, But One Is Edible And One Is Poisonous

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Foraging for wild grapes is a fun pastime whether around the neighborhood or on the trail. But as with any edible plant, there are dangerous lookalikes.

Say Goodbye To Carpenter Bees With A Natural Ingredient They Hate

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Sun, 24 May 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Carpenter bees are beneficial pollinators, but destructive to wood decks, houses, and rooflines. Rather than kill them, send them off with this easy deterrent.

Consumer Reports Names The Top Bug Repellents For Summer 2026

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Mon, 18 May 2026 12:15:00 +0000

With warmer weather comes ticks, mosquitoes, and other irritating pests. Consumer Reports looked at over 50 repellents and found five that stand out.