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

5 Signs You Might Have A Hummingbird Family Living In Your Backyard

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Just because hummingbirds visit your flowers or feeders, doesn't mean there's a nest nearby. But there are several clues when you're hosting a bird B&B.

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.

The 'Snake Magnet' Plant You Probably Grow In Your Yard

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Thu, 14 May 2026 12:15:00 +0000

A diverse landscape in your yard or garden can attract pollinators, but it can also attract snakes. Snakes love this decorative plant for a number of reasons.

Do Copper Birdbaths Really Prevent Algae Growth?

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

There's something of a consensus that a few pennies will help inhibit algae in a birdbath. So an all-copper birdbath should work even better. But does it?

The First Thing You Should Do If You Find A Snake's Shed Skin In Your Yard

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

A shed snake skin laying on your grass or in your flower bed means a snake has been in the area. But don't panic: Take these steps instead to learn more.

Plant Honeysuckle To Invite These Two Colorful Birds To Your Yard

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Sun, 03 May 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Lots of flowering plants attract birds, but this native climbing vine particularly appeals to two popular flying visitors for slightly different reasons.

The One Direction Your Owl Nesting Box Should Never Face

staff@outdoorguide.com (TeeJay Small) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Nest boxes encourage owls to visit and stay in your yard. But owls are sensitive to weather and temperature, and may not use boxes if they are pointed this way.

The Animal With The Strongest Bite Force That You Don't Want To Meet In The Wild

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

Most animals, even large, aggressive predators would rather not tangle with humans. However, the one with the world's strongest bite force has no such qualms.

Repurpose This Thrift Store Find Into A Brilliant Hummingbird Feeder Hack

staff@outdoorguide.com (Kathy Adams) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:15:00 +0000

If you're looking to make the most inviting hummingbird haven on your patio or flower garden, this easy feeder trick helps protect both the birds and nectar.

The Easiest Way To Prevent Wasps From Nesting In Your Yard

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:15:00 +0000

Sure, wasps are beneficial pollinators. We just don't want them setting up nests in our house or yard. Or anywhere near us, really. Prevention is step one.

Hummingbirds (And Other Birds) Can See These Colors That We Can't

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:15:00 +0000

Are hummingbirds superheroes? Well, they can fly, they make us feel better, and they possess super vision, seeing colors we can't even begin to imagine.

How To Prevent Birds From Ruining Your Garden (Without Hurting Them)

staff@outdoorguide.com (Kathy Adams) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:15:00 +0000

It's usually wonderful to see birds hopping about the yard. But if they're poking around the garden or eating seedlings, there's a free way to uninvite them.

Here's What To Do When You Find A Ground Wasp Nest

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

Looking to your roofline for wasp nests is prudent, but also look down: Several species make their nests underground. Here's when and how to deal with them.

This Is How Far You Should Hang Your Owl Box From Your House

staff@outdoorguide.com (TeeJay Small) — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Hanging owl nest boxes is strong incentive for the nocturnal raptors to spend time in your yard. But most species would rather not be too close to humans.

Hummingbirds Will Flock To Your Yard After Planting This Show-Stopping Flower

staff@outdoorguide.com (Jessica Steinhoff) — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Can't get enough hummingbirds in your yard? This stunning flower will bring them back again and again - and not for the reason you might expect.

This Bright Flower Has Invisible Colors Bees Can See (But We Can't)

staff@outdoorguide.com (Kathy Adams) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:15:00 +0000

If you've watched bees circling brightly colored flowers before landing to gather pollen, it may be they're getting guidance from patterns we can't see.

The Sweet-Smelling Herb That'll Make Your Garden A Hummingbird Hotspot

staff@outdoorguide.com (Baylee Bunce) — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 18:15:00 +0000

When planning a hummingbird-friendly garden, it helps to look for hardy plants with colorful flowers. This late-bloomer fits the bill and is edible for us, too.

Do Coyotes Attack Humans? What You Need To Know

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Coyotes are everywhere in North America, even on golf courses and city streets. While they can be a risk to humans, generally you have the advantage.

Repurpose This Vintage Thrift Store Find Into A Unique Bird-Attracting Yard Feature

staff@outdoorguide.com (Kathy Adams) — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 20:15:00 +0000

Birds love dipping into a birdbath, but there are other water features you can DIY using a classic hand-me-down that will definitely attract visitors.

The One Color Orioles Love (And Why)

staff@outdoorguide.com (Kathy Adams) — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 20:15:00 +0000

We know that hummingbirds like red. It turns out they're not the only birds with favorite colors. Orioles like one color in particular and it might be obvious.