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

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. Luckily you can protect yourself.

Amazon's Smart Solution For Sharpening Lawn Mower Blades Without Removing Them

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

There are a lot of reasons and ways to sharpen lawn mower blades. But this cordless, handheld tool on Amazon makes the process more precise and faster.

Not Jetty Park: The Peaceful Florida Campground With Dolphins & Rocket Launch Views

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

Sitting in one spot to watch pods of dolphins play while rockets soar into space may seem improbable, but it happens at this east central Florida campground.

What Does It Mean When A Lawn Mower Pops?

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Sun, 06 Sep 2026 12:15:00 +0000

A lawn mower sputtering, popping, and backfiring might seem super serious. But the good news is, most of the time it's something you can easily fix 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.

What Is A Yellow Lantern Used For?

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

While a bright white lantern might seem ideal when navigating a campsite at night, there are many practical reasons a less intense yellow light is useful.

5 Long-Living Flowers That Can Survive Direct Sunlight

staff@outdoorguide.com (TeeJay Small) — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Direct sun means soil dries out and sensitive flowers can burn. These perennials not only thrive in the sun but return year-after-year, sometimes for decades.

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.

Say Goodbye To Traditional Lanterns: Transform An Old Pickle Jar With Crayons

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Instead of spending good money for decorative patio table lanterns, you can DIY a beautifully textured version just by using a white crayon and clear sealer.

Boomers Grew Up With These Camping Items That Almost No One Uses Anymore

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Boomers came of age in the 1950s and '60s, and they went camping a lot. 60 years of tech evolution means such clunky, hand-powered gear doesn't fly today.

Say Goodbye To Traditional Birdbaths: Turn A Plastic Pumpkin Into A Fall DIY

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

Finding a traditional birdbath with a fall or Halloween theme is tough. DIY one easily using a plastic trick-or-treat bucket, using it through Thanksgiving.

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.

Say Goodbye To Clogged Mower Decks: Use An Easy DIY Solution To Keep Grass Off

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

Mowing tall, damp grass leads to clumping and clogging. Spraying this kitchen item under your mower deck reduces how much cleaning you'll need to do.

Say Goodbye To Carpenter Bees With A Solution You Already Have

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Finding carpenter bee nest holes in your deck or siding is no fun. Rather than reaching for chemical sprays, easily remove them with a tool from your garage.

Why There's Simply No Need For A Lawn Aerator Anymore

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

Buying dedicated tools like lawn aerators serves a purpose. They also cost money and take up space. It turns out you don't really need to get one these days.

Say Goodbye To Traditional Birdbaths: Use An Old Bundt Pan For An Easy DIY Solution

staff@outdoorguide.com (TeeJay Small) — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Traditional, store-bought birdbaths can be expensive. A thrifted Bundt pan is the perfect shape for a DIY birdbath, and lets you express your own aesthetic.

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.

What Are Red Flashlights And Headlamps Used For?

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:15:00 +0000

The red setting on your flashlight or headlamp isn't just for playing spy games. Red lightwaves are longer than full white light, providing a useful function.

Help Birds Stay Cool In Summer With This Simple Trick For Birdbaths

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

Birds need a shallow basin for a birdbath, but that little bit of water heats up quickly in the sun. Help keep the water cool each morning with one addition.

Repel Termites With A Natural Solution That's So Simple

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 12:15:00 +0000

While they won't stop full-blown termite invasions, some natural solutions actually work. One pleasantly aromatic option kills on contact and deters newcomers.