A backyard fire pit can be great, but it also comes with risk—especially when things are stored too close. It’s easy to overlook what’s sitting nearby until you’re dealing with melted plastic, scorched tools, or flying sparks. Fire pits throw more heat and embers than people think, especially in dry or windy conditions. If you…
If you’ve got chickens, you already know they’re easy targets for predators and pests. But what you leave uncovered around the yard can also create bigger problems—ranging from illness to infestation. Whether you’re dealing with snakes, raccoons, or heat, these are the things that need more protection than most folks realize. Feed Left in the…
Raccoons are clever, determined, and not shy about helping themselves to whatever they can find. Most people already know they’ll dig through the garbage—but there’s a lot more in a typical yard that gets their attention. If you’re noticing tipped bins, paw prints, or nighttime commotion, these are the things you’ll want to deal with…
Roaming dogs don’t need a reason to snoop around—if they catch a scent, hear movement, or see a chance to chase something, they’re in. And once they’ve been on your property once, they’re likely to come back. If you’ve had issues with stray or neighbor dogs, certain things around the yard could be making it…
Hearing coyotes yipping and howling overnight might not mean they’re right on top of you—but it does mean they’re close enough to care. If you’ve got livestock, outdoor pets, or a coop nearby, it’s a wake-up call. You don’t want to be the one saying, “I should’ve done something earlier.” A few smart steps now…
Living in the country can wear you out sometimes, but once you’ve had it, it’s hard to let go. You don’t realize how much you’ve gotten used to the quiet, the space, and the little freedoms until you’re staring at a neighbor’s fence five feet from your window. If you ever pack up and move…
Once something gets under your house, it’s a hassle to get it out. The crawl space is warm, dark, and protected—perfect for animals looking for shelter or somewhere to nest. But you don’t have to wait for the scratching noises or the smell. A few key fixes can block off the usual entry points and…
Country living sounds peaceful, but there’s a lot that gets glossed over when people dream about wide-open land and quiet mornings. The reality includes more bugs, more mud, and a whole lot of work. These are the truths you learn fast once you’re out there for real—and most folks don’t talk about until you’re already…
Livestock trailers see a lot of action, but when they’re not in use, they’re often treated like a storage shed. That’s a mistake. Leaving the wrong things inside can attract pests, cause damage, or leave you scrambling next time you need it. If you want your trailer to stay ready, safe, and easy to use,…
A good nesting box setup keeps your hens laying where they’re supposed to, helps prevent broken eggs, and makes cleanup easier. But it doesn’t take much to throw the whole thing off. Hens are picky, and once something about the setup starts bothering them, they’ll lay somewhere else—or stop laying altogether. If you’ve been dealing…