You've heard of the idea of building a better mousetrap, right? Well, sometimes trapping these small creatures isn't humane, so why not repel them from your home? In lieu of poison, try to figure out where mice might be making entry into your home. Make a bundle of loose animal fur (from a cat or dog) mixed with dried mint. The combination of the two scents is a natural deterrent and may help prevent them from roosting in your home.

Did you know there's a right way to water houseplants? First, don't overwater; just stick your finger about 1 inch down in the soil. If it's very dry, the plant needs water. Then determine what type of tap water you have at home. If it's chlorinated -- most towns use chlorine to clean water -- fill your water pitcher with tap water and let it sit out for 24 hours to let the chlorine evaporate. If you have hard water at home, which leaves mineral deposits on your shower, get tap water from a filter and use that to hydrate your plants.

In the winter months, your backyard decor and products may be hidden under layers of snow, but they can be deathtraps to wildlife. Items like garden hoses, tomato cages, hammocks, stakes, volleyball nets and clotheslines may disappear under the white stuff, but they can snare animals who are walking through the snow. Deer who rub against trees can get caught in netting and become trapped. So be sure to pack up and put away anything that might be dangerous to create a safe habitat in your yard.