The warm, covered environment of your backyard grill is an ideal place for a wild animal to forage for food or to nest inside. But wild animals and grilling dinner don't mix, so use these tips to keep them away. First, keep the grill as clean as possible, since grease and leftover food can draw animals in. This includes removing the grease tray and keeping it clean. You can purchase a tight cover for your grill as a barrier, too. Avoid wildlife-deterrent chemical sprays; nothing chemical-based should be near something you use to cook food. And if you do find a nest, no worries: Just remove the nest and run the grill on high for 30 minutes to sterilize it before using.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Many kitchen sinks have a garbage disposal, and it's a convenient way to quickly and efficiently dispose of food waste when composting isn't an option. But there are a few organic waste items you should avoid putting down the disposal. Pasta and rice are starchy foods that can expand in your pipes and create clogs. Stringy vegetables like asparagus, corn husks and celery can wrap around the disposal's blades. And keep grease out of your disposal; cooled oil can harden and create serious problems in your pipes and septic system.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know after 400 charges, the battery life of your smartphone begins to degrade by about 20%? That doesn't mean your battery won't charge; it just won't hold onto a charge as long as the first time you used your phone. One way to extend and protect the life of your battery is to avoid chargers that do "fast charging." These devices charge phones quickly, but they also stress the battery. If you can, do a slow charge, like using a USB cord to charge your phone from your computer. The slower charge rate can extend the life of your battery.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION