insects that eat the bugs that are attacking your prized roses install a birdhouse designed for bluebirds which feed on insects 23 backyardbirdcom or grow plantssuch as those in the parsley and sunflower familiesthat attract predatory insects such as assassin bugs and parasitic wasps despite their ominoussounding names these critters do your garden good predatory insects dont hurt plants or people but destroy the bugs that do growing plants native to your region which are less susceptible to infestation can help too advises kimberly rider author of the healthy home workbook weatherworn deck when was the last time you waterproofed your deck if you dont do this every 2 to 3 years moisture can seep in and warp the wood upping your risk of falls inspect your deck every spring paying extra attention to the ledger board the place where the deck attaches to the houseits the most vulnerable to water damage keep your eyes peeled for splits and crackssigns that moisture has gotten in if you can easily penetrate 14 to 12 inch of the wood with a screwdriver or ice pick the wood should be replaced tooshort ladder this tempts you to overreachand increases your risk of fallinguse a ladder that lets you work while standing four steps from the top your max reach should be no more than 4 feet above the ladder translation if youre going up 8 feet choose a ladder thats at least 4 feet high always follow the 4to1 rule for every 4 feet the ladder extends up the house bring the base out by a foot this gives you stability says merik appy president of the home safety council more from prevention