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Governor Abbott Rosters State Resources As Tropical Depression Approaches Texas

By
Joshua Blackwell
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0

Governor Greg Abbott today placed numerous resources on standby across the state in anticipation of severe weather spurring from a Tropical Depression in the Gulf ⁠— including heavy rain, dangerous rip currents, and flash flooding. This Tropical Depression is expected to impact the lower third of Texas, including the upper Rio Grande Valley, the Coastal Bend, and the Texas Hill Country, throughout the weekend.

“As this Tropical Depression approaches the Lone Star State, we are taking the necessary precautions to keep Texans safe,” said Governor Abbott. “These resources I have rostered will help our communities respond to the severe weather and possible flash floods caused by this Tropical Depression. Throughout the weekend, Texans should heed the guidance from local officials and remain vigilant against this severe weather to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has rostered the following resources in preparation to support request from local officials:

  • Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw Crews and Incident Management Teams
  • Texas A&M Engineering and Extension Service: Texas A&M Task Force One and Two Search and Rescue Teams
  • Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Boat Teams to support Water Rescue Operations
  • Texas Military Department: High Profile Vehicle packages
  • Department of State Health Services: Emergency Medical Task Force severe weather packages
  • Texas Department of Transportation: High Profile Vehicles
  • Texas Department of Public Safety – Texas Highway Patrol: Search and Rescue Aircraft with hoist capability and the Tactical Marine Unit

Texans are urged to follow these flood preparedness and safety tips during severe weather events:

  • Know types of flood risk in your area. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information here: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
  • Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
  • Build an emergency supply kit. For more information on how to build a kit, visit: https://www.ready.gov/kit
  • Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect so the time to buy is well before a disaster. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
  • Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
  • Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.
  • Be extremely cautious of any water on roads or in creeks, streams, storm drains, or other areas – never attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways and always observe road barricades placed for your protection. Remember, Turn Around Don’t Drown.

For more flood safety tips, visit ready.gov.

Integrated Pest Management

By
Joshua Blackwell
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0

I receive several calls asking how to fix problems and outside pests. The problems may be bugs in the garden, weeds in the pasture, muddy water in a pond, disease in the lawn.

Indeed there are several “pests” that we have in our ecosystem: insects, mites, fungi, weeds, mice and more. Each of theses pests control products have their own named control product. You treat insects with insecticides, mites with miticides, fungus is prevented with fungicides, and unwanted vegetation is controlled with herbicides.

It’s easy to understand how these are named, but controlling unwanted pests should start long before we run to the store and buy a conventional or organic spray.

To be better stewards of our ranch, landscape or potted plants on the back porch, we need to take a more broad-based “integrated pest control” approach.

Integrated pest control is a term that started only in the 1970’s, though your grandparents probably were using it long before then. IPM, as it is often abbreviated, takes an broader approach to controlling unwanted pests in your ecosystem and places the use of organic and conventional sprays at the bottom of the list of control measures.

While IPM has been used in commercial agriculture for decades, IPM has become more widely implemented in landscapes over the past several years. Some landscape managers may avoid IPM because it can require more time and effort upfront than their current practices. Although time means money, IPM programs can substantially reduce pest management costs and risks over time when compared to using pesticides only.

There are several steps to an IPM approach. We first have to identify the pests, watch to see if they are causing a real problem, and finally intervening when the pest poses a real threat.

It’s unfortunate the number of truly beneficial insects that I’ve seen “eradicated” because the homeowner didn’t want them in their garden. Do you know what the larvae of a ladybug looks like? It looks nothing like an adult ladybug and loves to eat aphids (aka plant lice).

After identifying pests, the next few steps is where IPM really shines. We start “controlling” pests with cultural methods, followed by mechanical, then biological, and, lastly, chemical methods.

Cultural control strategies manipulate the surrounding environment to promote plant health and minimize pest abundance. Properly watering plants is an obvious first step. Overwatering brings fungal disease problems. Extra nitrogen can promote plant growth, but can also accelerate insect growth and reproduction. Selecting a virus resistant tomato variety will provide better tomatoes. Thus we culturally take our first step to stop problems.

Mechanical control strategies can also provide effective pest control without adding much to the landscape’s ecosystem. Every vegetable gardener knows that hoeing kills weeds, and row covers can keep insects from feeding on some crops.

Biological control uses naturally occurring processes to limit pest populations. Simply increasing the amount and diversity of vegetation in a landscape limit any pest from affecting the entire landscape. My favorite naturally occurring biological control is a bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Bt can be dusted on tomatoes to control hornworms or used in a mosquito dunk to eliminate mosquito larvae in standing water.

Lastly, if chemical control is necessary, select a product that is safe and effective. There are biorational insecticides derived from naturally occurring plant chemicals, bacteria, or fungi, which can effectively control pests. Most synthetic pesticides are formulated to target specific pests or pest groups, rather than a broad range of pests. This allows landscape managers to control their target pests without destroying beneficial insects. Chemical (both organic and conventional) pesticides are very useful for the landscape industry and must be applied according to the label and state regulations.

I always feel a little sheepish when I’m asked “how strong should I mix this?” I do know the answer but there are so many formulations and brands that carry the same active ingredient. And I have no idea which one you will buy. The label provides directions, requirements, and restrictions for the safe use of a pesticide product, along with ways to minimize environmental risks, and the build-up of resistance. I know the print is small and it may take a little bit of time to find what you are looking for, but the label will tell you everything you need to know.

So as we consider chinch bugs in lawns, weeds in the flower beds, fungal wilt in the vegetable garden, and all other manner of problems we face, consider incorporating more of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to have your very own Martha Stewart garden here in Angelina County.

Volunteers Wanted for Angelina Arts Alliance 2020-2021 Season

By
Joshua Blackwell
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0

Angelina Arts is seeking service minded volunteers, ages 17 years and up, who would like to join EnCorps, our official volunteer team. Join us at the annual sign-up orientation on Tuesday August 4, at 6 pm at the Temple Theater on the Angelina College campus. Enthusiasm, people skills and the desire to serve are traits we look for, and of course a love of the arts!

Attendees will fill-out applications, review procedures, preview the upcoming season, take a backstage tour, and meet staff members. Angelina Arts volunteers help with general operations at the Temple Theater and The Pines Theater during productions. Jobs include greeting guests, handing out playbills, ushering, and assisting with concessions and merchandise. Please RSVP if you plan to attend by contacting Ginger at 936-633-3220, or gtrotter@angelina.edu. Do not attend if you are Covid positive, have symptoms such as fever, or are self-quarantined due to recent exposure. Instead, please call or email to sign up.

Due to the current Covid 19 situation, we require all attendees to wear a face mask, pass a ‘touch-free’ temperature check, and follow social distancing when seated in the theater and on the tour.

“The upcoming 2020-2021 season is our 20th anniversary and it is spectacular – Blockbuster Broadway hits, inspiring performances, singers, dancers, and musicians that will take your breath away,” said Ginger Trotter Marketing /Production Manager, “and we will need a large team of volunteers to make it happen.” Trotter added “Our EnCorps team is a fantastic group of people willing to donate their time to ensure Angelina Arts Alliance events at the Temple and Pines Theaters are a success – and in return, our volunteers see our amazing shows … for free!”

For more information, call Ginger Trotter at 936.633.3220, visit our website at www.angelinaarts.org or email gtrotter@angelina.edu. Stay informed — like Angelina Arts Alliance on Facebook, and Instagram.

Governor Abbott Urges Texans To Monitor Weather, Flood Threats Throughout The Weekend

By
Joshua Blackwell
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0

Governor Greg Abbott today urged Texans to remain vigilant and closely monitor weather conditions as a tropical development in the Gulf is expected to impact parts of Texas this weekend. The storm may lead to dangerous flash flooding, especially in the upper Rio Grande Valley, the Coastal Bend, and the Texas Hill Country. The Governor is also preparing state resources to assist communities with potential flooding and heavy rainfall.

“I urge Texans across the state to monitor the weather in their area and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones from possible flash flooding and heavy rainfall,” said Governor Abbott. “As this tropical disturbance approaches Texas, we are taking several precautionary steps to prepare resources for our communities, and we will continue to monitor and proactively respond to any developments.”

The Texas Division Of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the State Operations Center (SOC) continue to monitor weather conditions and coordinate with the National Weather Service and their West Gulf River Forecast Center. TDEM also continues to coordinate with the Texas Emergency Management Council and is prepared to provide state resources and assistance to local leaders as requested.

Texans are urged to follow these flood preparedness and safety tips during severe weather events:

  • Know types of flood risk in your area. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information here: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
  • Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
  • Build an emergency supply kit. For more information on how to build a kit, visit: https://www.ready.gov/kit
  • Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect so the time to buy is well before a disaster. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
  • Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
  • Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.
  • Be extremely cautious of any water on roads or in creeks, streams, storm drains, or other areas – never attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways and always observe road barricades placed for your protection. Remember, Turn Around Don’t Drown.

Irrigating Your Lawn With The Soak and Cycle Method

By
Cary Sims
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0

Last week I talked about the wonders of drip irrigation, mulch, and watering deeply with less frequency. This works best for shrubs and flower beds. But the lawn doesn’t get watered with drip irrigation.

So let’s talk about a relatively new irrigation strategy when you use the sprinkler on your lawns: the soak and cycle method.

You’ve seen it happen countless times; some well-meaning sprinkler system has excess water running out of the landscape, and down the street into the storm drain. It’s a waste of our best water and an unneeded expense to the homeowner.

What’s happening is that water isn’t being absorbed into the soil as fast as it is applied.

Our soils in Angelina County are typically a good loam over clay. In the south end, we have that grey clay, locally known as “post-oaky” clay. On the north end, red clay is the norm. I swear I have both types on my farm in Clawson, just north of Lufkin.

But it is that heavy, compacted clay soil that has a very slow infiltration rate. How much the soil can absorb depends on type, slope and other factors. A flat area can take up more per hour while a slope will start to run off after a quarter of an inch is applied, with the rest of the water being wasted.

One of our local Master Gardeners, Vickie Boren, first told me about the wonders of the soak and cycle method after she attended a state training to become an irrigation specialist. Put simply, the soak and cycle method breaks up your typical sprinkler cycle into at least 2 different, concurrent sessions to fully allow water to reach deep into the soil.

The soak and cycle method works best for in-ground sprinkler systems, but for hose draggers (like me) it has merit. The theory behind the method is to soak the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, which is where grass roots should grow to develop a nice lawn. The cycle phase refers to the fact that water will not be applied faster than the soil can uptake. So first we lightly soak, allowing that water to move into the soil, and then lightly soak again, and maybe even once more, applying up to the 1 inch or so needed per week.

Far too often, people run their systems over the entire lawn every couple of days, or three or four times a week, and they probably have no idea of how much water is applied. This method concentrates all the water in the upper few inches of the soil, developing a shallow root system and disease prone plant.

The first step is determining how much water your sprinklers apply? You have to know how much you are applying so you will know how long to run the sprinkler system.

To determine the flow rate of your sprinkler heads, set several rain gauges or straight sided cans in your lawn and measure the amount applied in 30 minutes or an hour. This rate of application combined with the infiltration rate will determine how long to run the system in each zone.

The soak part then applies that amount of water to that zone. For example, if you determine your lawn can take up about two or three-tenths of an inch of water before running off, then apply that rate of water to the area and turn off the system on that zone. You are now ready to cycle.

Cycle then means to water another zone and allow that water that was just applied to soak into the soil. Then you go back to the first zone and soak it again. This may require several soaking and rest periods to apply the needed 1 inch of water per week to keep the lawn healthy while being efficient with water use. So this means that on a given day the same area may have irrigation run three or four times on the same zone to allow water to reach deep into the soil.

Sound difficult? It’s not. Let’s review the steps.

First, determine the flow rate of your sprinkler heads. How many inches of water do they put out per hour?

Second, carefully observe your lawn to see how long before it quits absorbing water. 15 minutes? 30 minutes?

Third, re-program your time clock to soak and cycle the zones. Remember, the same zone will be watered several times on the same day with just enough water to be absorbed.

Lastly, monitor the lawn for a few weeks and make adjustments based on the various conditions.

Soak and cycle may still be a new concept for lawn watering but once it is figured out, it takes the guesswork out of the equation, as you know how much water is being applied, the rate in which the soil can absorb, and your lawn will be better for it.

Give it a try, and stop those light, frequent applications that help create awful conditions that lead to disease and even death of great lawns.

Governor Abbott, Lt. Governor Patrick, Speaker Bonnen, Senate Finance, House Appropriations Committee Chairs Announce eLearning Funding For Texas Students

By
Joshua Blackwell
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0

Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, Senate Finance Committee Chair Jane Nelson, Vice Chair Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, and House Appropriations Committee Chair Giovanni Capriglione and Vice Chair Oscar Longoria today announced that the State of Texas will allocate $200 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for the purchase of eLearning devices and home internet solutions to enable remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic for Texas students that lack connectivity.

With this funding, the TEA will purchase and distribute devices, hotspots, routers, and more based on specific needs identified by local education agencies (LEAs). The funding would be used to establish a reimbursement program with a matching fund component tied to locally controlled Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) or LEA local funding. This funding is in addition to a previously announced distribution of up to $400 million of CRF to reimburse districts for COVID-19 expenses incurred during the 2019-2020 school year. This funding will also establish a reimbursement program for devices and home internet costs incurred by LEAs from May 21st through September 1st.

“As school districts delay the start of in-person instruction for the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID-19, it is essential that we work to provide Texas students with the devices they need to connect and communicate online for classroom instruction,” said Governor Abbott. “As we continue to combat COVID-19 in Texas, we are committed to providing reliable and effective solutions that will help students academically succeed while protecting public health.”

“While getting our students back to school is our top priority, many local districts are also developing a variety of virtual learning plans to ensure that students do not lose valuable learning time as we continue to fight COVID-19. This funding is an essential step in closing the digital gap for students by making access to technology available to every child who needs it,” said Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.

“The onset of COVID-19 has yielded unprecedented educational challenges in the State of Texas, and the embrace of new technologies and virtual learning methods will be instrumental in our effort to provide quality instructional continuity for all students. This funding will go a long way to close existing technology gaps and improve connectivity statewide, and in doing so, our students will be equipped with the tools needed for success in the upcoming school year,” said Speaker Dennis Bonnen.

“Virtual learning works when students have access to the proper wi-fi and electronic devices. These funds help bridge the digital divide and prevent students who lack access to technology from falling behind,” said Senator Jane Nelson.

“No child should ever be denied the ability to achieve his/her dreams simply because he/she does not have technological devices or internet access. Education is the great equalizer and while that will look different in the near term, a move to distance learning to protect students and teachers can only be effective for all learners if they all are able to actively learn and participate. Today’s actions by the Governor and TEA will move us toward this goal of ensuring every child has equal access to the tools and resources necessary to achieve a high-quality education,” said Senator Juan Hinojosa.

“So many of our students across Texas will be starting the school year by continuing their remote education. With all of the challenges that remote learning presents, having adequate access to a computer and reliable internet shouldn’t be one of them.  I’m proud to have worked with Governor Abbott, my legislative colleagues, and Commissioner Mike Morath to secure the needed funds to begin the process of bridging this digital divide,” said Representative Giovanni Capriglione.

“Our public education system is facing unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19. Operation Connectivity ensures all Texas students have the resources needed to connect and learn online,” said Representative Oscar Longoria.

CLOSURE SCHEDULED ON US 59 FOR DIBOLL RELIEF ROUTE PROJECT

By
Rhonda Oaks
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0

Motorists can expect a northbound shoulder closure to begin Monday, July 20, on US 59 as part of the Diboll Relief Route construction project.

The closure is needed to safely remove trees from the project site adjacent to the roadway. The northbound shoulder closure will be located near the DPS weigh station south of Diboll. Signage and traffic control will be in place to alert northbound motorists. Motorists should stay alert for moving equipment, trucks and workers near the lanes of traffic and obey all traffic control in place.

“This is the first work we have seen adjacent to US 59 since beginning the Diboll Relief Route project,” said Rhonda Oaks, Lufkin District public information officer. “Motorists should be prepared for possible delays during this time. It is very important to stay alert through this heavily traveled area.”

Crews have worked for several weeks to clear wooded areas along the path of the relief route, remove stumps and perform dirt work on both the south and north ends of the project. Other work has included preparing topsoil for salvaging, logging operations and surveying and layout of the new highway’s right of way. Perimeter fencing is being set near Lumberjack Drive and in coming days crews will begin setting temporary crossings. Crews continue to construct header banks and are scheduled to begin drill shafts near Mockingbird Lane.

Work began in April on the $140.1 million construction project that will include grading, structures, concrete pavement and freeway signage. The 8-mile project is set for completion in five years. Sacyr Engineering and Infrastructures, a global company headquartered in Spain, is serving as contractor for the project that is located from FM 2108 to 1.1 mile south of White Oak Creek. The Relief Route is designed and will be constructed to meet interstate standards for possible designation as I 69.

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.

An Update from Trent Ashby

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
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With the primary elections finally behind us, I want to offer my congratulations to all of the candidates who were successful in securing their place on the ballot for the General Election in November 2020. Those who came up short deserve recognition, as well, for having the courage to seek public office and carry out a campaign in these trying times. I’d also like to thank all of our election workers and volunteers for working tirelessly to ensure a fair and efficient election process.

With that, here’s this week’s Capitol update. . .

Capitol Update

I recently wrote a letter to Governor Abbott urging him to exempt Texas public schools from STAAR testing requirements for the 2020-2021 school year. Given the massive disruption our schools have experienced over the last few months, it’s more important than ever that we allow our teachers and students to focus on quality instruction, development and growth without the burden of high-stakes testing. During this time of uncertainty and stress, high-stakes standardized tests will only add to the strain of recent months and will not give an accurate assessment of a school, teacher, or a student’s performance. Rather than relying on the skewed accountability metrics of STAAR, we should empower our school districts and educators to tailor their own exams to accurately measure academic progress without the fear of a looming test date. Though Governor Abbott – in coordination with Texas Education Agency (TEA) – sought fit to alleviate the burden of high-stakes testing at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2019-2020 school year, it is my hope that he will employ that same compassion and wisdom to once again waive testing requirements during the 2020-2021 school year.

Governor Abbott recently announced that his Public Safety Office (PSO) will provide over $40 million in federal funds through the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program to assist cities and counties throughout the COVID-19 response. Funds awarded under this program will be used by local governments for first responder overtime and hazard pay, personal protective gear, county jail costs associated with the medical needs of inmates, and improvements in teleworking technologies to enhance our communications infrastructure. Local governments that are interested in learning more about this program can contact PSO at (512) 463-1919 or send an email to egrants@gov.texas.gov.

In a similar vein, Governor Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and Speaker Dennis Bonnen recently announced a plan to invest $57 million in federal funds to maintain financial aid programs for our institutions of higher education. This investment will offset potential coronavirus related cuts to the financial aid programs that support scores of Texans throughout

their post-secondary education. As we begin to rebuild our state’s economy, it is critical that we continue supporting students in their pursuit of a college degree or certificate so that they can successfully enter the workforce and make a meaningful contribution to the recovery process.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact our office if we can help you in any way. Our District office may be reached at (936) 634-2762.

Get Ready for the Second Half

By
Luis Ruperto
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0

Hey, will you look at that we made it to July! School is over, Summer is in full swing the 4th of July was a blast hopefully, at least literally.

The first half of the year started out okay, nothing too special, nothing too bad but then it seemingly went downhill. At first, it was the Coronavirus, then, toilet paper and food shortages and then social distancing and now riots all across the country. It sounds like the layout for an intense survival movie or video game. Honestly, that’s what it feels like we have been doing lately. Surviving. Each day is the same as the last or something worse than the day before shows up on the TV. There doesn’t seem to be an end in sight, but I ask that you not lose hope.

Throughout this rollercoaster of a year, we have seen prime examples of what good humanity can do when we come together as one; but by that same token, we have also seen the worst. I am sure many of us have mixed emotions, one minute we smile and have hope for the future, and the next we are left with a sense of disbelief and disappointment.

When I was in middle school the daily announcements would come on over the intercom during Prime Time and every day the counselor ended with this sentence:

“Whether you want a good day or a bad day, the choice is yours.”

At the time, I always thought of it as her signature catchphrase but it’s something that has always stuck with me. We all have a responsibility to take control of our day and making the most and the best out of it. Not just for ourselves but for those around us.

At a time where everything is literally burning around us, we must act as individual beacons of hope for a better tomorrow. You don’t need to join the frontlines of the protests or make a huge donation to a charity to make your impact, sometimes the most memorable acts of kindness are the smallest ones.

It’s now July, and personally, this year feels like it’s inching forward but hey, we made it. We are halfway through the year. Use this time and think of it as a half time show. Recap what happened in the first half, recognize what went wrong, and figure out a positive game plan for the rest of the year.

It only takes the actions of one to motivate the actions of many.

4 Home Maintenance Tips to Keep the Outdoors Outside

By
Statepoint
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0

Even avid nature lovers will agree that not all aspects of the outdoors belong inside one’s home. While bugs, mud and allergens will sneak their way into interior spaces, the steps you take to manage these elements can keep your home more comfortable.

Contain Allergens

Your home should provide a respite from outdoor allergens. Unfortunately, pollen has a tendency to stick to skin, hair, shoes and clothes. Contain allergens by removing outerwear when you get home. If you spent the day in a grassy or forested area, you may also want to change your clothes or even take a shower before sitting on furniture. As far as cleaning is concerned, regularly shake out your welcome mat outside and away from the front door. Also, make a habit of regularly laundering items that touch your eyes, ears and nose most frequently, such as bedding and towels.

Combat Insect Invaders

According to the Smithsonian Institution, there are over 200 million insects for each human on the planet! That’s a lot of critters, and despite your best efforts, some of them are going to enter your home, especially during peak bug season. With the National Pest Management Association’s bug barometer calling for high pest pressure from ants, roaches, mosquitoes and more this season, having a smart way to deal with insect invaders is a good idea.

The majority of people are concerned with the ingredients found in conventional bug killer sprays. If that describes you, look for effective solutions made without harsh chemicals. For example, Zevo Insect Killer Sprays with BioSelective Technology work on a broad range of household insects, including ants, roaches, flies, fruit flies, gnats and spiders. The active essential oils in Zevo target nerve receptors vital to insects, not people or pets. Easy to use, just spray on pests, then wipe up the dead bugs, as well as any excess product. Leaving only a light scent of essential oils, Zevo lets you get on with your day after use, and is available online or in-store at Target and Home Depots nationwide. To learn more, visit zevoinsect.com.

Make Floors Mud-Free

Setting up a mudroom near the entrance of your home can help you combat footprints once and for all. If you don’t like being barefoot or want extra sole support, keep a pair of shoes nearby that you can swap into indoors. Just be sure that this pair never leaves the house. Have a dog? Wipe paws clean when you get home from walks, or better yet, try dog boots, which have the added bonus of protecting paws from sharp objects, hot pavement and other road hazards.

Banish Excess Moisture

Too much moisture indoors is bad news. Damp spaces can promote growth and spread of viruses, bacteria and bugs, according to the American Lung Association. To keep your home’s interiors dry, fix up any leaks and keep humidity levels at 50 percent or less by adjusting controls on your air conditioner and/or by running a dehumidifier. The Institute of Medicine cites good ventilation and moisture control as ways to help limit both mold and bug problems.

With a few simple measures, you can manage all those peskier aspects of nature you’d rather not have indoors.

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