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Is my maple firewood safe to burn?

Q: I’m ready to burn the wood in my woodstove and expected it would still be on the green side. However, its color has changed and seems as though it could be diseased. Is it safe to burn? If not, can it be turned into compost?

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Safe laundry detergent for septic tanks?

Q: I'm confused by the claims made by detergent companies when it comes to septic tank safety. I've contacted some companies and have been told that eco-friendly, biodegradable detergents 'should' be safe. Is there an official certification process for products used with septic tanks?

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How can I prevent a termite infestation?

Q: Our landlord asked us if we would do termite treatment on our house. Since we don’t have experience with termites, we weren’t sure what our responsibility would be, as renters. Additionally, my partner works with wood a ...

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How to manage in a heatwave with wildfire smoke?

Q: I have been struggling with the 100°+ temperatures and poor air quality in the Willamette Valley this week. I am wondering how to be better prepared for next summer. Thank you for any tips!

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Mothballs are a pesticide and should be used with care

Mothballs, one of the most common methods to control clothes moths, need to be recognized as a pesticide that can be harmful to humans or animals when misused.

Kym Pokorny | Aug 11, 2023 | News story

When should I pump my septic tank?

Q: There are various recommendations on when to pump a septic tank. What is your recommendation for pumping a 1000 gal polyethylene tank for a household of two adults? The chart in OSU Extension's publication states 5.9 years. ...

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Firework safety tips?

Q: My family and I are preparing to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. We want to teach our children about firework safety. What are some firework safety tips?

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Be Well Project: Lead in Your Drinking Water

Lead is a tasteless toxic metal that can contaminate well water. It can cause many serious health conditions. Learn how to test your water for lead and study options for water treatment.

Veronica Irvin, Molly Kile, Chrissy Lucas, Laura Neilson, Lilly Anderson | Jun 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Be Well Project: Arsenic in Your Drinking Water

Arsenic is a colorless, odorless toxic metal that can enter drinking water. Arsenic damage builds up over time and is linked to many health problems. Learn how to test and treat contaminated water.

Veronica Irvin, Molly Kile, Chrissy Lucas, Laura Neilson, Lilly Anderson | Jun 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Be Well Project: Nitrate in Your Drinking Water

Nitrate can contaminate well water, leading to serious health conditions. Learn how to prevent nitrate from getting in your well and how to remove nitrate from your drinking water.

Veronica Irvin, Molly Kile, Chrissy Lucas, Laura Neilson, Lilly Anderson | Jun 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)