As any designer, artist or architect will say, lighting is everything and its a majorly under-appreciated asset when it comes to the exterior of your home.

All it takes is a little lighting to completely transform a space. For instance, throw icicle lights on any house and its instantly decorated for Christmas; light up some tiki torches along the driveway and youve got yourself a summer party.

Thats just the beginning, though. With a permanent outdoor lighting system from Leading Edge Decorative Lighting, the ways to use outdoor lights are nearly endless. Cofounded by Ryan Amoroso and Mike Genzlinger, Leading Edge Decorative Lighting is changing the game on how exterior lights are used.

The feedback we get from customers is that they use them more than they initially thought, Genzlinger said. I think a lot of people sign up thinking theyre going to replace their Christmas lights and just use them around the holiday, and they see the value in that, but once they get them on and see the versatility of it, they realize theres never going to be a day that theyre not in use.

Even when it comes to the holidays, lights are no longer limited to Christmastime. With 30 patterns, 14 different movement settings and 16 million color options, the same lights used for Christmas can be customized to use for Valentines Day, Easter, Memorial Day you name it without ever having to get out the ladder.

"Switching to permanent Christmas lights from traditional holiday lighting was the best decision I've made, said Timothy Krauss, a Leading Edge Decorative Lighting customer from Gilbert.

They look fantastic year-round, and I no longer have to go through the hassle of putting up lights every season. I would highly recommend permanent Christmas lights to anyone looking for an easy and convenient solution for their holiday lighting."

Besides holiday lighting, other uses include accent, security and patio lighting. These features can be used to accent architectural elements of your home, increase safety and wow guests.

People are impressed by how much they can do with them how many different patterns, how many colors they can set up, Amoroso said.

It's not just an initial reaction, either. It continues to grow on them, because as you start to work within the app and find out exactly how much you can do and what different colors or patterns you can create, I think most people find new excitement in playing with it.

He added that not everyone is looking for all the colors and movement, instead opting for simple accent lighting. Thats a need Leading Edge Decorative Lighting fulfills as well.

I recently had permanent accent lighting installed on my property and I couldn't be happier with the result, said Julianna Galvis, a Queen Creek customer. Leading Edge did a fantastic job, and the lights look absolutely stunning. It has definitely made my home feel more welcoming.

For more information about the versatility of Leading Edge Decorative Lighting, visit ledecorativelighting.com.

Leading Edge Decorative Lighting is part of the CITYSunTimes Preferred Business Program.

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Thinking out loud: We could benefit from nighttime lighting restrictions - La Grande Observer

The inaugural Casual Market Atlanta is set to kick off in a big way with July as more than 100 temporary exhibitors are ready to take over the Atlanta market scene.

Casual furnishings and outdoor furniture exhibitors are excited and ready to show off their products at the reinvigorated market where the ability to showcase products has already inspired a 50 percent expansion of the planned space for the summer event.

The response to the Casual Markets relocation from Chicago to Atlanta has been overwhelmingly positive, said Dorothy Belshaw, International Market Centers (IMC) executive vice president, chief growth officer. Established brands and innovative newcomers are tapping AmericasMart to showcase their full-spectrums of outdoor living product to top buyers in the casual furnishings industry and beyond.

Among the leading brands set to exhibit at the July 10-13 market at AmericasMart Atlanta are Americas Backyards & Outdoor Living, Armen Living, The Hammock Source, Sunbrella and so many more. Additional outdoor and casual product offerings will include fire pits, garden accessories, outdoor lighting, statuary and more.

Several of the brands scheduled to attend are not new to the International Casual Furnishings Associations (ICFA) Casual Market, previously held in Chicago, but are new to the Atlanta Market. The summer edition of Atlanta Market will run concurrently with Casual Market Atlanta at AmericasMart, July 11-17.

Excitement is building for the debut of Casual Market Atlanta, added Jackie Hirschhaut, executive director of the ICFA. Buyers and brands eagerly await gathering again in our new home in Atlanta.

Casual Market Atlanta will feature six floors of permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits. Badge entry to Casual Market will also provide free entry to the Atlanta Market.

More information regarding registration can be found online.

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This New Market is Bringing More Than 100 Casual Furniture ... - Gifts & Decorative Accessories

Bats benefit people and our planet in many ways. Bats help farmers by consuming insect pests, whichimproves crop yields and reduces pesticide use. Nectar-feeding bats pollinate plants, and fruit-eating bats disperse seeds in tropical forests. Spectacularbat flights generate ecotourism dollars. Bat research leads to scientific discoveries, inspiring technology, medical breakthroughs and breathtaking art. Bats are also in trouble.

In 2020, the Service collaborated with Bat Conservation International, U.S. Geological Survey and a host of other partners to assess the risks faced by North Americas 154 bat species. The results of that assessment informed the 2023 State of the Bats report, the first of its kind for the bats of North America.

The bat experts agree -- the next 15 years are critical for ensuring a better future. Conservation relies on identifying threats and determining the status of each bat species. Knowing the state of North Americas bats informs how we prioritize and design conservation actions. Legalprotection, local action, research attention, public support and cross-boundary collaboration all contribute tosafeguarding our bats. Currently, three bat species impacted by white-nose syndrome the gray bat, Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, and one the tricolored bat is proposed as endangered. Other endangered bat species include the Florida bonneted bat, Ozark big-eared bat, lesser long-nosed bat and Virginia big-eared bat.

Millions of bats have perished from white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease of hibernating bats first discovered in New York in 2007. The fungus has spread across the United States and Canada, killing nine out of 10 little brown, northern long-eared and tricolored bats. Twelve North American bat species are known to be susceptible to white-nose syndrome when they hibernate during winter. The White-nose Syndrome Response Team, comprised of non-governmental, state, local, federal and Tribal partners, has focused research efforts to develop treatments, vaccines and prevention measures to lower the risk of extinction for susceptible native bat species.

Healthy bats need healthy and safe habitats, and different bat species choose different kinds of homes. Some species live in trees, others in caves or mines, and some in rock crevices. But across North America, bats are threatened by degradation and destruction of their roosts and foraging areas. Bats that live in caves can be especially vulnerable to disturbance from climbing and caving enthusiasts.

Bats are also impacted by the effects of

Learn more about climate change primarily extreme temperatures and prolonged drought. Intense summer heat waves and severe winter storms have taken a toll on bat populations. Renewable resources, such wind power, emit little to no greenhouse gases and help combat climate change but also can impact bats. They must be carefully managed to mitigate any possible negative effects.

Create a bat-friendly garden by planting native species, reducing pesticide use, creating a water source, reducing outdoor lighting and trimming trees only in the fall and spring.

Provide homes for bats. Follow these directions to build a bat house in your yard.

Work with your local natural resource agency after the end of the maternity season to carefully exclude or remove any unwanted bats from your home.

Stay out of caves and mines where bats hibernate. Learn how to clean shoes and gear before and after entering caves. Dont enter closed or gated caves.

Attend educational programs or events celebrating bats, like Bat Week every October.

Contact your states or local bat organizations to participate in bat counts or other opportunities.

Report unusual bat behavior including bats flying during the day or bats struggling to get off the ground to your state natural resource agency.

Use sustainable forest products; buy organic and local foods; and choose bat-friendly tequila.

Learn about bats, and share with others on social media.

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Peering into the future of bats | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - US Fish and Wildlife Service

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The Best Cornhole Boards To Play All Summer Long - Forbes

Have you noticed all the birds flying around at night? They are everywhere throughout the state of Texas and over the next two days, we will see millions more if the predictions from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Colorado State University hold true.

It's an epic migration of birds and according to the Houston Chronicle, nearly two billion birds pass through Texas which is roughly "one out of every three birds migrating through the United States this spring."

There is even a way for you to track the number and type of birds migrating through the state and county. It's called the BirdCast Migration Dashboard. According to the dashboard, close to 1.8 million birds crossed Lubbock County last night. The dashboard will even tell you the speed at which birds were flying and which birds are likely to be migrating.

According to the Houston Chronicle researchers say turning off outdoor lighting can help protect the birds.

Researchers suggest turning off nonessential lighting from 11p.m. to 6 a.m. to help protect birds,Audobon Texas states.Lights can throw birds off their migration paths, bird fatalities are more directly caused by the amount of energy the birds waste flying around and calling out in confusion.

The "Lights Out, Texas" is a statewide education, awareness and action campaign to address this problem. The highlighted map shows the mass number of birds migrating across Texas. The bird migration forecast maps show predicted nocturnal migration three hours after local sunset and are updated every six hours.

So whether you like to bird watch or not, check out the migration dashboard and see what's in the sky tonight.

Where To Get A Margarita in Lubbock

Here's a rundown of several pools to cool off during the summer in Lubbock, Texas.

Lubbock Things To Do With Your Kids This Summer

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Millions of Birds Are Migrating Across Texas - News/Talk 790 KFYO

WITH warmer weather on its way, many of us will be busy preparing our gardens for the summer months.

But anyone whos ever tried to transform their plot will know just how expensive it can be, especially if you get professional help.

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Ben Rogers discovered exactly this when he attempted to give his decaying garden patio a new lease of life.

Peterborough-based Ben, 33, was tired of his overgrown space cracking but didnt have the money to pay for a patio installer.

But after some research on YouTube decided to give it a go himself and save thousands in the process.

Ben decided on the design, the materials he would need and worked out the time required for the project. He bought all the materials and equipment for around 3,000.

The project, which took around six weeks to complete, included excavating the ground, laying slate paving slabs, and building a decorative wall bordering the patio and garden.

Talking to My Local Toolbox, Ben said he got the inspiration for the outdoor wall lighting from Philips Hue.

He bought two 5-metre light strips and attached them to the underside of the slate coping

stones creating a modern and stylish look.

Advising those who want to follow in his footsteps Ben added, Make sure you can acquire all the materials before starting and order them immediately, so no unexpected changes need to be made mid-project with materials not being available due to high demand or shipping issues.

If Ben had employed a tradesperson to transform this 38 square metre space, it would have set him back around 8 -10,000.

However, as Ben did all the labour himself, the impressive outdoor patio cost him approximately 3,000, resulting in a massive saving of 7,000

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I was quoted thousands to transform my decaying garden patio, but I did it myself and saved 7k, it was so... - The US Sun

A recent study by Imperial College London and Florida International University challenges the commonly held belief that bugs are attracted to artificial light because they mistake it for moonlight the biologists behind the study suggest that the bugs behavior might be the result of interference with their brain function; instead of flying directly towards the light, insects are found to be drawn towards it from the opposite direction, flying towards it with their butts rather than their heads. This behavior can cause the insects to become trapped in frenzied holding patterns, when they collide with artificial lights.

The researchers used high-resolution motion capture and stereo-videography to observe butterflies, dragonflies, and moths in a laboratory setting. This approach allowed them to study the insects movements in detail and determine how they reacted to different types of artificial light. Their findings showed that bugs were less likely to be affected by downward-facing lights, which suggests that these lights could be an effective way to reduce the number of insects drawn to artificial light sources.

A group of termite queen flying at the bright lights at night.

The studys findings have far-reaching implications for both scientists and the public; by challenging long-standing assumptions about insect behavior, this research could help to prevent unintended harm to insect populations caused by artificial lighting. The studys lead author, Dr. Barrett Klein, has called for a shift in how we design outdoor lighting to avoid negative effects on wildlife.

It also sheds a light on the complex relationship between insects and light while its clear that artificial lighting can disrupt their behavior, its also worth noting that insects have evolved to use light in a variety of ways, for example, some species of fireflies use their bioluminescence to attract mates, while others use light to navigate during migration. By understanding how artificial light affects different insect species, researchers can begin to develop more targeted strategies to protect vulnerable populations.

Altogether, this study demonstrates the importance of taking a nuanced approach to understanding the natural world. Although its tempting to rely on simple explanations for complex phenomena, science is rarely so straightforward. We can indeed improve our knowledge of the world and create better methods for safeguarding it by persistently questioning our beliefs and conducting thorough experiments to gather information.

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Scientists find new explanation for why bugs fly into lights - Ubergizmo

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No matter where you live, its likely youll encounter mosquitoes when the temperatures rise. Mosquitoes tend to flock to warm, wet conditions, and standing water offers a breeding ground for these pesky insects. And beyond their annoying buzzing and the itchy bites they leave behind, mosquitoes can pose serious health risks, so its essential to know how to get rid of mosquitoes when they wont leave the property. Luckily, there is a range of tactics to apply to both prevent them from infesting the yard and keep them from returning. And for those wary of using commercial chemical prevention methods, they can opt for natural repellents and dont even need mosquito spray for the house to eliminate the bugs. The following guide will provide step-by-step instructions for how to deter mosquitoes and suggest when its time to hire a professional if the infestation is out of control.

Time required: 1 to 2 hoursDifficulty: BeginnerEstimated cost: $50 to $500

Although it may be tempting to start lighting citronella candles and planting lavender, it helps to properly identify the insects as mosquitoes and determine what level of mosquito infestation is present. This will not only help residents learn how to repel mosquitoes but also come up with a mosquito solution.

First, its important to identify mosquitoes from other similar-looking insects such as crane flies or non-biting midges. Adult mosquitoes have one pair of wings, a humped back, a long biting organ that protrudes from its head, and scales on the veins of its wings. In contrast, crane flies have straighter abdomens with wings that rest farther away from their bodies, while non-biting midges lack the mosquitos distinctive long mouthpart.

Once its confirmed that mosquitoes are indeed present, the next step is to look for signs of a mosquito infestation, as the presence of an occasional mosquito doesnt necessarily mean theres a full-blown infestation that needs to be treated. Some common indicators that the bugs have infested the yard include a constant buzzing sound, spotting mosquitoes during the daytime and at night, frequent mosquito bites, and mosquitoes in shaded areas of the yard. If these signs are present and youre still struggling to figure out how to get rid of mosquitoes outside, DIY methods may not be enough and youll want to reach out to one of the best mosquito control services.

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Mosquitoes like to lay eggs in water with little to no flow, which is why standing water outside the home can lead to an infestation. Standing water can include anything from a small puddle to water inside a birdbath, trash container, inflatable pool, or outdoor toys. The first priority when figuring out how to get rid of mosquitoes in the backyard will be to eliminate any standing water on a regular basis. Not only will this lessen the presence of mosquitoes around the home, but it will also keep them from coming back.

About once a week, its recommended to do a walk-through of the yard and empty out any items holding water or cover containers without lids that could be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Any open vents or plumbing pipes can also be covered with wire mesh with holes small enough to keep adult mosquitoes from getting through. It also helps to repair any cracks or gaps in the septic tank.

Gutters that are cluttered with debris, leaves, or residual water from recent storms can attract mosquitoes and lead to an infestation. Cleaning the gutters regularly or hiring one of the best gutter cleaning services to do so lessens the risk of inviting mosquitoes near the property. In some cases, it can be what makes mosquitoes go away and not come back.

Mosquitoes are drawn to cool, dark, damp places, and overgrown lawns can provide all three. Regular lawn maintenance such as mowing and trimming keeps adult mosquitoes from nesting and allows any standing water to dry more quickly from sun exposure. The better the grass is maintained, the less likely it is to create a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can multiply their population easily.

Its also wise to keep bushes trimmed and clean up any yard waste. Additionally, homeowners can consider using cedar mulch in their garden beds, as the cedar oils repel mosquitoes and the mulch can absorb excess moisture.

There are plenty of home remedies to get rid of mosquitoes for those who are wary of applying harsh chemicals or solutions that are dangerous to children or pets but are trying to figure out how to control mosquitoes. The following options are natural, low-risk ways to keep these insects at bay.

When natural methods just wont cut it, residents can try to ward off mosquitoes with pesticides. Commercial products that contain ingredients such as prallethrin, etofenprox, pyrethrins, permethrin, resmethrin, and sumithrin can be found at a local home improvement store and are often dispensed as ultra-low volume (ULV) sprays. Once the liquid is dispensed into the air, it turns into tiny aerosol droplets that kill mosquitoes on contact. If a resident does use commercial pesticides, its best to read the warning labels beforehand, as some ingredients should be kept away from children, pets, or pregnant women.

If the above steps still dont eliminate mosquitoes, it may be time to call a professional mosquito control company (some of the best pest control companies such as Orkin and Terminix may be able to help). These experts will be able to come up with a treatment plan thats tailored to the property and ensures the pesky bugs dont return. Professionals know how to most effectively apply treatments and fumigate for mosquitoes. Bringing in a pro is especially helpful for those who live in regions with high humidity where mosquitoes often run rampant and are harder to control. Plus, a company geared toward eliminating mosquitoes will likely be able to apply treatment multiple times throughout the season to ensure the yard is kept mosquito-free. Mosquito control costs range on average from $350 to $500. This can vary, however, depending on the size of the yard, the size of the infestation, and the type and frequency of the treatment.

The steps above can help residents not only identify the extent of a mosquito problem, but also help put measures in place to keep the nuisances away for good. Although most mosquito bites arent serious, some mosquitoes carry harmful viruses that lead to disease and illness in humans, so its wise to be cautious and handle a mosquito problem sooner rather than later.

Yes. Anything from blood type, sweat, beer consumption, and pregnancy can make some people more attractive to mosquitoes than others. Around 20 percent of humans are more attractive to mosquitoes than the rest.

Mosquitoes seem to like Type O blood the most and Type A blood the least. Additionally, 85 percent of people secrete biochemical markers through their skin that identifies their blood type, while 15 percent do not. Mosquitoes will be more attracted to the secretors, regardless of their blood type.

Mosquitoes hate the smells of lavender, tea tree oil, citronella, and lemon eucalyptus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), washing the bite with soap and water, applying an ice pack, and applying a paste of baking soda and water can help mosquito bites go away faster.

Yes, if the material is thin or tight-fitting enough, mosquitoes can bite through clothes.

Because direct sunlight can dehydrate them, mosquitoes are most active in the early morning hours before temperatures rise.

Professional mosquito control typically costs between $350 to $500 per season. DIY solutions, like homemade mosquito spray, can cost a few dollars.

You can follow the above steps to kill and repel mosquitoes. If mosquitoes are getting into the house at night while you sleep, a fan pointed at the bed can keep them from landing. Additionally, you can avoid strong-scented body products that may attract mosquitoes.

The average adult mosquito lifespan is 2 to 3 weeks. Females typically live longer than males.

Female mosquitoes bite humans and feed on blood. Male mosquitoes feed on flower nectar and do not bite humans.

Sources: Verywell Health, M and M Pest Control

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How to Get Rid of Mosquitoesand Keep Them From Coming Back - Bob Vila

A global view of Earth assembled from data acquired by the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (NPP) satellite.

NASA

Specifications in the current proposal provide a starting point for planning, including a color temperature cutoff of 3,000 K in line with Pittsburghs dark-sky ordinance, which passed last fall. However, Martinez says that is the maximum, and as they look for consultants, theyll be taking into account which ones show dark-sky expertise. The city is also consideringbudget and infrastructure permittinga network lighting management system, a kind of smart lighting that would allow them to control lighting levels and know when there is an outage.

Martinez says there will be citywide engagement and updates on the status as critical milestones are reached. Were in the evaluation period right now, she says, adding that the next milestone is authorization of a new contract. She acknowledges there is some passionate interest in street lighting, and that she too is anxious to see the project come to fruition: Just because things seem to go quiet doesnt mean work is not being done.

While they arent meeting with light pollution experts right now, Martinez says the ones they met with during the last proposal roundStephen Quick and Diane Turnshek of CMU were instrumental in adopting the dark-sky ordinance.

In recent months, Zielinska-Dabkowska says, her baby has been the first Responsible Outdoor Light at Night Conference, an international gathering of more than 300 lighting professionals and light pollution researchers held virtually in May. Barentine was among the speakers. Its a sign that all of this is really coming along, both as a research subject but also something that attracts the interest of practitioners in outdoor lighting, he says of the conference.

There is more work to be done, though. The IDA recently released a report summarizing the current state of light pollution research. The 18-page report includes a list of knowledge gaps to be addressed in several areas, including the overall effectiveness of government policies on light pollution. Another is how much light pollution comes from sources other than city streetlights, which a 2020 study found accounted for only 13% of Tucsons light pollution. It is not clear what makes up the rest, but Barentine suspects the next biggest source in the US and Europe is commercial lighting, such as flashy outdoor LED signs and parking lot lighting.

Working with companies to reduce light emissions can be challenging, says Clayton Trevillyan, Tucsons chief building officer. If there is a source of light inside the building, technically its not regulated by the outdoor lighting code, even if it is emitting light outside, Trevillyan says. In some cases, he says, in order to get around the citys restrictions, businesses have suspended illuminated signs inside buildings but aimed them outside.

Light pollution experts generally say there is no substantial evidence that more light amounts to greater safety.

For cities trying to implement a lighting ordinance, Trevillyan says, the biggest roadblocks theyll face are irrelevant arguments, specifically claims that reducing the brightness of outdoor lighting will cut down on advertising revenue and make the city more vulnerable to crime. The key to successfully enforcing the dark-sky rules, he says, is to educate the public and refuse to give in to people seeking exceptions or exploiting loopholes.

Light pollution experts generally say there is no substantial evidence that more light amounts to greater safety. In Tucson, for example, Barentine says, neither traffic accidents nor crime appeared to increase after the city started dimming its streetlights at night and restricting outdoor lighting in 2017. Last year, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania analyzed crime rates alongside 300,000 streetlight outages over an eight-year period. They concluded there is little evidence of any impact on crime rates on the affected streetsin fact, perpetrators seemed to seek out better-lit adjacent streets. Barentine says there is some evidence that strategically placed lighting can help decrease traffic collisions. Beyond that, things get murky pretty quickly, he says.

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Bright LEDs could spell the end of dark skies - MIT Technology Review