Across America|News|
Neighbor’s Security Camera Records You. OK To Be Naughty? [Survey]
“Obviously, they want to see something, Could I walk around nude in my back yard and do adult things?” someone wondered.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Neighbor’s Security Camera Records You. OK To Be Naughty? [Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240516/085902/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-231333556___16205505607.jpg)
Block Talk
Block Talk is a regular Patch series on neighborhood etiquette — and readers provide the answers. If you have a topic you'd like for us to consider, email beth.dalbey@patch.com with "Block Talk" as the subject line.
Across America|News|
No Mow May: Let It ‘Bee,’ Or ‘Busybody Enviroweenies’? [Block Talk]
No Mow May is one way to help pollinators, but not the only one, many readers said. Others called it an unproven “half-baked idea.”
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![No Mow May: Let It ‘Bee,’ Or ‘Busybody Enviroweenies’? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240510/024239/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2454042299___10143702071.jpg)
Across America|News|
No Mow May: Laziness Or Help For Pollinators? [Block Talk Survey]
For some people, the mowing season is in full swing. Others, who are observing “No Mow May,” say the pause helps imperiled pollinators.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![No Mow May: Laziness Or Help For Pollinators? [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240503/092137/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2310283405___03091944020.jpg)
Across America|News|
Power Tools On Weekends: When Is Too Early? [Block Talk]
Being respectful is important, readers told us, whether to immediate neighbors or the DIYers who want to make the most of their weekends.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Power Tools On Weekends: When Is Too Early? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240426/094811/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-160848248___26094726969.jpg)
Across America|News|
When Is Too Early For Power Tools On Weekends? [Block Talk Survey]
When close neighbors start their circular saws and drills and begin pounding hammers at daybreak, do you fume or admire their ambition?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![When Is Too Early For Power Tools On Weekends? [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240419/094842/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1737338216___19094633545.jpg)
Across America|News|
Neighbor Kids Won’t Go Home? Real Advice From Parents [Block Talk]
When neighbor kids overstay, there may be a reason. When it comes to setting boundaries, “you don’t,” one reader said. “Just enjoy the kids.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Neighbor Kids Won’t Go Home? Real Advice From Parents [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240412/030905/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-71425417___12150400447.jpg)
Across America|News|
Setting Boundaries If Neighbor Kids Won’t Go Home [Block Talk Survey]
The neighbor’s kids and your kids are pals, but they’re always hanging out at your house. Their parents never reciprocate. What do you do?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Setting Boundaries If Neighbor Kids Won’t Go Home [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240404/062646/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-779142160___04182244363.jpg)
Across America|News|
Just Pick Up Strewn Trash; But, Yes, People Are Slobs [Block Talk]
Should a 75-year-old with a bad back have to scrape a bundt cake off his driveway in what one reader called society’s “not it” game?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Just Pick Up Strewn Trash; But, Yes, People Are Slobs [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240328/062505/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1207638289___28182413062.jpg)
Across America|News|
Who Cleans Up Neighbor's Spilled Trash? [Block Talk Survey]
Responsibility follows trash, right? You might think. Or do you and your neighbors owe it to each other to pick up trash when you see it?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Who Cleans Up Neighbor's Spilled Trash? [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240321/031816/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2184636045___21151644752.jpg)
Across America|News|
Leash Your Dogs; Not Everyone Loves Them Or Their Slobber [Block Talk]
Dogs do need room to romp, but unleashing them on daily walks in the neighborhood and parks is dangerous, entitled and rude, readers said.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Leash Your Dogs; Not Everyone Loves Them Or Their Slobber [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240315/114228/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1337012390___15114007484.jpg)
Across America|News|
What’s Up With Unleashed Dogs? [Block Talk Survey]
Leashes may be required, but some people give their dogs the freedom to romp — and jump and slobber on people, or worse, knock them down.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![What’s Up With Unleashed Dogs? [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240308/111921/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2029725635___08111629808.jpg)
Across America|News|
Bears And Varmints Convince Birders To Remove Feeders [Block Talk]
Feeding birds brings great joy to some but expensive hassles for neighbors who have to exterminate rats and other critters drawn to feeders.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Bears And Varmints Convince Birders To Remove Feeders [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240229/015712/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1361906666___29135015931.jpg)
Across America|News|
Are Well-Meaning Bird Feeders Attracting Vermin? [Block Talk Survey]
Besides pretty birds, your neighbor’s back yard feeder may attract squirrels and raccoons, rats and cats, or even bears. What do you do?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Are Well-Meaning Bird Feeders Attracting Vermin? [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240222/095556/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-477778825___22215434778.jpg)
Across America|News|
RV Storage: A Property Right, Or A Blight On Your Rights? [Block Talk]
Many readers said how they store RVs on their property is nobody’s business, but others said private property rights aren’t absolute.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![RV Storage: A Property Right, Or A Blight On Your Rights? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240216/025158/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2111000978___16144314905.jpg)
Across America|News|
A Neighbor’s RV Or Camper Is An Eyesore : What Do You Do? [Block Talk]
Some neighborhoods have covenants dictating when people can park their RVs on their property or on the street. What do you think about this?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![A Neighbor’s RV Or Camper Is An Eyesore : What Do You Do? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240212/104231/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-542408998___12104054247.jpg)
Across America|News|
Turn Off The Christmas Lights; It’s Past Time, People [Block Talk]
Twinkling lights year-round make some people happy. Others are over it. When it comes to blow-up displays, “just nope,” several readers say.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Turn Off The Christmas Lights; It’s Past Time, People [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/790386/20240202/120213/styles/patch_image/public/flat-santa___02120054492.jpg)
Across America|News|
When Should Outdoor Christmas Lights Be Turned Off? [Block Talk]
You may think there’s no harm in extending the magic of the holidays with your twinkling lights, but your neighbors may be over them.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![When Should Outdoor Christmas Lights Be Turned Off? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/790386/20240126/102309/styles/patch_image/public/patch-ed-arlington-holiday-lights-ma-fisher-2___26102105926.jpg)
Across America|News|
The ‘Need-A-Favor Neighbor’ Who Just Won’t Give Up [Block Talk]
When neighbors continually ask for annoying favors, it’s best to shut it down, even if they never talk to you again, several readers said.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![The ‘Need-A-Favor Neighbor’ Who Just Won’t Give Up [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240118/114908/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2400859387___18114143622.jpg)
Across America|News|
How To Say No To Neighbors Always Asking Annoying Favors [Block Talk]
It’s not the people who need help in a pinch who are annoying, but those who habitually take advantage of your generosity. What do you do?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![How To Say No To Neighbors Always Asking Annoying Favors [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240111/042920/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1564858954___11162405258.jpg)
Across America|News|
2024 Neighbor Resolutions, A Look Back At Top 2023 Takes [Block Talk]
Readers made New Year’s resolutions for their neighbors about leaf blowers, free-range cats, nosiness and noisiness, and property upkeep.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![2024 Neighbor Resolutions, A Look Back At Top 2023 Takes [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240104/051418/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2376809451___04171315043.jpg)
Across America|News|
‘You Don’t Own The Street’ And Other Parking Vexations: [Block Talk]
Competition for on-street parking is fierce during the holidays, but it doesn’t do much good to complain, readers told us.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![‘You Don’t Own The Street’ And Other Parking Vexations: [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20231221/053018/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1193269636___21172433122.jpg)
Across America|News|
Neighborhood Holiday Lights And The Art Of Keeping Quiet [Block Talk]
“Who are we to say what our neighbors can and cannot display?” said a Patch reader who claims to be Santa. “Their house, their tastes.”
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Neighborhood Holiday Lights And The Art Of Keeping Quiet [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20231207/120210/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1876871347___07120114740.jpg)
Across America|News|
What Do Neighbors Actually Think Of Your Holiday Display? [Block Talk]
Are bright lights with animated characters synchronized to music your thing? Or do you prefer wreaths and bows and a few twinkling lights?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![What Do Neighbors Actually Think Of Your Holiday Display? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/790386/20231201/114642/styles/patch_image/public/patch-ed-arlington-holiday-lights-ma-fisher-1___01114438244.jpg)
Across America|News|
Slackers Who Won’t Shovel Their Snow Test Neighborliness [Block Talk]
There’s always that one neighbor who wouldn’t know a snow shovel if hit over the head with it — not that we’re advising that for shirkers.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Slackers Who Won’t Shovel Their Snow Test Neighborliness [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20231122/012142/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-243809152___22131859232.jpg)
Across America|News|
The Great Debate Over Leaf Blowers [Block Talk]
Readers defending gas-powered leaf blowers huffed and puffed — “Move to another country!” one implored — as others stood up for pollinators.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![The Great Debate Over Leaf Blowers [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20231110/113043/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-339354644___10111738086.jpg)
Across America|News|
Too Old To Trick Or Treat? Not Unless You’re Dead, LOL. [Block Talk]
Whatever the age of the trick-or-treater, Halloween is a time for spirited fun in neighborhoods across the country.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Too Old To Trick Or Treat? Not Unless You’re Dead, LOL. [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20231027/092901/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-70173520-1___27092146857.jpg)
Across America|News|
How Old Is Too Old To Trick Or Treat? [Block Talk]
Is it OK for kids to trick or treat when they’re 17 or 18? What about 15 or 16? Or is this a Halloween ritual for the under-9 crowd?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![How Old Is Too Old To Trick Or Treat? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20231019/114136/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1183817920___19233333170.jpg)
Across America|News|
Halloween Is For Fun; Haters Should Hide In Their Homes [Block Talk]
Lighten up and enjoy your neighbors’ creativity, many readers said. Others said blood and guts may be too much for young trick-or-treaters.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Halloween Is For Fun; Haters Should Hide In Their Homes [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20231012/065712/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2225305373-1___12184955381.jpg)
Across America|News|
Noisy Dogs And Roosters Aren’t The Problem; People Are [Block Talk]
“Living in a community means letting other people live their lives while you live your own,” said a reader who thinks that’s lost on some.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Noisy Dogs And Roosters Aren’t The Problem; People Are [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20230928/045102/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2032148207___28164332916.jpg)
Across America|News|
Secondhand Weed Smoke: Chill Out, But Be Courteous, Too [Block Talk]
The bottom line on neighborhood smoking etiquette, one reader said: “Personal freedoms end when they negatively impact others’ well-being.”
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Secondhand Weed Smoke: Chill Out, But Be Courteous, Too [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20230908/011106/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-525897103___08125642871.jpg)
Across America|News|
Solicitors: What Do You Do When Politeness Doesn’t Work? [Block Talk]
Readers spoke clearly. Persistent door-to-door solicitors are rude, they said; why should they put on manners when shooing the pests away?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Solicitors: What Do You Do When Politeness Doesn’t Work? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20230824/115345/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1745140238___24114628546.jpg)
Across America|News|
When Dog Walkers Don’t Bag Poop, What Should You Do? [Block Talk]
Readers raise a stink about dog walkers who let their pets “squat and go,” leaving their neighbors to clean up the mess left behind.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![When Dog Walkers Don’t Bag Poop, What Should You Do? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20230811/115022/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-724874689___11112527388.jpg)
Across America|News|
Is It OK To Put Dog Poop In A Neighbor's Trash Bin? [Block Talk]
Many readers get over it if dog owners drop the doo in their empty trash cans; another wants to know “who is sniffing trash cans, anyway?”
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Is It OK To Put Dog Poop In A Neighbor's Trash Bin? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20230727/121933/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1538617463___27121545214.jpg)
Across America|News|
How Early Is Too Early To Use Power Tools On The Weekend? [Block Talk]
If you’re still in bed at 8, are you the problem? Do climate and gig jobs change weekend power tool rules? Is dawn to midnight OK with you?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![How Early Is Too Early To Use Power Tools On The Weekend? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20230714/105014/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-160848248___14104421211.jpg)
Across America|News|
Nosy Neighbors: Should You Be Kind Or Call The Cops? [Block Talk]
When neighbors don’t mind their own business but are harmless, chill; some readers described situations that escalated far beyond nosiness.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Nosy Neighbors: Should You Be Kind Or Call The Cops? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20230630/122642/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-34548568___30115102011.jpg)
Across America|News|
The Bottom Line On 4th Of July Fireworks Is Respect [Block Talk]
Many readers are down with their neighbors’ DIY 4th of July fireworks shows, but there are exceptions — ones they say should be respected.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![The Bottom Line On 4th Of July Fireworks Is Respect [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20230616/092914/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-155032275___16092340797.jpg)
Across America|News|
Good Neighbors Send Wine And Own It If They Break Stuff [Block Talk]
Good neighbors don’t get up in other people’s business but will clean up the blood if you cut yourself and have to go to the hospital.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Good Neighbors Send Wine And Own It If They Break Stuff [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20230601/013405/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-1221676427___01132823551.jpg)
Across America|News|
The Definitive List Of Traits Of Annoying Neighbors [Block Talk]
Loud music, trashy yards and gawking neighbors are annoying, but what do you do when a dog lifts its leg and mock pees on your inside pup?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![The Definitive List Of Traits Of Annoying Neighbors [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20230518/070132/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-889507050___18185727669.jpg)
Across America|News|
No Mow May: Science, Or Blowing Sunshine Up Bee’s Behind? [Block Talk]
As the No Mow May movement gains ground, not everyone thinks letting flowering weeds grow does much to help bees and pollinators.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![No Mow May: Science, Or Blowing Sunshine Up Bee’s Behind? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20230505/113852/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-94394792___05113816864.jpg)
Across America|News|
What To Do When Neighbor Dogs Jump On You, Poop Wherever [Block Talk]
Try talking it out, readers say, but because these dogs have been allowed to trespass and act like galoots in the past, that may work.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![What To Do When Neighbor Dogs Jump On You, Poop Wherever [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20230420/060335/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-1404274080___20175630352.jpg)