Connect Extension Cords For The Outdoors

An open connection between extension cords creates an electrical hazard.

Moisture causes hazards when you are using an extension cord outdoors. When moisture enters an electrical circuit, it can short out the circuit and cause an electrical fire or electrocution. Using the correct extension cord connected to electrical safety devices will ensure you work safely when powering outdoor equipment. Proper extension cords are marked "For Outdoor Use" and have a thick insulation coating to reduce water penetration. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Unravel an outdoor-use extension cord. Run the cord through your hands as you inspect the cord's protective sheathing for nuts, cuts or abrasions. Replace the cord if you find any damage. Inspect each extension cord before use.

2. Connect the female end of the outdoor extension cord to the power equipment. Stretch the cord toward an outlet. Set the male end of the cord on a surface above ground level. Connect the female end of another extension cord by pushing the two ends firmly together with no space between the extension cord ends, if more than one cord is required.

3. Plug a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)--a device that can detect an imbalance in the current and disconnect the circuit to prevent shocks--into the wall outlet of your home. Press the red "Reset" button located on the front of the GFCI to activate the GFCI outlet(s).

4. Plug the male end of an outdoor use extension cord into the GFCI. Inspect the cord and the electrical equipment if the GFCI trips when you plug in the extension cord before pressing the "Reset" button.

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Hide Mosquito Bites

Makeup can hide mosquito bites.

When you are bitten by mosquitoes, the affected skin becomes itchy, red and swollen. Within 24 hours, small bumps appear on your skin, that are red or pink in color. You can take an antihistamine and apply calamine lotion to the area to help you deal with the itch, but the appearance of your skin may still not be to your liking. This is where body makeup can help. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Wash the affected area with mild soap and water.

2. Moisturize your skin. Use facial moisturizer for your face and a body lotion for your body.

3. Warm a dime-size amount of concealer, in the color of your skin tone, between your palms, so it blends easier. If the affected area has turned red, apply a green concealer: This neutralizes the red color. Apply more or less concealer, depending on the size of the affected area. Use a concealer for minor, moderate or severe skin flaws, depending on the severity of the mosquito bites. Blend the concealer over the mosquito bites by patting it outward with your fingers.

4. Spread a cover cream or foundation in the color of your skin over the affected area. Use your finger tips to gently apply the product. Avoid rubbing the skin, since this will remove the concealer underneath. Use a leg cover cream, if the mosquito bites are on your legs. Use a full-coverage, facial moisturizer if the bites are on your face. Wait approximately five minutes, so the cream can set and dry.

5. Dust loose, translucent or tinted setting powder over the foundation, to help reinforce the coverup. Brush off any excess powder.

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Tick Repellents For People

Citronella candles will repell ticks.

Ticks transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease and other ailments to animals and people alike. Protect yourself and others with products that are deadly to the insects and yet safe to put on your skin. Be careful when putting the products on children and always follow the manufacturers recommendations. Does this Spark an idea?

Products

Commercial bug repellents with the ingredient DEET, Permethrins which are sold under the names Permanone and Duranon, and citronella oil are all tick repellents that are safe to use on people.

Benefits

DEET is one of the most effective insect repellents and can be applied directly to the skin. Permethrins are insecticides made from flowers and can also be applied to the skin. Citronella oil is found in skin care products, as a plain oil and in candles and can be used instead of DEET and Permethrins on people with extra sensitive skin.

Drawbacks

DEET is not long lasting. If you are going to be outside for an extended period of time, you will need to reapply it, possibly more than once. Permethrins should not be applied to the face and should never be ingested. Citronella, unless it is in one of the skin products, has a strong smell and the candles only work if you stay in one place.

Tags: DEET Permethrins

Neutralize Bee And Wasp Stings

Some nasty wasps planning to sting someone

Bee and Wasp stings can be both painful and itchy, and are very common during the summer. Fortunately there are easy ways of neutralizing the toxins that these stings deliver and reducing the pain. Many common household substances can be used for this, and vinegar and baking soda but said to be the most effective.

Instructions

1. First of all move away from the area that you were stung in. The reason being wasps and bees give off chemical signals after stinging someone to let others know that there is danger around. If you are near other Bees and Wasps, then they to might attack you if you stick around.

2. Next take a pair of tweezers and remove the stinger if it is still in the skin. Removing these by hand isn't recommended due to the fact that the stings are too small to grip effectively. This often means that when trying to remove stingers by hand people actually push them deeper into the skin instead.

If it was a wasp or Hornet that stung you, then move to step 3. If a Bee was the culprit, then move on to step 4.

3. Wasps and Hornets are basically the same, differing slightly in some aspects. Their toxins are invariably alkaline, and so an acid should be applied to neutralize them and remove the pain. To do this take a cotton ball and apply a little vinegar, then dab the ball onto the affected area.

4. Bees on the other hand have acidic toxins in their stings, and so an alkaline solution should be applied to neutralize them. Baking soda mixed with cold water is usually the most effective way of making an alkaline solution. Simply mix this up in a cup and then dip a cotton ball into the liquid. Dab the affected area with the alkaline, and the pain should instantly fade away.

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Sulfur Tick Repellent

Ticks carry Lyme disease, rickettsia and other harmful diseases.

There are hundreds of types of ticks, but few types interact with humans, pets and livestock. The ticks that do interact with humans and their animals can carry dangerous diseases. Sulfur tick repellent often is effective for keeping ticks at bay. Does this Spark an idea?

Function

Sulfur tick repellent can repel ticks and most other bugs without presenting a hazard to humans, pets or livestock. While sulfur isn't the most pleasant smell to humans, ticks find it repulsive and will steer clear.

Types

Sulfur tick repellent can be made at home using equal parts of baby powder, sulfur and cornstarch. Sulfur, available in powder form through many pharmacies, also can be used alone to repel ticks.

Uses

Sulfur tick repellent is most effective when sprinkled over high-risk areas. To use sulfur tick repellent on people, pets and livestock, pour it into an old sock and use it like a powder puff.

Tags: tick repellent, pets livestock, Sulfur tick, humans pets, humans pets livestock

Carbon Dioxide In The Blood

Headaches and dizziness can result from a carbon dioxide imbalance.

Carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring gas in nature. The human body breathes in oxygen and produces carbon dioxide as a waste by-product. However, there are serious risk factors associated having too much carbon dioxide in the blood, as well as too little.

Normal Levels

The normal amount of carbon dioxide in the blood is 40 mm Hg. The gas supports optimal cardiovascular function and digestion.

Symptoms of Low Carbon Dioxide Levels

When the body does not receive enough carbon dioxide into the bloodstream, the blood vessels constrict. Some symptoms of this include dizziness, fainting and muscle cramping.

Causes of Low Carbon Dioxide Levels

A low carbon dioxide level is called "hypocapnia." Hypocapnia is most often caused by high blood pressure or hyperventilation, breathing in too much air repeatedly over an extended period.

Symptoms of High Carbon Dioxide Levels

Headaches, muscle twitches, and disorientation are all signs of having too much carbon dioxide in your bloodstream.

Causes of High Carbon Dioxide Levels

The most common cause of hypercapnia is hypoventilation, repeatedly breathing in insufficient levels of air to allow the respiratory system to expunge the carbon dioxide from the body.

Major Ramifications

Too much of an imbalance of carbon dioxide levels in the blood can result in brain damage and even death.

Tags: carbon dioxide, carbon dioxide, Carbon Dioxide Levels, Dioxide Levels, Carbon Dioxide, carbon dioxide blood

Dried Lavender Flowers & Mosquitoes

Dried lavender can help you repel mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes can be a menace for anyone trying to enjoy the outdoors during warmer months and can carry viruses. Chemical mosquito repellents are not always desirable because many contain DEET and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, require immediate removal with soap and water after you've returned inside. Although DEET is approved by the CDC, the need to immediately remove chemical repellents can be inconvenient. Luckily, mosquitoes are turned off by botanicals, including lavender. Does this Spark an idea?

Dangers of Mosquitoes

When a mosquito feeds on blood, it releases saliva into the injection site. This saliva can cause an allergic reaction in some people, causing blisters, bruises or itchy bumps. The saliva can also be a carrier for diseases such as West Nile virus and various forms of encephalitis, as well as tropical diseases including malaria and yellow fever. Repellents deter mosquitoes from biting you and potentially transferring a life-threatening disease.

Growing Lavender

Lavender, a natural mosquito repellent, grows well in climates that imitate the mountainous areas of the Mediterranean, the native home of lavender. Sunny areas of the United States, southern Europe and Australia are all home to lavender plants. Lavender thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 to 8. Known by the scientific name lavandula angustifolia, lavender typically flowers from June to September.

Dried Lavender

Dried lavender can be added to a campfire or fire pit to help repel mosquitoes. The scent of lavender in the air deters mosquitoes and masks the alluring scent of humans. Dried lavender should only be used in areas with few mosquitoes or in combination with a chemical spray or frequently reapplied natural bug repellent applied to your skin and clothing. Use a chemical repellent containing DEET in areas of heavy mosquito population, recommends the CDC.

Limitations of Lavender Repellents

Lavender will only repel mosquitoes while the scent lingers, which may only last a half hour or so. Additionally, although lavender is a "natural" product, some people may be allergic to it or experience sensitivity when exposed to lavender. They may experiences nausea, vomiting, chills or headache on inhaling lavender.

Tags: Dried lavender, repel mosquitoes, Dried Lavender, help repel, help repel mosquitoes

Doityourself Mosquito Misting

Mosquitoes carry diseases.

Mist spraying is especially useful for large areas as well as residential places. Both adult mosquitoes and their larva respond to the misting procedure. The fine mist goes out faster than either fog or aerosol applications of insecticide. When misting grasses, weeds, playgrounds or outbuildings, apply the mist at dawn or dusk. For residential areas apply just before people arrive. Never apply when the wind is blowing more than 10 miles per hour. Wind, rain, high temperature, sun and the rate of plant growth affects the longevity of the mist. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Educate yourself on the type of insecticides safe for the home environment. Check the county extension service for educational classes, brochures or phone hot lines for information on insecticides that are safe and legal to use in your area.

2. Find the areas with the largest population of mosquitoes. Tall grass, crawlspaces and low areas that hold water are some of the places to check.

3. Purchase a mist blower. They come in hand-held models and models that attach to the back of a riding lawn mower. Blowers are available at hardware and home improvement stores.

4. Follow the directions on the insecticide label for mixing the liquid for the mist blower. Do not change the mixture because the mix has been tested and approved according to FDA (Food and Drug Administration) regulations for safety.

5. Follow the manufacturer's directions for loading the insecticide into the blower. Put on a mask and mist the areas that are densely inhabited.

6. Wash painted areas such as cars, boats, trailers or wood as soon as possible after misting because the mist can damage paint.

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Keep Mosquitoes Away When Swimming

Mosquitoes can transmit diseases and their bites can cause itchy welts.

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that infected 300 million people in 2003 and killed 3 million of them. This is just one of the deadly diseases carried by these blood-drinking pests. In addition to dangerous illnesses, mosquitoes cause itchy, red bumps wherever they bite. Since mosquitoes love areas with water, it is possible you will be bothered by these annoying insects while swimming. You can take several steps to keep yourself from discomfort and sickness.

Instructions

1. Get rid of any standing water in the area. Items like old tires, buckets and garbage cans are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Dump out and scrub these containers with a scrub brush and soap to prevent mosquito larvae from hatching.

2. Purchase a waterproof insect repellent. Many sport formulas of repellents are waterproof and sweat-proof, perfect for swimming. Use only a repellent approved by the EPA. The most effective repellents contain DEET or Picaridin.

3. Apply the repellent to your body, following the instructions on the package. To be safe, never over-apply the product or apply it to your mouth, eyes, open wounds or sunburned or irritated skin. Let the repellent dry on your body before going in the water.

4. Reapply the repellent as recommended by the packaging.

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Use Rain Barrels

Rain barrel

Rain barrels save thousands of gallons of water each year by collecting runoff from a building's roof. The barrels, sometimes called cisterns, use a gutter and downspout system. Rain barrels save you money on your water bill, direct water away from building foundations and keep water from storm drain systems, reducing pollutants entering local rivers and streams. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Install your rain barrel by choosing a downspout close to the area you'll be watering. Saw off the downspout, about 4 inches above the top of the barrel. Add the flexible downspout hose to the end.

Place the concrete blocks or pavers under the downspout. Put the barrel on top, making sure the platform is a bit wider all around than the barrel. Make sure the spigot is high enough off the ground to be usable. Adjust the flexible hose so it pours directly into the top of the barrel.

2. Attach a garden hose to the spigot. Use this to wash your car, water your container plants, bathe the dog or top off a swimming pool.

3. Attach a soaker hose to the spigot. Soaker hoses slowly deliver water directly to a plant's roots, giving them a deep watering and avoiding evaporation. Connect an automatic, battery-operated timer to the spigot so you don't have to worry about remembering to turn off the water.

4. Use your rain barrel as a graywater container by diverting the rinse water from your washing machine. Every county's regulations are different, but most require that graywater not be stored for more than 24 hours, that it not run off into the soil, and that it be used with a soaker hose. Avoid detergents containing boron, sodium and chlorine. Most "green" detergents contain nontoxic ingredients that are beneficial to your plants.

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Garlic Water For Plants

Garlic is a natural insect repellent.

Garlic water, sometimes referred to as "garlic tea," is commonly used as a pesticide, especially in organic gardening, because it is effective, all-natural and safe to use on all plants. Simply planting garlic near other plants helps prevent insect infestations, but this is not always practical, especially if you are trying to protect larger plants like shrubs and trees. Does this Spark an idea?

Benefits

Like other strongly scented aromatics, garlic naturally repels pests but this is not limited to insects. Garlic is potent enough to repel other creatures that would otherwise gnaw and destroy your plants including cats, dogs, rabbits, squirrels and other woodland animals. Garlic water variations include hot chili peppers, which work even better to repel larger creatures and may even kill insect pests, and dish soap, which helps the garlic water adhere to the plants.

Recipes

The most basic recipe for garlic water is simply garlic and water. Break up two bulbs of garlic into a blender and cover with about 5 cups of water. Blend until pureed, let sit for two days, then strain out the solids. Pour the solution into a 1-gallon jug and fill the jug the rest of the way with water. There are variations that call for adding whole hot peppers, like jalapeños and serranos, which boost the garlic water's potency. Some recipes also call for the addition of 1 teaspoon of pure soap, like Ivory, which has a minimum of chemical additives. If you are adding soap, wait until after you have strained out the solids.

Storage

A batch of garlic water will last for up to one month if properly stored. Keep your garlic water concentrate in a 1-gallon-sized container with a loose fitting lid. Your garlic water will last longer if you keep it in the refrigerator but, failing that, a cool, dark place like a garage, garden storage shed or basement will suffice.

Application

Depending on the size of the plant you are planning to spray, you will need either a common spray bottle or a high-powered garden sprayer. Spray bottles are great for smaller plants in flower and vegetable gardens. If you are spraying anything large from shrubs to trees, use a garden sprayer. Mix 1/4 cup of the garlic water concentrate with 1 gallon of water and fill your spray bottle or garden sprayer. Completely coat the plants with the garlic water once every one to two weeks throughout the spring and summer months. Reapply after any rainfall.

Tags: garlic water, garden sprayer, garlic water, garlic water, garlic water concentrate

Make A Fly Repellent

Keep pesky flies and mosquitoes at bay naturally.

Nothing ruins a summer picnic faster than pesky flies and mosquitoes. Concerns over the dangers of chemical use have led many consumers to look for natural remedies. Herbalists have known about the insect repelling characteristics of essential oils for years, but recently scientists studied those effects as well. A 2001 study conducted at Iowa State University found that in laboratory trials, nepetalactone, an extract found in catnip, is 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than the chemical found in most commercial insect repellents. Lavender, lemon balm, eucalyptus and pennyroyal are also known to repel flies. Whip up some essential oil insect spray before your next outdoor adventure; you'll keep the bugs at bay with no nasty chemicals. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pour the essential oils in a bowl.

2. Add 2 tbsp. olive oil and 1 tbsp. aloe vera gel.

3. Stir the mixture quickly with a whisk to incorporate the oils with the aloe vera gel.

4. Pour into a plastic container and spray on or apply the mixture as a lotion before venturing outdoors.

Tags: aloe vera, essential oils, flies mosquitoes, pesky flies, pesky flies mosquitoes

Chest Xray For Infection

A chest X-ray is a valuable tool to determine whether you have an infection. It can help a doctor determine what type of infection is present and the best treatment method.

Purpose

A chest X-ray, or CXR, is an image taken of the chest that is used to diagnose various medical conditions. X-rays of the chest use radiation to generate images of the body and can help to determine if there is an infection of the chest wall, thorax, or parts of the thoracic cavity like the heart and lungs. This is the most common way to determine whether or not an infection is present inside the chest. Chest X-rays are also used to monitor treatment progress for a myriad of conditions.

Views

A physician may order a single view or multiple X-ray views to provide a clear view of the chest. A radiologist may want to position you at different angles so that the X-ray can provide multiple images. Different views will help your physician focus on a certain area that might cause your symptoms and ensure that there is no infection present.

Chest Infections

Causes of chest infections that would merit the use of an X-ray include a virus or Mycoplasma bacteria. When someone gets a chest infection due to one of these causes, they may experience fast and shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, coughing accompanied by a brown or green tinted phlegm, fever, sweating, chills, blue color around the lips, stomach pain, chest pain, headaches, aches, pains, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea or a lethargic feeling. Viruses and bacteria cause conditions including bacterial pneumonia, pneumonia, pleurisy, severe acute respiratory syndrome, tuberculosis, mononucleosis, influenza and empyema.

Conditions

Chest X-rays can be used to find lung conditions such as lung cancer,

pleurisy, cystic fibrosis, a collapsed lung and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders, but can also help determine if there is enlargement of the heart. They can also determine if a patient has black lung disease from exposure to coal dust. Although not all health conditions can be diagnosed through chest X-rays, they can help to provide evidence and determine if further testing is needed.

Risks

An X-ray is acquired when a radiology technician exposes a part of the body to a small amount of ionized radiation to produce images of the inside of your body. Radiology technicians can then look at the photograph of your chest and tell if there is any infection, bone fractures or breaks, or a small object lodged in the chest cavity. These things are apparent to the technician through swollen and/or enlarged lymph nodes, fluid around the heart or lungs, fluid in the lungs, obstructed airways due to any small object, enlarged blood vessels, hardening of the arteries, air around the lungs or a medical device that is not in the proper position. The risks involved are slight cell and/or tissue damage to the body, because of the low amount of radiation used to capture the image. There is no pain involved.

Tags: infection present, there infection, chest X-ray, Chest X-rays, determine there, determine whether, heart lungs

Naturally Repel Mosquitoes Outside

Mosquitoes lay eggs in areas of low-lying water to continue the life cycle.

Pesky, disease-carrying mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance that bite your skin and buzz around your ears. Their bites can lead to disease, such as West Nile virus. Most mosquito-abatement programs involve the use of chemical sprays and foggers to prevent eggs and larvae from continuing the life cycle. Once you've removed potential mosquito breeding sites, you can keep existing mosquitoes away with the use of natural repellents. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Burn dried sage to deter mosquitoes.

Add bunches of dried sage to your grill or fire pit. Allow the sage to burn and the smoke to waft through the air as a natural mosquito repellent.

2. Garlic is highly effective in repelling mosquitoes.

Combine 1 1/2 oz. of garlic juice with 8 oz. of water in a spray bottle. Spray your skin, patio furniture and other areas where mosquitoes are present. Keep mosquitoes away by saturating strips of cloth with the garlic solution and hanging them outdoors.

3. Burn a citronella candle at the table while eating outdoors. Citronella oil naturally sends mosquitoes in the other direction.

4. Mix 10 drops of eucalyptus oil, 2 tbsp. olive oil and 8 oz. of water in a spray bottle to make a moisturizing mosquito repellent for children. Reapply the repellent as needed throughout the day.

Tags: dried sage, life cycle, mosquito repellent, mosquitoes away, spray bottle

Diy Mosquito Larvae Killer

Destroying mosquito larvae prevents the hatching of these blood-sucking nuisances.

Mosquitoes are unwelcome guests that can transform an evening outside into an unpleasant, itchy experience. If you discover mosquito larvae in your yard, you will want to take care of them before the larvae mature into adult mosquitoes. Luckily, there are safe, natural ways to kill the larvae before they hatch, making your time outdoors more enjoyable. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Identify the mosquito larvae and/or pupae. These are always found in some form of standing water. They resemble either little white curled-up worms (pupae) or little worms that hang down a centimeter or so (larvae). Both pupae and larvae cling to the surface of the water, but the larvae dive down when a shadow is cast over them.

2. Determine whether you want to preserve anything else in the standing water. If you are dealing with a stagnant collection of water, like in a birdbath or ditch, go to step 3 and disregard step 4. If you are dealing with a living pond containing plants you want to preserve, go to step 4 and disregard step 3.

3. Pour vegetable oil into the standing water until a thin layer has covered the entire surface. This will prevent the larvae and pupae from getting any oxygen. In about two days, the larvae and pupae will suffocate, die and drop to the bottom.

4. Add one goldfish or more, depending on size of pond and number of larvae. The fish will very happily eat the larvae and pupae, and rid you of your problem.

Tags: larvae pupae, mosquito larvae, standing water, dealing with, disregard step

Eucalyptus Mosquito Repellent

Repel mosquitoes with a eucalyptus-based spray.

Biopesticides, derived from plant, animal or mineral sources, can rival synthetic products to repel pests. Oil of lemon eucalyptus, drawn from the eucalyptus, protects you from mosquitoes when used in a spray or lotion. Does this Spark an idea?

Significance

Oil of lemon eucalyptus is one of three active ingredients the Centers for Disease Control cites as effective protection against mosquitoes. The others are DEET and picaridin. The efficacy of oil of lemon eucalyptus products is comparable to DEET-based products.

Identification

Oil of lemon eucalyptus is derived from the leaves and twigs of the eucalyptus. Used as an insecticide since 1948, it started to be included in mosquito repellent sprays and lotions in 2002. It will not harm humans due to low levels of toxicity, but can irritate eyes and should not be used on children younger than 3 years old.

Time Frame

Repellents with oil of lemon eucalyptus as the active ingredient provide six to eight hours of protection when used at a 20 percent concentration. Some oil of lemon eucalyptus repellents have a 10 percent concentration and provide fewer than six hours of protection.

Warning

The only essential oils the EPA has registered for use against mosquitoes are oil of lemon eucalyptus and oil of citronella. Other oils, marketed as effective, have not been tested. The oil of lemon eucalyptus recommended for mosquito repellent is synthesized; do not use pure oil of lemon eucalyptus, as it has not been tested for safety.

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Care For Pet Guppies

Guppies have become popular aquarium fish all over the world. If you've only seen the pale green versions of this fish, you may be surprised to learn that there are many diversely colorful versions of the species, which is why so many aquarium owners covet them.

Instructions

1. Prepare a bare fish tank by filling it with at least five gallons of water. Help maintain healthy water for your guppies by getting two box filters that contain either filter floss, marbles or dolomite. Place the tank in an area in your home that risks the least damage from falling items.

2. Give your baby guppies proper nutrition by feeding them five small meals a day. Feed them either baby brine shrimp or live white worms. You can get both foods in most fish-supply stores.

3. Make sure your guppies get up to eight hours of light a day. To get better results, purchase a lamp that uses fluorescent light bulbs.

4. Maintain high-quality water in the tank; poor water quality is the major cause of death for guppies. Watch the water pH levels, the tank's equivalent to chlorine, which shouldn't exceed 8.2. If the pH level is higher, the guppies have a hard time breathing. Clean the tank with a siphon vacuum once a week to remove any harmful waste and prevent any damage to the tank or the guppies.

5. Create a comforting environment for your guppies. Make the tank look as much like their natural habitat as possible. Include such items as colored rock or dead crushed coral to help your guppies adjust better to their surroundings.

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Does Lemon Grass Repel Mosquitoes

The aromatic oils that repel mosquitoes give lemon grass its tantalizing scent.

Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratur) is a tender perennial that is grown as an annual in many climates. It is used in Asian recipes, herbal teas and potpourri. Teas and the essential oil are used by herbalists for medicinal purposes. Lemon grass is also considered a mosquito repellent due to the presence of several aromatic oils. One variety -- Cymbopogon nardus -- is a source for citronella oil, an ingredient in a variety of insect-repellent products. Does this Spark an idea?

Effectiveness

In a 2004 study presented at the California State Science Fair, a 25-percent lemon grass solution was tested against a commercial 15-percent Deet spray. The lemon grass brew was 51 percent effective in repelling mosquitoes, compared to an effectiveness of 81 percent for the Deet product. The study concluded that lemon grass showed promise as a partial replacement for Deet-based repellents. In a study conducted in 2010 at Maranatha Christian University, researchers compared lemon grass stem extract to citronella oil. Citronella oil proved more effective at repelling mosquitoes than the highest concentration of the lemon grass extract. Both studies reveal that while lemon grass does repel mosquitoes, it does not work as well as other products.

In the Garden

Some plant advertisements have implied that growing lemon grass plants in your yard or in a patio container will create a zone of protection from mosquitoes. Unfortunately, there is no evidence that the plants have that degree of effectiveness. To repel mosquitoes, the aromatic oils in lemon grass must be released by bruising or crushing the stalks. Having lemon grass specimens nearby as you work or relax outdoors does, however, offer the opportunity to grab a few stems to rub on your skin.

Topical Application

Although studies have shown that oils in the leaves and stems of lemon grass plants do possess some ability to repel mosquitoes, it's wise to proceed with caution. Before rubbing the leaves on every square inch of exposed skin, try it on a small patch on the inside of your arm to make sure you have no sensitivity to the oils. Watch for any skin irritation over the next day or two before considering lemon grass oil safe for you to use more liberally. You may need to reapply the lemon grass frequently to maintain an acceptable level of protection.

Commercial Product

Jerry Butler, an entomologist at the University of Florida, created a natural insect repellent from a substance called geraniol, which was derived primarily from lemon grass, with the addition of several other herbs. It offers up to four hours of protection from mosquitoes, along with a variety of other insect pests. One version of the repellent was licensed to Naturale, Ltd. That company markets the substance under the trademarked name MosquitoSafe.

Tags: lemon grass, lemon grass, lemon grass, aromatic oils, repel mosquitoes, effective repelling, effective repelling mosquitoes

Do It Yourself Lawn Pest Control

Doing your own lawn pest control requires a bit of research and time.

Doing your own lawn care can be both a hobby and a good way to save money. Those who enjoy gardening and being outdoors enjoy a great deal of satisfaction when their lawns look green, thick and healthy. Doing your own lawn care, however, requires a certain amount of knowledge and effort. Lawn pests can create damage that is unsightly and difficult to treat. Your local university extension service can help you identify the pest and advise you on the most effective treatments for your area. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Do it Yourself Lawn Pest Control

1. Examine your turf carefully before mowing. Notice the pattern and extent of damage. If leaves and stems show evidence of chewing, you may have armyworms or cutworms. If leaves are brown or missing altogether, it may be lawn moths or webworms. If there are small, irregular patches of brown grass that appears to be spreading, it may be billbugs. The Southern chinch bug causes yellowish grass that then turns brown during hot weather, according to the University of California at Davis. White grubs can cause extensive browning and damage to the point where the grass can be rolled away from the soil.

2. Do a turf test. Drenching and digging up are two ways used to identify lawn pests. According to the Master Gardeners of Fresno County, you can do a drench test by putting 2 to 4 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid into 1 gallon of water and then sprinkling the mixture over 1 square yard of the affected area. Within minutes, the insects will move to the surface, and then you can see what they look like and how many there are. A dig test requires digging up 1 square foot of the affected area to see if roots are black or if there is evidence of a large number of grubs or larva. If you find 3/8-inch, white, legless grubs, it could be billbugs. Gray, greenish or brown 2-inch grubs are a sign of armyworm infestation.

3. Treat your lawn with the recommended pesticide. Some chemicals are prohibited in many communities. Consult with your local agricultural extension service for the most effective pesticide for your problem. Azadiractin, a botanical pesticide, is often used against cutworms, but the results are not apparent for some time. Cabaryl, chloropyrifos or diazinon is used to combat white grubs, according to North Dakota State University. Nematodes, or microscopic worms, are used as a natural pest management tool against cutworms and root weevils.

4. Maintain your lawn properly to prevent further problems. Good maintenance practices are the best way to prevent pest problems. Keep mower blades sharp and mow at the recommended height for your type of grass. Aerate soil periodically by removing plugs with hollow tines. Irrigate the turf during dry periods. Fertilize the lawn as recommended for your grass type. These measures will help grass plants resist attack by lawn pests.

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Bug Spray For Indoor Plants

Only use safe and natural pesticides on indoor plants.

You have to care for indoor plants in a slightly different way than outdoor plants if you want them to be healthy and long-lived. However, you also have to take your own health into account. That is why spraying plants that are indoors is different than spraying those outside. Only use sprays inside that are safe for people and pets to be around. Does this Spark an idea?

Garlic Spray

Crush several cloves of garlic finely. Then, mix the garlic with water into a spray bottle. A light misting of the garlic spray repels aphids. The smell of garlic spray is quite strong and you may not enjoy it. However, it is a safe, cheap and easy to make spray that is effective in repelling aphids, and that is perfectly acceptable for using indoors.

Neem Oil

Neem oil is an extract that is taken from the neem seed. Nee oil is processed into several different forms that are used for combating insects on plants, both indoors and out. Use neem oil sprays on plants that are kept indoors. This is a relatively safe substance that should not harm your plants, and that is not poisonous to pets or family. Whiteflies are among the bugs that neem oil prevents.

Dish Soap

Soap and dishwater combine to make a simple spray that repels bugs. You should always test a spray on a small section of a plant if you haven't used it before to make sure that the plant tolerates it well. Mix approximately 1 tbsp. of soap into a pint of water for the spray. Special insecticidal soaps are available that are meant for cleaning homes and preventing bugs. That type of soap mixed with water makes an effective bug spray.

Commercial Indoor Insecticides

If you don't want to be bothered with the creation of homemade insecticides for your houseplants, simply buy a product to spray on the plant from your local garden center. Be very sure that the product is labelled for household use. Also, look for extra qualifiers such as "pet safe" if you have pets in your home. Never use a product that is designed for outdoor use inside the home, as it could be toxic to your pets or your family.

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Make Roach Killer

Make homemade roach killer to exterminate roaches.

Even one roach in your home is too many. When you have cockroaches infesting your kitchen and bathroom areas, it is time to take quick action to remove them permanently. Instead of purchasing ready-made roach killers with powerful and possibly dangerous ingredients, make roach killer to use in your home. Roach killers made with common household ingredients can often be just as effective as commercial roach killers can. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Mix equal parts of sugar and baking soda together in a small bowl. Alternatively, mix equal parts of powdered sugar and boric acid together in the bowl. Making 1 cup of bait (1/2-cup of each ingredient) should be enough to set traps around an average home. Stir the ingredients lightly with a large spoon to ensure that you completely incorporate the ingredients together.

2. Cover the bottom of the small plastic containers with approximately 1/4- to 1/2-inch of either mixture. You will need one plastic container for every area where you often see roaches (perhaps three in the kitchen, two in each bathroom and one or two containers elsewhere in the home).

3. Set the uncovered plastic containers out in areas where you notice cockroach infestations. Common areas for roach infestations are dark or damp places. Place the traps under sinks, under the stove and refrigerator, around water pipes, along baseboards and inside cupboards. If the plastic container is too large to fit into a particular spot, use scissors to cut the sides of the container down so it will fit (under the stove or refrigerator, for example).

4. Replace the mixture as it dwindles in the containers to keep it fresh.

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Electronic Spider Repellent

Electronic spider repellents don't keep spiders away.

Mail order companies, home shopping television channels, gardening magazines and websites often have advertisements for electronic devices that keep spiders away from a certain area. However, these devices usually prove to be ineffective. Does this Spark an idea?

Claims

Electronic repellents plug into electrical outlets or use batteries to operate. Manufacturers claim that they emit ultra-high frequency sound waves that humans can't hear but keep away various pests, such as spiders, fleas and cockroaches.

Efficacy

These devices take little time and effort to operate, but they don't effectively keep spiders away. According to University of Nebraska-Lincoln, researchers agree that ultrasonic devices don't repel pests from homes.

Prevention/Solution

Instead of using electronic repellents, keep spiders away by sealing cracks and crevices. Also place glueboards in corners where spiders often wander. Choose the cardboard type of trap rather than the tray type because they catch spiders more effectively and often are cheaper.

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Facts On Mosquito Fish

The larvae of mosquitoes are a favorite meal of the mosquito fish.

The mosquito fish is a small species that bears live young and subsists on the larvae of mosquitoes. The mosquito fish has the ability to live in conditions, such as poorly oxygenated water or areas where the water has high salinity, that would kill many other types of fish. The two major species of the mosquito fish, the eastern and the western versions, have a wide geographic range throughout the United States.

Identification

The mosquito fish, especially a pregnant female, has what appears to be a "pot belly." The fish possesses a large head in proportion to its body and comes with big eyes. The head is flat, and the mouth turns upwards. The fins on top and below have a rounded appearance, and the scales of a mosquito fish have a diamond shape. The fish has a green-brown body with blue-gray sides and a silver-white belly region. Tiny black dots often exist on the body of a mosquito fish, as does a small dark area under the eye. The average length of a mosquito fish falls between 1.2 and 2.2 inches.

Geography

The western mosquito fish occurs from the Mississippi Valley to along the Gulf Coast States and southwards to around Vera Cruz in Mexico. The fish lives in states such as Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Tennessee. The eastern species of mosquito fish is native to the Mid-Atlantic states, from as far north as New Jersey to as far south as Florida.

Habitat

The habitat of this species includes such aquatic locales as the backwaters of rivers and streams, where aquatic vegetation flourishes. Other habitats where mosquito fish thrive are swamps, impoundments, ponds, ditches, brackish water, marshes and the lagoons that contain water from waste-treatment facilities. The mosquito fish can swallow air directly from the atmosphere when necessary, allowing it to survive in less than ideal conditions. Areas in which saltwater mixes with freshwater also will support this fish.

Diet

The adult mosquito fish can eat hundreds of mosquito larvae each day, giving this species its name. Other things that supplement the diet of a mosquito fish include tiny aquatic plants, algae, minute crustaceans and small larvae of other fish species. Many regions have introduced the mosquito fish into different ecosystems in attempts to control mosquito populations, although the "National Audubon Society Field Guide to Fishes" states that this is a futile endeavor, as the fish cannot possibly keep up with the large numbers of mosquitoes. However, this has increased the range of the species, with it now common in many parts of the world.

Considerations

The mosquito fish has such predators as herons, raccoons, opossums and other fish that can attack and eat them. The females are larger than the males and give birth to live young rather than lay eggs. A female can have as many as four broods in one year, with the gestation period for each brood lasting between three and four weeks, according to the Alabama Outdoors website. Mosquito fish have an average lifespan of about three years.

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Complications Of Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is rarely seen today in the industrialized nations but remains a serious problem in the less-developed countries of the world. MedlinePlus reports that fewer than 400 cases of typhoid fever are diagnosed in the United States each year. Caused by a bacterium called Salmonella typhi, the disease is spread through contaminated food and water, as well as exposure to those who already have been infected.

Symptoms and Treatment

The early symptoms of typhoid are general malaise, fever and abdominal pain, quickly followed by a spike in fever, diarrhea and, in some patients, a rosy-colored rash. If caught in its early stages, the disease usually responds well to treatment with antibiotics. Those whose infection is detected early usually become asymptomatic within two to four weeks. Failure to catch typhoid in its early stages can lead to serious complications.

Intestinal Bleeding/Perforation

Roughly one in every 20 typhoid patients experiences some form of intestinal bleeding and/or perforation, according to MayoClinic.com. These complications may develop as early as the third week of infection in patients whose disease was not diagnosed early enough. Signs of intestinal hemorrhaging include a sharp drop in blood pressure, blood in the stool and the onset of shock. Even more serious is a perforation of the bowel, which allows its contents to leak into the abdominal cavity and may eventually lead to sepsis, a life threatening infection in the bloodstream.

Psychiatric Complications

MayoClinic.com reports that typhoid fever can lead to psychiatric complications, such as hallucinations, delirium and paranoid psychosis. The May-June 2001 issue of "General Hospital Psychiatry" reported on a study of psychiatric problems among typhoid patients in a Nigerian hospital. Of the 136 typhoid patients studied, roughly 19 percent experienced psychiatric complications. Of these cases, 73.1 percent were classified as delirium, 3.8 percent as generalized anxiety disorder, 3.8 percent as depressive episodes, 3.8 percent as schizophrenia-like disorder and 15.5 percent as monosymptomatic neuropsychiatric manifestations, such as irrelevant talking, hallucinations and apathy.

Other Complications

Other possible complications of typhoid fever, according to MayoClinic.com, are pneumonia; myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle; pancreatitis; infections of the bladder or kidneys; osteomyelitis, infection of the spine; and meningitis, inflammation of the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and/or brain.

Avoiding Infection

MayoClinic.com reports that more than 12 million people worldwide are diagnosed with typhoid fever each year. Although children are the most likely to be diagnosed with the disease, their symptoms are usually milder than those seen in adults. Particular care should be exercised by those from the industrialized world who travel for business or pleasure into countries where the disease is widespread. Travelers are advised to avoid contact with persons who might be infected, drink no water they fear could be contaminated and postpone travel altogether if their immune system has been weakened by the use of corticosteroids or a preexisting condition, such as HIV/AIDS.

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Get Rid Of Fire Ant Bites

Only the female fire ant is capable of stinging.

Fire ants build their mounds in sunny open spaces such as lawn and playgrounds. If disturbed they will attack and make their way onto whatever stationary surface they find. Fire ants are small ants and therefore may not be felt as they crawl onto your skin. Once they have crawled onto your body they will bite with their pinchers to secure a tight grip and then sting you from their abdomen and inject a toxic venom. Fire ants don't stop at one sting, they continue to sting, even stinging when they are out of venom. The aftermath of these stings is painful. Local reactions may include skin lesions and blisters, while systemic reactions can include seizures and even death. If you are stung by these creatures, there are some home remedies to ease the pain. However, if you are allergic or begin to show severe signs of stress, you should proceed to a medical facility immediately.

Instructions

1. Massage the area with warm soapy water, this will relieve the pain somewhat and begin to flush out the toxins. Applying an ice cube may reduce the pain and itching.

2. Apply USDA-grade peppermint oil and USDA-grade lavender oil repeatedly, and massage it into the bitten area.

3. Cover the bites with a paper towel and saturate with Worcestershire sauce. Leave the mixture on the skin as long as possible.

4. Draw a warm bath and add 3 cups of 20 Mule Team Borax. Submerge your body and soak until the bath water turns cold. The Borax will draw the venom out and provide some relief.

5. Crush aspirin and combine it with a small amount of water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste generously to the affected area the next day. Do not rub it in. Allow the mixture to sit on the skin as long as possible. Remove it with a warm, damp cloth.

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Facts About The Pitcher Plant

Facts About the Pitcher Plant

The pitcher plant is a type of plant that eats insects, also called a carnivorous plant. They are rare, unique and quite interesting. "Regular" plants consume nutrients from the soil, but carnivorous plants are found in nutrient-poor soil. They get their nutrition from insects they "catch," after converting them into a form they can digest or absorb.

Types

Carnivorous plants have a variety of methods to get prey: Pitfall traps (like the pitcher plant), snap traps (like the venus flytraps) and flypaper traps (like sundews) are just a few. In North America there are 10 known species in the genus Sarracenia, the pitcher plants. Sarracenia purpurea is probably the most common.

Geography

According to the International Carnivorous Plant Society, pitcher plants of the genus Sarracenia are found in the eastern United States, from the southeast and along the coastline up through British Columbia.

Habitat

Pitcher plants are mostly found in bogs, often in the wettest sections. Although they don't require acidic soil, they are well-adapted to nutrient-poor and acidic dirt. They live in areas that are prone to fires, and can survive fire under some circumstances.

Features

Pitcher plants resemble their name: they look like pitchers. Inside the elongated structure is a pool of water. Decaying insects that have been trapped inside, along with nectar from the "lid," attract flies, beetles, butterflies and other insects to the plant. The plant's flowers are the color of raw meat, which further serves to attract flies.

Once inside, many insects find it difficult to exit the structure, so they eventually drown in the liquid. The interior walls are waxy and slippery, and there are hairs toward the top that aid in keeping the prey trapped. The plant's enzymes digest the meal and the plant is then able to absorb the nutrients.

Considerations

While pitcher plants make lovely houseplants, it's not a good idea to harvest them from the wild since some species have become extinct this way. Instead, get them through a nursery. They are best-suited to bog gardens and indoor terrariums, and they require sunlight and a mildly acidic soil.

Interesting Facts

Some insects and animals live harmoniously with pitcher plants. Some predators, like spiders, use the lid to hide under, and some insect larvae, like mosquitoes, live inside the pitcher plant itself. Ants that die inside the plant are used for their decaying scent to attract other prey. Sometimes small frogs will hide in pitcher plants, eating flies that are attracted to the plant.

Tags: pitcher plants, pitcher plant, traps like, About Pitcher, About Pitcher Plant, acidic soil, attract flies

Comparison Of Security Monitoring Systems

Alarm monitoring companies are commonplace and should be used if you have a real need for security. Different equipment providers offer various monitoring services and you should not be afraid to ask questions if you are considering purchasing a system or activating an unmonitored unit. Does this Spark an idea?

People Factor

Most major alarm companies offer reliable monitoring services. Ask your salesperson to demonstrate how their monitoring center responds to alarms. Survey more than one company and assess the professionalism of the operator.

Voice

Some monitoring companies offer a "listen" or "voice" feature with their alarm systems. When the central station receives an alert, an operator listens to what is going on in your home or business. The operator can then verbally challenge whoever might be inside your premises.

Cost

Since most monitoring centers operate similarly, price is often a deciding factor. Call and ask security businesses in your area how much it will cost to monitor your system. They will usually want to send out a representative to see if your existing system works and if it is compatible with their network. Some new construction homes are pre-wired for security and local companies offer discounts on new equipment with a monitoring contract.

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Screenin Balconies

Screening in your balcony can help to improve your summer.

In the summer, the balcony is the place to be. But if you live in an area with mosquitoes or other annoying insects, this can really take away from the experience. Screening in your balcony will help you get the most out of summer, and enjoy the weather without being bothered by the bugs. With this type of Velcro attachment, you can remove the screens when they are not needed any longer. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Lay out strips of Velcro (the loop or "fuzzy" side) on the outside edges of your balcony. The "fuzzy" side of the Velcro should be facing outward, so that the hook side of the Velcro can be attached to it. These should contour to any natural openings over the balcony, such as around support pillars or railings, rather than only around the entire perimeter of the balcony itself. These strips will be used to apply the screen panels to later. Staple the Velcro in place to any wood surfaces, or use small screws with washers to aluminum or plastic surfaces.

2. Measure the dimensions of each panel you applied the looped velcro strip to. Write these down and label each.

3. Cut out sections of mosquito netting that correspond to the measurements taken in Step 2.

4. Sew on strips of hook Velcro stripping along the edges of each mosquito netting panel. Be sure to sew a line along each edge of the velcro to help give it strength.

5. Place the mosquito net panels over the loop velcro you had attached to the surfaces of the balcony, with each panel corresponding to the appropriate measured section. The panels should each fit their respective area perfectly, and can be removed in cold weather, or when bugs are not present. Label and roll them up and store them for use when needed.

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Earthfriendly Homemade Insect Repellent

Keep bugs at bay with homemade repellents.

One surefire way to have an enjoyable outdoor experience hampered is the nagging presence of insects. While the first response may be to reach for an over-the-counter repellent, instead consider using an earth-friendly detractor that keeps the bugs away without harming the environment. Some ingredients you may already have at home, others are readily available at herbal stores or nurseries. Does this Spark an idea?

Catnip-Oil Repellant

The essential oil in Nepeta cataria -- catnip -- is reported by the American Chemical Society as effective in repelling mosquitoes, 10 times more so than the popular synthetic chemical N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide, better known as DEET.

Lemon-Scented Repellent

When combined with witch hazel and vegetable glycerin, citronella and lemongrass essential oils make a light repellent with a pleasant scent. Combine 2 cups of witch hazel, 1 tsp. vegetable glycerin and 20 drops each of lemongrass and citronella essential oils. Combine all ingredients in a 16-oz. bottle and shake vigorously. Store for up to 1 year away from light and heat.

Herbal-Oil Repellent

This herbal oil insect repellent is ideal at the height of bug season. Combine 10 drops of eucalyptus or basil essential oil with ½ cup soybean oil and 15 drops each of lemongrass, catnip and geranium essential oils. Mix ingredients well and let sit for 1 hour before transferring to a spritz or spray bottle. Store away from light and heat and use within 6 to 12 months.

Considerations

Be cautious when using herbal oils as a repellent, because they may irritate the skin. Pregnant women should also exercise caution if using Pycnanthemum muticum, commonly called mountain mint, as a repellent, because its active ingredient, pulegone, may cause a miscarriage.

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Bug Killers For Plants

Ravenous garden pests can destroy your plants.

A beautiful garden cannot only yield a bountiful crop of food and flowers, it can enhance your property and your life. However, a pest infestation can render hours of plans and toil futile. Killing off the bugs before they kill your plants is key to gardening success. With proper preparation, dutiful maintenance and a small arsenal of appropriate bug killers, pest control is a problem you can solve. Does this Spark an idea?

Natural Solutions

Anyone who has seen how quickly the tomato hornworm can turn a lush plant to a brown and withered twig, or witnessed prize-winning roses succumb to the damage of aphids may be looking for an Armageddon-like attack against those plant predators. However, there are natural bug killers for both those common garden pests and many others. If you can find the cleverly camouflaged hornworm, simply removing it and depositing it in soapy water will kill it. Aphids can sometimes be controlled by introducing to your garden its natural and plant friendly predator: the ladybug. Soapy water is also an effective aphid killer, as is a powerfully dislodging spray from a garden gun. For other bugs, home remedies such as spreading cucumber skins to ward off ants, or mint and basil to ward off flies can be surprisingly effective. Additionally, you can find organic bug killers that work effectively against most bugs that can kill your plants.

Insecticidal soaps

Insecticidals soaps are made from the fatty acids of plants and animals and are effective killers of aphids, thrips, spider mites, white flies and other soft-bodied pests. The soaps interrupt the insects' normal membrane function. Although somewhat effective against bugs, repeat application is often required for full scale eradication.

Toxic Chemicals

From the somewhat benign to the highly toxic, there are a plethora of strong bug killers on the market. Sevin, containing the active ingredient carbaryl, is an outdoor insecticide which kills more than 100 garden pests. Among its targets are aphids, ants, beetles, bugs, caterpillars, flies, moths, thrips, ticks and worms. Sevin kills on contact, but also continues to kill as the bugs ingest its toxic ingredients. However, it does not penetrate the plant's tissue. Another bug killer is imidacloprid, a systemic insecticide used to protect crops such as cotton, corn, fruit, peanuts, potatoes and other vegetables. Products containing imidacloprid are marketed under the names: Admire, Condifor, Gaucho, Premier, Premise, Provado and Marathon.

Indoor Bugs

Insecticidal soaps applied appropriately can battle killer bugs.

Killing bugs on indoor plants necessarily involves different solutions than getting rid of outdoor pests; you'll want to take extra caution with chemicals where food and family unite. For the gnats, white flies and spider mites that you may find on indoor plants, nontoxic solutions like soapy water sprayed on plants can suffocate the pests. Ants can be killed with a squirt of vinegar from a spray bottle. Another solution for bugs on plants is to rub individual leaves with cotton dipped in rubbing alcohol. And a final, surefire killer for bug and bacteria alike is bleach. However, you need to be careful, since bleach will also kill the plant. You'll need to remove the plant from its pot, and shake off all the contaminated soil you can. Then, throw away the old soil, wash the pot in bleach and water and rinse thoroughly. Replant with fresh bug-free soil.

Prevention

One of the most important means to prevent pests from destroying your plants starts with their planting and care. Giving your plants a safe environment in which to thrive is the easiest way to deter bugs. Use sterile potting soil, containers and tools. Weed regularly to prevent homes and hiding places for bugs, and to allow for the healthy growth of your plants. Healthy plants are better able to withstand bug attacks. Also, isolate new plants before introducing them to your garden and quickly remove any signs of damage before the infestation spreads to the full plant and garden.

Tags: your plants, garden pests, indoor plants, Insecticidal soaps, kill your

Grass Mosquitoes

Don't let the oversized body parts fool you--this bug is harmless.

Crane flies are those giant mosquitoes that appear to inhabit the lawn during the late summer and into the fall. They also go by the names mosquito hawk and Montana mosquito, according to the Oregon State University Extension. While the crane fly is recognized as a lawn pest, damage in lawns is rarely severe enough to warrant chemical control--it's the golf courses and athletic fields that are more likely to need such a treatment. Does this Spark an idea?

Identification

The body of the crane fly, not including the legs, can be up to an inch long. They're unmistakable, especially when they gather en masse on the side of a house or other surface. Crane flies do not feed--neither on people nor on plants--and they don't sting. It's the larvae that cause problems in turfgrass. The larvae can be quite long themselves, up to 1 1/2 inches, and they're known as leatherjackets because of their tough outer skin.

Life Cycle

Adult crane flies emerge in the late summer and into the fall. They lay eggs in the lawn, and the eggs hatch into leatherjackets. The leatherjackets feed on the crowns of the grass blades. They usually stay underground but are known to come above ground on warm, damp nights to feed on other plants.

Damage

Significant populations of leatherjackets can cause large patches of dead grass, but a healthy lawn can withstand the feeding and bounce back. Grass mosquito populations are rarely high enough to warrant chemical control; chemicals should not be applied to the lawn unless leatherjacket numbers exceed 25 per square foot, according to The Journal of Pesticide Reform and the Washington State University Extension.

Control

Prevent severe damage by fertilizing and watering your lawn properly. If you must get rid of the crane flies, apply beneficial nematodes to a moist lawn on an early fall morning and let them do their best. Starlings, though invasive and no one's favorite bird, also consume large amounts of larvae, according to "The Journal of Pesticide Reform." The same source recommends dethatching and aeration to kill larvae and rejuvenate the lawn at the same time, since leatherjackets are fond of thatch.

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Charity Donation Tips

Anyone can participate in charity donations.

You have the best intentions when you donate money to a cause that is close to your heart, but doing so recklessly may result in throwing your money away. An estimated 10 percent of donations made to charities are misused each year, according to Elisabeth Leamy of ABC News. Do your homework before donating. Donors must choose wisely to get the most out of the philanthropic experience.

Research The Charity

Be very wary of charities that do not have a proven track record, especially those that just happen to pop up when a major natural disaster grabs headlines all over the world. Even if these new charities are created for the right reasons, they will not have the same ability to use donations wisely as more established organizations. If you are committed to giving your money to a new charity, spend time researching them to make sure its organizers run a legitimate operation. Ask for proof that the organization is a registered public charity and find the charity on the Better Business Bureau.

Say No To Telemarketers

Exercise caution when giving out your financial information over the phone, no matter how reputable the charitable organization seems. If the charity sounds worthy of your donation, ask the representative to send you a brochure with additional information; research the company yourself to ensure peace of mind. If everything checks out, send a check to the organization through the mail or use the charity's website to make a donation. This guarantees all the profits go to the charitable cause, instead of to any fundraising efforts.

Provide Specific Donation Instructions

If you want to ensure your money does not go the wrong causes within a charity, designate how you want your donation used. Charities sometimes ask that donors refrain from doing this and instead leave the application of the funds in the hands of its own decision makers. However, you may designate how you'd like your donated funds to be spent.

Pay Online

Whenever possible, donate directly to charitable causes online, either through their websites or secure, third-party pages. The speed of Internet payments means donations are instantly accessible to organizations, providing much needed relief quickly.

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Remove Suntan Lotion Stains From Clothing

Clean suntan stains at first sight, so they don't spread farther.

Suntan lotion is a staple for summer. You put it on your skin to enhance your tan, but you don't intend for it to get on your clothes. The oily nature of suntan lotion can leave an unsightly stain on your clothes. It is best to treat suntan lotion stains as soon as you spot them for best results; however, even if the lotion has dried onto your clothes, you can still remove the stain. You don't need to throw away an otherwise good piece of clothing because of a suntan lotion stain. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Scoop up as much of the lotion from the clothing as possible. Use a plastic spoon or knife to gently scrape up the lotion. Blot the area with a rag to remove excess lotion further.

2. Place the stained clothing in a bucket or sink. Pour enough white vinegar into the bucket or sink to completely cover the suntan lotion stain.

3. Let the garment soak in the vinegar overnight. Remove it from the vinegar the next day and wring it out lightly to remove excess liquid.

4. Apply a laundry pretreatment spray to the spot. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.

5. Wash the clothing as usual. Use the hottest water setting allowed for the fabric.

6. Let the clothing air-dry after washing. Do not place the clothing in the dryer until you are sure that all traces of the suntan lotion or gone. The heat from the dryer only will set in the stain.

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Treat Topsoil For Insects With Home Remedies

Ants are just one many insects for which you may have to treat your lawn.

If you own a home with a yard, you have probably had to battle insects both inside and outside. Many of the insects that invade your home, especially ants, are in constant search of food and water sources. Other insects such as roaches, crickets and beetles become a nuisance when their numbers build too high in your yard. The more insects you have in the grass and dirt around your house, the more likely you are to have unwanted visitors indoors. By treating the topsoil, you can stop these insects from bothering you. You can make homemade insect spray yourself. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Garlic Oil Spray

1. Mince 3 oz. of garlic cloves. Place the garlic into a bowl. Add 2 tsp. of mineral oil. Allow the garlic to soak in the oil for 24 to 36 hours.

2. Fill a glass or bowl with 16 oz. of tap water. Add 1/4 oz. liquid dishwashing soap. Stir the mixture slightly to help combine the soap and water.

3. Pour the soapy water into the bowl with the garlic and mineral oil. Stir the mixture well to thoroughly combine the ingredients.

4. Strain the mixture through a small strainer or cheesecloth and into a spray bottle. The strainer will catch the garlic pieces and prevent the sprayer from clogging.

5. Spray the garlic oil mixture on the topsoil where you have seen heavy insect activity. Garlic oil is toxic to many species of insects but is not harmful to beneficial insects such as ladybugs.

Pepper Spray

6. Chop 1/2 cup of hot peppers such as jalapenos into small pieces.

7. Dice 1/2 cup of garlic gloves into very fine pieces.

8. Place the peppers and garlic pieces into a glass jar. Add 2 cups of tap water. Place the lid on the jar and put it in a sunny location. Allow the ingredients to soak in the water for at least 24 hours.

9. Strain the pepper and garlic pieces out of the mixture with a small strainer or cheesecloth. Fill a spray bottle with the remaining liquid. Apply the pepper spray to the topsoil where you have seen insect activity.

Nicotine Spray

10. Crush 1/2 cup worth of cigarettes into small pieces. Place the cigarette pieces into a gallon jug.

11. Mix 1/4 tsp. of liquid dishwashing soap with 1 gallon of warm water. Pour the warm water into the jug with the cigarette pieces. Allow the cigarettes to soak in the water for one to two hours.

12. Use a strainer to pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Apply the nicotine spray to the topsoil where you notice insect activity. Nicotine is highly toxic to most insects, but it is only effective for a few hours, so you may have to re-apply it to areas with heavy insect activity.

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Characteristics Of Lady Bugs

A number of superstitions are attached to the ladybug. Northern Germans believed they could forecast how well their harvest by counting the spots on the backs of ladybugs. More than seven spots on the wing cover of a ladybug was considered a sign of famine. English farmers believed that ladybugs meant their harvest would do well, whereas the ancient Norse associated ladybugs with love and beauty. Some farmers release ladybugs in their garden in hopes they will eat scale insects and aphids. Does this Spark an idea?

Beetles

Ladybugs are actually beetles that possess two hard shells that are wing cases called elytra. The shells are typically red featuring black spots. Their hind wings are transparent and are used to propel the bugs. The ladybug can fly but is much better on the ground and is considered a ground bug. It can only fly 15 miles per hour, although it can fly a long distance if it has to. The ladybug can fly up to 100 miles to find a sheltered place to spend the winter or to find food.

Legs

The ladybug climbs and walks using six legs and uses the legs to groom itself. A claw on the end of each leg allows the bug to grip stems and leaves. The ladybug uses its two antennae for touching and smelling.

Types

Types of ladybugs that you will find in North America include the nine-spotted ladybug; the two-spotted ladybug; the spotless ladybug; the convergent ladybug and the ashy gray ladybug, which is not red.

Function

Ladybugs eat aphids and other insects, including scale insects, which farmers appreciate. Aphids wreak havoc on wheat and roses, and scale insects attack orchard trees. The ladybug prevents these insects from doing damage. An adult convergent lady beetle can eat up to 75 aphids a day and a small male can eat 40. Ladybugs have strong jaw bones which helps them eat these insects.

Defenses

Ladybugs do not taste good, which protects them from being killed by birds and other predators. The female bugs produce a nasty odor that comes from the fluid in their leg joints, which also protects them from predators that find the smell offensive. If you disturb a ladybug, it may fool you by rolling over and pretending to be dead. Ladybug predators don't eat dead insects, so this is a ploy to keep them safe.

Cold Weather

When it gets cold outside, the ladybugs look for shelter and turn up in your house, where they rest quietly. This resting time is called diapause. You may find lots of ladybugs huddled together during this period of time. In the spring, the ladybugs start looking for food and laying eggs.

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Causes Of Anorexia In Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

Dengue hemorrhagic fever can occur as a severe complication of the dengue fever virus. Anorexia (in this context, loss of appetite and weight loss) is one of many dangerous effects of this serious, and sometimes fatal, illness. Loss of appetite is one of the early symptoms of the virus and it may, when accompanied by vomiting, cause extreme weight loss.

Identification

Dengue fever is diagnosed by a blood test. However, physicians will usually assume that patients who exhibit symptoms, in any region outbreaks commonly occur, have dengue fever.

According to the Center for Disease Control these symptoms include, sudden high fever, rash, joint pain, severe headache and eye pain. If it is the more serious hemorrhagic fever, excitability and small specks of blood, caused by capillary bleeding, may appear beneath the skin. Bruises may appear and the nose and gums may bleed easily.

Features

Dengue hemorrhagic fever is caused by the dengue virus, and is usually transmitted to people via a mosquito bite. The aedus aegypti mosquitoes are the most common carriers. These mosquitoes acquire the pathogen after biting a dengue-infected person.

Effects

Dengue hemorrhagic fever causes weight loss due to the patient's loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Decreased appetite may last even after other symptoms have gone. Fluids lost through hemorrhage, vomit and diarrhea upset the electrolyte balance, which often sends the patient into shock. Internal hemorrhaging can also occur, which increases the likelihood of shock.

Although complications from this virus are not always fatal, the risk is naturally higher for those who don't get medical attention. Long-term effects of dengue fever are often mild and the disease is rarely fatal. Long-term effects of dengue hemorrhagic fever, however, can include damage to the brain and other organs, especially if medical help was delayed.

Prevention/Solution

Prevent dengue fever by preventing mosquito bites, especially in areas where the Aedus mosquito is common. Those who've had the virus once should take extra precautions not to contract it again since re-infection may lead to hemorrhagic fever.

Medical personnel treat dengue hemorrhagic fever patients with fluids, either orally or intravenously, and, sometimes, blood transfusions.

Loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea all throw electrolytes off-balance, and can lead to shock. Therefore, physicians also prescribe supplemental electrolyte solutions when necessary.

Pain medicine is often used to keep patients as comfortable as possible.

Considerations

Although dengue outbreaks are not common in the United States, the mosquito that can carry the virus lives in many states, and outbreaks do occur occasionally.

Four kinds of the dengue virus exist. Anyone can contract dengue fever more than once, as the body won't develop immunity to all via exposure to one. In fact, those who've had a prior case of dengue fever are at higher risk for a more severe case if they acquire the virus again.

Geography

According to the CDC and the World Health Organization, dengue fever is most common in warm tropical climates. This includes parts of Asia, namely China, Singapore and Thailand, areas in Africa, and Central and South America, namely Brazil, Colombia and Puerto Rico. Some cases have occurred in the United States. Wherever the aedus mosquito exists, dengue outbreaks can occur.

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Types Of Yellow Color Mosquitoes In Florida

Yellow mosquitoes are one of many types found in Florida's damp and swampy environments.

A yellow mosquito is not difficult to identify in Florida, as there is only one species that fits that description. There are 12 genera of mosquito in Florida, and these are comprised of 36 species. Florida, because it contains so much standing water, plays host to many populations year round. While most of these insects are brown or even darker in color, the Ochlerotatus fulvus pallens is almost completely yellow.

Naming the Yellow Mosquito

Ochlerotatus fulvus pallens is the Latin name for this flying insect, which is a member of the culicidae family of mosquitoes. "Fulvus pallens" translates to "pale yellow." Ochlerotatus was once part of the Aedes genus. It received its own classification in 2000, although the scientific community is not in total agreement regarding the division.

Characteristics

Most all of this mosquito is yellow in its adult stage. The abdomen is yellow with darker triangular spots, and the thorax and proboscis are also yellow. The scutum, which is the large area behind the head, is yellow and features two large, black spots. Its legs are mostly yellow, and yellow scales may be found on its wings. It is considered large because it can grow to about one-third of an inch and is rarely encountered, but delivers a strong bite.

Larvae

The larvae of the yellow mosquito is a nondescript grayish-white, and is found usually in pools of standing water in woods, temporary puddles caused by rainfall, in artificial containers holding water, and even in the cupped growth of bromeliads. It features the most comb scales of Florida mosquitoes -- 25 or more in a patch located between the siphon and the anal segment. While other mosquito larvae will resemble the subject, only the ochlerotatus fulvus pallens grows to a yellow adult.

Precautions

Venturing into any natural part of Florida requires vigilance against mosquitoes and other biting insects. While many municipalities spray against the possible outbreak of serious mosquito-borne diseases, this practice is not necessarily extended into public or even private lands. Carry a good repellent and take care to not expose a lot of skin. Strong scent will also attract mosquitoes, so keep the application of those to a minimum.

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Common Chemicals Used For Pest Control

A pest is a broad term to define any entity that threatens the health or safety of the environment or people. Pesticides are the means of removing, preventing or killing pests. Pests can be weeds, which are simply misplaced plants. They can be ants in the home, mice in the barn or deer destroying ornamental plantings. Just because a chemical is deemed common, it doesn't imply that it is safe. Pesticide application is serious, but it is only a short-term fix. Pest control is best accomplished by prevention. Does this Spark an idea?

Regulation

Because they are agents of destruction, all pesticides carry some risks. The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) established the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the governing agency for the regulation of pesticides. Pesticides must be registered with the agency. Application of pesticides is also regulated at the state level. Illinois, for example, requires individuals to pass an exam before being licensed.

Toxicity

Since 1979, the EPA has recorded pesticide usage in the United States. It estimates that more than 300 million pounds of pesticides are applied each year. A look at the 27 most commonly used pesticides reveals some startling facts. Of these 27, 15 are considered carcinogens by the EPA. Others have been associated with genetic disabilities, deaths in children and farm workers, as well as pet deaths.

Diazinon

Diazinon is one common pesticide used for household pests in the home or on lawns. It is non-selective, meaning it kills a variety of insects including ants, aphids and mites. It is classified as an acute and chronic health hazard and a fire hazard. It can be fatal if ingested. It is also highly toxic to birds, fish and wildlife. By law, all of this information, including emergency safety instructions, is included on package labels.

Risks

The Pesticide Action Network (PAN) provides information about pesticide toxicity. Acetochlor is another common pesticide found in its database. It is categorized at the highest level of concern because of its toxicity. Other highly toxic pesticides include malathion, metolachlor and mancozeb. All are in this same high category, and all are among the most commonly used pesticides. Clearly, a balance of the risks and the benefits must be part of the decision to apply these toxic chemicals.

Prevention/Solution

Common pesticides offer an immediate fix to a pest problem, but only a fix. Pesticides may kill the mice entering your home, but if you don't seal the openings where they are entering, mice will return. Raccoons will still get into the garbage if it not somehow secured. Insects will return to the corn fields if crops are not rotated. Only prevention provides long-term solutions to pests.

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Ward Off Mosquitoes

Ward off mosquitoes since their bite can be deadly.

A mosquito is a type of fly that has scales on its wings. Females have an appendage that extends from the area of the mouth, created for penetrating skin and sucking out blood. When a mosquito bites, it leaves a red, itchy welt, but sometimes a mosquito bite can result in serious illness such as West Nile virus, yellow fever, dengue fever and malaria. According to the Maryland Department of Agriculture, at least 500 million people come down with malaria caused by mosquito bites every year. Over two million perish from the disease.

Instructions

1. Apply a repellent to your skin to ward off mosquitoes. Follow the instructions that come with the product you use, and take special care to heed all precautions and warnings printed on the product label. Make note of how often you should reapply mosquito repellent since many repellents lose their effectiveness over time. Use an EPA-registered mosquito repellent, suggests the Environmental Protection Agency.

2. Protect yourself from biting mosquitoes when you know you will be in an area where mosquitoes may be present by wearing appropriate clothing. Wear a long-sleeved blouse or shirt and long pants. Wear high boots if the temperature is not too high. If you cannot wear high boots, wear knee-high socks. To protect your face, put a net over your head and face. Since mosquitoes have the ability to penetrate lightweight clothing, apply a repellent to your clothes that has permethrin in it, as recommended by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

3. Remove still water from areas around your home. Mosquitoes live and breed wherever there is stagnate water, so make sure the gutters on your house are not clogged, and make sure there is no stagnant water in any containers near your home. If you have a birdbath in your garden, remove the water from it every seven days and replace it with fresh water. Fill up pockets of water in the ground with soil. If you have a pool in your yard, make sure the water in the pool is conditioned and moving.

4. Keep mosquitoes out of your house by repairing any holes you may have in door and window screens. Also make sure you keep your windows and doors closed. Lessen the number of mosquitoes attracted by the lighting around your home by installing yellow lights made for this purpose. Do not apply fragrant products to your hair or skin, since mosquitoes may find the smell of these products alluring.

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Keep Bugs Away When Camping

Insects are the eternal bane of any enthusiastic camper. Mosquitoes and other bugs seem omnipresent when camping, and little can be done to avoid them completely. You can, however, take certain steps to keep the bugs away when camping and reduce their ability to ruin your good time.

Instructions

1. Avoid wet areas with a lot of stagnant pools or tall grass. Bugs breed in such conditions and love to feast on any creatures in reach. Look for sites with good water drainage while camping, and don't pitch your tent anywhere near standing water.

2. Cover any exposed skin with long-sleeved clothing, hats and bandannas. Not only does it keep mosquitoes and other bloodsucking bugs away from you, but it also prevents ticks from attaching themselves to your flesh. Some ticks carry Lyme disease, which is a considerably greater concern than a few mosquito bites.

3. Avoid scented personal products when camping. Fragrant perfumes in deodorant or skin cream are beacons for the local bugs. Leave them at home, and you will be less troubled by insects on your trip.

4. Keep cool. Bugs are attracted to copious amounts of sweat, and while physical activity is a natural part of camping, the less you perspire, the more the insects will leave you be.

5. Burn citronella candles at your campsite. Their scent helps repel mosquitoes and flies.

6. Wear insect repellent, such as those made by Off and Cutter brands. Place it on exposed flesh, and reapply it after you have been hiking or exerting. It's a low-maintenance way to keep the bugs away.

7. Use netting or similar fabric around your campsite and tent. You can also wear netting around your head and face, which is much less ponderous but will still keep the bugs away.

8. Eat garlic, as its scent makes for a natural insect repellent when secreted through your pores.

9. Use skin creams with citrus juices or coconut oil. Bugs hate both substances. You can also use coconut soap when you go camping, which has the same effect.

10. Take a lot of vitamin B. Like garlic, it secretes through your pores and tells the bugs to find someone else to munch.

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Relieve A Sore Throat

Relieve a Sore Throat

Sore throats can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Most require no medical intervention, and will go away within 2 to 3 days. Here are a few tips to make a sore throat go away even quicker.

Instructions

1. Consider the cause: a bug that's going around the office, enthusiastic cheering, or perhaps something more serious, such as strep throat. There are instant strep throat test strips that can tell you in less than 30 minutes if you have strep throat. Be aware, though, that these strips sometimes deliver false negatives.

2. Take an analgesic to reduce inflammation; aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for an adult, or acetaminophen or ibuprofen for children, as recommended by your doctor.

3. Suck on throat lozenges if you are an adult, especially those containing menthol, benzocaine or phenol, which numb the throat. Zinc lozenges may also be helpful. Children should suck on cough drops or hard candy.

4. Gargle with mint mouthwash or salt water.

5. Spray a throat spray containing numbing agents into the back of your throat, if you're an adult.

6. Brush your tongue. Sometimes, removing the buildup on your tongue can lessen the soreness in your throat.

7. Rinse your toothbrush in mouthwash between brushings to kill bacteria.

8. Drink ice-cold beverages. Try filling a glass half-full of crushed ice; then pour fruit juice over the ice. Let it sit for 10 minutes, insert a straw and suck slowly, letting the juice rest a minute on the back of your throat.

9. Add moisture to your environment with a humidifier or vaporizer, or sit in a steamy shower or bath.

10. Eat soft or liquid foods, especially sherbets and chicken broth.

11. Avoid cigarette smoke and other airborne irritants.

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Soothe Bug Bites

Soothe Bug bites can be hard. Some bugs can inflict a nasty bite. Bed bugs bites, Mosquito bite allergy, and flea bites are some of the most common.

Soothe Bug Bites is an essential skill if you are an avid outdoorsman to the average housewife.

So after you have called the bed bug exterminator, mosquito killer or flea control specialist lets see what we can do.

Instructions

1. First lets come to an understanding. We are dealing with bites here not stings. Stings are entirely different creature, bites are from Mosquito, bed bugs and fleas just to name a few. For bites you can use any number of things that relieve itching. Try some toothpaste on the wound itself or vinegar.

2. Next you can try to make a paste out of baking soda. To do this just add enough water to the baking soda to make it a paste, then dab onto the skin. This should help with the itching sensation.

3. Finally you will need to be able to wash the would 1-3 times a day. This will help with the healing process and make the time much shorter. Another solution you may want to try is to crease an X into the bug bite and put your favorite anti itch cream on it. This also lessens time of healing.

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Use Baking Soda As An Antiitching Solution

Soothe the sting of a black fly bite by applying a baking soda paste.

Baking soda is an incredibly versatile product with uses ranging from baking a cake to calming a bee sting. The alkali in baking soda neutralizes the stinging acids and venom from many insect bites. Additionally, the drying properties of baking soda draw excess pus, moisture and contaminants from the skin. Using baking soda as a spreadable paste makes covering the affected skin easier and more effective.

Instructions

1. Combine baking soda and water in a 3-to-1 ratio in small bowel. Mix contents vigorously with fork until a granular paste develops.

2. Spread the paste liberally over the itching skin. Keep the itching limb still during and after applying the paste. Place a flat garbage bag under the paste-covered limb to catch any spilling or dripping. Let the paste set and harden until itching subsides.

3. Remove the paste with cool water after itching stops. Repeat this process each time the itching flares up until the itching subsides.

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