Cure Scabies Or Chigger Bites

Scabies and chigger bites are both painful conditions caused by microscopic mites. Scabies is an itchy skin condition resulting from contact with eight-legged mites and is usually spread quickly throughout a family or school classroom. Chiggers are six-legged mites that are often found in tall grasses and weeds. Both scabies and chigger bites cause itching and blisters or hives. Scabies can appear almost anywhere on the body, while chigger bites usually appear around the waist, ankles, or skin folds. Treatment for scabies or chigger bites is usually similar and takes several weeks to finish, though scabies more often require a doctor's prescription remedy in addition to at-home treatments.

Instructions

1. Resist the urge to scratch scabies or chigger bites. Scratching can spread and worsen the condition. Use an over-the-counter anti-itching gel, cream, or lotion to help reduce the urge to scratch.

2. Take an over-the-counter antihistamine. Medical attention is rarely required for chigger bites unless the condition is severe or does not go away. Antihistamines help to reduce the itching caused by scabies and chigger bites.

3. Visit a doctor to obtain a prescription medication to treat scabies. Scabies can spread to other people through physical contact. Doctors usually prescribe crotamiton or permethrin creams to actually kill the mites. However, this will not necessarily stop the itching so the at-home remedies outlined in Steps 1 and 2 are usually needed to alleviate that condition.

4. Applying a cool washcloth or soaking in cold bathwater may also help alleviate the itching from scabies or chigger bites.

Tags: chigger bites, chigger bites, scabies chigger, scabies chigger bites, bites usually, chigger bites usually

Draw Kuromi

Draw Kuromi

Kuromi is a rabbit character from the Japanese company Sanrio. She is the jester hat-wearing rival of Melody in My Melody. If you have ever wanted to draw Kuromi, it is simple. With two colors and a few basic shapes, you can easily draw your own Kuromi.

Instructions

1. Draw an oval for the head. Don't worry if the lines are messy, you can go back later and clean them up.

2. Draw two diamonds on the head to make the ears. Draw two small circles on top of the diamonds.

3. Draw a small circle for the body.

4. Draw four small triangles for the neck piece. Draw four circles on the ends of the triangles.

5. Draw small ovals for the arms and legs.

6. Draw circles for the hands and ovals for the feet.

7. Make a smaller oval inside the head for the face.

8. Draw a triangle to make the "widow's peak" and erase the part of the oval that overlaps it.

9. Draw two "U" shapes for the eyes.

10. Draw two small lines on each eye for the eyelashes.

11. Draw a small oval for the nose and a circle for the mouth.

12. Draw a small flat-bottomed circle for the skull.

13. Draw a small rectangle shape for the mouth and add two lines for teeth. Draw two small ovals for the eyes.

14. Draw two parallel curved lines and top with a triangle for the tail.

15. Trace the pencil with a pen. After the ink is dry, erase all of the pencil lines

16. Color the hat and tail black. Color the skull and the circles on the hat pink.

Tags: Draw small, Draw four, Draw small ovals, eyes Draw, small ovals

Control Bugs With Essential Oils

A spray of peppermint essential oil with a plastic water pistol will send pests away.

Pest control during any season can be a nuisance -- not to mention the unsafe nature of pesticides. When small children or pets are near, risking their health with an ant killer or insect repellent can be dangerous. Fortunately, a concentrated essential oil with a potent scent is a more natural solution to pest control. In the kitchen, a little peppermint essential oil will banish ants from the counters and floors. Apply an essential oil before going on a hike and ward off ticks and fleas. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Take the garden back from ravenous slugs with Cedarwood essential oil.

Use cedarwood essential oil on plants and concrete and watch slugs, snails and weevils turn away from the garden. Place 10 drops of the oil with 1 cup of water in the spray bottle, then coat the leaves with a fine mist of cedarwood. In areas where there is a lot of slug or snail activity, coat a rag with undiluted cedarwood and rub onto the cement or leave parts of the cloth at the base of plants.

2. Rid your house and outdoor living areas of ants, beetles, caterpillars, fleas, flies, lice, moths and spiders with peppermint essential oil. Add 10 drops of the peppermint oil to 1 cup of water in the squirt bottle and spray the ants, indoors or out. As a preventative measure, spray known areas with peppermint where ants and spiders may come indoors. Smear a section where the ants are crossing, and they'll turn away. Spray the corners of each room and spiders will go elsewhere to spin their webs. When flies buzz close by, spray the peppermint to send them buzzing away.

3. If the yard has ticks and mosquitoes, use a diluted lavender essential oil on the wrists, ankles and around the neck. One drop per 1 cup of water will warn ticks and mosquitoes to stay clear. Do a 24 hour patch test by applying a diluted amount of essential oil to the inside of your elbow before applying to the rest of your body. To get rid of aphids on roses or other blooms, use a few drops of spearmint in the spray bottle and coat the leaves to foil the feast. Essential oils are diluted with the water in the spray bottle and will not harm the foliage.

Tags: peppermint essential, spray bottle, coat leaves, essential with, spray peppermint, ticks mosquitoes

Catch Gnats

Use apple cider vinegar to get rid of gnats.

Gnats are annoying. The little insects get in your face, hover over your food, come up from your drains and never seem to go away during the hot summer months. Gnats often appear in moist environments such as over watered plants. Gnats are also attracted to rotting fruit and the slime that lines drain pipes. Fortunately, catching and eliminating gnats is as simple as getting rid of the infestation and eliminating potential gnat breeding grounds.

Instructions

Home Remedy

1. Put 5 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a mason jar.

2. Add two drops of dish soap to the apple cider vinegar.

3. Make a cone out of a piece of thick paper. Leave a small opening in the cone on the bottom end. Stick the cone in the jar with the widest part of the funnel sticking out.

4. Set the jar in areas where there are gnat infestations. Allow the gnats to follow the scent of the vinegar through the cone. The gnats become trapped in the vinegar and die.

Electric Fly Trap

5. Place an electric fly trap in an area where infestations are particularly bad.

6. Wait until night. Turn the fly trap on. The UV light attracts gnats to the glue trap.

7. Replace the glue trap. Once the glue trap is full of bugs and gnats, you must replace it. Throw away the glue trap and install a new one.

Prevention in the Kitchen

8. Thoroughly wash and dry dishes. Avoid keeping open food containers out on the counter.

9. Ensure drains are clean to keep gnats away from the sink area. Run warm water down the drain; then turn off the water, and pour a cup of ammonia down the drain.

10. Use a pipe cleaner or call a plumber to eliminate buildup in the pipes for more severe cases.

Tags: glue trap, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, cider vinegar, down drain

Health Impacts Of Cedar Oil

Cedar oil can be used as a mosquito repellant, keeping you safe from the diseases the insects can carry.

Cedar or cedarwood oil is an essential oil that comes from the distillation of juniper and cypress wood. The oil, which has soothing, tranquilizing effects, has been around for thousands of years, and the ancient Egyptians used it in the preservation of mummies. The oil has many different health benefits.

Cleansing and Toning Treatments

The oil acts as a diuretic, increasing the frequency of urination which helps in the removal of fat, excess water and toxins. Toxins and extra water can cause hypertension, rheumatism, arthritis and gout, to name a few ailments. Cedar oil stimulate metabolism and tones muscles, skin, brain and digestive functions.

Internal Treatments

You can use cedar oil as an expectorant if you have a cough or congestion. Cedar oil gets rid of phlegm from the respiratory tracts and lungs. It can also relieve headaches and irritated eyes. Use cedar oil as an astringent to cure toothaches. The oil will strengthen the gums' grip on your teeth and tighten loose muscles in your mouth. Cedar oil can help people who have obstructed or irregular menstruations, also known as emmenagogue. The oil stimulate menstruations and helps make them regular again. The oil also relieves emmenagogue symptoms, such as nausea and fatigue. Cedar oil is an effective anti-septic that protects wounds from germs and bacteria. You can find the ingredient in some herbal antiseptic creams.

Skin Treatments

Put cedar oil on exposed areas of your body when you're out and about in the summer to keep mosquitoes and other insects from biting you. It can also help get rid of acne. For those suffering from seborrhoeic eczema, an unpleasant inflammatory skin disease, you can apply cedar oil to reduce peeling off of skin and help treat the infection. Cedar oil acts as a fungicide, which can help eliminate fungal infections both externally and internally.

Sedative

Those who have trouble sleeping or suffer from tension and anxiety may find cedar oil soothing, sedating and helpful in getting a good night's rest.

Negative Impacts

Cedar oil has some negative health impacts. A high concentration of the oil will cause irritated skin. Also, pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid using the oil altogether because of its effectiveness in treating emmenagogue. Cedar oil should never be ingested; rather, it should be rubbed on the skin or used in aromatherapy.

Tags: Impacts Cedar, Treatments cedar

Make Your Own Mosquito Killer

Kill mosquitoes using a homemade killer rather than toxic commercial products.

Mosquitoes are not only annoying, but they are also sources of harmful diseases like West Nile virus. When we exhale, we emit carbon dioxide that attracts mosquitoes. The scent of human breath and sweat are also mosquito attractants. You can keep mosquitoes away from the house using measures such as mosquito-repelling candles. However, they only keep mosquitoes away and do not kill them. Repellents that you spray on your skin are also effective, but you may have concerns about using chemicals on your body. You can create an effective, nontoxic mosquito killer using items you probably already have around your house. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Clean a 2-liter soda bottle with water and a bottle brush. Allow it to air-dry.

2. Measure three inches down from the top of the bottle, which is the point where its curve stops and becomes straight. Cut around this point to obtain a funnel-shaped bottle top. Set the bottle top aside.

3. Pour one-eighth cup water and 50 grams of sugar into the bottle. Mix the solution thoroughly until the sugar dissolves completely in water. Add one-eighth cup of yeast to the solution and shake the bottle to form a mixture. The yeast starts emitting carbon dioxide when mixed with water and sugar.

4. Open the cap of the bottle top and discard it. Place the top upside down on the bottle. Seal the bottle top in place with packing tape. The carbon dioxide attracts the mosquitoes to the bottle. Once the mosquitoes enter the bottle, they are not able to get out.

5. Wrap and tape black construction paper around the bottle. Place the mosquito trap in an area where there is no direct sunlight. It may take a few days before mosquitoes discover the trap. Whenever necessary, replace the sugar, water and yeast.

Tags: carbon dioxide, attracts mosquitoes, keep mosquitoes, keep mosquitoes away, mosquitoes away

The History Of Insect Repellents

Today's manufacturers provide a large number of different insect repellents under various brands. Before such mass production, people used natural substances to protect themselves from insect attacks --- with limited success. Does this Spark an idea?

Natural Repellents

Before World War II, people mostly used natural products as insect repellents, according to the University of Florida. Topical insect repellent products contained natural plant oils such as oil of citronella, which was put into use as a repellent in the late 1800s. People also burned citronella candles to repel mosquitoes, a technique still used today.

Chemical Repellents

According to the University of Florida, several chemical insect repellents were patented in the 1920s and 1930s, including dymethyl phtalate in 1929, indalone in 1937 and Rutgers 612 in 1939. These active ingredients seldom appear in modern insect repellents.

Current Repellents

Since its discovery in 1954, deet has grown so much in popularity that about 35 percent of Americans use deet-based products every year. The U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention also recommends other repellents such as picaridin. Some insect-repellent products still use essential oils, such as oil of citronella, eucalyptus, geraniol, soybean or cedarwood, as active ingredients.

Tags: insect repellents, active ingredients, oils such, oils such citronella, such citronella

Charge A Gum Zapper

A gum zapper is a device that squirts a chemical on gum that is stuck to carpet or another surface. The chemical dissolves the gum so the zapper can quickly and easily clean it up. A hand-held gum zapper runs off a battery that needs to be charged before you can use the device to clean up any gum. If your gum zapper needs charging it will come with all the necessary equipment. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Turn off the gum zapper.

2. Remove the battery pack from the back of the gum zapper. The pack should slide off.

3. Plug the battery pack into the battery charger until it clicks in place.

4. Plug the battery charger into an outlet. Allow it to charge until the yellow charging light turns off. This may take several hours.

Tags: battery charger, battery pack, Plug battery

Keep Mosquitoes From Horses

Keep your horse in a dry pasture, away from standing water.

Mosquitoes can be very irritating to a horse, leaving it with swollen bites all over its body. A horse may find mosquitoes quite bothersome and can become upset and agitated quickly when it can't find relief from the biting insects. Mosquitoes may also carry diseases that can make a horse sick, including the West Nile virus and equine infectious anemia. Both can be deadly. There are a number of steps you can take to ensure that the horse is comfortable and protected.

Instructions

1. Dress the horse in a mesh fly sheet to prevent mosquitoes from landing on its flesh. Fly sheets come in lightweight and heavyweight varieties. Choose one that is suitable to the horse and the turnout situation. For example, a heavyweight fly sheet on a horse turned out with other horses will stand up better to bites and kicks. Add a fly mask to the horse's head for additional protection.

2. Spray the horse's legs, belly, neck and other parts of its body that are not protected by the fly sheet with a fly spray to deter the insects from landing. Squirt the fly spray onto a soft cloth and wipe over the horse's face rather than using the spray near the animal's eyes and nose.

3. Move the horse to a paddock or pasture that is free from standing water where mosquitoes routinely breed. If it is impractical to move the horse, reduce the amount of stagnant water as much as possible by removing or turning over any buckets, wheel barrels or other objects that might collect rainwater.

4. Put the horse in an enclosed barn in the evening or on a windless day, when mosquitoes are most active.

Tags: from landing, from standing, from standing water, standing water

Prevent Algae In Garden Fountains

Empty a garden fountain to clean it of algae.

The last thing you want in your garden fountain is an abundance of algae growth. Algae depends on water and nutrients, so when you remove any elements from the mix, you will no longer have an algae issue. Constant cleaning and care is the only way to ensure that algae will disappear and not grow back. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Empty the fountain completely. The whole cleaning process begins by draining the fountain so you have an empty surface to work with.

2. Pull out any debris that may have fallen or blown from trees and plants. You can easily do this with your hands, and gloves really aren't necessary. Remember, organic plant materials are the perfect host that allows algae to begin growing.

3. Scrub the inside of the fountain with a stiff brush. A lot of elbow grease and energy will be needed, so be prepared. Rinse the fountain and then refill it.

4. Pour 2 cups of white vinegar and 1 gallon of water into a large bucket. After removing the tubing and pump parts from the fountain, soak them in this mixture for 15 minutes to kill existing algae and other bacteria.

5. Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar into the fountain to prevent algae growth until the next cleaning. Evey time you change the water, add vinegar.

Tags: algae growth, garden fountain

Set Up A Computer Lan Game On Kuma War 2

Kuma\War 2 is a computer game that allows players to experience real-life situations from the War on Terror. Players rescue hostages and take down the enemies that threaten freedom. The game can be played in single player or multiplayer LAN mode. Setting up a game as its host allows players to choose exactly how the match plays, with settings such as the number of lives given, time limit and amount of players allowed on a team. Once the host chooses all the settings, players can join in and take on missions together.

Instructions

1. Open the Kuma\War 2 menu and select "Multiplayer," then "Host Game." Click "Game Type" until the game you want to play is displayed.

2. Click on "Max Players" to choose the maximum number of players allowed in the total game, from one to 32.

3. Set the ending criteria for the game, either "Time Limit" or "Score Limit." If "Time Limit" is chosen, enter the length of time you want the match to be. For "Score Limit," enter a score that, when reached, ends the match. These two limits may be combined in one match, also, and whichever one is reached first ends the match.

4. Click "Teams" to set the number of teams allowed, or leave the setting on Free For All, or FFA, so there are no teams.

5. Set the maps you want to play in the order you would like to play them. Click the "Plus" sign to add a map if it is not yet in the list, or click "Minus" to remove a map.

6. Equip your character with weapons and gear by clicking the arrow in the upper right area of the screen. Select the appearance of your character, his weapons and items. Click the arrow again when done to go to the game lobby.

Tags: allows players, ends match, players allowed, Score Limit, Time Limit, want play

Mend A Fishing Net

A fishing net should be mended immediately when a hole cuts through it. Holes can be caused by fish, fish picks and sharp-edged rocks, which most fishermen encounter while fishing. Frequent tangling also causes damage and tears on nets. How you will repair and mend a torn fishing net depends entirely on the extent of the tear. The task could require a simple and methodical way of knotting or some skills and techniques applied in sewing.

Instructions

1. Cut off fibers from the loose tag ends along the torn areas of the fishing net using a pair of scissors.

2. Check the knots that join at least three of the strands in the mesh. Test the knots to ensure the still are strong and intact.

3. Cut some strands of twine or string using your scissors. The length of each strand will depend on where you will use it on the mesh, whether to attach to a loose tag end or at the intersection of a knot joining three other strands.

4. Lift each hanging loose tag end and tie to a precut strand. Attach the other end of the strand to the opposite side of the fishing net if it is just a simple cut or tear. Use a square knot. Move from right to left until you are through with the line.

5. Knot a strand of string on three unbroken strands around the hole in the fishing net. Use the needle to loop and knot these strands to the other side of the fishing hole. Make sure that your mending is done in an even and symmetrical fashion to match the existing mesh design and dimensions of your fishing net.

Tags: side fishing

Tell If You Have Bronchitis

Inside your chest

Need to know tell if you have bronchitis? If you're coughing and feeling poorly, but not yet ready to see a doctor, examine your symptoms to see if you have bronchitis. These symptoms and self-diagnostic questions are for acute bronchitis, which usually lasts for a short period. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is ongoing and usually caused by smoking. Here is what to look for and tell if you have bronchitis:

Instructions

1. Examine your cough. Acute bronchitis involves coughing that worsens over time and lasts for about 10-14 days. It also generally worsens at night and often produces mucous (phlegm).

2. Watch for shortness of breath, and a wheezing sound when you breathe. Both are signs of acute bronchitis.

3. Pay attention to a rattling sound in your chest, another indicator that you might have bronchitis.

4. Note a slight fever or overall feeling of illness that usually accompanies bronchitis.

5. Expect chest pain, soreness, and tightness in the chest with bronchitis.

6. Look for a combination of the above symptoms. When several are present, that's basically know if you have bronchitis.

Tags: have bronchitis, acute bronchitis, tell have bronchitis, your chest

Liquid Repellent For Mosquitoes

Mosquito repellent is a must for preventing itchy, painful stings.

Liquid mosquito repellents are poured into your palm and manually rubbed onto your body rather than sprayed from a can. Spraying the product onto your skin can be wasteful, as some of the spray can get carried away by wind and get into your hair or eyes. Does this Spark an idea?

Chemical Repellents

Most mosquito repellents are made with the active ingredient DEET, a chemical formulated for use on people of all ages. The use of DEET has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Natural Repellents

If you prefer natural mosquito repellents, several options are available. Among them are products that have as their active ingredients lemon eucalyptus oil, geranium and soybean oil, garlic, citronella or catnip. They are typically applied in the same manner as chemical repellents, and those containing 30 percent lemon eucalyptus oil have been shown to work as well as those containing 10 percent to 15 percent concentrations of DEET. Check the labels of natural repellents, as some should not be used on small children.

Time Frame

Liquid repellents containing DEET can protect your skin from mosquito bites for up to 12 hours, while natural ingredients typically offer protection for only up to four hours. In general, higher concentrations of the active ingredient protect for longer time frames, so check the package for specific guidelines and apply according to the instructions.

Tags: mosquito repellents, active ingredient, containing percent, into your, lemon eucalyptus, onto your, those containing

Troubleshoot Propane Heaters

Propane heaters in the patio are a great way to extend your summer into the fall. Follow a few safety guidelines and perform some maintenance from time to time and you could get years of service. Just keep the airflow unobstructed and check for insects nesting in the orifices from time to time. You should use a pipe cleaner to clean the burner holes and compressed air can help too. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. If the pilot won't light, check the cylinder valve to see if it is open. Look for any blockages in any of the orifices or pilot tube. Check for air in the gas line. Bleed the gas line by pressing the control knob for a few minutes, until you smell gas.

2. Clean dirt from around the pilot if the pilot won't stay lit. Tighten any connections, particularly the connection between the gas valve and the pilot assembly. Replace the thermocouple if the problem continues.

3. Turn the cylinder off and replace the tank if the burner flame is too low. The tank may be empty. Use a full cylinder if the temperature is below 40 degrees. Make sure the supply hose isn't kinked.

4. Make sure the heater is on a level surface if the emitter glows unevenly. Replace the cylinder because this can also be an indication of low gas pressure.

5. Switch everything off and check for blockages if the heater emits black smoke. Allow the heater to cool down and check for blockages. Give the whole burner a good cleaning inside and out.

6. Replace the regulator if the heater just won't light despite your performing the steps above. Sometimes the regulator does fail. You could replace the hose at the same time.

Tags: check blockages, from time, from time time, Make sure, time time

How Much Money Does One Have To Make Before Having To File Taxes

If your income is low enough, you may not have to file an income tax return.

For most people, the United States revenue collection system functions on an involuntary basis. Your employer deducts your estimated taxes from your paycheck - and frequently a little more - and forwards the money to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year. At the end of the year, you get a W-2 form detailing your earnings and the taxes withheld from your paycheck. You file each year to claim any deductions or credits, validate the IRS's information on you, and confirm that you earn no other income. If you do earn significant other income, you join the ranks of the self-employed. You file quarterly tax returns for yourself and contribute 15.3 percent of your income in Social Security taxes on top of your federal income tax.

Types of Income Tax Returns

Most individuals will file a Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ income tax return. If you plan to itemize deductions, you must use Form 1040. If you don't plan to itemize, but you have dependents, use Form 1040A. And if you don't itemize deductions and you have no dependents, use Form 1040EZ. Additionally, you may have to file one or more separate schedules and supplemental forms, such as Schedule C-Profit or Loss from Business, with your federal income tax return.

Requirements for Single Taxpayers

If your filing status is single and you are under age 65, you must file an individual income tax return if your gross income was greater than $9,750, as of 2012. If you are age 65 or older, you must file if your taxes are $11,200. If you were born before January 1, 1948, you are considered to be 65 or older for filing purposes. When calculating these amounts, do not include Social Security benefits unless you are married filing a separate return and you and your spouse lived together at least part of the year, if half of your Social Security benefits plus your other gross income and any interest you receive from municipal bonds is greater than $25,000.

Requirements for Heads of Household

If you qualify as a head of household and you are under age 65, you have to file an individual income tax return if your income was $12,500. If you are 65 or older and qualify as a head of household, you must file an individual return if your income exceeds $13,950.

Requirements for Married Taxpayers

If both you and your spouse are under age 65 and married and file a joint return, you have to file if your gross income is over $19,500. If one spouse is over $20,650. If both of you are over age 65 at the end of the tax year, you need to file an individual return if your income is $21,800 or more. If you are married and file separately, you must file if your income was over $3,800.

Other Considerations

You must also file a return if you owe any alternative minimum tax, you owe taxes on a retirement plan such as an IRA, you had tip income you did not report to your employer, or you received income from an employer who did not withold taxes. You must also file if you had household employment expenses, though you may be able to file Schedule H without a return if this is the only reason you must file.

Requirements for the Self-Employed

You must file an individual tax return if you had net earnings (earnings after expenses) totaling at least $400. You have to file income tax on your income, and you must also pay self-employment taxes totaling 15.3 percent of your profit from your self-employment. This represents both your employee and employer share of your Social Security and Medicare taxes.

Requirements for Dependents

If someone else claims you as a dependent on their individual income tax return, you must file a return if your earned income was $5,950 or more or your unearned income was $950, or if the combination of the two was more than your income (up to $5,650) plus $300. If you are over 65 or blind and a dependent, you need to file if your unearned income was more than $2,100 (or $3,250) if you were older than 65 and blind), or if your earned income was greater than $7,100 (or $8,250 if you are over 65 or blind).

Tags: your income, must file, income return, return your, file individual, have file

Flowers For Outdoor Containers

Container gardening offers flexibility.

Container gardening offers flexibility since the plants are easily moved to different locations and easily changed in accordance with the season. According to Cornell University, any flower that can grow in the garden can also flourish in a container. Gardeners should choose an array of colorful flowers and provide the plants with a properly sized container, soil, water, nutrition and light. Does this Spark an idea?

Impatiens

Impatiens are popular in the United States.

According to Landscape America, impatiens are very popular in the United States. These annual flowers come in a variety of colors, such as white, purple, magenta, orange, pink, red and lavender. Varieties include dwarf impatiens, which grow between 8 and 10 inches tall; semi-dwarf impatiens which grow between 10 and 12 inches tall and tall forms which can grow to 14 inches tall. Impatiens require well-drained soil and daily watering. The flowers do well in partial sun to light shade.

Roses

Roses will thrive in most containers.

Roses do well in most containers; however, gardeners should be sure that the container has good drainage and is large enough to allow the rose's roots to develop. The size of the container depends on the type of rose that is being planted. A large floribunda, grandiflora or hybrid tea rose should be planted in a 15 gallon container. Smaller varieties will thrive in containers ranging from 4 to 10 gallons. According to Colorado State University, roses grown in containers should be watered daily during periods of hot weather.

Dahlias

Dahlias come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes.

Dahlias make excellent cut flowers and add visual interest to any garden with their profusion of blooms and variety of shapes, colors and sizes. These flowers should be placed in full sun to light shade and planted in well-drained soil in a container with efficient drainage. The soil should be kept moist, and flowers should be removed once they begin to fade.

Canna

Canna lilies add tropical flair.

Canna lilies evoke a tropical feel to the garden. Cannas are characterized by large leaves and brightly colored flowers which grow on tall stalks. Growing cannas in containers will yield slightly smaller plants. Place the container in full sunlight, and keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.

Petunias

Petunias bloom throughout the summer.

Petunias bloom nearly continually throughout the summer, grow in all climates and offer a variety of colors, sizes and growth types to suit the needs of every gardener. The flowers are generally shaped like a trumpet and come in colors such as white, yellow, cream, light pink, deep red, dark purple and pale blue. There are various hybrids available, including grandiflora, which produces the largest flowers; multiflora, which produce slightly smaller flowers; milliflora, which produce small blooms. According to the National Gardening Association, milliflora is the most ideal type of petunia to use in container gardening. The containers should be placed in full sunlight and fertilized once per month with a complete liquid fertilizer.

Tags: which grow, colors sizes, inches tall, between inches, between inches tall, Canna lilies, colors such

Does Bug Spray Repel Ants

Using an insecticide that also repels ants may seem ideal. Not only are you killing the ants but you're also preventing new ants from taking their place. If only that theory worked in practice. If repellent bug sprays are not used correctly, they can make an ant problem worse, which is why non-repellent sprays are often recommended. Does this Spark an idea?

Repellent Sprays

Pyrethroids are considered a "repellent insecticide" because they work quickly, usually within 10 minutes after the ant is exposed to them. Foraging ants are killed before they can leave a pheromone spray for other ants to follow. Pyrethoids will continue working as long as they remain but will not kill the entire colony. They kill only foraging ants, or about 10 percent of the colony.

Using Repellent Insecticides

Repellent insecticides like pyrethroids can be used as barrier sprays around homes and buildings to prevent ants from entering the structure. But they will work only if the barrier is complete and if the ants are nesting outdoors. If the ants are nesting inside the home, a barrier spray will prevent them from leaving. Pyrethoids can also be applied directly to the nest to kill the entire colony.

Problems with Repellent Insecticides

Repellent insecticides can often cause more problems than they solve. They can cause ants to rush around erratically, known as "flushing." The activity may trigger the colony to split and relocate, which means you now have two nests to get rid of. They also work against more effective treatments, such as baits, and kill beneficial insects, such as ladybugs.

Non-Repellent Sprays

Non-repellent sprays don't kill as quickly. They take about 90 to 120 minutes before they become effective. Because it takes the insecticides longer, the ants have time to lay a trail for other ants to follow. So even though some ants are killed, new ones may replace them. Fipronil, chlorfenapyr and thiamethoxam are considered non-repellent ant insecticides. Non-repellent sprays can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as baiting, and will not cause colonies to split, as repellent sprays can.

Tags: ants follow, ants from, ants killed, ants nesting, before they

Care For Citronella Plants In The Winter

Often promoted as a citronella or mosquito plant, citronella-scented geraniums release intense fragrance when the leaves are disturbed. Although research has determined that the claims by commercial growers of this plant's amazing ability to repel mosquitoes are exaggerated, the scent may be a mild deterrent. What this plant lacks in insect repelling ability, it makes up for with its attractive lacy green foliage and burst of fresh citronella fragrance in the home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Move plants inside in late summer when temperature begins to drop below 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

2. Cut foliage back to 4 to 6 inches in height to force new growth and create a dense, compact houseplant.

3. Water until water runs free from the bottom of the pot.

4. Place your citronella plants in a cool section of your home for several days to acclimate it to inside conditions; an area that remains between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal.

5. Move the plants to a sunny southern or western window.

6. Apply water-soluble fertilizer when new growth appears, following the application rate on the container. Withhold fertilizer during the winter months when growth slows. Resume fertilizing once a month when lush growth appears in early spring or late winter.

7. Water when the soil dries to the touch. Remove any water that collects in the saucer and discard it. How often your citronella plant needs water depends on the inside temperature and its rate of growth. Watch for signs of wilting and check the soil often to determine a good watering routine.

8. Pinch out new leaves if the plant becomes spindly and leggy. Move it to an area with more light.

Tags: degrees Fahrenheit, growth appears, Move plants, this plant, when growth

Make A Mosquito Net For A Bed

Adding a mosquito net canopy can spice up any room.

Bed canopies are as romantic as they are fashionable. They add elegance and uniqueness to any bedroom. Making a mosquito net bed canopy yourself is easy and you can make it as long and wide as you would like. Mosquito bed canopies can also be functional at keeping out pests such as mosquitoes and other bugs. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Decide what kind of mosquito net canopy you would like: a decorative mosquito net or a functional one. If you would like a functional one to keep bugs and mosquito's out, then you want to keep that in mind while making your mosquito net by making as few holes and openings as possible.

2. Measure to see how long you would like your mosquito net canopy to be. This is easily accomplished with a tape measure; however you can also use other measure devices, such as a yard stick. Decide whether or not you would like your canopy to go all the way to the floor, or only past the top of the bed. Whatever your preference, measure from ceiling to preferred length and write the measurements down on a piece of paper.

3. Cut the mosquito net at your preferred length. Make sure to leave about 2 or 3 inches to hem the top and bottom of your net. Set aside extra netting for the top of your mosquito net if you would like a completely enclosed canopy.

4. Using a bamboo hoop of your choice, bunch the top of the mosquito net around the hoop. This should give you a good idea if the net is too wide or not. If you would like a decorative mosquito net canopy, you want it to lie gracefully in folds when it is hung up, but not in so many folds that it is impossible to move it aside to get to the bed. Cut away any excess material if needed. If you are making a functional canopy, you want fewer folds but you want to make sure that the canopy will completely surround your bed.

5. Pin and sew using your needle and desired color of thread on the bottom and sides of your net. Sewing machines are an option if you prefer speed, just don't get in a hurry and make your hem uneven. If you are making a functional net, you may decide to sew together the sides of the canopy, leaving a small slit so you can climb in and out of your bed. If you would like to avoid leaving a slit in your canopy to keep mosquitoes out, you can sew the entire sides of the canopy together and get to your bed by going under the canopy.

6. Using the bamboo hoop, draw the top edge of the top of your net over the hoop and pin. If the hoop opens, you may pin and sew the top hem that will go over the bamboo hoop. After you pin the net around the entire hoop, sew the net closed.

7. Take the extra material that you set aside for the top of your canopy if you wanted an enclosed canopy. Measure and cut the material so that it creates a circle that will cover the hole in the top of your canopy. Sew the circle to the top of your canopy, enclosing it, and cut away any extra material.

8. Cut four or so little holes in the netting right below the bamboo for hanging material. You will need to make a hole also in the top of your canopy if you went with an enclosed canopy. Using desired material, such as extra netting or attractive yarn, slip through your hole and tie around the bamboo. If you want to avoid cutting holes in your canopy, you can sew the material to your canopy. Once you have your four, or more if desired, hanging materials tied to the bamboo, tie at the top to where all of the hanging materials will be at equal length when suspended.

9. Place a ceiling hook at the desired spot above your bed, such as centered over the headboard or mattress, and hang your newly made bed canopy. If you would like your canopy to be held more securely, you can use more hooks. Lay the netting material as you would like around your bed, fluffing it to add flow and the desired folds.

Tags: would like, your canopy, mosquito canopy, bamboo hoop, canopy Using

Circulate Hot Water In A Baseboard Heating System

Circulating hot water in a baseboard hot water system is easy.

One of the most common types of heating systems in use today in both commercial and residential buildings around the world is the baseboard hot water system. It works by circulating hot water through pipes that are surrounded by a metal casing complete with adjustable vents for directing the heat around the space. It is efficient, cost-effective and easy to maintain. Knowing circulate the water through the heating system allows it to work to heat your space efficiently. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Bleed the system at the start of the heating season. Turn the heat on for an hour, and turn it off. Locate the bleed valve at the base of the main system tank. Turn the bleed valve counterclockwise. A hissing sound signals that air is bleeding out. Turn the valve off once water starts coming out of the bleed hole steadily, which means all the air has been removed.

2. Return to your basement where the main system tank is located. Find all valves to the heating system. Usually there is a valve for each floor of the building, and they will be labeled as such.

3. Check each valve to be sure it is open. The handle should be turned counterclockwise as far as it can go.

4. Turn the thermostat on the lowest floor up to high. Leave it on for 30 minutes, and turn it completely off. Move to the next floor, and repeat the process. Continue in this fashion until you have reached the highest floor, at which point hot water will have circulated throughout the entire system.

Tags: baseboard water, baseboard water system, bleed valve, heating system, main system

Crane Flies In Your Lawn

The adult crane fly does not damage grass or plants.

The larvae of the European crane fly (Tipula paludosa) enjoy feeding on the roots of lawn grasses and other plant varieties. Adult crane flies do no damage, but if the population of larvae in a lawn becomes high, the grass will sustain visual damage. The larvae, known as leatherjackets, feed on the lawn's root system in the fall and early spring before pupating into adults. Does this Spark an idea?

Appearance and Damage

The leatherjackets pupate in the early summer into adults. The adult European crane fly resembles an oversized mosquito. Harmless, the adults do not bite or sting. The adults emerge from the soil and begin breeding. During the late summer, the female crane fly lays her eggs. The larvae have a gray-brown leathery skin and measure up to 1 1/2 inches in length. They reside within the moist soil. The larvae damage the lawn by feeding on its root system, crown and shoots. A dense population of the larvae can cause the ground to develop brown spots.

Finding Leatherjackets

The damage that the leatherjackets inflict on a lawn can resemble the damage other lawn pests cause. To determine if the leatherjacket larvae are the cause of the damage, consider digging up a 1-square-foot section of lawn to look for the pests. Dig the soil to a depth of 2 inches and peel the lawn back. A lawn in excellent health can often withstand up to 40 leatherjackets per square foot without sustaining damage.

Insecticidal Control

Crane fly larvae rarely require insecticidal control unless a severe infestation exists. Apply insecticides from April 1 to April 15 to successfully manage the pests. Ensure that the pesticide will not harm birds, which aid in the control of the crane fly larvae. Spray the insecticide onto the lawn in the evening to help protect bees. Mow the lawn to remove any flowering clover or weeds that may attract bees who could suffer accidental poisoning from the insecticide.

Natural Control

Maintain the lawn's overall health to reduce the risk of damage from the leathernecks. Regularly fertilizing and watering the lawn will help build up its strength. Regular removal of thatch will help disrupt the crane fly's life cycle, which can lower the insect's population. Avoid scaring off starlings and robins from the landscape. Starlings and robins love to feast on the crane fly larvae. Ground beetles will also naturally hunt and kill leatherjackets in the garden.

Tags: crane larvae, European crane, into adults, larvae cause, population larvae, root system, will help

Make Screen Windows For Deck Patios

Keep bugs out with screening.

So you want to install some screening on your deck or patio. Many decks have screened-in porches that allow you to enjoy the outdoors and nature without interacting with some of nature's more pesky citizens: annoying mosquitoes and flies. Screens are light and inexpensive, and can easily be installed. Installing the screens yourself carries the advantage of being able to replace them anytime they rip or tear. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure the opening of your window around the outside of the frame.

2. Cut your screening to the size of your window opening using the scissors for cutting metal, but add two inches to the height and two inches to the width.

3. Hold the screening up to your window opening, centered as closely as possible on the frame. Staple each of the four corners in place, then staple all around the edges, every three or four inches. Ensure the staples are as close as possible to the edge, so that the screen can't get pulled off.

Tags: your window, screening your, window opening, your window opening

Connect A Fountain Spray Nozzle To A Pond Pump

Pond Fountain

Pond fountains add interest and beauty to your outdoor water feature. Not only does it look great, but it is also beneficial to pond wildlife. Pond fountains keep water moving which provides oxygen to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. This beneficial bacteria provides ammonia and nitrates for fish, making them healthier. The movement of the water also prevents it from becoming a stagnant breeding ground for mosquitoes. The pond fountain kit comes with a nozzle which is the connected to a submersible pump. Different nozzles have different spray patterns depending on the type of fountain spray desired. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Purchase the pond fountain installation kit. It should include a submersible pump, tubing and pray nozzle. If you want a different spray pattern for the fountain, you may need to purchase a separate nozzle with a different pattern.

The type of kit will depend on the size of the pond where it will be installed. If installing in a large pond, the pump will need to be more powerful (high GPH or gallons per hour). If you plan to install the fountain kit in a smaller pond or water feature, the size and horsepower of the pump needed will likely be much smaller (lower GPH). See recommendations on the kit to be sure you are purchasing the appropriate kit for your pond or water feature.

2. Build up a platform with rocks in the center of the pond where you would like the pump and fountain to be. The pump must sit up off of the bottom of the pond so that it does not get clogged with debris.

3. Fasten the plastic tubing that was included in your kit onto the output tube of the pump. Use a hose clamp and a screwdriver to clamp the hose to the output tightly to prevent it from dislodging once the pump is on.

4. Attach the spray nozzle to the other end of the flexible tubing. Use another hose clamp to make sure this connection is tight as well.

5. Submerse the pump into the pond and place atop of the platform you built in step 2. The spray nozzle will float on top of the water above the pump.

6. Plug in the pump. Check to see if the pump and sprayer are working properly. If not, recheck the previous connections to be sure the tubing has not slipped off and caused a loss of suction.

Tags: water feature, beneficial bacteria, different spray, hose clamp, pond fountain, Pond fountains, pond water

Choose Between Mosquito Repellents

Choose Between Mosquito Repellents

From spray on to lotions to mosquito bracelets, one might think there are as many choices for mosquito repellents as there are mosquitoes themselves. Choosing the right mosquito repellent seems like a daunting task, but it's really not that difficult.

Instructions

1. Check to see if the repellent contains deet. Many scientific studies found that repellents with deet are the most effective against insects.

2. Choose the concentration of deet you desire. Keep in mind how long your outdoor activity will last. If you're going to be outside for a longer amount of time, you'll want a repellent with a higher concentration of deet. However, if you will only be spending a short time outside, a repellent with a smaller concentration will provide adequate protection.

3. Compare the form of repellent with your outdoor activity. Maybe you need it combined with a sunscreen. Perhaps you need it to be waterproof. Maybe you want to wear it as a bracelet. Your outdoor activity should determine the form of repellent you select.

4. Apply the mosquito repellent. If you choose a spray, hold the bottle a few inches away from the skin or clothing and spray generously. Be sure the liquid has covered all exposed skin. If you use a lotion, again be sure that all exposed skin is covered.

Tags: outdoor activity, repellent with, your outdoor activity, Between Mosquito, Between Mosquito Repellents

Adjust The Front Sight Of A Sig Sauer Pistol

Sig Sauer is a manufacturer of firearms that are popular for military, law enforcement, and civilian use. One of the advantages to the Sig Sauer line of pistols is the consistency of design across their entire pistol line, making such tasks as adjusting the front sight for windage (left-to-right accuracy) the same regardless of model.

Instructions

1. Remove the magazine and ensure that the pistol is unloaded by pulling back the slide and visually verifying that the chamber is empty.

2. Field strip the pistol.

3. Install the slide onto the sight adjustment tool by aligning the grooves in the slide with the locking plate on the sight adjustment tool.

4. Align the front sight blade with the narrow slot (front sight alignment notch) in the top of the adjustment tool.

5. Hand-tighten the locking plate nob until the front sight is securely within the front sight alignment notch.

6. Turn the T-handle of the sight adjustment tool to adjust the front sight as desired. Remember that the front sight should be adjusted in the same direction where you want your bullet to go. For instance, if the pistol is shooting too far to the right, the front sight needs to be adjusted to the right.

Tags: front sight, adjustment tool, sight adjustment, sight adjustment tool, alignment notch, front sight alignment

Homemade Backyard Wild Bird Area

Atrracting wild birds to your garden can be a rewarding experience.

From hummingbirds to owls, welcoming feathered friends into back yards is a pastime enjoyed all over the world. Birds help gardens by eating insects, spreading seeds and in many other ways. A wild bird station can be simple or elaborate, depending on how much time and expense you wish to spend. Purchase a guide book for bird species in your area and decide which species you would like to attract the most. Does this Spark an idea?

Bird Houses

Many species of birds will set up camp in your yard if provided with the right space. Some are simply looking for trees with strong branches and a yard free of predators. Find out what type of nest the birds in your area build. Some species will prefer a house high up on a pole while others are content with a box nailed to a fence. Make sure that any structure you provide is waterproof and out of reach of cats and dogs. Bird houses can be made from scraps of wood or even hollowed-out gourds, or they can be purchased from garden supply stores.

Feeders

Provide a clean, well-stocked feeding area to attract many birds to a central area. Choose an area that you can view from your window for added enjoyment. Select nectar feeders for hummingbirds and seed holders for a larger variety of birds. Clean your feeders every few weeks to keep away disease and mold. Purchase or create a feeder that is squirrel-proof to prevent these rodents from chasing away the birds and eating all the food. Research types of bird foods to ensure you do not include any product that would be harmful to the birds you are feeding.

Garden

Choose plants that are already native to your area. According to A Home for Wild Birds website, these plants are the most appropriate foods for birds in your area. To attract nectar sippers like hummingbirds, choose flowers with colors such as red and purple. Fruit trees and plants that produce seeds and berries are also good choices for attracting birds.

Bird Baths

Include a bird bath in your bird habitat to attract many types of birds at once. Traditional pedestal bird baths come in every shape and size and will add beauty and function to your backyard. Consider a heated bird bath if you live in a colder climate. Choose a hanging bird bath if you have several trees and are worried about ground predators. Attract birds with the sound of flowing water by installing a fountain near your bird bath. Rinse bird baths daily for optimal use. Create your own birdbath by placing a large, shallow terracotta saucer on a pedestal that is at least two feet high.

Tags: bird bath, your area, birds your, area attract, attract many

Use A Garden Sprayer For Paint

Garden sprayers are very handy for distributing pesticides, fertilizers and weed killers around your home and garden. As such, anyone might think that a sprayer is just like any other sprayer, and if it works well enough for one type of application, it will work well for any application. To that end, you can use a garden sprayer for painting, but there are certain considerations you must understand before you attempt it. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Water-based paint

1. Most latex paints are water-based and thick and need to be heavily diluted before you can spray them.

2. Mix one part paint to 3 parts water in your sprayer.

3. Swirl and gently shake the mixture.

4. Pump up your garden sprayer.

5. Spray on as fine a mist as possible without the sprayer nozzle clogging up. Adjust the nozzle as needed to prevent clogging.

6. You will need to spray on 4 sprayer coats to achieve the consistency of one brush coat of non-diluted paint. This works best on horizontal surfaces as vertical surfaces are prone to dripping and running with this type of dilution requirement.

Oil-based paint

7. Oil-based paint and stains need to be diluted in a 50/50 mix inside the sprayer.

8. Swirl the mix around, and pump it up.

9. Spray on as fine a mist as possible without the nozzle clogging up. Adjust as needed.

10. You will need to spray two coats of oil-based paint or stain to make one regular coat.

Tags: clogging Adjust, fine mist, fine mist possible, garden sprayer, mist possible

Find A Revolutionary War Reenactment

If you're a colonial history buff, you are probably interested in the Revolutionary War. Fought throughout the eastern United States, the battles of this war are often memorialized at the battlefields, in small towns and at fairs in reenactments. You can also participate by finding a reenactment near you. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Contact a local reenactment group and ask for information on upcoming events.

2. Check newspaper advertisements to find out if there will be reenactments are any fairs, carnivals, or other events in your area.

3. Call battlefield sites. Often, they have tourist information about reenactments that will be taking place throughout the year.

4. Search the Internet for events featuring reenactments.

5. Compile all of your information to verify dates and times.

6. Choose a battle that interests you. Reenactments that are popular include Valley Forge and Lexington/Concord.

7. Contact event organizers to get directions to and from the site of the reenactment.

Tags:

Have Less Mosquitoes In Your Yard During Summer

Many people use a bug zapper to attract and electrocute mosquitoes.

Many people enjoy relaxing in the yard or on the porch on a warm summer evening. However, they don't enjoy the biting of hungry mosquitoes. While you'll never rid yourself of these pests completely, there are several methods you can use to thin the herd, minimize the number of nibbles you receive and reduce the possibility of contracting the potentially deadly West Nile virus. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Keep your lawn mowed and all brush trimmed. Mosquitoes enjoy residing in thick grass and weedy patches, so the fewer there are, the fewer mosquitoes you'll attract to your yard.

2. Eradicate all standing water from your yard. Clean the gutters and ensure that drainpipes drain completely. Change the water in the birdbath every few days. Remove any empty containers where water may pool. Empty kiddie swimming pools and dry them thoroughly after use.

3. Encourage nearby neighbors to eliminate sources that harbor and attract mosquitoes such as those mentioned above. Hold a meeting on the subject or publish in an issue of your homeowner's association newsletter. By reducing the mosquito attractions in your immediate area, you can reduce the number of mosquitoes that find their way to your yard.

4. Burn citronella candles or torches to repel mosquitoes. Obtain several citronella candles or torches and position them around the edge of your deck or patio to reduce the number of mosquitoes in the area for yourself and your guests.

Tags: your yard, candles torches, citronella candles, citronella candles torches, Many people

Feed Yeast Culture To Dairy Goats

Soon-to-be-weaned dairy goat kids are ideal yeast culture candidates.

Feeding yeast culture to dairy goats provides an inexpensive way to aid in increasing your goats' appetites and boosting milk production. Typically sold in bags at livestock or goat supply centers, yeast culture is a powdered blend of dried yeast and the medium on which it was grown, such as corn meal or malted barley. When given to goats orally, yeast culture may encourage the growth of helpful bacteria that aid in the digestive process, says Dr. David Pugh, veterinarian and author of "Sheep and Goat Medicine." Most goats enjoy the taste of yeast culture, so the process of feeding yeast powder to your goats shouldn't be extremely difficult.

Instructions

1. Select dairy goats in your herd that you feel will benefit from dietary yeast culture supplementation. Choose goats experiencing dietary changes and potential physical stress, such as young kids who are about to be weaned, does that are close to giving birth and does that are lactating or giving milk.

2. Measure out each selected goat's grain ration into a separate feed bucket or bin. Minimize potential goat shoving and pushing by keeping the grain out of reach of the goats during the measuring process.

3. Scoop the desired amount of yeast culture powder into a small plastic or paper sandwich bag, and weigh the bag using a handheld or digital scale to determine the proper dosage. The exact amount of yeast needed varies by goat, depending upon your goat's age, as well as the type of yeast culture you purchased; typically you'll need to use 1/4 oz. of yeast culture for goat kids and 1/2 oz. of the yeast culture for adult goats.

4. Pour the first dose of yeast culture on top of the grain in the first bucket. Mix the grain slightly with your fingers to ensure that the yeast powder blends thoroughly with the top layer of the grain. Repeat the measuring and pouring process with each additional bucket of goat grain.

5. Give the grain-yeast blend to the proper goats. Ensure that each goat consumes all of the yeast culture and grain by feeding them one at a time in a separate pen or milking stand. Check each bucket to ensure that each goat has completely consumed all of the grain and yeast powder before releasing them into the main pen again.

6. Feed your dairy goats the yeast culture once each day as long as they're going through feeding changes. Be prepared to keep lactating dairy goats on the yeast supplement throughout the duration of their lactation period, which typically lasts for nine to 10 months in most dairy does.

Tags: yeast culture, dairy goats, yeast culture, yeast powder, amount yeast, culture grain

Use Mosquito Netting To Keep Cats Out Of A Crib

Cats' curiosity seems to get them into every nook and cranny in your household. They love to jump into boxes, cribs and beds. Of course, there are some places you don't want your cat to jump into, such as a crib with a baby in it. You can keep cats out of a crib with mosquito netting, hung above the crib and down to the ground, while still providing ventilation and airflow.

Instructions

1. Measure the height of the ceiling and the dimensions of the crib. Use these dimensions to buy enough mosquito netting to reach from the ceiling to a foot above the floor, and to easily drape over all four sides of the crib without pulling tightly.

2. Put on gloves, which will help provide friction while you screw a hook into the ceiling. Climb a ladder, and find the point on the ceiling that is directly above the crib, between all four sides, right in the middle.

3. Screw the hook, clockwise, tightly and securely into the ceiling until it is fully inserted. Tug on it a little to make sure it is firmly in the ceiling.

4. Spread the mosquito netting out flat on the ground. Use a marker and create a small circle directly in the center of the mosquito netting, an equal distance from all four sides. Pick the netting up and bring it to the hook on the ceiling. Hook the mark securely onto the ceiling hook so the hook cuts through the netting.

5. Take each side of the mosquito netting and drape it over the crib, so all the netting is on the outside of the crib. Pull it straight so it is not caught on any sides of the crib and all sides are about a foot above the ground.

Tags: mosquito netting, four sides, above crib, crib with, drape over

Tell If It Is Chicken Pox Or Chigger Bites

Although the blisters may look similar, it's fairly easy to tell if you have chickenpox or chigger bites. Chickenpox has generally been a childhood disease and is caused by the virus varicella-zoster. It produces hundreds of itchy blisters that burst all over the body. If you get chigger bites, on the other hand, it means you've been bitten by an insect. Chiggers are the larva form of a type of mite and are usually found on plants in forests and grassy areas. According to Dr. Melissa Conrad Stoppler, they infest human skin by inserting their feeding structures and injecting enzymes that destroy the human tissue.

Instructions

1. Notice whether you have symptoms of a virus before a rash occurs. With chickenpox, most children who are infected have a fever, headache or stomachache for two to four days before breaking out in a rash, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). If so, you definitely have chickenpox, not chigger bites.

2. See what the lesions look like. Chickenpox blisters are very itchy and filled with fluid. They burst, and, after a couple days, they start to scab. Meanwhile, more blisters will appear. They sometimes leave scars if they become infected from scratching. With chigger bites, the actual bite is not identifiable. Itchiness begins after a few hours. A red bump forms and sometimes looks like a blister that can last for a few days or a couple of weeks, according to kidshealth.org.

3. Take note of the number of blisters you have and where they are on the body. Someone with chickenpox typically develops 250 to 500 small blisters, according to NIH. A chigger bite blister will only occur where you were bitten. You may have multiple spots, but not even close to as many as you would have with chickenpox. Kidshealth.org says that chigger bites tend to be on thin skin, such as that on the ankle, groin area, back of the knees and in the armpits. Chickenpox blisters are all over and usually first appear on the face, trunk or scalp. They spread to the rest of the body from there.

4. Notice your environment. Chickenpox is very contagious. The rash will appear one to three weeks after you get infected. Remember if you were near someone else who had the virus. It can be spread through fluids of the blister, as well as coughing and sneezing. A person becomes contagious a couple days before the pox begins, the NIH says. With chigger bites, it's likely you were outdoors when you were bitten. Chiggers require a high level of humidity to survive, so they live in moist areas near water. Most are found on plants close to the ground.

Tags: chigger bites, Chickenpox blisters, chickenpox chigger, chickenpox chigger bites, couple days

Homemade Mosquito Repellent With Garlic

Keep mosquitoes away with natural ingredients, like garlic.

Many mosquito repelling sprays contain chemicals that can be harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Avoid both these problems. by making safe mosquito repellent at home, out of natural ingredients. The repellent can be made out of garlic-infused oil -- or by mixing garlic with other ingredients that deter mosquitoes -- such as tobacco leaves and hot peppers. Spray the repellents on yourself, as well as around your home and garden, to keep the bugs away. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Garlic Oil Spray

1. Soak three ounces of minced garlic, in 2 tsp. of mineral oil, in a small bowl. Leave it for at least 24 hrs. This will allow the oil to become infused with the garlic scent.

2. Mix one pint of water and 1/4 cup of liquid soap in a separate bowl. Add the liquid soap and water mixture to the garlic oil and stir.

3. Strain the mixture through a piece of cheesecloth. Discard the pulp caught in the cheesecloth. Pour the mixture into a glass jar. This mixture is the concentrated form of the spray.

4. Dilute the concentrated mixture, by adding one tablespoon to one pint of water. Pour the mixture into a small spray bottle.

Garlic Tobacco Spray

5. Grate the Castile soap with a cheese grater, until you have one cup of grated soap. Mix the grated soap in a bowl with one cup of boiling water, until it dissolves completely. Set the bowl aside.

6. Blend one cup of tobacco leaves in a blender. Add two cups of boiling water, and one bulb of garlic. Blend the mixture until it is smooth, and there are no visible lumps.

7. Strain the mixture through a piece of cheesecloth. Discard the pulp.

8. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Add in the dissolved soap and shake the bottle to mix. The soapy water will help dilute the mixture and make it easier to spray.

Garlic Pepper Spray

9. Break apart two bulbs of garlic into cloves. Place the garlic cloves in a blender. Add two habanero or cayenne peppers to the blender. Blend the peppers and garlic thoroughly.

10. Strain the mixture through a piece of cheesecloth. Discard the pulp.

11. Pour the mixture into a container. Add one gallon of water to the mixture and shake the container to mix it.

12. Dilute the mixture 1/4 cup into one gallon of water. Pour the diluted mixture into a small spray bottle.

Tags: mixture into, Pour mixture, Pour mixture into, cheesecloth Discard, cheesecloth Discard pulp

Safe Insect Repellents

Avoid mosquito bites with an effective application of insect repellent.

Whether you would like to garden in peace without constant interruptions from insects, or you are taking the family into the woods and want to avoid ticks and other biting pests, you need to use an insect repellent. Insect repellents keep insects away and prevent biting, but there are many to choose from. Insect repellents on the market may be too strong for children or for people with sensitive skin, so assess what safe options are out there. Does this Spark an idea?

DEET

DEET, known scientifically as N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide, is a chemical that has been tested and approved as a safe insect repellent for adults and children. However, if you are worried about the use of chemicals on children, choose a repellent with a relatively low concentration of DEET. Use a 10 percent to 30 percent concentration of DEET, with even a lower concentration if the children will only be outdoors for an hour or two. Apply DEET only once a day.

Picaridin

Picaridin is known scientifically as 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperidinecarboxylic acid 1-methylpropyl ester and also under the trade name KBR 3023. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, it is effective against biting flies, fleas, ticks, chiggers and mosquitoes. It is typically administered as a spray, and it is nearly odorless, which gives it an advantage over the musky smell produced by DEET. It also has a less greasy feel than DEET.

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus

Oil of lemon eucalyptus is reported to be as effective as low concentrations of DEET, according to the EPA. It may be derived from the eucalyptus plant or it may be synthesized for commercial production. It is gentler on the skin than DEET and it also has a pleasant citrus scent. Do not use it on children who are younger than 3 years old. When choosing an insect repellent with oil of lemon eucalyptus, choose one that has a 30 percent concentration of lemon eucalyptus.

Homemade Insect Repellent

You may also make your own insect repellent using essential oils and water. Mix 6 drops peppermint, 6 drops of tea tree oil and 9 drops of eucalyptus radiata oil with 8 oz. of water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray it directly on your skin and clothes. Do not use undiluted essential oils for this purpose as they can burn the skin.

Tags: insect repellent, concentration DEET, DEET also, essential oils, Insect repellents, known scientifically, lemon eucalyptus

Dengue Fever & Itchy Skin

Dengue fever causes itchy skin.

Dengue fever is a viral infection predominately found in tropical areas. The virus is spread by mosquitos and often causes temporary but severe discomfort along with itchy skin rashes.

Description

Dengue fever generally lasts around one week. It starts with a high fever and causes itchy, sensitive and irritated red skin. Although dengue fever can be extremely uncomfortable, it usually does not result in death.

Symptoms

Dengue fever symptoms start shortly after a person is infected. The high fever may reach up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, and the itchy rash occurs sporadically on the body and around the mosquito bite. Other common symptoms are headache, fatigue, joint aches, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting.

Treatment

There is no specific medication for curing dengue fever. However, acetaminophen, or Tylenol, is often used to lower a high fever. Patients should stay hydrated in order to fight off the virus. In the case of extremely high fever, you should seek professional help right away.

Mosquito Type and Location

Dengue fever is spread by various types of mosquitos, but primarily the Aedes aegypti, which is found mostly in southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, South and Central America, and the Indonesian archipelago into northeastern Australia.

Warning

If you receive a mosquito bite and get a rash along with itchiness, seek medical attention. This is especially recommended if you are located in the tropical areas where dengue fever is commonly found.

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Make Your Yard Insect Free

Making your yard insect-free requires proactivity and caution when using chemicals.

Having an insect-free yard not only makes spending time there more comfortable, but also prevents pest infestations that can destroy your foliage. To accomplish this feat use a combination of chemical and manual methods to rid existing plants of bugs and carefully examine new plants before you add them. In addition, growing plants such as parsley and Queen Anne's lace actually draws beneficial insects, including bees and butterflies, which feed on unwanted insects in your yard. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Apply an insecticide to plants in your yard. Make sure the product label lists the type of plants you plan to treat and choose a product that specifically kills both the insect you are targeting and the stage of that insect. Some insecticides, for example, target adult pests while others work on larvae. Explore less-toxic pesticide options, such as botanical, mineral-based and microbial pesticides, as well as synthetic organic products such as soaps or oils, which are better for the environment. Follow the label directions of any insecticide you use to prevent damage to plants.

2. Inspect your plants regularly and spray down infested ones using a garden hose, or simply pick off visible insects by hand. Cut off parts of plants that have been destroyed by insects to help remaining foliage survive and grow.

3. Check that nursery starter plants are free of pests before planting them in your yard. Ask your local nursery workers which garden plant varieties are resistant to pests in your particular area.

4. Change the location of your annuals each year to disturb the life cycles of pests in your yard. Get rid of the residue of plants you previously removed so that pests do not overwinter in it.

5. Take a sample of your soil to a local count extension office for testing. Follow the recommendations of your soil test results when adding amendments and managing the pH level. Healthy soil leads to healthy plants, which are better able to resist insects.

6. Monitor the amount of water you give plants. Too much or too little can make plants susceptible to insects. Also, remove rocks and debris from your yard, as these provide hiding and breeding places for insects.

Tags: your yard, your yard, pests your, which better, your soil

What Attracts & Repels Mosquitos & Gnats

Repel mosquitoes naturally or with the help of chemical substances.

Buzzing gnats and biting mosquitoes are often a source of nuisance for many people, especially during the warmer months and rainy seasons. They are attracted to a few of the same things and repel with the use of natural or chemical substances. Proper application and use of repellents will significantly reduce the amount of gnats and mosquitoes whether indoors or outdoors.

What Attracts Mosquitoes

Varieties of things tend to attract mosquitoes. A universally recognized attraction for mosquitoes is carbon dioxide from the breaths of humans and animals. Carbon dioxide draws the insects from 35 meters away. Body odors such as sweat and lactic acid, combined with heat, are enticing agents for the mosquito. Moisture, whether on the body or in standing water, can make a breeding ground or potential for blood. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors on clothes or leaves. They also recognize movement from 30 feet by noticing the changes in light around the moving object.

What Repels Mosquitoes

DEET, developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is effective against not only mosquitoes, but also fleas, ticks and gnats. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that all people over the age of two months can use repellents with 30 percent DEET concentration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends two other types of repellant: picaridin and lemon-eucalyptus oil. Picaridin, developed by the Bayer Corporation, is widely used around the world and is equally as effective as DEET. Picaridin is safe to use on children as young as two months. Lemon-eucalyptus oil is a natural repellent for mosquitoes, as well as geranium, clove and peppermint oil. Fans and citronella candles will reduce the number of mosquito bites slightly, but they are not as effective compared to the other repellents.

What Attracts Gnats

Warm, moist places and carbon dioxide also attract gnats, which use wet places as breeding grounds and a source of food. Over-watered plants, birdbaths, puddles and drainpipes are often sources of breeding for gnats. Rotting fruits and vegetables are an attractive meal for the bugs. You may often see gnats congregating near mulch or shrubbery. Rotting plant debris, mold and fungus also provide homes and food to gnats in outdoor settings. Bright lights attract gnats as well.

What Repels Gnats

A variety of natural and chemical repellents work to control gnat populations or repel them. Prepare a mixture of vinegar and dish soap in a bowl to attract and trap gnats that often congregate around fruit and vegetables. BTi, also known as Gnatrol, is a bacteria that kills gnat larvae. Gnatrol works best if you know the specific location where gnats are breeding. Spray on indoor or outdoor plants to kill larvae. To kill gnats in outdoor gardens, predatory insects and beneficial nematodes provide long-term control of larvae once established in the soil. DEET, citronella, pine oil, vanilla and dryer sheets are additional ways to repel gnats. Place a small amount of liquid in a dish near congregating gnats or hang dryer sheets with clips or string.

Tags: What Attracts, attract gnats, carbon dioxide, chemical substances, dryer sheets

Contents Of Rose Essential Oil

Essential oil extracted from roses contains an array of natural organic compounds.

Rose essential oil's strong floral scent has made the oil popular for a wide range of applications. Aromatherapists use the oil in massages to reduce stress and treat skin conditions, while consumers sprinkle a few drops into scent diffusers to freshen air inside the home. Rose essential oil contains numerous natural chemicals and compounds.

Citronellol and Geraniol

Each of these organic compounds helps lend rose essential oil its fragrance. Citronellol is a natural ingredient in plant oils, fruits, teas and wines. It also serves as a pest control targeting mites, though it's not harmful to humans and has long been included in makeup and flavorings. Geraniol provides backup flavors in foods featuring peach, watermelon, pineapple and blueberry taste profiles. In addition to enjoying geraniol in rose essential oil, consumers will find the substance in lotions, lipsticks, bath soaps and sun blocks, among other goods. Both compounds share a rose-like scent and a yellow hue.

Nerolidol and Farnesol

Like citronellol, these floral scent compounds were initially isolated from roses, citronella and lemon grass and used as mite-control chemicals. Both substances are nontoxic in animals and people, so they're safe in foods and topically applied products. Scientists now know make synthetic nerolidol and farnesol in laboratories, so these chemicals no longer come from plant sources.

Limonene

A natural chemical present in the skins of oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits, limonene brings a subtle citrus essence to rose essential oil. Limonene's astringent properties make it ideal in smaller doses for skin treatments and tinctures. Isolated and used in higher concentrations, limonene is a natural cleaning solvent. In higher concentrations, it's even used to make paints and in cooling fluids.

Eugenol

A component of clove oil, eugenol brings soothing, anti-inflammatory properties to rose essential oil. Eugenol harbors a natural painkiller that can numb the skin. Eugenol also appears in soaps, cosmetics and perfume.

Linalool

A natural alcohol present in rosewood, linalool brings a hint of cinnamon scent to rose essential oil. In other forms, linalool serves as a topical insect repellent, and its high Vitamin E content can be therapeutic for the skin. Many makers of personal products including body lotions, soaps and shampoos also include linalool in their ingredients. Linalool can cause flare-ups of eczema if products containing the substance are applied too heavily to people with a history of the skin disorder.

Myrcene and Pinene

These related essential oil compounds serve as chemical components in the creation of flavors and scents. Manufacturers frequently use myrcene in perfumes and in prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Pungent-smelling pinene represents an important ingredient in tea tree oil, and is deployed in deodorants and in skin medications. Researchers at the University of Minnesota have reported that pinene possesses antibacterial properties when applied to the skin.

Tags: rose essential, floral scent, from roses, higher concentrations, organic compounds

Criteria For Disability In Minnesota

Disability requirements are set by the State of Minnesota.

Minnesotans recognizes people who meet criteria from a series of test as having a disability. In general, the presence of a physical or mental health condition alone is not sufficient. The conditions or combination of conditions must be so severe the person is not employable according the standards set by the State of Minnesota.

Severity

The Social Security Administration in Minnesota requires the person's physical or mental health condition to be so severe as to prohibit the person from substantial gainful employment for the length of one year or more. The severity can result from a single condition or from a combination of conditions that culminates in the prohibition of work. People who are able to continue to work may still qualify for a disability designation if the condition, or combination of conditions, is expected to result in death.

Employability

Minnesota recognizes the federal definition of substantial gainful activity. Participating in substantial activity does not refer to part-time versus full-time. For 2010 and 2011, earning at least $1,000 each month is considered substantial activity. Gainful activity refers to work performed for pay or profit, even if no profit was realized.

The lack of a suitable job opportunity does not justify a disability designation. The justification is based on the citizen's employability. The employability standard considers if the person is able to perform any job in the United States rather than restricting the list of suitable jobs to the state boundaries.

Automatic Disability Determination

A limited number of conditions allow the State of Minnesota to designate automatically a person as having a disability. Minnesota recognizes these conditions as having pervasive impacts on the person's life and typically meets the specified criteria without having to launch a determination investigation. For example, the list contains chronic cardiovascular disease, cancer of a major organ, organic mental disorders and limitations of the musculoskeletal system. Minnesota still requires the claimant to provide medical documentation of a condition on the list of automatically accepted conditions.

Other Considerations

In addition to the person's medical condition, Minnesota considers a person's age, abilities, training and past work experiences. Considering training, past experience and abilities helps the state determine what employment options may be available to the person, which would exclude the person from a disability status. Age influences the determination because adults must meet the substantial gainful employment test but children must meet a severe functional limitation test.

Tags: combination conditions, State Minnesota, substantial gainful, considers person, disability designation

Is There A Plant Or Flower That Will Get Rid Of Biting Insects In Your Yard

The strong fragrance of herbs keeps many biting insects away.

Mosquitoes, flies, fleas and mites are common biting insects in the yard, especially in spring and summer. Biting insects are absent in winter and scarce in the fall. Yards are most populated by biting insects in early morning and late afternoon into evening. During the mid-day they stay out of the direct sun and wind. Insects that bite are more active just before summer storms. There are several plants that repel each type of biting insect. Does this Spark an idea?

Mites

Mites are a member of the arachnid (spider) family and cause skin irritation when they bite. They reproduce quickly and are able to produce up to 16 generations per season. Chiggers and clover mites are two types often found in landscaped areas. They overwinter in the soil and like the hot, dry conditions of summer. Grow herbs with strong fragrance such as dill and coriander to keep mites under control. They are also repelled by alder trees and rye or wheat mulch. Ladybugs and green lacewings are the natural predators of mites.

Mosquitoes

The chemical compounds in many common garden plants can be used to repel biting mosquitoes in the yard. Each plant exudes the compounds naturally but gives more effective relief if crushed or infused into an oil or alcohol base to be rubbed on the skin. Catnip, peppermint and lemon balm are plants that spread easily and provide bug protection from many types of biting insects. Citronella grass forms clumps that reach 5 to 6 feet in height and has grayish-green flat leaves. The oil in its leaves is highly repellent to backyard mosquitoes. Native plants in the Artemisia family, such as mugwort, sage and wormwood, are also effective insect repellents.

Flies

Deer flies, horse flies and black flies sometimes cause itchy allergic reactions when they bite. Plants that have chemical compounds that biting flies do not like include pine trees and the herb basil. Citrus peel can be used in a pomander hung in doorways to discourage flies from entering. Strong-scented herbs of many types will help keep the fly population down. Herbs such as rosemary, catnip, lavender, pennyroyal, rue, peppermint, garlic, tansy and Artemisia provide natural insect controls.

Fleas

The herb pennyroyal is also known as fleabane because of its effectiveness in dispersing fleas from the yard. It is the smallest member of the mint family, growing 3 inches to a foot in length low to the ground. Other mints such as spearmint, peppermint and catnip also provide backyard relief from biting fleas. Taller plants such as rosemary, sage, sweet bay and lemon grass have chemical compounds that fleas do not like. Using any of these plants as a rub or infused into a spray can provide protection from biting fleas.

Tags: biting insects, chemical compounds, biting fleas, chemical compounds that, compounds that, from biting

Make Investigatory Projects

Consider entering your investigatory project into a science fair competition.

Burning questions can be answered through experimentation. Learning make a battery from a potato or about how much honey a bee hive produces or about why a bug moves slower in certain temperatures are all questions answered through experimentation called investigatory projects. Making an investigatory project involves identifying your own burning question, something you desperately want to know and designing an experiment to find the answer.

Instructions

1. Find a topic that interests you -- not your parents or your teacher. If you are not interested in bugs, you will have a hard time making an investigatory project investigating bugs.

2. Identify a question about the topic. For example, if you are interested in how plants grow, you might ask "do plants grow better in sunlight or under artificial lamps?"

3. Determine if you can conduct some kind of test to get an answer to your question. For the plant example, you could perform a test growing the same kind of plant in the sunlight and under an artificial lamp.

4. Conduct your experiment and record your results.

5. Analyze your data to determine the answer to your question.

6. Report your results. A typical investigative project report includes a description of the purpose of the project, the procedures used, the results and a conclusion.

Tags: investigatory project, answer your, answer your question, answered through, answered through experimentation, plants grow, questions answered

Florida Aviation Colleges

The weather in Florida is ideal for flying.

Florida provides the ideal environment for students seeking to become pilots. Many aviation colleges in Florida are located in the Daytona Beach area on the Atlantic coast of Florida. The weather conditions here are agreeable to flying more than 360 days per year. The Embry Riddle Aeronautical University provides students with an aviation degree and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved flight courses. This is the first step to becoming a professional pilot. Florida also has a number of aviation schools which offer flight instruction courses to help students become either private or commercial pilots.

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University is one of the oldest aviation and aerospace universities in the world. It is an independent university with two main campuses, one of which is based in Daytona Beach, Florida. The university offers 30 degree programs in subjects such as aeronautical science, aeronautical systems maintenance, electronics, engineering, and air traffic management. It also provides courses in private, commercial, and multi-engine flight approved by the FAA. Annual tuition fees in 2010/2011 are $29,248 and flight instruction fees are around $15,000 per year.

Daytona Aviation Academy

Daytona Aviation Academy is a flight school based at Daytona Beach International Airport, Florida. The academy provides courses for students seeking to become private, commercial, or multi-engine pilots. The courses are all approved by the FAA. Students at the academy come from diverse backgrounds such as high school and college students and working professionals. 2011 hourly rates are $30 to $40 for instruction and $85 to $200 for aircraft rental.

Phoenix East Aviation

Founded in 1972, Phoenix East Aviation is a flight school based in Daytona Beach, Florida. Its courses are approved by the FAA and it provides training for students seeking to become private, commercial or airline transport pilots. Students at Phoenix East can also work toward an aviation degree. Students at the school have access to single and multi-engine aircraft as well as state-of-the-art flight simulators. The school has access to Daytona Beach Airport and four other non-controlled airports in the area.

Orlando Flight Training

Orlando Flight Training is an aviation school located in Orlando, Florida. Its flight programs are all approved by the FAA. The school offers private, commercial and airline pilot training courses. Students benefit from a fleet of 45 single and multi-engine aircraft and state-of-the-art flight simulators. Course fees in 2011 range from $7,000 to $55,000. The price of each course is determined by the hours and type of aircraft flown.

Tags: Daytona Beach, private commercial, Aeronautical University, based Daytona, based Daytona Beach

Homemade Pesticides To Get Rid Of Ants

Commercial pesticides can pose serious risks to your health and the environment. But if you're trying to get rid of ants, you may think you have no other choice than to use these dangerous products. However, that's not the case. Using a few simple ingredients you have at home, you can make your own pesticide, one that's safe, effective and inexpensive. Does this Spark an idea?

Dishwashing Liquid

Whether those pesky ants are crawling outside or inside your home, you probably have a powerful pesticide already at your disposal. Dishwashing liquid can act like a powerful pesticide that kills ants and insects that reject its taste. It won't harm plants or foliage outside and is safe for most surfaces inside your home.

For ant infestation outside, take 1 cup of canola or vegetable cooking oil and combine with 1 tbsp.of liquid dishwashing detergent. Then, add 2½ tsp. of the mixture to 1 cup of water and pour into a spray bottle. Use the spray on the underside of foliage or plants swarming with ants or other insects. This spray also works well with eggs and other stages of development for ants and insects.

Garlic/Hot Pepper

This is another effective method for killing ants inside or outside your home. Both garlic and hot peppers give off a strong scent that repels ants or worse; the antiseptic properties paralyze their nervous system, killing them on the spot. However, this mixture needs to be prepared 24 hours before using it. Take ½ cup of hot peppers and ½ cup of garlic gloves and combine with 2 cups of water. Substitute onions, instead of garlic, if you wish. Pour the mixture in a glass jar and set near a window that has direct sunlight for a day. Then, strain and pour the liquid into a spray bottle.

Boric Acid

This natural substance comes from the Mojave Desert in California. In powder form, you can use boric acid to kill or repel ants and other insects, without worrying about the toxic chemicals that can harm humans. The properties of boric acid can attack the nervous system of ants and other insects, causing their bodies to disintegrate. Mainly, because of a a chemical called propylene glycol, boric acid has the ability to seep into wood, concrete, trailing the insects and providing lasting protection. You can use boric acid on some of the most persistent ants, such as carpenter ants and pharaoh ants, too.

Combine 1 tbsp. of boric acid and 1 tsp. of sugar with 4 oz. of water in a bowl. Then, thoroughly soak several cotton balls with the mixture and place them in the path where ants seem to migrate. Cotton balls must be kept constantly moist to be continually effective.

Tags: boric acid, ants other, ants other insects, other insects, your home