Difference Between Male & Female Lunar Moths

The lunar moth, more commonly known as the luna moth, with its green color and long sweeping tail of the hind wing, is one of the largest moths in North America. It is a wild silk moth and considered an endangered species due to its dwindling numbers. There are subtle differences between the males and females. Does this Spark an idea?

Pupal Differences

A female pupa is identified by two longitudinal grooves on the ventral, or top, surface of the abdomen.

Time of Pupation

A male luna moth will come out of pupation days before a female, usually in the morning, to allow the wings to dry for flight that night.

Adult Differences

Adult males and females are roughly the same size, shape and color. The males are distinguished by antennae with more feathering.

Behavior

A male luna moth is a more powerful flyer and is seen flying more. The female will sit in one spot and emit a pheromone to attract the male. This is referred to as calling.

Habitat

Though the males and females share the same types of habitat, the female is more likely to be found on a host plant. She will lay her eggs on the leaves of the plant and will also call from there to attract a male.

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Medieval Clothing Information

The blending of Roman and barbaric costume is traced to the fifth century. According to "Manners, Custom and Dress during the Middle Ages and During the Renaissance Period", Paul Lacroix and Sir Robert Naunton write, "The barbarian invasions brought about a revolution in the dress..." Although fashion did not have significant changes during the eighth and tenth centuries, fashion modification increased to the extent that by the end of the 14th century, the original attire from the fifth century had completely disappeared.

Under and Outer Garments

The Roman attire during the medieval period consisted of two garments. The under garment was referred to as a tunic and the outer garment, was known as the cloak.

The Tunic

Today’s blouse was derived from the tunic. The silhouette had sleeves and was also called by various names according to the difference in sleeve and shape. A tunic with long and wide sleeves was called a chiridota. The manuleata had long and tight sleeves to the wrist. The talaris silhouette had an extended length. The palmata was the state tunic and was embroidered with palms and other ornamentation throughout the tunic.

The Cloaks

Outer garments such as mantles and cloaks were made with and without hoods. Lacroix and Naunton also write, "The cloak…was known under various names of chlamys, toga and pallium." These different names referred to altered shapes which were derived from the cloak.

Upper Garments

Garments worn over the tunic were referred to as upper garments as well as the lacerna, loena, cucullus, sagum and paludamentum. The upper garments were generally short in length. The silhouette was made in two different ways. Draped fabric added fullness to the silhouette and less fabric was used for a slightly contoured shape.

T-Shirt

Today’s t-shirt industry is traced back to the 7th century. According to Blanche Payne in "History of Costume," "On a bronze bowl of the early 7th century B.C., figures representing…a hunter and a warrior…show…the short loin skirt…also a short t-shirt."

Medieval Pants

The braies, which is the term for medieval pants, were part of men’s fashion. The garment was generally worn with chausses which today are referred to as leggings. The two garments were usually tied at the waistband, producing natural fabric folds which today are referred to as shirring or gathers.

The Clavi

As the Etruscans migrated from Asia Minor to the Italian peninsula towards the end of the ninth century, the fashion influences from Mesopotamia, Egypt and Crete continued to blend. The clavi, which are vertical borders, were originally worn by the Etruscans on long tunics. The Romans adopted this detail which became a status symbol and then decoration. The trimming market today produces wide embroidered taping borders to embellish apparel as well as accessories.

Tags: century According, derived from, fifth century, garments were, today referred, various names

Create A Tickfree Backyard

Create a Tick-Free Backyard

Warm weather often brings warm weather pests. Ticks carry the insidious Lyme's Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, among a host of other bacteria, viruses and toxins. Below are some tips to help make it safer to enjoy the sunshine outside: Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Mow the lawn to keep grasses and weeds short. Current guidelines recommend mowing every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the season and how fast the grass is growing.

2. Ticks enjoy damp, dark places, and a cozy nest is a great place for them to hide. Remove bird nests and bird feeders from the lawn. Remove wood piles, as these not only serve as nests for tick-carrying rodents, they also can attract termites.

3. Fence your backyard to contain deer. Talk to your local garden center about deer repellent plants that will work best in your area.

Check Resources below for deer repellent products, that may include netting and sprays, such as Deer Out.

4. Mulch around swing sets, play areas and sand boxes.

5. Avoid including tick-harboring plants, like pachysandra, in your garden.

6. Dressing for tick prevention isn't about high fashion. If you have wooded areas in the backyard or are gardening, make sure to wear long light colored sleeves and pants with a tight weave so you can see easily see the ticks. Tuck your pant legs into your socks to make it difficult for ticks to crawl under your pant leg.

7. If you live on a farm or have a lot of animals, consider investing in guinea hens to gobble up ticks. Although they can be noisy, the hens are a natural way to rid your backyard of ticks.

8. Conduct daily bug checks on yourself, family and outdoor pets. In addition to thoroughly checking the scalp, make sure to check hard to reach places like, the armpits, behind and in the ears, and genitals. If there appears to be a new on your skin, it may possibly be a tick!

9. Several pesticides are available on the market to help control ticks. Use the lowest effective concentration of DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) to limit negative health effects.

Picaridin (also known as KBR3023) and oil of lemon eucalyptus are also available. However, there is limited data available about their efficacy.

Permethrin is another substance used on clothing to kill ticks and insects that come into contact with clothing. Permethrin kills ticks and insects that come in contact with treated clothes. Permethrin products can cause eye irritation, particularly if label directions have not been followed. Animal studies indicate that permethrin may have some cancer-causing potential. Permethrin is effective for two weeks or more if the clothing is not washed. Keep treated clothing in a plastic bag when not in use.

Tags: contact with, deer repellent, insects that, insects that come, make sure

Dhpp Vaccinations In Dogs

DHPP Vaccinations in Dogs

DHPP is a combination of four vaccines: distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and parainfluenza. It's given to puppies in a series of three or four vaccines and then given every one to three years to adult dogs. Along with rabies, DHPP is considered a set of core vaccines: those universally recommended for puppies no matter what their circumstance. Other vaccines, such as leptospirosis and coronavirus, are only given to dogs in high-risk situations or areas.

Types

The distemper virus is highly contagious. It is fatal to 80 percent of puppies and about 50 percent of adult dogs. Canine adenovirus-1 causes hepatitis and primarily damages the liver. Although the majority of dogs survive hepatitis, it can kill susceptible dogs within two days. Parvovirus, like distemper, is highly contagious. It is more likely to be fatal to puppies than in adult dogs. Parainfluenza is an upper respiratory disease. It is rarely fatal unless it causes a secondary condition, such as pneumonia.

History

According to the University of Idaho Veterinary College, it's not clear when the first DHPP vaccine came on the market. A vaccine for distemper was first developed in the 1940s, and it wasn't until the 1980s that an effective vaccine for parvovirus was made. Nowadays, there are several formulations of the DHPP vaccine, some including additional vaccinations or different strains of the viruses.

Considerations

The common DHLPP vaccine combination also contains the leptospirosis vaccine. However, it is not safe for puppies and is more likely than other vaccines to cause severe, sometimes fatal, vaccine reactions. It's often only recommended if your dog lives in, or frequently visits, an endemic (high risk) area. Indiana's Purdue University Veterinary School recommends the addition of the leptospirosis vaccine because Indiana is considered an endemic area, but California's Mar Vista Animal Medical Center notes that the vaccine will not prevent dogs from becoming carriers and recommends that leptospirosis be "left out of the mix" if there is a chance the dog may have a vaccine reaction.

Time Frame

The American Animal Hospital Association's revised 2006 vaccination guidelines are complex, but they recommend working with your veterinarian and only giving vaccinations that are necessary based on your dog's risk factors. Puppies should typically get a parvovirus vaccination at 5 or 6 weeks of age. The combination DHPP vaccine is given at 6, 9, 12 and 15 weeks. Healthy adult dogs typically don't require annual DHPP boosters, states the AAHA.

Warning

Mild vaccine reactions are not uncommon. The AAHA lists several reactions to DHPP vaccines, including swelling, hair loss or an abscess at the location of the shot, lameness, lethargy and respiratory distress. These reactions can occur immediately or several hours after the vaccination was administered. Let your vet know of any unusual changes or reactions so that she can report it as an adverse event. Most vaccine reactions are temporary. Severe reactions, including death, are relatively rare.

Tags: adult dogs, DHPP vaccine, vaccine reactions, four vaccines, highly contagious

Get Ready For Fogging Your Apartment

Preparing your furniture is important before fogging.

Foggers are designed to release an insect-killing fog into the air to rid you of those pesky home invaders. The fog remains in the air for a certain period of time and then gradually settles onto carpet fibers, cracks and other surfaces in your apartment. The chemicals found in foggers can be considered health hazards for some, so preparedness is key when using a fogger in your apartment. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Open all the doors to the rooms that are being treated. This includes any closets, cabinets or cupboard doors. Open drawers as well, but cover any exposed utensils with newspaper.

2. Use plastic dust covers or newspapers to cover any waxed wood floors, waxed furniture and stereo equipment near the fogger container.

3. Remove all pets from the apartment. Cover any pet food dishes and bedding. If you have a fish aquarium, turn it off and cover with newspaper. Also turn off any airflow systems in the aquarium.

4. Close all outside doors and windows. Turn off any air conditioners and fans in the apartment. Extinguish any flames or pilot lights.

5. Place a table or chair in the center of the room to be fogged. Cover it with several layers of newspaper and place the fogger on top of the surface.

Tags: with newspaper, your apartment

Fight Back Against A Wife Who Is Verbally Abusive

If you suspect physical violence is forthcoming, leave or call the police.

While not as highly reported as it is with female victims, verbal and physical abuse by women against men is ever present. Never feel like you have to stay in an abusive relationship. Sometimes you must walk away from verbal abuse. Keep your temper, and never resort to physical violence against your mate.

Instructions

1. Ignore her. While you may be tempted to fire back in the heat of the moment, try to be the bigger person and ignore the urge to be a party to her shouting and mocking. Abusers want your attention, and they want to push your buttons. One way you can both fire back at her and still come away as the bigger person is to deny her what she wants; a fight. This will put you back in control of the situation.

2. Talk it out. When she is calm, tell her that what she says hurts you and that you want her to stop. Ask her if there is anything you can do to calm her aggression, and mean it. Explain to her that the things she says hurt your feelings and that her behavior affects you and anyone else who witnesses it, such as your children or family members. Tell her that it is a serious problem that you don't intend to suffer through if she isn't willing to work on her issues.

3. Be dismissive. If she begins verbally abusing you, be dismissive about the issue. acting as though it is not a big deal. You are not trying to disrespect her with this behavior; you are simply taking back your power by showing her through tone that she is being unreasonable.

4. Get out if she does not stop her abusive behavior. There is no reason to stay with someone who is constantly tearing you down. If you have children, recognize that they will get hurt in the long run. Take your life back.

Tags: bigger person, fire back, physical violence

Garlic Nutrition Facts

Garlic is an important ingredient in many cuisines. Many of the health claims attributed to garlic have not yet been confirmed by research, so the main health benefit may be that it adds a lot of flavor but very few calories.

Nutrition

One clove of garlic contains 5 calories, no fat, cholesterol or sugar and 2 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, according to the CDC website Fruits and Veggies Matter.

Cancer Prevention

"Preliminary studies suggest that garlic consumption may reduce the risk of developing several types of cancer, especially cancers of the gastrointestinal tract," according to the National Cancer Institute. However, more research is needed.

Cholesterol

Garlic may modestly reduce cholesterol, although more studies are needed, according to the website of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Flavor

The strong flavor and odor of garlic come from its sulfur compounds, according to Fruits and Veggies Matter. Garlic's flavor becomes milder the longer it is cooked.

Fun Fact

People have been using garlic for healing and medicinal uses for thousands of years. Garlic has been used to treat hypertension, infections, snakebites and evil spirits, according to American Academy of Family Physicians.

Tags: Academy Family, Academy Family Physicians, according website, American Academy, American Academy Family, Family Physicians

Put On A Screen Door

Enclosing a porch or deck with screen makes it usable during mosquito season. Once you have enclosed the deck or porch posts with screen and tacked screen on the underside of the deck, the last thing to do is put up the screen door. This is a straightforward project and does not require many tools. You may ask a family member, neighbor or friend for help balancing the door as you install it to make the job a bit more simple. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Hold the screen door at a 90-degree angle, perpendicular to the porch entryway and against the post it will be hung on.

2. Place shims under the screen door, holding it off the ground and allowing it to be propped up enough to clear the floor and/or threshold in the entryway.

3. Swing the hinges flat against the post and drive stainless steel screws through the holes in the hinges into the deck post, using a screw gun on both the top and bottom hinges.

4. Remove the shims and pull the screen door closed.

5. Stand on the inside of the screen door, and hold the mounting bracket that came with the door closer against the post where the hinges are fastened.

6. Mark the holes in the mounting bracket with a marker, and then remove it.

7. Attach a bit to a drill with a slightly smaller diameter than the stainless steel screws, and drill holes through the marks on the post.

8. Hold the mounting bracket up against the post and drive stainless steel screws through the bracket into the post, using a screw gun.

9. Place the closer in the bracket and secure it in place by inserting the retaining pin into the bracket.

10. Attach the other mounting bracket on the screen door itself, using a screw gun. Drive the screws through the predrilled holes in the screen door to attach the bracket. Insert the other retaining pin into the bracket on the door to finish installing the door.

Tags: against post, mounting bracket, screen door, screen door, screws through, stainless steel, stainless steel screws

Get Garlic Juice From Garlic Cloves

Garlic juice is a convenient way to spice up your cooking.

Although people no longer worship garlic as they did in the days of Tutankhamen, this popular vegetable is still valued for its cooking properties and health benefits. Garlic cloves are full of vitamins and minerals such as manganese, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. You can use garlic cloves in many ways including minced, diced, crushed, sautéed, pureed and juiced. Garlic juice is handy to keep on hand for adding instant flavor to meats, vegetables and soups. Garlic juice takes only a few minutes to prepare and you can store it in your freezer. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Use one bulb of garlic to make ¼ cup of garlic juice. You may want to use several garlic bulbs to make a large batch of juice.

2. Peel the skin from the garlic bulbs and separate the cloves.

3. Press each clove lightly, using a garlic press held over a bowl, to separate the garlic meat from the inner skin. Remove the garlic from the inner skin, place the garlic in the bowl and discard the inner skin.

4. Transfer the contents of the bowl to a blender or food processor. Blend the garlic until it is pureed.

5. Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl. Pour the pureed garlic into the strainer. Use a rubber spatula to push as much of the juice as possible from the pulp.

6. Place a paper coffee filter over a bowl or cup. Holding the filter in place, pour the strained juice into the filter and allow time for it to drip through to the bowl.

7. Pour the garlic juice into an ice cube tray. Fill each cell halfway with the juice. After the garlic juice is frozen, transfer the cubes to a sealable plastic bag and store in the freezer.

Tags: Garlic juice, inner skin, over bowl, bowl Pour, from inner

Difference Between Female & Male Labradors

Male and female Labrador retrievers sometimes behave differently.

While male and female Labrador retrievers have similar, breed-specific characteristics, there are subtle differences between the sexes, including physical as well as mental differences.

Size

The main difference between male and female Labradors is size. The male is both taller and heavier than the female. Males on average are one to two inches taller and between five and 15 pounds heavier.

Territoriality

Male Labradors tend to be more territorial than females and can be more aggressive when defending that territory. This is an instinctual difference between the sexes; however, neutering early will reduce this tendency.

Independence

Female Labradors tend to be more aloof and independent than males. They enjoy the companionship of their owners but do not require constant contact.

Pack Dominance

Unneutered male Labradors will tend to vie openly with their owners for the dominant place in the household, while females remain subservient. However, according to an article on the website for Kelrobin-Woodhaven Labradors breeding kennel, females can be more manipulative to get what they want.

Marking

Female Labradors are less likely to exhibit behavioral issues such as urine marking in the house, though neutering a male usually stops this behavior.

Tags: between sexes, difference between, female Labrador, female Labrador retrievers, Female Labradors

Control Bacteria Growth In A Gardening Water Tank

Purify your collected water before giving it to your plants.

Rainwater tanks or barrels provide a great way to save money while growing a successful garden. However, during the rainy season, water may remain in the barrel for long periods of time, resulting in stale, bacteria-ridden water. This water can be more detrimental than useful to your plants, as it carries a risk of spreading diseases. Control and prevent bacteria growth in your rainwater with some simple steps and you can use that rainwater when you need it. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine how much water is in your rain barrel.

2. Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar and 1/4 cup of oxygen bleach into the rain barrel for every 5 gallons of water.

3. Stir the mixture around in the rain barrel to mix throughout. This solution will instantly sterilize the water, killing off any bacterial growth.

4. Let the water sit for 24 to 36 hours, allowing the oxygen bleach to completely dissipate and the mixture to convert into oxygen and water.

Tags: rain barrel, oxygen bleach, your plants

Use An Electric Bug Zapper

Electric Bug Zapper

The bugs come out at night, the bugs come out at night. Yeah, I know, it's not a happy tune to be singing, especially when the mosquitos are feeling particularly hungry. Flying invaders can quickly turn a late afternoon cookout or friendly get-together into a cacophony of yelps and gesticulating arms. When the bloodsuckers come out, it's time to fight fire with good old fashioned electrical fire -- the bug zapper! But did you know that by positioning the bug zapper too close to the crowd, you can actually be causing more harm than good? Here is use an electric bug zapper safely and properly. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Recently, two Kansas State University researchers, Alberto Bruce and James Urban, discovered that when a flying insect is destroyed by an electric bug zapper, miniscule parts of the unfortunate bug can shower down on unsuspecting picnic attendees who are standing up to seven feet away from the zapper! Maybe that's the special ingredient in Aunt Petunia's potato salad!

2. Additionally, many people believe that keeping the bug zapper in close proximity to the party will kill the pests attacking the guests. This is a poor choice as the insects are ATTRACTED to the glowing light issued by the zapper. That is how it works. So basically, by using this approach, you are calling all insects to come TO your guests. Once there, the bugs would rather feast on fresh meat rather than explore the blue light.

3. To combat both of these problems simultaneously, you will want to position the electric bug zapper at least 12 feet away from any area where people will commonly be. This is especially important if you have a food preparation area outdoors or if there are children playing outside.

4. You can easily set up your electric bug zapper wherever you want by using a shepard's hook (the metallic hooked pole used for displaying hanging baskets). Just place the shepard's hook in an ideal location and hang the electric bug zapper on the hooked end. Run an outdoor extension cord to the zapper to power it up. Just be sure that all your partygoers and their children are informed about the cord and to watch out for it! You may have to get creative in order for the zapper to be truly out of the way.

Tags: electric zapper, away from, bugs come, bugs come night, come night, feet away

Bugs In Indoor Plant Soil

House plants add beauty to your home

Where there are plants, there's bound to be bugs. Plants that are growing indoors are no exception. Healthy plants are less likely to become infested, so taking a few precautions and caring for your plant is the first step to lessening the chances of bugs in your soil. Does this Spark an idea?

Types of Bugs

Examine your indoor plants often. Soil insects are brought to the surface when you water. Fungus gnats are the most common indoor soil pest, but millipedes or pill bugs can also be found in indoor plant soil.

Symptoms

If your plant is wilting even with sufficient water, or growing poorly, you may have bugs in your soil eating the plant's roots.

Prevention

Always use clean pots and fresh soil when re-potting. Don't overwater your plants or let them sit in standing water.

Treatment: Chemical

Place your plant in the skin and drench the soil with insecticidal soap to kill off any insects. A systemic insecticide is also effective.

Natural Treatment

Isolate your plant to prevent spread. Most soil insects won't kill your plant. Hand pick and dispose of larger insects. If infestation is severe, remove your plant from the soil and brush as much dirt free of the roots as possible. Replant in a new pot with sterile garden soil. Throw away the old pot and soil.

Tags: your plant, bugs your, bugs your soil, your soil

Hotels In Forrest Mississippi

Mississippi.

Whether you are planning on playing bingo at Bingo Time in the Village Square Shopping Center, visiting family or just passing through, you will need to find reasonable accommodations during your stay in Forest, Miss. The hotel accommodations in Forest are relatively close to each other should you and those traveling with you will need to be spread out over more than one place to stay.

America's Best Value Inn

America's Best Value Inn is a single-story accommodation with 70 guestrooms that include a coffee maker, microwave, iron with ironing board and cable TV with HBO, as well as a free daily newspaper. The hotel also offers a daily hot breakfast. There is an outdoor pool on the property and outdoor activities nearby, such as boating and fishing. The hotel is near downtown Forest, within walking distance to shopping centers, restaurants and a movie theater. Parking is also available on-site for buses and trucks.

America's Best Value Inn

Interstate 20 at Highway 35 S.

Forest, MS 39074

601-469-2640

americasbestvalueinn.com

Econo Lodge Inn and Suites

The Econo Lodge Inn and Suites has 51 guestrooms, all of which include cable television and free high-speed Internet access. Handicapped-accessible rooms are available. The hotel provides free local calls and a free continental breakfast. There is ample space for bus and truck parking on the premises. The hotel is near Roosevelt State Park and East Central Community College, as well as the Forest Coliseum. An outdoor pool is also available on the property, and golf courses, tennis courts and picnic areas nearby.

Econo Lodge Inn and Suites

1250 Highway 35 S.

Forest, MS 39074

601-469-2100

econolodge.com

Days Inn

The Days Inn offers guestrooms that include a coffee maker, microwave, ceiling fan and hair dryer, as well as cable TV with HBO and free high-speed, wireless Internet access. The hotel offers a free continental breakfast and a free daily newspaper. Laundry services and workrooms are available.The hotel has an outdoor pool, as well as an exercise room. The site is near Roosevelt State Park, and about 45 minutes away from the state capital and the Silver Star Casino.

Days Inn

1280 Highway 35 S.

Forest, MS 39074

601-469-2500

daysinn.com

Tags: America Best, America Best Value, Best Value, Econo Lodge, Econo Lodge Suites

What Part Do Mosquitoes Play In The Ecosystem

Mosquitoes are more than just pests; they play an important role in the ecosystem.

Mosquitoes are a flying insect of the family Culicidae. There are 166 known species of mosquitoes in North America alone and 3,500 named species in the world. Their larvae are aquatic, and the adult insects are vectors for many diseases, the most serious being Malaria. Many scientists have asked themselves the question, "What would happen if mosquitoes were eliminated?" The answers bring insight into the roles of mosquitoes in our ecosystem.

Food Source

Mosquitoes, along with other insects, are a principal source of food for birds, spiders, lizards and salamanders. Their larvae are an important source of food for fish, many of which have been genetically imprinted to know kill mosquito larvae. If mosquitoes disappeared, it would be a great dietary loss for many of these fish, which would have serious effects up and down the food chain.

Process Decaying Matter

Mosquito larvae, found in huge masses in bodies of water, process waste like decaying leaves and microorganisms. While there are many organisms that process detritus, mosquito larvae represent an important community, depending on the body of water. In some cases, eliminating mosquitoes from these areas could affect plant growth due to lack of nutrients.

Kill Humans

Mosquitoes carry a number of serious diseases, including Malaria, West Nile, Encephalalitis and Dengue Fever. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa might recover the 1.3 percent of their Gross Domestic Product that they lose to mosquito-borne diseases each year, according to the World Health Organization, if the insects were eliminated. This would, in turn, accelerate the development of these seriously affected countries. Because they kill millions of people per year globally, mosquitoes can certainly be considered one of the main threats to the health of the world's population.

Pollinate Plants

Another important role played by mosquitoes is that of a pollinator. Most adult mosquitoes require plant nectar for energy and thus pollinate plants when they land to drink the nectar. However, the crops mosquitoes pollinate are not those important to humans, though many plants would lose their method of reproduction if mosquitoes disappeared.

Tags: important role, mosquito larvae, mosquitoes disappeared, source food, Their larvae

What Kind Of Spray Kills All Inside Bugs

Cockroaches are just one type of inside bug.

Ants and spiders. Earwigs and silverfish. Cockroaches. There are many different types of inside bugs and many problems an indoor insect infestation can cause. Sanitary, health and even safety issues are just some of those problems. While there are multiple bug sprays that kill one, some or many species or families of inside bugs, no one spray kills all inside bugs. It is important to know which types of bug sprays are available and which sprays kill which bugs. Does this Spark an idea?

Commercial Chemical Sprays

Commercial sprays that have a chemical base are effective against many different kinds of inside bugs. These sprays can kill bugs both on immediate contact and later when the insect comes into contact with the spray's residue. A commercial spray will typically kill more than one kind of inside pest but not every kind. The label will usually indicate what type of inside bug the spray kills. For example, if a product states the spray will kill earwigs, silverfish and some types of spiders, it should also state which types of spiders it does not kill. Some commercial sprays will kill many different types of indoor bugs while some are designed for particular bugs.

Commercial Organic Sprays

Many homeowners have turned to chemical-free organic bug sprays as a environmentally and health-friendly option. Organic bug sprays use ingredients like pyrethrins and potassium salts to kill insects. Like the chemical bug sprays, organic bug sprays can kill many different kinds of inside bugs but not all. If a organic spray states that it kills cockroaches, ants and fleas, it does not necessarily mean it will kill other indoor bugs like termites or spiders. The labels on these sprays should state specifically which bugs the spray kills.

Homemade Sprays

Some people make their own homemade sprays to kill inside bugs. Doing this is both environmentally friendly and saves money. Homemade sprays, like their commercial counterparts, can be very effective at killing particular types of indoor bugs. Vinegar, among other ingredients, is often used to kill ant infestations. Another homemade bug spray, white cedar spray, is considered effective against many types of inside pests. However, again like the commercial bug sprays, different homemade sprays kill different indoor insects, not all of them.

Exterminators

Sometimes inside bug infestations require a local or nationally recognized exterminator. Professional exterminators often assess what types of bugs are present in a home and use the appropriate spray to kill those bugs. While these professionals will use sprays that kill a wide variety of bugs, even exterminators must use the sprays that address the particular bugs present, not a single spray that kills every type of bug that could possibly be in a house.

Tags: inside bugs, sprays kill, many different, sprays that, indoor bugs, spray kills

Difference Between A Mosquito & A Chigger Bite

Tiny biting insects can cause big pain.

The lazy days of summer often bring with them the constant threat of bites from various insects. Chiggers and mosquitoes are among the most common biting insects, but their bites can be difficult to differentiate. If you want to eradicate biting insects from your yard or treat the bite, though, it's important to know what bug bit you.

Location of Bite

Chiggers are able to bite you when they jump up from the grass or fall down from a tree. Consequently, bites from chiggers are more likely to be localized around the feet and ankles or on the head and shoulders. If you have bites all over your body, though, you've probably been bitten by mosquitoes.

Number of Bites

Chiggers dig into the skin and repeatedly bite in the same area. The result is a cluster of bites in a particular locations. Conversely, mosquito bites are more likely to be on all exposed areas of your body.

Color of Bites

Most people are familiar with the deep pink hue of mosquito bites. Chigger bites, however, are more likely to be a deep red color.

Size and Shape

Chigger bites are typically slightly larger than mosquito bites and are more circular. If you're covered in large, swollen red dots, you've probably been bitten by chiggers. If your bites are shaped more like abstract circles without clearly defined edges, however, they're probably mosquito bites.

Bites on Children

Chiggers don't intentionally bite people. Instead, chiggers prefer to bite other animals and only inadvertently bite humans while looking for a more suitable meal. However, chiggers are more likely to mistake children for a good meal, though no one really knows why this is. It may be that children smell differently or that their skin tastes slightly different. If the only person who is covered in bites is a child, it's likely that they've been bitten by chiggers. Mosquitoes are more equal-opportunity biters.

Tags: more likely, mosquito bites, been bitten, biting insects, been bitten chiggers, bites from

Natural Repellent For Dogs

Natural Repellent for Dogs

Natural insect repellent is a great alternative to chemical repellents because it is safe, non-toxic and has no adverse side effects. Natural oils are effective against mosquitoes, fleas and ticks, yet are safe for adults and children as well.

Significance

Insect repellent will deter fleas and infected mosquitoes that contain heartworm larvae and the West Nile virus.

Time Frame

Apply natural insect repellent to your dog after bathing, before going into the woods and at dusk when mosquitoes are more likely to be out.

Benefits

Natural insect repellent containing essential oils like tea tree, peppermint, clove, thyme, lemon grass and cinnamon will not interfere with your dog's central nervous system. Sentry's Natural Defense (see Resources) can be applied to your dog's skin every two weeks, as opposed to chemical insect repellents that can only be applied once a month.

Expert Insight

When applying natural repellent to your dog, make sure you separate the fur and massage the oils onto the skin directly for a few seconds. Start with the area between the shoulder blades and work your way down to the tail. Although the essential oils are non-toxic, their scent can be pungent, so wear disposable gloves during the application process.

Warning

Do not apply natural oils to the dog's eyes or snout. Do not allow your dog to ingest any ingredients of the natural repellent.

Tags: essential oils, insect repellent, Natural insect repellent, Natural Repellent Dogs, Repellent Dogs

Know Yellow Fever Symptoms

Know Yellow Fever Symptoms

Yellow fever is a very serious illness. While cases in America and other modernized countries are infrequent, the disease is still prevalent throughout other parts of the world, especially in Africa and South America. Yellow fever is carried and distributed to humans by infected mosquitoes. While many of yellow fever's symptoms are mild, untreated cases can be dangerous or even life threatening. To fight the illness, you'll first need to learn recognize the symptoms.

Instructions

1. Take your temperature at the first hint that you might have been exposed to yellow fever. Your normal body temperature should be 98.6 degrees F. Once you've been infected with yellow fever, expect that temperature to rise rapidly.

2. Watch for sudden chills. Chills can happen despite your body's rising internal temperature or the temperature of your room.

3. Treat headaches as you normally would, but be aware that persistent headaches might be the sign of yellow fever exposure.

4. Stay near the toilet, as vomiting might be the next sign that you've been infected with yellow fever. You may want to avoid eating too many solid foods during this period. Instead, drink a lot of clear fluids that are rich in vitamins and nutrients.

5. Look for symptoms of exhaustion. Unexplained aches, back pain and general fatigue are often the product of yellow fever.

6. Research the risk of damage to your internal organs. Yellow fever can sometimes lead to liver or kidney failure. Know the warning signs to recognize if your body is going in to shock, as you should immediately report to the emergency room.

Tags: yellow fever, been infected, been infected with, Fever Symptoms, infected with, infected with yellow

Devices That Repel Insects Through Vibrations

Some mosquitoes respond to vibrational devices by biting more.

When you flinch or freeze at a sudden and unexpected stimulus, you're experiencing a startle reaction. A startle reaction may be as minor as blinking to protect your eyes from wind-blown debris or as urgent as racing for cover after hearing an unidentified loud noise. A defensive response to noise, known as acoustic startle, prevails throughout the animal kingdom. Its effect on a handful of insect species has led to the marketing of numerous devices that use sound vibrations to repel insects. Does this Spark an idea?

Negative Phonotaxis

Negative phonotaxis occurs when acoustic startle causes an insect to move away from a sound. It's also the principle behind the design of vibrational insect repellent devices. These machines or collars produce ultrasonic or subsonic vibrations to frighten insects away. Their manufacturers promote them as environmentally safe, inexpensive and permanent alternatives to chemical insecticides.

Insect Hearing

The human eardrum responds to sound vibrations between 20 hertz and 20 kilohertz. Several insect species have tympanic organs, which are air-filled cavities covered with thin tissue resembling the human eardrum. Insects with tympanic organs react to ultrasonic vibrations higher than 20 kilohertz. Many depend on these organs to help them avoid bats hunting with ultrasound signals. Night-flying moths and butterflies, as well as crickets, locusts, green lacewings and praying mantids belong to this group. Research suggests that some beetles and flies also have tympanic hearing. Cockroach and mosquito antennae have sensory hairs responsive to ultrasonic vibrations.

Ultrasonic Repellent Research

Extensive laboratory testing suggests that vibrational insect control devices don't live up to their manufacturers' claims. One study published in "Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata" in 2007 indicated that a device producing ultrasonic vibrations between 20 and 100 kilohertz did nothing to discourage mosquitoes and German cockroaches. Researchers at Brazil's State University of Campinas found that three commercially available machine operating at ultrasonic frequencies between 9.8 and 18.2 kilohertz actually caused mosquitoes to bite more frequently. Findings from a University of Florida study presented in the December 1990 "Journal of Economic Entomology" states that fleas on cats wearing ultrasonic repellent collars for a week lived as long and produced almost as many offspring as fleas on cats in the control group.

Subsonic Insect Repellents

Subsonic insect repellents produce sound vibrations below 20 hertz. Their makers claim that insects find these devices more annoying than ultrasonic repellents.

Limitations

Vibrations from both repellents typically lose 50 percent of their power after traveling only 15 feet, according to Rutgers University Research and Extension. They dissipate completely after 30 feet. A second problem is that furniture and large appliances create acoustic shadows, blocking sounds from reaching the insects they conceal.

Tags: sound vibrations, ultrasonic vibrations, acoustic startle, between kilohertz, fleas cats, have tympanic, human eardrum

Flying Insects Who Draw Nectar From Plants

Butterflies are among flying insects that feed on flower nectar.

Nectar is a thin, sweet liquid produced by certain species of flowering plants. The nectar serves an important function: It attracts insects, which---while feeding on nectar---also pollinate the flowers from which they draw it. Does this Spark an idea?

Butterflies and Moths

Many butterflies and moths are drawn to flowers that produce nectar, using it as a food source. These insects typically have long, slender, coiled mouth parts with which they probe deep into flowers and draw nectar out as if through a straw.

Bees

Many types of bees, including mason bees, orchard bees, bumblebees and honey bees, also feed on nectar. Bees serve as a significant source of pollination for many crops.

Flies

Nectar is a food source for some flies. One example is the bee fly, which uses a long, straw-like mouth similar to that of butterflies to collect nectar.

Mosquitoes

The males of many species of mosquitoes feed on nectar. Although a nuisance and sometimes a threat because of the diseases they may carry, mosquitoes also serve as important pollinators.

Tags: feed nectar, food source, which they

Home Remedies For Insect Repellents

Insects can quickly take over a lawn or garden, leaving the area to feel unwelcoming. From insects that feed off the blood of humans and pets, to insects that attack lawn and garden vegetation, we all at some point have an insect problem that needs to be handled effectively. There are a several inexpensive ways to create your own insect repellent. Does this Spark an idea?

Homemade Options

Garlic works as a repellent for most insects, including small rodents such as mice, garden moles and groundhogs. You can use garlic in several ways to make an insect repellent. One easy way is to fill a spray bottle with 2 cups of water, then add 2 spoonfuls of garlic powder. Alternately, blend a handful of fresh garlic cloves and add them to the spray bottle. Also, stir in a spoonful of liquid dish detergent, which will work as an adhesive agent, allowing the spray to stick to lawn, soil and plant leaves for an extended period of time. One final option is to simply mince a handful of garlic cloves and sprinkle them throughout the lawn and garden.

Pepper also repels insects and small rodents, even rabbits who commonly attack vegetable plants. Again you can make a simple insect spray by mixing 2 cups of water with 1 squirt of dish detergent, and 2 spoonfuls of powdered pepper. Use anything you have on hand, the hotter the better. Chili pepper, cayenne pepper and jalapeno pepper are three hot peppers that will work perfectly. Alternately, grind fresh peppers into liquid form and add them to the spray bottle, or chop peppers into small chunks and sprinkle them throughout the lawn and garden.

Peppermint is one additional option for a homemade insect repellent. It repels most insects and small rodents, and also leaves the garden and lawn smelling fresh. An easy way to make a spray-on solution is to mix 2 cups of water and 2 spoonfuls of peppermint essential oil in a spray bottle. Stir in 1 spoonful of liquid dish detergent as well. Alternately, blend a handful of peppermints into powder form and add them to the spray bottle, or crush into small chunks and sprinkle them around the lawn and garden.

Use the Repellents

If you opt to sprinkle small pieces of the ingredient around the lawn, focus specifically on garden areas that insects can quickly damage, as well as sitting areas where people commonly gather. For spray-on insecticides, spray them onto plant leaves (tops and undersides of the leaves), as well as soil, grass and other vegetation throughout your landscape. The dish detergent will allow the solution to stick to vegetation for one to two weeks if there is no rain or moisture, at which time you need to re-apply the spray. It is also recommended that you re-apply after heavy rains, which will rinse the solution off plants.

Tags: lawn garden, spray bottle, dish detergent, cups water, insect repellent

Care For An Asparagus Plant

Rinse asparagus under clean running water to remove dirt.

Asparagus grows as a perennial vegetable, and the plant will often continue to grow for 15 years. Asparagus plants prefer warm days and cool nights. The tender and sweet vegetable requires patience. You cannot harvest the asparagus until the second year after you plant them because it will weaken the plant. The vegetable grows through rhizomes and roots. Caring for the asparagus plant properly will ensure that you have edible shoots that you can enjoy. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Create a garden bed away from other vegetables. The asparagus can create shade that will minimize the growth of other plants. Select a location that has well-drained, fertile and loamy soil.

2. Plant the asparagus crown after the threat of frost passes. Plant crowns with developed roots 8 inches deep in the soil and space them 12 inches apart. The roots on the crown need to spread out in in a slight mound inside the planting hole.

3. Water the asparagus plants frequently during the first two years. Water them deeply at the base of the plants to keep the soil wet to 4 inches in depth.

4. Remove weeds from the soil by hand or with a garden hoe. Weeds will steal nutrients and moisture from the asparagus.

5. Add compost or topsoil to emerging shoots. This will fill the trench around the vegetables.

6. Apply a 4 to 8 inch layer of mulch around the asparagus. The mulch protects the soil by keeping it warm and it prevents weeds from growing.

7. Harvest the asparagus once it reaches 6 to 8 inches tall. Cut the asparagus stalks at the soil level. The asparagus will need to be harvested during the second year after you plant them.

8. Apply a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 to the asparagus by following the instructions on the package after you finish harvesting them. Apply the fertilizer again in the spring before new spears grow.

Tags: after plant, after plant them, plant them, second year, second year after

Keep Water Clean In Outdoor Fountains

Keeping the water crystal clear in your fountain not only enhances the beauty of the fountain but also prolongs its useful life.

Outdoor fountains create a peaceful atmosphere, attract many species of birds and add an elegant touch to any garden or patio, but not if the water in the fountain is dirty. Keeping the water in an outdoor fountain crystal clear can present a challenge, but with a little know-how, it's not hard to do. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove debris daily. Using a small net, such as those designed for removing larger fish from a home aquarium, remove debris such as leaves, twigs, feathers and anything else that falls into your fountain. Debris, especially leaves, quickly breeds bacteria and algae, which will cause the water to turn brown and look dirty. If you take a moment each day to remove the debris, this process will not take place. Removing debris right away also helps protect the pump from damage.

2. Wipe down the fountain once a week. Let the water drain out of your fountain and use a rag and scrub brush to clean the interior surfaces of the fountain. Be sure to remove any dirt, bird droppings or other residue that has collected in the bottom. By doing this once a week, you will not give algae a chance to grow in your fountain. Cleaning once a week also keeps the cleaning process quick and easy. Cleaning a dirty fountain once a month can take hours. Cleaning a well-maintained fountain once a week can take just a matter of minutes.

3. Clean the pump once a week. Proper water flow is an important part of keeping the water clean in an outdoor fountain. If the pump is not working well, the water will not move properly, and bacteria and algae will quickly multiply. Disconnect the pump and check for any leaves, twigs or other debris that may have been caught in the pump. Remove any obvious dirt or debris. Using an air compressor, blow any dust out of the pump. If you don't have an air compressor, an air hose at the gas station can accomplish the same thing.

4. Change the water once a week. Each week, after cleaning the fountain and the pump, drain any remaining water and replace it with fresh water. For large fountains, this can be done less often, such as every other week or once a month. Any time you observe the water turning color or algae forming, change the water.

5. Add a non-toxic cleaner or enzyme to the fountain water. After each water change, add a cleaner or enzyme designed to keep fountains clean. Alternatively, you could add bleach, but it might be harmful to animals or to any plants the fountain water comes in contact with. There are numerous non-toxic cleaners and enzymes made for fountains that are not toxic to animals or plants.

Tags: once week, your fountain, fountain once, animals plants, bacteria algae, cleaner enzyme

Can The Chytrid Fungus Be Passed To Humans

There is no evidence that the chytrid fungus can be passed on to humans. This primitive organism is, however, responsible for the extinction, or near-extinction, of hundreds of frog species worldwide.

Types

There are approximately 575 types of chytrids. The most common type causes the frog-killing Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis disease. All chytrids are single-celled organisms and part of the kingdom Protista.

Geography

Chytrids have been found in every continent except Antarctica. They grow and reproduce in ponds, lakes, streams, soil and other areas where fresh water has accumulated.

Features

Chytrids may be parasitic---meaning they feed off a live organism---or saprophytic---meaning they feed off organically rich dead matter. They thrive in warm temperatures and reproduce asexually.

Considerations

Although humans can't be infected by chytrids, they can be affected by them. Chytrids that attach themselves to potatoes growing in rich, moist soil can cause Synchytrium endoboticum or potato wart---a condition that can infect potato fields, spread easily on equipment and boot bottoms, and cause large crops to decay.

Expert Insight

Scientists haven't yet found a cure for Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, but urge people to educate themselves about how they can help prevent frogs from dying. Ways to help keep chytrid fungus from spreading include: not taking frogs out of their natural habitats; only purchasing frogs from credible, regulated businesses; and cleaning off wet, muddy boots and fishing or camping equipment before moving from one fresh-water site to another.

Tags: Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, chytrid fungus, frogs from, they feed

Open A Retail Store Online

These days, many people choose to open online stores because of the affordable overhead and ease of handling. According to Experian's PriceGrabber.com online retail statistics, Black Friday online sales have had double-digit increases in past years. Many customers cite lower prices and more variety as the main attractors to online shopping, along with convenience. Why not get in on this fast-growing retail sector? This is a walk-though of what opening an online store entails.

Instructions

Online Business Basics

1. Start by establishing a business presence in the official sense of the word. Obtain state licensing, tax identification numbers and incorporate as needed. Some of these documents will be necessary to get wholesale product pricing. If in doubt as to what documents are needed, contact the Small Business Association in your area for help.

2. Develop a business plan with sales goals, a mission statement and customer demographic information. This will serve to create focus and lay down a solid foundation for development. Banks and financial backers will also require your business plan when considering any sort of venture capital, if necessary.

3. Sign up for business savings and checking accounts, as well as accounts for online payment processing such as Google Checkout or PayPal. Most banks offer merchant accounts for credit card processing, but these can cost several hundred dollars for sign-up, along with a monthly fee. Research options thoroughly before adding to the site.

One good thing about online retail is the flexibility online retail stores can offer customers for payment choices: have one choice or many choices--just check fees first.

4. Buy a domain name for your site. The best domain name, of course, is the actual name of the business with a ".com" suffix. If that name is taken, try other options including words that remind customers of your product. For instance, Sally's Jeans Store would be best with "www.sallysjeansstore.com," but might have to get "www.sallysjeans.com" instead if the first option isn't available.

5. Decide whether you wish to host your own store or if you want to buy a hosted store. Several excellent hosting sites exist, such as Yahoo! Stores, that include hosting, customer service and analytics. These are great for first-time shop owners. However, these stores cost $39.99 a month plus a percentage of sales; this can mean a deficit before a new merchant even gets started.

Another option is free shopping cart software. This probably isn't the best choice for those who have little programming knowledge, but they are simple to configure for those who know their stuff. Top names include OS Commerce and Zen Cart. For these, a hosting account is necessary.

6. Select a host for the store. When purchasing hosting, buy a package that runs on Linux hosting. Many of the top shopping cart programs require Linux programming language to work. If you're a new merchant, it's not necessary to buy a whole lot of bandwidth. Sites such as GoDaddy.com specialize in first-time online merchants, and even offer automatic uploading of shopping cart software.

When purchasing hosting, buy an SSL (secure socket layer) certificate. This certificate will run credit card sales through a secure, encrypted server and serves to verify the worthiness of the online merchant. Many customers will not buy from a merchant who takes their info without encrypting it first. This is an important trust issue, so spend the $20 and buy that certification.

Product Setup

7. Now that the store structure is set up, start uploading products. Most wholesalers have CD-Roms of digital photos available for little or no cost. However, it's better to take your own photos. They may also have product descriptions that can be downloaded from spreadsheets. These are convenient, but are not the best for search engine optimization purposes. Write your own copy, or hire someone to do it for you.

8. Price your products competitively. Because there may be others online with the same items, do a bit of searching to see how competitors sell their goods. Do they offer package deals or incentives? How do other merchants do sales? Don't forget to allow for payment gateway fees, hosting costs and other overhead when calculating what you'll charge.

9. Write a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page detailing shipping, return policy and contact information. Customers like to see that online merchants are human, with an attitude of service. Many people get nervous with online shopping because of the possibility of fraud, so it's important to make things as clear as can be.

10. Increase sales by adding valuable knowledge. Buying guides, reviews and blogs are all excellent trust builders because they give a human face to the business. These are terrific for building search engine power, which is what's going to help people find your store in the first place.

Tags: online retail, shopping cart, along with, business plan, cart software

Keep Your Outdoor Fountain Clean And Free Of Mosquitoes

This is an easy way to keep your outdoor water fountain clean and pest free. In the summer, water fountains are breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and they also develop scum buildup. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. First, start with a clean water fountain. Scrub and clean your outdoor water fountain with a brush. You can find a good scrub brush in the grocery store. Concrete fountains can handle wire bristles, but use a heavy duty plastic-type brush for resin or plastic water fountains.

2. You can purchase liquid chlorine at many pool supply stores. If it is not stocked, ask for it and they will usually order it for you. I purchase liquid chlorine in gallon bottles.

3. Once the fountain is clean, add a small amount of the liquid chlorine directly into the water while the pump is running. An average size fountain would require one to two capfuls. If you do not have a cap, use approximately two tablespoons. This will prevent the mosquitoes from breeding in your fountain. Also, another benefit is that scum and algae do not grow as fast on your fountain.

4. Add fresh liquid chlorine each time you drain and refill your fountain. I add the chlorine every week on average.

Tags: liquid chlorine, water fountain, your fountain, your outdoor water, outdoor water, outdoor water fountain

Conifers With Insectrepellent Qualities

The refreshing scent of pines and cedars often repels insects.

Conifers feature simple, evergreen leaves, often referred to as needles, and naked seeds housed in cones. Pines, junipers, yews, cedars and redwoods are all classified as conifers. The fragrant wood from conifers features qualities that give make it insect repellent. Understanding how conifers are insect repellent helps in making proper insect management decisions. Does this Spark an idea?

Insect Defenses

Insect repelling works as a form of defense against insect infestation. One of the greatest threats to conifers are pest insects and the pathogens they carry, according to Christopher Keeling, a researcher in conifer plant defense. As conifers have evolved to protect themselves against insects by using chemicals to repel them, insects have also evolved and developed resistance to the chemicals. Conifers produce chemical compounds to repel, kill and reduce invading insects.

Attracting and Repelling

Plants with insect-repellent qualities feature chemical substances that repel certain insects, but not all insects. The same chemicals, known as terpenoids, that attract beneficial insects work to repel pest insects. Conifers, in fact, use odors and pheromones to attract predators and insects that prey upon damaging insects. Chemicals released by conifers under attack from an insect pest actually work to attract parasitoid wasps, predatory mites, clerid beetles and predator beetles, according to Sheryl Costello of Colorado State University. Other insect defense mechanisms of conifers work without chemical means. For example, conifers provide shelter for birds, which in return eat insects.

Resin Production

Conifers produce oleoresin, also called resin, as a response to wounding or disturbance. This sticky, strongly scented substance consists of monoterpenoid, sesquiterpenoid and diterpenoid compounds. When an insect bores into the tree, the resin pitches out of the tree. Insects become stuck in the resin, which cleans and seals the wound. It also acts as a repellent to deter insects with a toxicity based in both the resin and the vapors.

Adaptation of Conifers

Conifers in areas of high-insect infestation feature higher levels of monterpene than other trees in less stressful areas of growth. For example, the ponderosa pine creates limonene, a toxic chemical to pine beetles. Limonene, myrcene and beta-pinene in pines are all found at higher concentrations in areas with higher levels of pine beetle predation, according to . This may be due to environmental stresses, such as drought, which both raises the levels of terpenoids in trees and draws in insect predators.

Tags: Conifers produce, higher levels, insect repellent, insects Conifers, pest insects

Know When To Die In Civil War Reenacting

Dying, or taking a hit as it often referred to, is a crucial part of war re-enactment.

A Civil War battle re-enactment is an effective way to entertain and teach history. Reenactments are sometimes general, non-scripted battles between the Union and the Confederacy and, other times, are scripted, battle-specific reenactments. Knowing when to die, or take a hit as it is known within the re-enactment community, will depend on the history of the battle, what your colleagues do and the need to keep the show consistent and realistic.

Instructions

1. Speak to the battle organizer and ask him which side is supposed to win. In some cases, the organizers will hand out private cards that state your fate. Follow these directions. Get an idea of how the battle is supposed to play out. If it is a battle specific re-enactment, ask for the script and study the history of the battle. Study what happened and when. As an example, if your platoon is scripted to get flanked by cavalry and suffer heavy losses, prepare to take a hit at that point. Determine if you are specifically singled out and scripted to take a hit at a certain point.

2. Examine your surroundings during the show. If you have been scripted to suffer heavy casualties, and most of your colleagues are still fighting and alive, take a hit to try to steer the show in the right direction. In an unscripted reenactment determine if the overall casualty ratio is on track to reach the goal of the show and adjust accordingly.

3. Determine the length of the battle. If the battle is supposed to go on for an hour, some people will have to take a hit early on and wait. Others will have to wait until closer to the end to feign death to keep the show interesting.

4. Ensure the show is realistic. If a cannon fires directly at you from 5 feet away, you should probably act out being killed. The audience is watching and will notice inconsistencies.

Tags: battle supposed, history battle, keep show, suffer heavy, will have, your colleagues

Make Tick Traps

Ticks can transmit Lyme disease.

Ticks are common pests that are attracted to pets and humans. They are commonly found in wooded areas or areas with large amounts of underbrush. Ticks are drawn to carbon dioxide, which mammals exhale when they breath. Using dry ice, which is solid carbon dioxide, will draw the ticks to the homemade trap. Once you get the ticks on the tape of the trap, you can discard them easily. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Use a serrated knife to cut one hole in each side of the Styrofoam cooler. Make the holes 3/4-inch circles, halfway between the bottom and the top of the cooler side.

2. Place a 1- to 2-lbs. block of dry ice inside the cooler. Use dry ice tongs or heavy duty gloves to move the dry ice. Never touch it with your bare skin. Place the lid on the cooler.

3. Place a piece of flattened cardboard in the yard or wherever you want to trap the ticks. Place the cooler with the dry ice in the middle of the piece of cardboard.

4. Apply a strip of double-sided masking tape to each edge of the cardboard box, along the entire length of the side. Leave the trap for two hours, or however long the dry ice lasts. Pull up the double sided tape with the trapped ticks and dispose of it in the garbage.

Tags: carbon dioxide, Place cooler

Garlic Detox

Garlic is beneficial to your body and can be utilized as a part of a detox diet. According to detox-for-life.com, garlic is one of the sulphur-rich foods that nutritionists recommend for detoxification. Garlic works by removing toxins that eventually cause chronic diseases. These toxins can be caused by stress and by eating an unhealthy diet, particularly one that includes refined foods.

Benefits

Among its many benefits, garlic acts in the body as an antibiotic due to one of its ingredients, diallyl sulphide. Yet, while garlic can help prevent infections, it does not treat them. Thus, it is vital to regularly incorporate garlic into your diet to reap this benefit. Of positive note: according to selfgrowth.com, your body will not build a resistance to garlic as your body can with prescription antibiotics.

A University of Alabama study, reported on detox-for-life.com, found that another benefit of garlic is that its consumption can reduce blood clots by as much as 72 percent. More specifically, study participants who consumed garlic juice experienced dilation of their blood vessels.

Garlic may also reduce cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and consuming garlic can increase phagocytosis, which helps to produce toxin-fighting white blood cells in your body. Toxin removal during garlic detoxification may further help prevent lung cancer, liver disease and kidney cancer.

Finally, detox-for-life.com reports that a garlic detox may decrease your chances of catching a cold virus by 50 percent.

Usage

The key to a successful garlic detox is to consume garlic on a regular basis. You do not need to consume whole garlic cloves to reap the benefits of a garlic detox. In fact, you will not benefit from raw garlic at all.

Garlic must be sliced and cooked so that its allicin enzymes activate. After you peel the clove, slice it lengthwise. Then remove the heart from the garlic clove. Detox-for-life.com recommends that you set aside freshly chopped garlic for about 15 minutes before adding it to food in order to further enhance the enzymes.You can either eat the garlic by itself or use it in other cooked vegetables, pasta, meat dishes and soups.

Garlic in the form of oil, extract or powder is just as effective as part of your detoxification program as cooked fresh garlic. Or, if you do not care to for the taste of garlic in any of these forms, you can simply take daily garlic supplements. Look for these odorless capsules at your local health food store.

Tags: your body, garlic detox, benefits garlic, from garlic, help prevent

Do It Yourself Mosquito Repellent

Avoid mosquito bites with your own homemade repellent.

Keep those annoying mosquitoes at bay during the warm months of the year by using an effective repellent. Not only is the itch of mosquito bites uncomfortable, but mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as the West Nile Virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most typical mosquito repellents available in stores contain strong ingredients that you may wish to avoid. Instead of using these repellents, consider making your own mosquito repellent using a variety of essential oils to discourage pests from biting. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure and pour the alcohol into the jar.

2. Add any combination of the listed essential oils to the jar to add a total amount of 2-1/2 tsp. of essential oils to the alcohol. Essential oils have strong and distinctive aromas, so make a combination that you like or use only one essential oil.

3. Cover the jar and shake the ingredients vigorously to blend.

4. Pour the ingredients into a spray bottle, if you desire.

5. Apply the mosquito repellent to exposed skin by either spraying it or rubbing it on lightly. Reapply the repellent when you notice the scent dissipating.

Tags: essential oils, mosquito bites, mosquito repellent

Does Baby Oil Help Get Rid Of Stretch Marks

Does Baby Oil Help Get Rid of Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are caused by rapid stretching of the skin. The second layer of skin, called the dermis, contains a large amount of collagen, which provides elasticity, allowing the skin to stretch and retract without consequence. Stretching that occurs with rapid weight gain such as occurs during pregnancy causes a breakdown of collagen in the dermis, creating stretch marks that are visible on the outer layer of skin. Most stretch marks can be minimized. However, no amount lotion, cream or baby oil will get rid of them.

Preventing Stretch Marks

Baby oil will not get rid of stretch marks that are already there. Application of any emollient will help reduce them, and might even prevent stretch marks from forming. Vitamin E creams are far more effective than baby oil for this purpose; vitamin E cream nourishes the skin and helps preserve the elasticity in your skin.

A Sure Stretch-Mark Cure

Tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty is the only real cure for stretch marks. This invasive surgical procedure requires a plastic surgeon to cut away all the skin below your belly button. The skin is then stretched and sutured at the pubic bone. This results in the removal of many stretch marks, and replaces them with a large scar that stretches from hip to hip. This scar can usually be covered by a bikini bottom. Abdominoplasty is an expensive surgery that requires a lengthy recovery time.

Laser Treatment for Stretch Marks

Some cosmetic physicians offer laser treatments to remove stretch marks. Generally, lasers are used for the breakdown of tissue, and not the repair of tissue. Be sure to research this costly series of treatments before undergoing them. Do not expect to have your stretch marks removed. Rather, expect the appearance of your stretch marks to be reduced.

Microdermabrasion Treatment for Stretch Marks

Microdermabrasion involves removing the outermost layer of skin to reduce the appearance of scars, sun damage and wrinkles. Since stretch marks form in the dermis as opposed to the epidermis this treatment does not work.

Living with Stretch Marks

Chances are, your stretch marks bother you more than they bother anyone else. If your stretch marks are still fresh, give it time. Stretch marks that are still red or purple are scars that are not yet healed. You may notice that these dark stretch marks shrink over time and may practically vanish. Once your stretch marks become opalescent--white--they are healed and will not shrink further.

Tags: your stretch marks, your stretch, stretch marks, stretch marks, layer skin, marks that

Light Incense Cones

Light an incense cone in your room.

An incense burner is a ceramic device that houses a cone-shaped piece of incense. The burner filters the incense into a specific area, forcing the incense cone to direct its scent toward one location, instead of just burning off and expelling into multiple areas. Lighting an incense cone is slightly different from lighting a stick of incense, as it does not have an exact starting and ending location. It only takes a moment to learn the proper procedure for lighting a cone, and you may find it as simple as lighting a stick of incense.

Instructions

1. Hold the incense cone by the fat end and hold it down so the smaller tip is facing the ground.

2. Light the match or ignite the lighter.

3. Hold the incense cone's tip into the lit flame. Once the incense cone begins to flame remove it from the match/lighter.

4. Blow out the flame on the incense. The cone begins to smoke and give off its designed aroma.

5. Place the incense cone into the incense burner.

Tags: incense cone, incense burner, cone begins, cone into, Hold incense, Hold incense cone

Overview Of Noise As A Mouse Repellent

Mice can hear higher-frequency sound than humans.

Ultrasonic repellent devices have been marketed for decades as a control for rodents pests such as mice. These devices produce high frequency (15 to 19 kilohertz) or ultrasonic (above 19 kilohertz) sound waves in an effort to repel rodents. Theories on how they work range from causing fear, disorientation and physical pain to mimicking alarm signals. Does this Spark an idea?

Effects of Sound

According to a 1984 study done at the University of Nebraska, extremely loud sounds (120 to 150 decibels) can cause seizures and even death in laboratory mice. However, noise at this level is also damaging to human ears and cannot be used in repelling mice. Noise repellents use higher frequencies than humans can hear in attempts to repel mice. Sound also dissipates rapidly away from its source. Noise two feet away from a source is only one-quarter the strength of the noise one foot away from the source. At four feet, the sound is only one-sixteenth as strong.

Wild vs. Laboratory Mice

Laboratory animals are more sensitive to ultrasound than wild animals.

Tests in laboratory species such as mice and rats have shown that noise is a more effective repellent of laboratory animals than wild animals. Wild Norway rats, for instance, are only temporarily repelled by ultrasonic devices, as reported in the 1984 study at the University of Nebraska. They eventually overcome their fear or apprehension of the repellent and go about their normal business.

Habituation

Habituation is a psychology term that refers to an organism "getting used to" something and overcoming fear or apprehension. This seems to occur when ultrasonic repellent devices are used to repel mice under normal conditions. The initial use of the device is usually successful in displacing mice, but, as they get used to the noise, they overcome their fear of it and may re-inhabit areas that were previously abandoned.

Frequency Thresholds

Household pets may be sensitive to ultrasonic repellents.

Humans can hear sound at frequencies up to about 23,000 Hz (Hertz). Louisiana State University researchers report that mice and rats are sensitive to sound up to 60,000 and to about 76,000 Hz, respectively. However, common house pets such as cats and dogs can also hear ultrasonic frequencies. Cats can perceive sound up to about 64,000 Hz, and dogs perceive sounds up to 45,000 Hz. You should consider not using noise as a repellent for mice if you have pets.

Ultrasound Effects

There are a number of reasons why ultrasonic repellents affect mice.

Discovery News reports that mice communicate with high frequency sounds beyond the range of human hearing. Ultrasonic repellents may work by disrupting the ability of mice to communicate by drowning out their sounds. Male mice sing ultrasonic mating songs, and ultrasonic devices might interfere with the reproduction of mice. Mice also communicate distress or alarm calls ultrasonically. Mice subjected to ultrasonic repellent devices may interpret the sound as a distress or alarm call and leave the area.

Tags: away from, away from source, from source, repellent devices, 1984 study

Clean Air Conditioner Coils

Your air conditioner's condenser and evaporator coils need to be kept clean for your air conditioner to run efficiently. As dirt and grime build up on the coils, their ability to absorb and radiate heat declines and the performance of the air conditioner suffers. Here are some steps on clean air conditioner coils. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Inside the House

1. Remove the front grille. Most grilles are made to clip on the air conditioner, but some types might require a screwdriver.

2. Remove the filter to expose the condenser coils.

3. Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any dirt and dust on the coils.

4. Use a fin comb to straighten any bent coil fins. You can find fin combs at appliance parts outlet stores or from an air conditioning wholesaler.

5. Replace the filter and front grille.

Outside the House

6. Remove the back grille. You should be able to see the evaporator coils.

7. Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any dirt and debris on the coils.

8. Use a fin comb to straighten any bent coil fins. You can find fin combs at appliance parts outlet stores or from an air conditioning wholesaler.

9. Replace the back grille.

10. Trim any foliage back by at least 2 feet to reduce the amount of dirt getting on evaporator coils.

Tags: evaporator coils, appliance parts, appliance parts outlet, back grille, bent coil, bent coil fins

Recognize Symptoms Of Encephalitis

Recognize Symptoms of Encephalitis

The definition of encephalitis is inflammation of the brain. A virus usually causes encephalitis; however, it is not a common disease. It most seriously affects children, senior citizens, HIV/AIDS or cancer patients and others with compromised immune systems. Learn to recognize symptoms of encephalitis and avoid serious illness, especially in those more vulnerable and susceptible to the disease.

Instructions

1. Know that minor cases of encephalitis include slight symptoms, such as headache, fever and lack of appetite and energy. Major symptoms of encephalitis are a sign of danger and of severe illness.

2. Recognize symptoms of encephalitis that are more serious: a high fever and central nervous system warning signs including stiffness of the neck, severe headache, nausea and vomiting, disorientation/confusion, seizures, hallucinations and coma.

3. Pay special attention to certain symptoms associated with encephalitis in infants, such as a full or bulging soft spot, vomiting, nonstop crying or intensified crying, especially when the baby is touched or held, and body stiffness.

4. Know that encephalitis can manifest even with no apparent symptoms of a preceding virus. Realize encephalitis can be spread in various ways and is caused by a variety of germs.

5. Protect yourself and loved ones from ticks and especially mosquitoes, which can pass on viruses causing many forms of encephalitis, such as the West Nile Virus (Encephalitis), Western Equine Encephalitis and the St. Louis Encephalitis.

6. Check immediately with your doctor if you or a loved one begins experiencing any of the listed symptoms for encephalitis. Recognize that getting medical testing and a diagnosis right away, especially if symptoms show up in a child, an elderly person or a person with a lowered immune system, is the best way to prevent serious complications.

Tags: symptoms encephalitis, Know that, Recognize Symptoms Encephalitis, Symptoms Encephalitis

Troubleshoot A Coleman Mosquito Deleto

The Coleman Mosquito Deleto is a trapping system designed to rid your outdoor living space of pesky mosquitoes. It uses an octenol attractant that lures mosquitoes to the trap. Coleman offers a 60-day guarantee that the trap will trap and kill mosquitoes. The Mosquito Deleto is warrantied for one year after purchase. Coleman will repair or replace it free of charge. Resolve common issues through troubleshooting. If troubleshooting fails to correct the problem, call for service. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Turn off the shutoff valve on the gas cylinder and replace the cylinder if the gas burner does not light. Turn the cylinder counterclockwise to remove it from the regulator. Thread a new cylinder into the regulator fitting and turn it clockwise to tighten it. Wait 30 to 60 seconds after connecting a new cylinder to remove air from the lines before lighting.

2. Replace the batteries if the ignitor does not work. Turn the ignitor button counterclockwise to unscrew it. Insert the positive end of a new AAA battery into the opening. Replace the ignitor button. Turn it clockwise to tighten it.

3. Remove the gas cylinder if the tank is less than 1/4 full and the burner does not stay lit. Replace with a new gas cylinder.

4. Move the unit out of direct sunlight if the adhesive panels drip. Lift the lid on top of the unit and pull the adhesive traps up to remove them. Insert new adhesive panels. Close the lid.

5. Call for service if you experience other problems.

Tags: Mosquito Deleto, adhesive panels, burner does, clockwise tighten, Coleman Mosquito, Coleman Mosquito Deleto

Different Breeds Of Guppies

Guppies are freshwater tropical fish that are ideally suited for aquariums. They are known as Millions Fish as they breed prolifically. There is no consistent standard for breed classification of guppies. Thus the same guppy might be known by different names in different countries. New breeds are introduced every day, according to Guppies.com. Generally, guppies are classified based on shape, color and pattern of tail.

Shape

Guppies are generally classified based on shape. Features like the shape of the forehead, head, dorsal and tail fin are considered for this categorization. The forehead should be sharp and straight looking for a nicely shaped guppy. A good fancy guppy is identified by the size of its tail. According to IFGA (International Fancy Guppy Association) standard, in the case of fan tail guppies, the ratio of the length from the angular point of the tail to the end of the tail and the length from the angular point of the tail to the end of the head should be the same.

Color

The color of the upper body, lower body and tail changes based on melanin changes. So, different guppy categories are defined based on this color. Generally they are classified as bicolor, multicolor and any other color (AOC). Some of the breed names based on the upper body classifications are gray, golden, tiger, white, albino and real red eye albino (RREA) guppies. Guppies classified by lower body color include cobra, snakeskin and tuxedo.

Pattern of Tail

Guppies are also classified based on the pattern of their tails. There are 10 different types of tails commonly accepted. They are wild, pin, spade, top sword, bottom sword, double sword, lyre tail, delta, fan and long fin type. In long fin type, there are two subtypes named ribbon and swallow. Grass, mosaic, leopard, solid and others are in the same category based on the tail pattern.

Gender

Guppies are also categorized by gender. They can be easily identified because the female guppy has a small and patterned tail, whereas the male guppy has a longer tail with fewer markings. Female guppies are larger in size than male guppies.

Tags: classified based, angular point, angular point tail, based shape, classified based shape

Travel To Mali Africa

Travel to Mali can be an arduous trip.

The most direct way to travel to Mali is to fly to its capital city of Bamako. The country is located in western Africa, and its most recognizable city is Timbuktu. Depending on your city of departure, total flight times can last as long as 30 hours. As of September 2010, some terrorist threats lurk in the northern portion of the country so travelers should take caution to avoid those areas.

Instructions

1. Book your flight. Do this first, as you will need your itinerary in order to acquire the proper travel documents. You can schedule a flight with most U.S. airlines, although they do not fly directly to Mali. The most direct flight is from a U.S. city to Paris to Bamako in Mali, and many flights will take you through more than one city before you get to Paris.

2. Get a vaccination for yellow fever. As of September 2010, you must have proof of this vaccine to gain entry into Mali, according to the U.S. Department of State. Find a yellow fever vaccine clinic on the CDC website (see Resources) or talk to your doctor about getting the vaccination.

3. Acquire a visa for entry into Mali. Go to the VisaHQ website for Mali (see References) and fill out the application. Mail the application, your passport, two passport photos, your itinerary, your yellow fever vaccination certification, the necessary fees and either your hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from someone who lives in Mali to:

2005 Massachusetts Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20036

The process should be completed within five days, but send in the application at least 10 days before your departure date to allow for contingencies.

Tags: yellow fever, entry into, entry into Mali, into Mali, most direct

Fly A Micro Rc Helicopter

Use a controller to steer a micro RC helicopter.

Micro radio-controlled helicopters are an enjoyable hobby for many people. You may have seen these tiny, scale-model helicopters flying at your local park and wanted to experience the fun yourself. Micro RC helicopters are so small, you can even fly them indoors. Learn how the hand-held controls work and understand safety principles, then start practicing flying.

Instructions

1. Understand the principles of safe flying. Inform people nearby that you are flying a radio-controlled helicopter, and that they should keep an eye out for it. Be careful where you steer it, to avoid crashing it and possibly breaking or losing it, let alone injuring someone.

2. Conduct a pre-flight inspection, verifying that the rotors can tilt and spin freely.

3. Install batteries in the micro radio-controlled helicopter and in the radio controller. Switch on the power for both, and extend the radio controller antenna if it is extendible.

4. Stay within the transmitting distance between the controller and the helicopter, to ensure that you will be able to steer and land it.

5. Take off by moving the throttle control up in a smooth fashion.

6. Keep the micro RC helicopter close to the ground for your first flights until you get used to maneuvering it.

7. Adjust the trim tab left or right to eliminate a clockwise or counter-clockwise spin if the helicopter starts spinning while hovering.

8. Move forward or backward by pushing the control stick forward or backward. Practice turning left and right by moving the stick in either direction.

9. Climb by pushing the throttle control further.

10. Descend by pulling the throttle back, and decide on a good place to land.

Tags: forward backward, left right, micro helicopter, radio controller, radio-controlled helicopter

Attract Dragonflies In Arizona

Attracting dragonflies helps control mosquito problems.

Hundreds of species of the dragonfly thrive in Arizona. Despite Arizona's hot climate, dragonflies can be found near water sources such as wetlands, ponds, streams and lakes. Dragonflies are often desirable for gardens because they are a natural predator of mosquitoes, flies and ants. To attract this beautiful insect, a water habitat must be created. Ponds are ideal for this purpose. However, specific requirements must be met when installing a pond to attract dragonflies. The pond must have a variety of depths, contain clean water and emergent plants. The dragonfly also needs sunshine, shelter and a place to hunt. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Excavate the area for the pond and install the lining. Dig the pond at different depths, making it at least 2 feet deep at the center. Ideally, the pond should be shallower around the perimeter and get deeper toward the center.

2. Install the underwater vegetation for your pond. Visit local garden shops to obtain a variety of underwater plants and installation instructions. Some common shallow-water emergent plants include: Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus), Water Horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile) and Bur-reed (Sparganium erectum).

3. Monitor the newly installed pond periodically to ensure all of the dragonfly habitat requirements are met. Check to make sure the underwater plants are thriving. Test the water for pollutants. Place sticks on the surface to provide a temporary perch for the dragonfly.

Tags: emergent plants, underwater plants

Difference Between Guppies & Minnows

Colloquially, both "guppy" and "minnow" may refer to diminutive fish. In scientific terms, however, the words have fundamentally different denotations and refer to freshwater fish not closely related.

Taxonomy

The guppy is a single species of ray-finned fish, Poecilia reticulata. Minnows, by contrast, are a family of fish---the cyprinids---encompassing not just the tiny "minnows" of common perception but also goldfish and massive carp.

Morphology

Many minnows have distinctive barbels near their mouth and mobile upper jaws. While most are small, often under 5cm in length, large carp like Asia's giant barb may exceed 6 feet. Guppies, usually 2cm to 5cm long, are characterized by high-sided pectoral fins and a pelvic fin situated well forward on the body.

Geography

Guppies naturally inhabit a range of fresh waters in northeastern South America, a landmass with no native minnows. That absence notwithstanding, cyprids have the most extensive continuous range of any freshwater fish family, found on all other continents except Antarctica.

Ecology

Many minnows are bottom-feeders, serving important ecological roles near the bottom rungs of aquatic food chains. Guppies feast primarily on insects, though they'll also eat zooplankton and other food items.

Relationship with Humans

Guppies are one of the most popular aquarium fish in the world. Populations of Trinidadian guppies separated within a single river by series of waterfalls have been famously studied in research on natural selection. Minnows have immense importance to humans, as gamefish themselves or as bait and as a natural food source for other commercially desirable species.

Tags: freshwater fish, Many minnows

Daddy Long Legs Spider Information

The term "daddy long legs" actually refers to two different arthropods: the daddy long legs spider and the harvestman--the latter of which is an arachnid but is not a spider. The two are superficially similar, but in reality are very different. Much confusion arises from the common practice of calling them both by the same name.

Harvestmen

Daddy long legs, as the term applies to harvestmen, are identified easily by their extra-long legs. While the body is a single oval segment 2 to 10 millimeters in length, the flexible appendages on these arachnids extend up to 50 millimeters. About two times a month, the harvestman molts (outgrows) its old skin, taking almost 20 minutes to pull the long legs out of their old coverings. Harvestmen tend to be gray or brown with chevron-type stripes. This helps them blend in with their surrounding environment--under rocks, logs and piles of leaves.

They do not have the apparatus for spinning silk, so unless they are trapped by another spider's weaving, they will not be found in a web. Because of this, the harvestman is an arachnid, but not technically a spider.

Spiders

Another type of daddy long legs is actually a spider. These daddy long legs spiders are virtually indistinguishable from harvestmen from a distance, but upon close inspection, you can see that the body has two parts rather than being a single piece. All eight legs are attached to the front body piece. Also, rather than bearing chevron-shaped stripes, this spider has a stripe along its belly and, unlike the harvestman, it can and does spin elaborate webs.

Behavior

You also can distinguish between harvestmen and daddy long legs spiders by observing their behavior.

If you happen upon a harvestman at meal time, you will observe the spider cleaning its orifice by dragging a leg through it periodically. If threatened, harvestmen release a foul-smelling chemical that is meant to discourage predators.

The daddy long legs spider, on the other hand, begins to turn rapidly in its web, rotating quickly until it becomes a mere blur. This is a very effective defense mechanism, making the spider difficult to see.

Diet

The two types of daddy long legs differ also in their diets. Without venom, fangs or a web, the harvestmen have no way to trap and restrain live food. Therefore, they are opportunistic feeders, eating decaying plant and animal matter. In captivity, they survive on crusts of bread and butter, and the occasional bit of fatty meat.

With its ability to spin webs, the daddy long legs spider can trap its prey, but it seems to prefer hiding in the webs of other spiders. To launch an invasion, the daddy long legs spider approaches the web, causing the silk strands to tremble and mimicking the resistance of ensnared prey. When the web owner approaches to investigate, the daddy long legs spider eats the host.

The Legs

If you handle a daddy long legs of either variety, there is a strong possibility that one of its legs will fall off. It is one trait they have in common and may have developed as a way to escape from possible enemies. Unfortunately, this means of escaping predation comes at a high cost: The legs also function as an extension of the senses, enhancing sight, taste, touch and hearing.

Tags: long legs, daddy long legs, daddy long, daddy long, legs spider, long legs spider