How Does Temperature Affect The Color Of Seashells

How Does Temperature Affect the Color of Seashells?

Constant Temperatures are Best

Seashells have fascinated people since the dawn of human history. Found in many shapes and sizes, shells have served as money and also decorative items. Today they are often used to spruce up gardens.

Because they come from marine environments that feature relatively stable conditions, settings with near-constant temperatures are preferred for maintaining the vibrant colors of seashells.

Keep Out of Direct Sunshine

Even more important than temperature, prolonged exposure to direct sunshine causes the colors of many seashells to fade.

Look for shady areas if you want to preserve the colors of seashells used in wind chimes or as other decorative outdoor features.

Avoid Dust and Moisture

Besides maintaining consistent temperatures away from direct sunshine, limiting the amount of moisture and dust will keep seashells looking colorful and shiny.

An Acrylic Coating is Another Option

Since it is not always possible to maintain constant temperatures or keep seashells in your garden out of direct sunlight, another option is adding an acrylic coating. This step will prevent changing temperatures and other environmental factors from dulling the colors of your most precious seashells.

Tags: Affect Color, Affect Color Seashells, Color Seashells, colors seashells, direct sunshine

Pest Repellents Using Essential Oils For Dogs

Essential oils can help repel pests from dogs.

Pest control products for dogs usually repel fleas and mites. Natural topical products for pest control often contain essential oils, which are plant-based compounds in high concentrations. Consult a veterinarian before using an essential oil on a dog because some essential oils can cause allergic reactions and even death. Pre-formulated products containing essential oils tend to be safer than pure essential oils.

Neem Oil

Neem seed has a long history of use for insect control, especially in India. Azadirachtin, a compound in neem seed extracts and oils, effectively reduces flea counts. A study cited by Colorado State University found that topical application of a neem mist-spray on dogs and cats immediately reduces the number of fleas in 19 days. However, exposure to large doses of neem can impair a dog's thyroid function and cause hepatotoxicity. If orally ingested by infants and young children, it could also cause toxic encephalopathy.

Sassafras Oil

Sassafras oil, which contains linalool, repels insects such as mosquitoes, fleas, mites, ticks and spiders. It often appears as an ingredient in dog flea sprays. According to Colorado State University, a study found it to be effective against Diamanus montanus, which is a ground squirrel flea. Oil of Ceylon and cinnamon also contain linalool and have similar uses.

Lavender Oil

One of the most common essential oils used on animals, lavender essential oil can help repel fleas and ticks on dogs, according to Christina Chambreau, DVM. It can also help with ear problems. Lavender oil helps the skin regenerate and has a calming effect. It also has anti-itch and anti-bacterial properties. Some commercial shampoos beneficial for the skin and coat contain lavender as an ingredient.

Tags: essential oils, Colorado State, Colorado State University, essential oils, fleas mites, help repel, repel fleas

Build Your Own Bug Zapper

A bug zapper is more formally known as an electrical discharge insect control system and is a common tool for killing insects outdoors. In order to be effective, these devices must attract insects in some way and they must provide enough electricity to kill them. The basic design for a bug zapper has not changed since they were invented in 1934.

Instructions

1. Pry open the camera with a screwdriver and remove the film. Locate the capacitor, which is usually in the upper-right corner of the camera. Solder a 5-inch length of electrical wire to each lead of the capacitor. Drill two holes large enough to fit the wires through next to the view finder. Route the wires through the holes and close the case.

2. Cut off the conical part of the fish trap. Roll some mesh into a cylinder that's no more than 1 centimeter smaller than the diameter of the fish trap. Staple the cylinder together and cut it to the length of the fish trap. Place the mesh cylinder inside the bottom fish trap lid and glue it in place.

3. Make a second mesh cylinder that fits into the groove of the fish trap lid and glue it in place. Ensure that the two mesh cylinders aren't touching at any point. Solder each of the free leads from the camera to one of the meshes.

4. Cut a piece of PVC pipe about 6 inches long. Cut the tips of the LEDs off to diffuse the light. Place three AA batteries inside the pipe and wire the LEDs in parallel. Hold the wires in place with electrical tape and connect the electrical switch to the circuit. Glue the light structure to the bottom of the top cap of the fish trap and glue the electrical switch on top of the top cap of the fish trap.

5. Turn on the LEDs and the flash switch of the camera. Insects will be attracted to the blue LEDs inside the wire meshes and will complete the circuit when they touch both meshes at the same time. This will trigger the capacitor in the camera and fry the insect.

Tags: fish trap, fish trap glue, trap glue, bottom fish, bottom fish trap, cylinder that

Safest Insect Repellent For Humans

Read insect repellent labels carefully to find the safest products for your family.

Many people love being outdoors but don't like sharing nature with insect pests like mosquitoes, ticks, deerflies and gnats. Finding the right insect repellent poses problems because many commercial products contain toxic chemicals that can cause health hazards to humans. Fortunately, consumers can find an array of products that do not contain these chemicals and pose no threat to health. Does this Spark an idea?

About Insect Repellents

Insect repellents come in a wide variety of products in a number of different strengths. Of course, children playing outdoors do not need the same strength as that used for a grown adult hunting in heavy forest overgrowth, so read labels carefully and use only as directed. Pay attention to label warnings such as those warning against use of the product on children under 3. Do not ever use insect repellents on children under 2 months of age.

DEET

The safety of Deet, or N,N dimethyl-metatoluamide, has been under question for many years. After much study, the EPA completed its 1998, finding Deet to be safe when used according to label directions. Product that contain less than 10 percent of Deet is safe for use on children, but it should be applied by an adults. Some people may be sensitive to the chemical and suffer reactions such as skin irritation, confusion and difficulties in judgment.

Picaridin

Picaridin is a piperidine derivative used for its insecticidal properties, with an effectiveness that is similar to Deet. The World Health Organization recommended the product for use against mosquitos in 2000 for its safety, effectiveness and cosmetic properties. It is less irritating to sensitive skin than Deet products. Picaridin is available in 5 percent and 10 percent strengths

Permethrin

Permethrin is a chemical extracted from a type of chrysanthemum plant. It is approved for use as an insect repellent only on clothes, not on skin. Permethrin is effective on clothing for 2 weeks or more if the clothing is not laundered. It can, however, cause eye irritation in some people.

Natural Oils

A number of natural oils are useful for their insect repellent properties and are among the safest for humans to use. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil efficacy as a insect repellent tests just behind results for lower levels of Deet in EPA studies, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Soybean oil is similar in its efficacy and is used in a number of "natural" products on the market. Citronella and geranium are two other oils used as natural insect repellents offered for those wishing to find the safest type of repellents that avoid toxic chemicals.

Tags: insect repellent, children under, Deet safe, find safest, insect repellents

Do I Weed & Feed Or Plant Seed First

Do I Weed & Feed or Plant Seed First?

Crabgrass and other broadleaf weeds invade lawns every year. Crabgrass, the most common, grows in the spring and thrives in the summer. In fall it broadcasts seeds to germinate during the winter. But this isn't only an annual battle because crabgrass seeds put down in autumn may lie fallow for as long as seven years. It's broadleaf kin are as persistent in the battle for space between turf grass and weeds. Some propagate with seed and others live along roots to emerge in spring. Weed and feed fertilizer can turn the battle in your favor. Does this Spark an idea?

Fighting the Turf War

Weed and feed products contain fertilizer to support turf growth and an herbicide to kill weeds before they emerge. Before winter sets in, identify the types of weeds infesting your lawn. According to the Broadleaf Weed Index, ?The existence of weeds in a stand of turf grass indicates a lack of turf health and vigor.? The invaders can tell you about the problems your lawn is having. For example, sheep sorrel thrives in soil with low pH while broadleaf plantain is a sign that the pH level in your soil is too high.

Each state has a network of cooperative extension offices providing a wealth of information for home gardeners. Find your county extension service at csrees.usda.gov/extension/. Check with the local office to determine when temperatures will be warm enough for weeds to emerge. Set the date for weed and feed application before that time. It is useless to apply a preemergent herbicide once the weeds have sprouted.

Purchase a weed and feed combination with herbicides that will target the weeds you have identified in your lawn. Spread the weed and feed in the spring, following package directions. The broadleaf herbicides dicamba and triclopyr are found in several preemergrnt herbicides. They may injure tree roots growing in lawns if they are applied too close to the tree drip line where young roots grow. Locate the drip line by looking at your trees and determining where the water drips from the outermost leaves. Make a generous boundary beyond the tree roots and the herbicide.

Go Green Organically

Corn gluten meal is a natural weed and feed fertilizer. To prevent crabgrass and other weeds that germinate from seed, apply corn gluten in fall. As with chemical weed and feed products, check with your local extension service to determine when the weather will be right for germinating weed seed and apply before that time.

For winter weeds such as henbit and dandelions and annual bluegrass, broadcast corn gluten in fall. This also has about nine to 10 nitrogen and is a strong organic fertilizer.

Tags: weed feed, your lawn, before that, before that time, corn gluten

Control Cabbage Butterflies

Control cabbage butterflies with a variety of methods.

With black tips on its upper wings and one black spot on its lower wings, cabbage butterflies are one of the most common butterflies found in some parts of the United States, particularly the New England area. The butterflies lay their eggs on young cabbages. When the caterpillars hatch they eat their way through the cabbages, chewing irregular holes in the leaves beginning at the bottom of the cabbage, all the way top the top. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Create a barrier between the host cabbage plants and the cabbage butterflies. Because the butterflies lay their eggs on cabbage plants, you can control the population of cabbage butterflies by physically keeping them away from cabbages. Cover the plants with an overturned mesh hydroponic pot or cover the entire bed with a barrier system. Floating row covers make good temporary protection and can be removed when the white butterflies are no longer visible. A discarded nylon stocking, stretched to cover the head of a growing cabbage, can also keep the butterflies away from the cabbage. A more permanent solution is to cover the entire growing bed with a fine mesh, supported by a frame of hoops.

2. Remove all spent vegetation at the end of the growing season, because cabbage butterflies overwinter as cocoons on dead vegetation or other hard surfaces.

3. Hand pick the eggs or the resulting caterpillars at any age. Although this method is labor intensive, it is rather effective at reducing the population of cabbage butterflies, as well as reducing the damage they cause.

4. Introduce natural predators to the area containing cabbage butterflies. Assassin bugs, paper wasps, lacewings, tachinid flies, ladybirds, trichogramma wasps and Apanteles wasps are all natural predators of cabbage butterflies and will quickly reduce their population.

5. Attract birds that eat small insects to your property. Provide safe nesting places, as well as a constant, reliable supply of fresh water. Dense plantings of native shrubs and manufactured bird houses will attract insect-eating birds to the area.

6. Spray with Bacillus thuringiensis, Bt for short, a biological control for caterpillars. It functions as a stomach poison on caterpillars, but does not harm beneficial insects. Mix following label directions and spray onto the foliage of cabbage plants with a garden sprayer when you notice caterpillars are present. Because Bt is broken down by the sun in just four to seven days, reapplication is necessary until the caterpillars are no longer present.

Tags: cabbage butterflies, cabbage plants, away from, butterflies their, butterflies their eggs, cover entire, natural predators

Operate An Excalibur Wireless Indoor R/C Micro Flyer Helicopter

Children of all ages can enjoy this helicopter indoors, year round.

Excalibur's Wireless Indoor Micro Flyer helicopter is controlled with a remote. The instructions for operating the helicopter with the remote are fairly simple to follow, even easy enough for most children to understand. The plane should only be used inside and children should be supervised while operating the helicopter, to avoid accidents and potentially broken items. The remote for this small RC helicopter allows you to control the flight direction and the lift. It also has a trimming option that keeps the helicopter stable as you maneuver it through the air.

Instructions

1. Load six AAA batteries into the infrared controller. Select channel A, B or C for both the infrared controller and the helicopter.

2. Flip the power switch for the helicopter "On".

3. Clear a space on your floor, make sure there is ample room to operate the helicopter without breaking anything. Set the helicopter in the space you have cleared.

4. Move the throttle stick forward gently until the helicopter comes up off of the ground. Push the throttle stick forward to make the helicopter go higher. Lower the helicopter by pushing the throttle stick down.

5. Rotate the direction control stick left or right to fly your helicopter in that direction to rotate left and right. Use the trimmer control to keep the helicopter from spinning out of control. Press down on the trimmer opposite of the direction that the helicopter is spinning towards to counter the movement.

Tags: throttle stick, Excalibur Wireless, Excalibur Wireless Indoor, Indoor Micro, Indoor Micro Flyer

Repair Backyard Ponds

Repairing cracks or tears in your pond will extend its life.

Outdoor ponds are enchanting additions to your yard or garden, and provide years of relaxation when installed and maintained properly. Sadly, damage in the form of cracks or tears to the liner or pond surface can all too easily put a hold on your enjoyment. Unless the problem is minor, you will have to drain the pond to repair the problem. With some precautions in your repair plans, however, you can make sure that your pond is back together in no time, and that further damage is avoided. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove any fish, turtles and wildlife from the pond. Relocate them to holding tanks or large containers while you make repairs to the pond. Plastic storage tubs are good options for quantities of large fish. Haul out any plants you wish to save.

2. Drain the pond completely. Rent a pond vacuum or rotate your pond pump so the overflow points away from the pond.

3. Clean the pond by removing any debris left at the bottom. Hose out the entire pond. Scrub concrete ponds with a broom or large scrub brush; use car wash mitts or large rags on plastic liners to avoid additional scrapes and tears. Rinse a final time, then drain the pond again.

4. Allow the pond to dry completely.

5. Thoroughly inspect the pond for cracks, tears and holes. Don't rush this process -- the last thing you want to do is fill your pond after repairs are finished, only to find that you have missed a leak somewhere.

6. Patch your pond with the method that matches your pond's construction. Fix flexible liner ponds with a repair kit. Apply spray foam or a concrete patching product for short-term repairs to concrete ponds. Repair a hard plastic free-form pond temporarily with a pond-repair kit. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the repair products you choose.

7. Allow any patches to dry and set completely before refilling your pond.

Tags: your pond, cracks tears, concrete ponds, from pond, pond completely, ponds with

Origami Mosquitos

Learn to make all kinds of animals and insects with origami.

Origami is a traditional Japanese paper folding craft. Origami covers a broad range from beginner patterns to decorative items for holidays, paper cranes, extremely advanced patterns and intricate works of art. This origami mosquito is a good beginner origami project. It has few steps and requires only basic origami folds. Origami paper can be found in craft supply stores and often features elaborate designs. However, if you're on a budget, or new to origami, wrapping paper can be cut to size and substituted.

Instructions

1. Lay your sheet of paper on a hard, flat surface, color side facing up. Rotate your square so that it faces you like a diamond. Fold the top point down to the bottom point. Crease and unfold it. Fold the left point over to the right point. Crease and unfold it.

2. Fold the right point so that the tip slightly passes the centerline. Do the same with the left point. Fold the tip underneath so that it lines up with the centerline.

3. Fold a small pleat where the left and right edges meet the top section. Fold the top point backward. Fold the top left and right points behind. Fold the bottom point behind.

4. Turn your project over. Fold in the left and right points of the bottom section of the mosquito. Then pull both points downward and inside out. Turn your project back over. Draw two eyes to complete your origami mosquito.

Tags: Fold left, left right, bottom point, Crease unfold, Crease unfold Fold

Do Geraniums Keep Mosquitoes Away

Between their itchy bites and the diseases they can carry, mosquitoes are the last insects you want to encounter while you are outside. While rose geranium plants won't repel mosquitoes in the garden, their essential oil can be used to make a natural mosquito repellent. Does this Spark an idea?

Rose Geranium

Rose geranium plants emit a pungent odor when their leaves or flower petals are bruised. Essential oil of rose geranium works to repel insects, including ticks and mosquitoes.

Home Use

Pluck a few leaves and crush them in your hands, then rub the leaves and the juices on your skin to create a natural mosquito repellent. Placing two drops of rose geranium oil on a fabric dog collar may keep mosquitoes away from your pet for a short time.

Considerations

Rose geranium oil is available for purchase in health food and aromatherapy stores. It can be expensive, so apply it sparingly. Three drops of oil in a 20-oz. spray bottle full of water can be used as a short-term mosquito repellent spray.

Tags: mosquito repellent, geranium plants, natural mosquito, natural mosquito repellent, rose geranium

Care For A Hamster

Hamsters love to hide in small places.

Hamsters are perfect first pets for youngsters; they are lovable, small, and best of all, they are easy and inexpensive to keep. With proper attention and care, hamsters can live up to five years.

Instructions

1. Look for the right hamster to buy. An ideal hamster is between 4 and 7 weeks old; hamsters are easier to tame when they're young. There are two types of hamster: the golden hamster and the Siberian or dwarf hamster. The golden hamster is available in a variety of colors and fur variations, while the smaller dwarf hamster comes in only a few colors. However, the big difference between the two is that dwarf hamsters do not tame well, while golden hamsters can become gentle, reliable pets.

2. When you bring home your hamster and supplies, place the cage in a location away from drafts, and out of direct sunlight. Pick a spot in the house where you will frequently visit your hamster.

3. Cover the cage floor with a 2-inch layer of bedding. Pine wood shavings are best, because they are absorbent and nontoxic.

4. Keep a filled, clean water bottle attached to the cage at a height where the spout is reachable by the hamster, but doesn't touch the bedding. if the bedding gets wet it can rot and cause your hamster to get sick. Wash and refill daily.

5. Provide plenty of chew toys. Hamsters love the cardboard tubes found inside rolls of toilet paper and paper towels. Attach hamster wood chews to the side of the cage.

6. Make a box for your hamster to sleep in. Cut a 2-inch doorway into a small, closed cardboard box. Place the box in a far corner of the cage. The hamster will fill the box with bedding and chewed-up pieces of cardboard from the toilet paper tubes and will use the box as a bedroom. He will not urinate in the box, so you can use it for many months before replacing it.

7. Feed your hamster a commercially prepared hamster-food mix once or twice a day. Supply a small amount of fresh fruits and vegetables year-round. When you introduce new foods, initially feed small portions so his system can get used to them.

8. Exercise your hamster by putting an exercise wheel in her cage. Let her exercise outside her cage inside a specially designed plastic hamster ball, available at pet stores. Close the doors to your bedroom, take her out of his cage, and let her run around in the hamster ball.

9. Wash your hamster's cage at least once a week. Remove the hamster to a safe location and dip the cage in water that has a few drops of household disinfectant added to it. Wipe out any debris, dry the inside and add clean bedding before replacing the hamster.

10. Remove any uneaten fruits and vegetables after two days. Fresh foods that turn moldy can make your hamster sick.

11. Don't bathe your hamster. Hamsters clean themselves. If you think your hamster smells bad, the odor is probably coming from dirty bedding. Clean the hamster cage more often.

12. Take your hamster with you or find someone to take care of him if you are going on vacation for more than three days.

Tags: your hamster, before replacing, dwarf hamster, fruits vegetables, golden hamster

Effects Of Typhoid

Typhoid is a disease common in Asia, Africa and Latin America, according to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control. Salmonella bacteria causes typhoid, and its effects vary, depending on the stage of the illness.

Stage 1

A fever as high as 103 or 104 degrees F, headache, weakness, sore throat, abdominal pain and a pink skin rash are common effects of Stage 1 typhoid. Children with typhoid tend to experience diarrhea during this stage, while adults develop constipation, reports the Mayo Clinic.

Stage 2

Fever continues throughout the second stage of typhoid. A thick green diarrhea becomes present in both adults and children. Marked weight loss and a swollen abdomen also occur.

Stage 3

As it progresses, typhoid causes delirium in patients. Patients often lie motionless with their eyes half-open during the third stage, in what is called a "typhoid state."

Intestinal Complications

In 5 percent of patients, typhoid leads to both holes and bleeding in the intestines. Either condition can cause shock in patients and are life-threatening emergencies.

Other Effects

Typhoid sometimes causes a number of other medical complications, including inflammation of the heart or pancreas, pneumonia, meningitis, hallucinations and paranoid psychosis. In addition, typhoid sometimes leads to infections of the kidneys, bladder and spine.

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Troubleshoot A Coleman Outdoor Heater

Coleman is a name that is synonymous with camping and outdoor fun. Some products that Coleman sells include lamps, grills, portable stoves, coolers and both indoor and outdoor heaters. Coleman outdoor patio heaters resemble a street lamp and heat from above as you sit on your patio chair. The heaters are good for a backyard patio or a patio at a restaurant or bar. Fixing minor glitches in performance can be done at home without having to bring it in for service. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Open the cylinder valve and clean out the pilot tube or orifice if they are plugged with debris and the pilot won't light. Press down the heater control knob and replace the cylinder as alternative options. Use a match to light the heater if the igniter is faulty.

2. Clean any dirt from around the pilot light area, tighten all connections and perform a leak check if the pilot keeps going out. To check for leaks, mix 50/50 mild dish soap and water and pour a small amount on all gas fittings, then watch for bubbles.

3. Straighten the hose if it is bent or kinked and inspect the burner and orifice for blockages if the burner flame seems low. Replace the cylinder if the other fixes don't work.

4. Remove any blockages from the screen holes on the burner and clean the screen thoroughly inside and out if you see a build up of carbon.

Tags: pilot light

Do Geckos Eat Bugs In The House

The common house gecko has pink, or opaque skin.

Geckos live in tropical and sub-tropical climates. They hunt at night and call to one another with chirping sounds. A frequent house dweller, the Asian or common house gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus has pink or almost transparent skin. A close relative is the Mediterranean gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus, with brown and tan striped skin. Inside a house, these small, nocturnal lizards run up walls and hunt on ceilings and around light fixtures. Does this Spark an idea?

Sticky Feet and Flat Bodies

Sticky toe pads give geckos the ability to climb up slick tile, glass and vertical walls or to scurry along upside down on the ceiling. They grow 3 to 6 inches from nose to tail and have flat bodies that cling close to the surface. Geckos easily pass in and out of houses and other structures under doors, around light fixtures and through small cracks around windows and vents. In general, geckos sleep during the day under light fixtures and in dark cracks and corners.

Food and Hunting Habits

Geckos will eat just about any insect as long as it is alive and they can catch it. Moths and other insects flutter to lighted windows and light fixtures in the evening, making the perfect hunting ground for geckos. Geckos eat mosquitoes, flies, beetles, dragonflies, cicadas, ants, wasps, butterflies and crickets. They hunt primarily during the evening and at night, but it is not uncommon to see geckos hunting during the day, particularly in dimly lit rooms.

Natural Insect Control

Houses attract insects like termites, ants, and flies, which breed and live in walls and furniture. Insects attract predators like spiders. A healthy gecko population helps to keep insect populations down inside a house. Spiders are predatory arachnids that live where there is a food source. Not only do geckos eat spiders, they also help control spider food sources. Geckos also eat insect larva, particularly paper wasp larva.

Keeping Geckos Out

Not everyone likes sharing a house with lizards. If you live in an area where geckos are found in the natural environment and want to keep geckos out of your home, the best way is to keep insects out. Keep screens on all windows and keep doors and windows closed. Put brush guards under doors, and turn off lights at night. To keep geckos from coming in, caulk holes around windows and vents. Catch geckos in live traps and move them outside. Geckos are harmless to humans and they eat insects, making them good housemates to have around.

Tags: light fixtures, around light, around light fixtures, around windows, around windows vents, common house, common house gecko

Organic Repellents For Grasshoppers

Organic Repellents for Grasshoppers

The grasshopper, one of the most damaging insects known to gardeners and farmers, is also one of the most difficult pests to control. They are very mobile and their population numbers vary wildly from year at year. When choosing your grasshopper control strategy, don't cut off your nose to spite your face. Choose organic methods that don't poison your soil or your crops. Does this Spark an idea?

Garlic

Garlic oil sprays and garlic tea sprays may be effective at repelling grasshoppers. Tipnut.com suggests boiling a pint of water and steeping roughly cut chopped garlic in it until it cools. Strain out garlic pieces and spray on plants.

Another Tipnut.com recipe involving garlic calls for blending two hot peppers, one large onion, one whole bulb of garlic and a quarter cup of water in a food processor, then covering the resulting mash with a gallon of hot water. Let stand for 24 hours then strain. "Good for thrips, aphids, grasshoppers, chewing and sucking insects."

Hot Peppers

Hot pepper wax and chili sprays make plants taste unpalatable to grasshoppers. Green Harvest suggests blending half a cup of fresh chilies with 2 cups of water and a few drops of dish washing liquid "to improve sticking". You can substitute 2 tbsp. Tabasco sauce for fresh peppers. Thoroughly spray any plant that needs protecting.

Test any pepper spray before use. Spray a small section of a single plant and check back in 24 hours. Proceed only if you can detect no damage. Also, avoid using chili sprays during hot weather, as leaf burn is more likely then.

Neem Oil

Neem oil contains broad spectrum insecticides, fungicides and miticides. Some consider it effective for grasshoppers although it is more likely to kill the grasshoppers than repel them. Mix 2 tbsp. of Neem per gallon of water and spray all plant surfaces thoroughly.

Other Store-Bought Repellents and Insecticides

Clean Air Gardening sells an "Organic Lawn and Garden Bug Spray" as an all-purpose insecticide. It contains sesame, clove and thyme oils.

Another repellent in Clean Air Gardening's buyer's guide is Natural Fire Ant Killer with Spinosad. Though intended for ant control, Clean Air Gardening says it also controls grasshoppers.

According to Green Harvest, insecticidal potassium soap sprays work well on small grasshoppers.

Repellent Efficacy

According to Colorado State University Extension, repellents are often ineffective at keeping these insects away. Further, they caution that some common materials used in repellents, such as garlic oil and vegetable oils, may actually attract grasshoppers to feed on your plants.

Alternatives to Repellents

Chickens, turkeys and guinea fowl eat grasshoppers. After your plants have grown up a little such that scratching behavior won't damage them, allow your poultry to range free through your garden. Alternatively, build a fenced poultry run adjacent to the your garden. Check local zoning regulations to determine what types of poultry are options for you.

Encourage other grasshopper predators in the area: birds, sugar gliders, lizards, snakes, assassin bugs, frogs, ants, paper wasps and parasitic wasps, tachnid flies and robber flies. Maintain a border of perennial plants and nectar-producing plants as an attraction and refuge for many of these predators.

Purchase mermithid nematodes to parasitize your grasshopper invasion. Apply at cool times of the day when light intensity is low, making sure to water just before and right after applications.

Water plants in grasshopper breeding areas and avoid mowing there. The healthier plants there are, the less likely the hoppers will be to migrate from there to your garden in search of food.

Tags: Clean Gardening, your garden, chili sprays, gallon water, Green Harvest, more likely, Organic Repellents

Kill Indoor Gnats

Gnats are pesky, but you can get rid of them.

Gnats can be a real nuisance, especially in the summer. Most people have to deal with these pests in their homes. You can take some simple steps to get rid of them and, once they are gone, it's just as easy to keep them away.

Instructions

1. Move food to a place the gnats can't get to. If they can't eat, they won't live. There are many ways to accomplish this. Make sure that all fruits and vegetable are out of the way. Store them in the refrigerator or a storage bin the gnats can't get to. Do not leave food in your trash can. Empty it as often as possible. Buy a trashcan with a lid as it will also help kill the gnats.

2. Fill a bowl or container with vinegar. Gnats love it. Cover it with cling wrap and poke small holes in the top. Set it in a place where you are noticing the gnats the most. The gnats will be drawn to the vinegar and once they are in, they will die. Replace your vinegar as often as you need to.

3. Care for your indoor plants properly. Do not over-water them and make sure the drainage on the pot you are using is adequate. Gnats are drawn to extremely wet plants as it is food for them, so always try to prevent this.

4. Spray the gnats with hairspray. This will stiffen them up and kill them. There is no need to saturate the area or the gnat. A light mist with your hair spray bottle should do the trick. This step is best used when you are only dealing with a few gnats.

5. Make a trip to your hardware store and buy a pesticide that is especially formulated to kill gnats. These sprays will work instantly and likely keep the gnats away for months at a time. Ask an associate to recommend one to you. Be careful with these pesticides and follow the directions on the can. Make sure you are familiar with the warning labels.

Tags: kill gnats, once they, they they, with these

Grow Castor Bean Plant (Ricinus Communis)

When you want a big, fast-growing plant, castor bean is the one to choose. This annual (grows just one year) sprouts into a tall plant with large, exotic leaves up to 3 feet across. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Sow castor bean from seed either outdoors directly in the soil after all danger of frost has passed or indoors six to eight weeks before your region's last average frost date.

2. Soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water, then plant it 1 inch deep.

3. Plant outdoors in full sun. Castor bean needs rich, deep, well-drained soil, so it's a good idea to work in a spadeful or two of compost to a depth of 2 feet or more.

4. Keep soil evenly moist. Mulching is a good idea.

5. Trim faded flowers to promote longer bloom.

6. Fertilize every four to six weeks or work in a slow-release fertilizer (or plenty of compost) at planting time.

7. Stake if needed. Castor bean grows 3 to 6 feet tall, depending on growing conditions, and 2 to 4 feet wide.

8. Tear out and discard plants after frost fells them in fall in zones 2 to 7 of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (see thegardenhelper.com/hardiness.htm). In zones 8 to 11, castor bean can be treated as a perennial. Cut back each fall.

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Effective Mosquito Repellents

Keep mosquitoes under control by using a variety of insect repellents.

Unlike most insects, mosquitoes are not simply annoying. Their mouths contain a needlelike structure that can puncture the skin, enabling them to take "blood meals" from unsuspecting hosts. Not only does this process leave itchy, red blotches behind, but it can transmit diseases from one blood host to another. Fortunately, there are a number of effective insect repellents that will reduce the odds of mosquito bites, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the fresh air while lowering their risk of disease. Does this Spark an idea?

DEET

Diethyl-3-Methylbenzamide, or DEET, has long been the gold standard for effective mosquito control. The thick, yellowish oil is added to lotions, sprays, creams and gels to create a variety of skin-safe products. When properly applied, DEET-based repellents protect people from mosquitoes for up to eight hours at a time. However, these products require careful use. The same chemical compounds that keep mosquitoes away are readily absorbed by the skin. As a result, routine exposure to heavy concentrations of DEET can have serious side effects. Products containing DEET should not be used on children younger than 2, and children between the ages of 2 and 12 should not be exposed to products that contain more than 10 percent DEET.

Natural Repellents

Those seeking an alternative to DEET will be happy to know there are a number of natural, nontoxic compounds that repel mosquitoes. Essential oils from aromatic plants, such as lemon eucalyptus, rosemary, lemongrass and peppermint, can be added to unscented lotion and applied directly to the skin. A less potent but simpler remedy can be found lurking in the kitchen cupboard. While most humans enjoy the scent of vanilla, many insects do not. To create a sweet-smelling mosquito repellent, stir one tbsp. of vanilla into a cup of water then wipe the mixture over any exposed areas of the body. This remedy frequent reapplication, but it will safely ward off mosquitoes, black flies and ticks for up to two hours.

Area Repellents

Area repellents, such as citronella candles, help repel mosquitoes by releasing chemicals into the air that make the surrounding area unappealing. In addition to lighting candles and burning incense, you can keep mosquitoes out of the yard by filling flower beds and window boxes with fragrant mints, bushy lemon balm and feathery dill. The pungent aroma of these easy-to-grow herbs is naturally repellent to mosquitoes and other flying insects.

Mosquito Attractants

While mosquitoes are naturally drawn more to some people than others because of variations in body chemistry, the appeal of any particular target is reduced by avoiding the following attractants: dark clothing, floral or fruity fragrances, perfumes, scented sunscreen, aromatic hair care products and clothing laundered in floral-scented detergent. Mosquitoes are also attracted to any combination of carbon dioxide, perspiration, lactic acid, body heat and movement, making those who exercise outdoors particularly appealing.

Tags: compounds that, insect repellents, keep mosquitoes, repel mosquitoes, there number

Clean Concrete Cisterns

A cistern is essential on properties with limited water resources.

For thousands of years cisterns have provided a dependable method of collecting rainwater for future use. They are still in use today to help water gardens, trees, shrubs and lawns on land that is relatively water-deprived. Concrete cisterns, which typically deliver water via a pump system, need to be drained, scrubbed and flushed annually to deter mold, algae and bacteria. A full cleaning should include all grates, pipes and hoses in the cistern. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Draining

1. Attach a drain hose to the cistern tank and direct the other end to an area that will not be harmed by a large release of water. Close any valves carrying water to the house. Open the drain valve by twisting the handle to the "Open" position.

2. Manually turn the electric pump to the "On" position and drain the tank completely. Turn it to "Off" once the tank is empty.

3. Close the drain valve by twisting the lever to the "Close" position. Open the lid to the cistern tank to make sure it has emptied.

Scrubbing & Flushing

4. Locate the collection grating, normally located a few feet uphill of the actual tank. Pour 3 to 4 cups of chlorine bleach into the grating. Follow it with about 20 gallons of water from the garden hose. The bleach water will clean and disinfect as it moves down to the cistern tank.

5. Place a ladder down into the open tank and take the long-handled scrub brush down into the tank. Wear safety glasses and gloves to scrub the ceiling, walls and floor of the cistern.

6. Climb out and pull the ladder up and out of the tank. Close the lid and move the drain valve to "Open" and start the electric pump. Shut the pump off and close drain valve once the tank has emptied.

7. Place the water hose over the collection grate and proceed to fill the cistern. This could take a while, depending on the size of the tank.

8. Open the drain valve and turn on the pump to drain the tank after it fills all the way. Close the drain valve and wipe down all of the gratings with bleach water.

Tags: drain valve, cistern tank, bleach water, Close drain, Close drain valve, down into

Cut Back Citronella For More Foliage

Citronella is one of the best known organic mosquito repellants.

Citronella is a fragrant, zesty herb that has become common in household gardens throughout the years. It is most often used as an organic mosquito repellant by crushing the leaves and rubbing the citronella oil on the body. A type of scented geranium, the citronella plant is an herbaceous annual that can only get to be so large within a growing season. The bushier the plant, the more fragrant leaves there are for use. To get the plant bushy and large, oftentimes people will cut back the plant to induce new growth. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Trim the plant about midway down the stems right above a node. A node is an area where leaves emerge from the stem.

2. Water the plant thoroughly for a few weeks until you see new growth. You want to allow the soil to dry out a bit before watering again, so during cloudy weather space out watering a bit more.

3. Fertilize the plant weekly with a balanced fertilizer until you see new growth. Each fertilizer is different, so follow the instructions listed on the back of the product for proper dilution.

4. Continue to fertilize the plant after new growth appears, but space it out to about twice a month.

5. Repeat as desired, cutting a bit higher up on the stem. Each time that the plant is cut back, it will grow back fuller and bushier.

Tags: organic mosquito, until growth

Toxic Chemicals For Geckos

Geckos in homes face many hazards.

Geckos are cute little lizards with chubby feet and the ability to make chirping sounds, unlike other lizards. Their natural habitat is anywhere tropical or sub-tropical. They eat fresh fruit mainly, but also like to eat bugs, such as cockroaches, mosquitoes, moths, crickets and worms. If you live in a warm climate, you may keep pet geckos--or they may just invite themselves into your home. Either way, your home can be deadly for these lizards.

Cleaning Products

Cleaning with bleach and other strong chemicals, including Lysol, Pine-Sol and Spic-n-Span, can be hazardous to these cute little lizards. In fact, any cleaner that has a pine scent or phenols is toxic to a gecko. Many people also use bedding made of pine or cedar shavings for their pets, and both contain high levels of phenols. Geckos can die from ingesting these cleaning products or shavings. Ask a veterinarian what cleaners are safe to use around geckos--many recommend chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine is an all-purpose cleaner that will not harm geckos, other animals or you. If you keep geckos as pets, you can even use chlorhexidine in a spray bottle to clean and disinfect their cage.

Plant Chemicals

Animals in the wild typically have a sense about what is safe to eat. When removed from their natural habitat, geckos frequently will eat anything that looks like familiar food. Therefore, owners need to be aware of the lengthy list of plants that contain chemicals that can sicken and even kill geckos. Many common flowers, including morning glories, calla lilies, Christmas cactus, hyacinths, periwinkle and rhododendrons, are toxic to your little lizard friends. Azaleas are fatal. Other common plants and seeds that are poisonous to geckos include apple seeds, apricot pits, peach pits, pear seeds, oak trees, English ivy and tomato plants. Be safe and double check any plants that are in pet geckos' habitats, including both the vivarium and any areas where they are allowed to roam. Also, be sure to check all vegetation to make sure it is safe before feeding it to geckos.

Insecticides

Most compounds that are poisonous to insects are just as toxic to geckos. People who live in tropical areas, such as Hawaii, Asia and Australia, live with geckos in the house pretty much as a fact of life. They prefer the little wild geckos to spiders and cockroaches, which the geckos eat. If you have pet geckos, look for natural ways to try to combat the insect population in your home, such as diatomaceous earth or hedge-apple. If you're in a hot and steamy climate, you probably will get better insect control from geckos than from insecticides anyway.

Tags: your home, cleaner that, cute little, cute little lizards, little lizards, natural habitat, plants that

Use Incense Cones

Burning incense cones gives a room a rich aroma.

Incense cones give off pungent aromatic fragrances used to enhance the scent of a room in general or during meditation and yoga practice. Cone incense is crafted from a mixture of powder and essential oils, giving it a rich texture and scent. However, using cone incense is not as simple as lighting a candle and letting it burn; there are a few additional steps and pieces of information vital to achieving the best result when burning. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Select your incense burner. Brass burners work well with incense cones and come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and designs. Choose your brass burner carefully, however. Make sure that there is enough room to place the cone without burning yourself and make sure its sides are high enough to catch the ash from the cone. A good rule of thumb to check the size of the burner is to see if three of your fingers fit in the burner base. Of course, brass burners are not the only options. Wood and soapstone burners are also available; select your burner based on personal style and preference.

2. Place a small amount of sand, grain or rice at the bottom of the burner. Layer it evenly so that the cone sits flat on top. These elements help improve the airflow in your burner, while helping to conduct less heat throughout the surface or base of the burner.

3. Light the tip of the cone with matches or a lighter. Let 15 to 30 seconds pass and then extinguish the flame, blowing it out or fanning it with paper. The result will be a wafting spiral of smoke from the top of the cone as it begins to burn. Carefully place the cone in the burner and put a lid on top of it, if applicable. Allow the incense to burn down, giving off a rich aroma, until you are satisfied with the smell in the room.

Tags: from cone, giving rich, incense cones, place cone, rich aroma, your burner

Homemade Insect Pest Control

Control household pests using homemade products.

Synthetic insecticides kill insects; however, these pesticide-based products pose health risks to humans. According to the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, plant-based products are just as effective at killing insects and are less hazardous. Prior to the 1950s, botanical insecticides were widely used to control infestations. Plant-based solutions are still effective and work best when put directly on the pest, placed in your yard or around the home where the insect pests linger. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Combine boiled lemons and water to kill fleas; fleas do not like the scent or taste of lemons, making this solution an effective means of keeping them away. Cut five to eight lemons in half, boil them and let them steep overnight. In the morning, pour the lemon water into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on your pet's coat, in your pet's bed and around your home to prevent flea infestation.

2. Mix garlic and pepper to repel insects. Combine equal amounts of garlic powder and black pepper and sprinkle the mixture around infested areas of your home. Insects do not like garlic or pepper and will avoid their presence.

3. Combine liquid soap and water to kill roaches. Create a soapy mixture in a spray bottle. When ready for use, shake the bottle and spray the mixture directly on roaches, covering them thoroughly. Submersion in soapy water causes cockroaches to die of suffocation.

4. Use white vinegar and water if ants have entered your home. Combine an equal amount of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray and wipe countertops, appliances, cabinets and floors with the mixture to deter ants and minimize the likelihood of infestation.

Tags: spray bottle, your home, bottle Spray, Combine equal, garlic pepper, spray bottle Spray

Make Herbal Flea Repellent Collars

Make Herbal Flea Repellent Collars

Fleas can be a nuisance to both you and your pets. They can cause skin irritation and incessant itching. Therefore, repelling fleas is essential to your health and that of your pets. A variety of flea repellent products are on the market. Traditional flea repellent collars contain a variety of potentially harmful chemicals. Pennyroyal, citronella, rosemary and wormwood are herbs that effectively repel fleas. If you or your pets are allergic to the chemicals in flea repellent collars or you simply prefer to avoid using chemicals to repel fleas and would prefer a more natural approach, follow a few simple steps to make your own herbal flea repellent collar.

Instructions

1. Measure your pet's neck for the collar. Cut a strip of fabric approximately three inches longer than what will fit comfortably around your pet's neck. Make the fabric about two-and-a-half times wider than you would like the finished product to be.

2. Fold the right sides of the fabric together lengthwise. Stitch a seam at one end of the fabric and down the length of the fabric to form a tube. Leave one end of the tube open.

3. Blend the pennyroyal, citronella, rosemary and wormwood in a blender or food processor until they form a powdery mixture.

4. Turn the tube of fabric right-side out. Stuff the herbs into the collar through the open end.

5. Fold the sides of the open end of the tube inside the tube. Stitch the end shut.

6. Stitch velcro on the ends of the collar. Fasten it around your pet's neck.

Tags: your neck, your pets, around your, around your neck, citronella rosemary, citronella rosemary wormwood

Clean Carbon From A Mosquito Magnet

Mosquito Magnet offers devices that combine a lure using CO2 gas, heat and a vacuum to catch mosquitoes. The machine uses both electricity and propane gas tanks during use. Cleaning the Mosquito Magnet should be completed prior to the season and then as necessary during the season. Carbon can build up within the machine and periodically needs to be cleaned out of the machine to keep it running smoothly. Cleaning out the carbon is an easy process. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Unplug the Mosquito Magnet from electrical sources and from the propane tank. If the unit has been running for some time, allow the machine to cool completely. The ignitor and burner may stay hot for some time.

2. Remove the lid to the Mosquito Magnet using a screwdriver and wrenches to remove the screws and bolts holding it in place.

3. Remove the burner from the Mosquito Magnet. The burner is the silver-colored metal block on one side of the machine. Disconnect all wiring connected to the burner and use a screwdriver and wrenches to remove the burner.

4. Use an air compressor to clean out the air intake areas on the burner. The air intakes will be above the miffler fan. Each Mosquito Magnet model's air intake holes are in slightly different locations. It should be on the top or near the top of the burner.

5. Split the burner in two using the screwdriver. Clean out the catalytic converter using the compressed air and brush to knock off and remove the buildup of carbon on these sections.

6. Clean the nozzle that leads into the combustion chamber. Soak the nozzle in acetone and use the air compressor to blow away any buildup. Do not use the brush or try to insert anything into the nozzle tip to clean it. It can be easily damaged.

7. Add sealant where the old sealant had been. You will be able to see where the old sealant was because it turns black over time. Only place the sealant in these locations.

8. Reassemble the burner.

Tags: Mosquito Magnet, screwdriver wrenches, screwdriver wrenches remove, some time, using screwdriver, where sealant, wrenches remove

Earthworm Movements Caused By Coffee

Earthworms Like Coffee Grounds

Although the reason is unknown, earthworms seem to be attracted to coffee grounds. When coffee grounds are spread around plants or used in compost piles, the worm population increases. This benefits soil and plant life.

Earthworms eat decaying and dead organic matter in the soil and especially like coffee grounds. Their digestive system breaks down the chemicals in what they eat and recycles the chemicals throughout the soil, resulting in a richer, more productive soil. The more worms and activity, the more the soil benefits.

The Activity of Microbes Increases

Earthworms eat microorganisms, and their waste contains even more microorganisms. Their digestive process adds microorganisms to break down the nutrients for the worm's internal absorption. Their waste is then deposited in a form easily ingested by plants.

Structure of the Soil Improves

As earthworms eat near the surface of the soil and burrow to deeper depths, they leave their waste along the way. This, plus the soil they drag back and forth, changes the soil's chemical structure. Worms can exchange the top six inches of soil every 10 to 20 years to help reduce the depleting of soil nutrients needed for plant growth.

Conduits Are Made Available for Root Expansion

Worms burrowing from different depths loosen the soil and leave nutrients in the conduits, making it conducive for underground expansion of the root systems of plants on the surface.

Remnants of Surface Residue is Buried

Over time, remnants of surface residue--such as stalks and leaves--are covered by earthworm waste, pulled underground by worms and taken to deeper depths. This enriches the soil.

Added Benefits of Using Coffee Grounds

The odor of coffee grounds drives away cats, among other animals. Also, once it is worked into the ground it eliminates slugs (which are wormlike mollusks in the snail family), hinders weed growth, puts acid in soil and attracts earthworms.

Over 10 per cent of coffee grounds are nitrogen-rich proteins needed to enhance germination and growth of seeds.

A carbon to nitrogen ratio of 11 to 1 is needed for plants and soil. Coffee grounds have that ratio.

Water activates the making of coffee, so oils, fatty acids, carbohydrates and other compounds not broken down by water remain in the grounds to enrich the soil.

Some of the chemical compounds in coffee grounds take several months to break down. Earthworms eat the coffee grounds and microorganisms and transport them deep into the soil, favorably changing the chemical structure of the ground and loosening the soil to promote air and water movement.

There is evidence coffee grounds allowed to decompose in the soil protect certain vegetables such as beans, cucumbers and tomatoes from fungus.

Compost Piles

Although coffee grounds have not been found to be productive for all plant growth, they have been recommended to compose up to 20 percent of compost piles. The coffee grounds attract earthworms, which in turn take the nutrients from the compost pile into the ground and enrich the soil.

Tags: coffee grounds, coffee grounds, break down, chemical structure, coffee grounds, compost piles, deeper depths

Screen In An Existing Covered Deck

A covered deck can be a great place for outdoor living and protects you from most weather. Uninvited guests such as flies and mosquitoes can make this space far less enjoyable, however. One way to keep out such pests is to install a screen around your deck. Because the deck is already covered, you only need to add the walls and a door. This requires a certain level of skill and building knowledge but can be accomplished by an experienced do-it-yourselfer. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Build the door. Determine where the door will go, and build a door frame attaching supports the existing structure. Be sure the frame is square and level so the door will operate correctly. Hang the door in the frame.

2. Build wall panels. Frame a simple box structure out of four 2x4s for each section of wall. Add 2x4 studs at regular intervals to help protect the screen. The studs do not need to be 16 inches apart like regular walls; 24 to 36 inches should be sufficient. Be sure the panels are square, and fit them into the openings. Make sure there are no gaps around the edges.

3. Attach the screen to the wall panels. With the panels laying flat, unroll the screen fabric across each panel. Allow enough overlap to fold around the sides, and cut to fit. Staple one side in place, and stretch the fabric across, pulling tightly to be sure there are no wrinkles. Staple the other side in place, and staple into the studs to secure the fabric.

4. Fit each panel into place. Check to be sure everything fits and is installed levelly. Attach with nails or screws into the existing structure.

Tags: door frame, door will, each panel, existing structure, fabric across, side place

Flea & Tick Protection For Dogs

Flea and tick protection for dogs includes spot-on skin treatments, natural protective methods and products, oral tablets and collars. Many of these products contain strong insecticides, which have the potential to cause reactions in dogs or harm cats and small children in the home. Pet owners should talk with their veterinarian about the safest flea and tick protection product they should use on their dog and which product would be best for their home.

Spot-On Protection

Spot-on treatments designed for flea and tick protection in dogs are applied to the dog's back, in between the shoulder blades and behind the dog's ears. These products contain an active ingredient which paralyzes or kills fleas and ticks once they land on the dog or when they bite the dog.

Spot-on treatments available in grocery and pet stores contain organophosphate or pyrethoid insecticides (e.g. Hartz, Happy Jack and Kill-Ko). Prescription spot-on treatments available through a veterinarian use newer generation insecticides such as imidacloprid, arylheterocycles or insect growth regulators such as lufenuron or diflubenzuron (e.g., Frontline, Advantage and Revolution).

Natural Protection

Natural methods for flea and tick protection in dogs include frequent bathing and combing to remove fleas or ticks, natural flea and tick products that do not contain insecticides or insect growth regulators and homemade products that use essential oils and powders to keep fleas and ticks at bay. Persons who are interested in using natural methods for their dog's flea and tick protection need to employ these methods frequently to keep any flea and tick populations in their dog's environment under control.

Oral Tablets

Oral tablets that contain active insecticide ingredients will protect dogs from existing and future flea infestations. These products contain ingredients such as nitenpyram or lufenuron (e.g. Capstar and Program). Capstar tablets for dogs may be used when ever fleas are seen on a dog, and they can be used as often as once a day; Program is a once a month oral flea preventative which breaks the flea life cycle to prevent adult flea populations from forming. (See additional reference in notes section.)

Collars

Flea and tick collars for dogs help to repel or kill fleas and ticks once they come into contact with the collars. The collars contain active insecticide ingredients which may include: amitraz, deltamethrin and/or pyriproxifenthat. Flea and tick collars for dogs may last anywhere from one to six months and most collars are water resistant. Brands of flea and tick protection collars for dogs include: Adams Delta Force, Preventef-D and Preventic Plus. (See additional reference in notes section.)

Risks and Warnings

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated a statement on June 23, 2009 that announced that the EPA was intensifying evaluations of spot-on pesticide flea and tick products due to a link between adverse reactions, including death, of some pets which are exposed to these products. The Humane Society of the United States advises pet owners to avoid flea and tick products which contain organophosphates and pyrethoid ingredients as these ingredients have been linked with severe reactions in pets and people. Pyrethoids are toxic to cats and should not be used on dogs that come into contact with cats.

Tags: tick protection, flea tick, fleas ticks, collars dogs, contain active, flea tick products

Homemade Tick Spray

Ticks are a problem for many people who spend time in the woods or even in their back yards. Ticks can be a problem for both people and for animals. You can spend a lot of money on commercial products that smell bad and are toxic to your animals or you can make your own tick spray that will likely be just as effective.

Creating Your Own Topical Spray

You have to be careful when spraying your pet or yourself, as you don't want to select products that are too potent for topical use. You can create your own topical spray by combining tea tree oil and lavender oil in a spray bottle and then mixing with a 16 oz.-bottle of spring water. Spray this solution on yourself and your dog before going out. The scent of the lavender and tea tree oil will keep the ticks off both of you for your walks in the woods or time spent in the backyard. It's time to re-apply to your pet when you can no longer smell the oils.

Homemade Tick Repellant

If you would prefer not to spray your dog every day but would rather put a few drops of a repellent on your dog you can still repel ticks effectively. To do this you need to combine two tablespoons of vegetable oil and 25 drops of rose geranium essential oil. Mix this in a jar and place a few drops on the skin or on a collar or bandanna of your dog. This mix can also be used on people, just apply a few drops to the skin and you'll be free of ticks.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Fleas and ticks are both repelled by the smell and taste of apple cider vinegar. During tick season or before going out in areas where you know there are large tick populations you should spray your dog with apple cider vinegar. Simply fill a spray bottle with apple cider vinegar and spray your dog and even spray yourself. This spray will last about a week, at which time you simply need to reapply. You can also use apple cider vinegar as a conditioning rinse after bathing your dog, which will ensure that they have plenty of the repellent on them even after a good scrub down.

Tags: apple cider, cider vinegar, apple cider vinegar, spray your, before going, drops skin

The Side Effects Of A Tick Collar

Pesticides in flea and tick collars may cause side effects.

Many types of products can be used on pets to rid them of fleas and ticks. Only one choice should be used at a time so the pet does not overdose on pesticides. Many chemicals in tick collars can cause major health problems in pets and their owners. Children and adults who play with their pets are at the greatest risk of pesticide poisoning. Chemicals such as Propoxur, Selamectin and Tetrachlorvinphos are extremely toxic. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, between 2003 and 2008, 1,600 pets died from brain damage, heart attacks and seizures brought on by chemicals in flea and tick products.

Allergic Reaction

Allergic reactions can occur suddenly or gradually over time. Watch for difficulty breathing, swelling of lips, tongue or face, hives or seizures.

Drug Interaction

Do not use collars or other flea and tick products on pets that are taking other Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, such as Anipryl, selegiline and tricyclic. Other medications; clomipramine, Clomicalm, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and meperidine, should also not be used in conjunction with a flea and tick collar due to adverse reactions.

Skin Redness and Irritation

Flea and tick products are administered directly onto a pet's body. The chemicals in these products spread through the pet's skin and pores. This process can cause irritation anywhere on the pet's body. Watch for excessive scratching and check the collar area frequently. If skin is red or your pet has been scratching excessively, immediately remove the collar and bathe your pet with mild soap. Rinse with large amounts of water.

Immediate Effects

A collar that is too strong for your pet can bring on an immediate reaction that may include vomiting, diarrhea, trembling, seizures and labored breathing.

Irreversible Damage

Pesticides may put kids and pets at risk.

A recent study by the Natural Resources Defense Council showed that the pesticide residue from a flea and tick collar is up to 1,000 times higher than the levels acceptable to the Environmental Protection Agency. Some pesticides found in flea and tick collars can cause damage to the brain and nervous systems as well as cancer in pets and humans. Children are at the greatest risk because their systems are still developing.

Tags: flea tick, collars cause, tick collars, tick collars cause, tick products

Do Bananas Keep Mosquitoes Away

During the panic surrounding West Nile virus, which peaked in the early 2000s, many people turned towards home remedies in order to repel mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting West Nile virus and many believed that the key to warding off the fearful sickness lay within keeping mosquitoes and their bites away. One such home remedy that arose was the belief that bananas kept mosquitoes at bay.

Significance

Scientists theorize that the West Nile virus may have caused Alexander the Great's death, based on reports of avian deaths months before his illness and eventual death. Research posits that the West Nile virus first came into existence around a thousand years ago in Africa. From there, it split into two distinct lineages: Lineage 1, which spread throughout the continent and became a worldwide epidemic, and Lineage 2, which remained in Africa. The first appearance of the West Nile virus in the U.S. was in 1999, when encephalitis appeared in humans, dogs, cats and horses. In 2001, the media began to focus on the disease and report its spread across the world, which raised funding for research of the virus. Despite the panic that stretched across the world at that time, the West Nile virus' effects were not that severe. Less than 4 percent of the 3,630 cases reported were fatal.

Types

During the panic borne of the threat of the West Nile virus, many people turned to home remedies or concoctions to help stave off the mosquitoes. These remedies included, but are not limited to: dryer sheets, VapoRub, marigolds, bath oils, vanilla extract, and of course, bananas. Although lots of anecdotal evidence has confirmed the "success" of these remedies, unfortunately most of these attempts were ineffective and only served to soothe the public's nerves rather than the actual mosquito bites.

History

As for the origins of the specific "bananas as repellent" myth, it seems that this bit of speculation was largely spread through mass forwarded email messages. Interestingly, many such emails actually indicated that eating bananas attracted mosquitoes, rather than repelling them. One prevalent email message hypothesized, rather vaguely, that there was "something about the banana oil as your body processes it," as chronicled by the eminent debunking website Snopes.com. The myth conjectured that cutting bananas from your diet would effectively cut mosquitoes from your life. Conclusive evidence supporting this, however, has yet to appear.

Misconceptions

Beliefs about banana oil, alcohol and other household substances and their affects on mosquitoes are largely dubious, or at best, unproven. In reality, studies show that mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, octenol and lactic acid (none of which can be prevented), and even more unavoidable things like movement, color, sounds, moisture and body heat.

Warning

As easy a solution as they may seem to be, do not be taken in by these home remedies. They have been tested and have proven to be ineffective. The only effective preventative measures you can take against mosquitoes are the sprays (specifically, ones including a chemical called DEET) that are manufactured solely for this purpose.

Prevention/Solution

The most effective mosquito repellent is called DEET, and was developed for the U.S. Army in 1946. Many other products have been developed since DEET's release to the public in 1957, but none have been proven to be as effective. A repellent called OFF! Deep Woods (which contains a considerable amount of DEET) has been shown to be very effective as well.

Tags: Nile virus, West Nile, West Nile virus, have been, home remedies, about banana

Does Vanilla Extract Keep Away Horse Flies

Make sure you are adequately prepared against horseflies when venturing outside.

Horseflies are a painful nuisance to outdoor enthusiasts. With their powerful sting and seemingly endless numbers, it is only logical to stay away from them. This often requires the use of insect repellent. You may have heard that vanilla extract repels a variety of pests. While this has been confirmed to be true, it is important to understand exactly how vanilla extract can help you deal with horseflies and decide if this natural alternative is right for you.

Vanilla and Horseflies

According to the "Star Tribune," vanilla does in fact repel horseflies. You can apply it to the face in order to avoid painful bites. However, typical, store-bought vanilla extract is not sufficient. This is because such extract is mixed with other ingredients, like corn syrup. This lower concentration dilutes the effect. If you plan to apply vanilla to repel horseflies -- or any of their unpleasant counterparts -- you need Mexican vanilla extract, which is a much purer form.

Effectiveness

The problem with vanilla extract is that it does not last very long on its own. The "Star Tribune" explains that it needs to be reapplied every 30 minutes. This is definitely an inconvenience. Eve McClure, vice president of Quantum, a natural repellent company, explains that no natural repellent can provide the same effective protection as synthetic products containing DEET.

Products

Consumers can purchase an array of sprays with vanilla as a main or partial ingredient. According to the "Los Angeles Times," however, buyers should exercise caution. Since the individual substances in the repellent are considered safe on their own, they do not undergo proper testing to ascertain their effectiveness. Scott Carroll of Carroll-Loye Biological Research Consulting states that these products, although initially effective, can last as little as five minutes or as long as three hours.

Appeal

The main selling point when it comes to vanilla as a repellent is that it is natural, or "organic." With this in mind, it is no surprise that environmental enthusiasts will be happy to choose vanilla and its associated products over synthesized, toxic repellents. Using natural substances, such as vanilla extract, to keep bugs away is a matter of personal choice.

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Does Insect Repellent Expire

Insect repellents are used to keep insects away from you.

Insect repellent is used to deter bugs and pests from biting or approaching you. Various types of bug sprays and repellents can be used to minimize your exposure to annoyances such as mosquitoes and flies when outdoors during warm months when these pests thrive. Because different products are used to create insect repellents, the shelf lives of these items can vary. Does this Spark an idea?

What is Insect Repellent?

Insect repellent is legally considered to be a form of pesticide. The National Pesticide Information Center classifies any product that can be used to kill or repel pests, such as insects, as a pesticide. Pesticides designed as insect repellent can contain both natural and chemical ingredients. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common modern repellent ingredients include DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus and a chemical that is known simply as IR3535. Common ingredients in recipes for homemade bug sprays and repellents include white vinegar, lemon peels, and citronella or eucalyptus oil. Avon Skin So Soft is also often used as an insect repellent.

Insect Repellents and Time

The ingredients in insect repellent can separate, settle, lose effectiveness and generally degrade over time and exposure to changing temperatures and environments. These changes rarely improve the product and instead can cause it to break down until it offers little to no defense against bugs. Extremely old repellent might cause skin irritation or rashes.

Insect repellents have instructions on their bottles that typically call for storage in moderate temperatures and out of direct sunlight. Failure to store products properly can cause ingredients to lose their effectiveness more quickly than they would otherwise.

Expiration Dates

Most insect repellents have an expiration date stamped somewhere on the bottle or container, though the FDA does not require an expiration date on those that have a shelf life of more than 36 months. The expiration date is there to protect the safety of the user and guarantee the efficiency and effectiveness of the product. An insect repellent that is past its expiration date is no longer guaranteed effective or even safe by its manufacturer and should not be used.

DEET

DEET is a chemical compound commonly used in insect repellents. DEET is considered very stable and can last a long time, and not all pesticides that contain DEET will have an expiration date. As a general rule, however, replace any insect repellent that has been in your home for two years or longer with a new product to ensure effectiveness, Jim Baral of New York's Mount Sinai School of Medicine tells Fitness Magazine.

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Commercial Cricket Farming

Commercial Cricket Farming

Exotic pets are gaining in popularity and require food supplies different from your average cat and dog food. Commercial cricket farming has become a lucrative business with limited start-up costs. But, before you decide to start a cricket farming business, you should consider several important factors, such as the noise and odors crickets make.

Considerations

Before you decide to get into commercial cricket farming there are some things to take into consideration, according to the website anapsid.org. There is a definite odor to crickets, mostly caused by the water dishes with cotton wool in them that can collect droppings quickly. Keeping the colony clean and well maintained will keep the odor to a minimum. Also, with few exceptions, crickets are noisy and need to be kept in an area where they will not create a disturbance.

Types of Crickets

There are three basic types of crickets, according to the Byron Thurman website. Native to Europe and now North America, house crickets are the most common food for predators that eat insects. Adult house crickets are light yellow brown in color and measure approximately 1 inch long. Camel crickets are sometimes called cave crickets, are tan in color and have a hump back. Camel crickets are usually 1 to 1 1/2 inches in length and are wingless and therefore do not chirp. The field cricket is black in color and can be up to 1 1/4 inches in body size. They inhabit flower beds and lawns and in overgrown grassy areas and are strongly attracted to light similar to the house cricket.

Setup Materials

In order to set up a high yield of crickets of various sizes, a system with a removable egg-laying container allowing the separation of eggs and adults is ideal, according to the website anapsid.org. You will need various size plastic containers for breeding, nesting and food. Medium sweater boxes work well for the rearing containers. Use something easily transportable as the egg "flats." Other items include a water dispenser such as a chick waterer available at most feed or specialty pet shops, plastic scouring pads or quilt batting, several jar lids, aluminum mosquito screening and a heating pad (optional).

Setup

Use a deep plastic storage container with 4 inch by 4 inch holes, covered with mosquito netting, cut into the opposite ends. The water dispenser, a plastic jar inverted over a circular trough, is set up at one end of the breeding container. The egg "flats" are vertically inserted throughout the breeding container and should reach within 4 inches of the breeding container top. The water dispenser trough is filled with quilt batting or plastic scouring pad to soak up the water, making it accessible to the crickets without drowning them. The cricket food is placed on top of the egg "flats" in a plastic tub similar to yogurt containers. Another similar plastic tub should that contains the egg laying medium should also be placed on top. Crickets thrive in 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures, higher than average house temperatures, therefore a heating pad can be laid on the lid of the breeding container.

Feed

Commercial cricket food may be costly at feed shops and not always available, according to the anapsid.org website. A cheaper recipe for cricket food is based on dry cat food. Take one part quality calcium, same as you would give an amphibian or reptile, with 10 parts powdered skim milk. Coat the cat food well with this mixture and feed it to the crickets. Supplement with raw vegetable scraps and alfalfa pellets to balance out the cricket's diet. With sufficient temperatures, water and food, crickets will profusely breed.

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Does Lavender Kill Fleas

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has been used for centuries as an insect repellent for humans and animals alike. During the 19th century in the US it was common to sew small cloth satchels of lavender and place them around the home to ward off insects.

Today, lavender essential oil, made from the crushed flowers and leaves of the plant, can be used for many health and household purposes. One is as a flea repellent.

There are no current clinical studies to date that demonstrate that lavender alone kills fleas but one can purchase insect repellent lotions that contain lavender essential oil. Lavender is also found in shampoos for pets that may be used to wash them if they have fleas but the shampoos probably contain other ingredients such as citronella or eucalyptus that are known to repel fleas.

Identification

Lavender is also known as English lavender and garden lavender and was originally a Mediterranean plant.

According to the National Institutes of Health, and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), lavender was used to mummify bodies in ancient Egypt.

Common uses today are in aromatherapy whereby essential oils extracted from plants, herbs and flowers are diluted in almond oils and rubbed onto the skin or lightly inhaled.

Significance

People are seeking out non-chemical alternatives for repelling fleas from their homes and pets. It is easy to buy shampoos that are designed to rid dogs and cats of fleas that contain lavender as one of the ingredients.

Insect repellents that are available in lotion form may contain lavender as one of the ingredients.

This does not mean lavender kills fleas but helps to repel them.

Benefits

People who prefer to not be exposed to chemicals to DEET that is often found in insect repellents, may choose to use products that contain lavender essential oils.

Considerations

There are no current clinical studies to date that demonstrate that lavender alone kills fleas but one can purchase insect repellent lotions that contain lavender essential oil. Lavender is also found in shampoos for pets that may be used to wash them if they have fleas but the shampoos probably contain other ingredients such as citronella or eucalyptus that are known to repel fleas.

Warning

Accidentally ingesting lavender may be poisonous, according to the National Institutes of Health. It may cause headaches or create a sedative effect.

No studies have been done as to effects on pets such as dogs and cats. Do not allow them to consume lavender, however. If they do, contact your vet immediately.

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Free Safety Talk Topics

Safety talks, also called toolbox talks, are speeches and discussions designed for businesses and companies. The purpose of a safety talk is to teach your employees basic safety skills and ideas on what to watch out for in the workplace. Custom design the safety talk topics to fit the needs of your employees, regardless of whether you work in a factory or a traditional office building.

Ergonomics

Safety talks on ergonomics cover basic issues relating to how employees do their jobs. Ergonomics itself is a study devoted to creating equipment that better suits the human body. Teach employees properly lift heavy items with their knees, rather than bending and possibly straining their back. In factories and construction fields, show employees the proper ways to pull and push items, using more than one part of their bodies. In an office setting, focus on ways employees can use ergonomically designed items to their advantage, including body-hugging chairs and ergonomically designed keyboards.

Stress on the Job

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, stressful job conditions may lead to a higher risk of illness or injury. The NIOSH also refers to a survey by Northwestern National Life that found 40 percent of workers find their jobs highly stressful. A possible safety talk topic focuses on stressful situations, avoid those situations and reduce stress. Discuss the importance of taking breaks with your employees, especially during times of high stress. Give your employees the top warning signs of stress and make sure they know to stop and take a few deep breaths during those situations. Teach your employees identify stress in their co-workers as well, to prevent any problems caused by co-workers taking out their stress on each other.

Stop and Think

Taking a few seconds to stop and think before doing something may spell the difference between a smart decision and a disaster. Take, for example, two forklift drivers that reach the same spot at the same time. If both immediately move forward, they may wreck and cause a huge accident. If the two drivers stop and think before making a decision, they're more likely to wait and let the other move first. Teach your employees the importance of thinking before making a decision.

Worker Fatigue

Tired workers are more likely to make mistakes, cause accidents and make other disturbances in the workplace. During your safety talk, discuss the importance of getting enough sleep at night and combating fatigue throughout the day. Sometimes, the only thing an employee needs is a snack or cold water to help him feel more alive and energetic. Eating sugary snacks or drinking caffeine-laced drinks can cause a crash feeling or make the fatigue worse.

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Do Ultrasound Mouse Repellants Work

Ultrasound repellent devices claim to drive away mice.

Ultrasound devices release high-frequency, ultrasonic sound meant to keep mice away from certain areas. They usually come with high price tags and claims that promise their efficacy. However, scientists doubt that these devices work. Does this Spark an idea?

Travel Distance

Ultrasound travels short distances, decreasing in intensity as it goes farther from the source. It also travels in certain directions and doesn't go around corners, creating areas where ultrasound does not reach.

Intensity

Ultrasound has the potential to cause severe physiological damage to mice, but repellent devices have to produce high-intensity ultrasonic sound, according to a paper titled "The Handbook: Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage" posted on the University of Nebraska website. This level of intensity can harm humans and non-target animals as well. Commercial ultrasound devices don't produce damaging levels of ultrasound.

Efficacy

No scientific data supports the claims that ultrasound can drive mice away from certain areas or that it can kill mice, according to the University of Nebraska web page. Ultrasound has limited effectiveness in controlling mouse infestations. Conventional methods of trapping and setting toxic baits can work more effectively.

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Do Electronic Pest Repellents Work

Some homeowners try electronic repellents to control pest infestations.

Homeowners occasionally deal with a pest infestation, whether in their home, yard or on their pets. An electronic pest repellent looks like a non-toxic, mess-free solution, but there are questions about their effectiveness. These electronic repellents come in a variety of forms, depending on their purpose. Examples include outdoor hanging lanterns, flea collars for pets and plug-in devices for the home. Does this Spark an idea?

How They Work

Electronic pest repellents emit very high- or low-frequency signals, sounds or vibrations. These frequency can not be detected by the human ear. Manufacturers claim these sounds irritate pests, causing them to abandon an area, or even die in some cases. These devices do not bother humans or pets, according to manufacturers of such items.

Types and Variations

Electronic pest repellent devices differ in their exact mode of operation, with options including vibrations, sound and electromagnetic versions. Subsonic devices are a new form of the same basic idea, with manufacturers claiming that they emit sounds through electrical wiring in a home, repelling insects and other pests. Devices vary in their intensity, rate and signal frequencies used.

Effectiveness

These products do not appear effective in repelling insects or reducing the number of pests found in an area in most cases, according to North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Some products on the market appear effective in reducing rodent populations, but many do not. With no standard for effectiveness levels of these products, this leaves consumers without any means of comparison when purchasing these devices. Ask for details on how devices work before purchasing them and read research studies on the effectiveness of particular approaches, advises Texas A&M University.

Other Considerations

The safety of repellent devices for humans presents concern for some homeowners. The products are not considered harmful to humans or pose any danger, according to the University of Nebraska. If rodent repellents proved effective however, they would likely bother or kill hamsters, gerbils and other rodent pets in the household, warns Washington State University Extension.

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Prevent The Dengue Mosquito From Breeding

Dengue fever can be prevented by stopping the breeding of the Aedes.

The Aedes aegypti, commonly known as the yellow fever mosquito, causes dengue fever as well as the more lethal infection, dengue hemorrhagic fever. Like dengue fever, early symptoms for dengue hemorrhagic fever materialize as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and body aches. The infection's later stages include bleeding from the nose and mouth, sleepiness and shock that can lead to death. To successfully prevent the breeding of the Aedes aegypti female, dwellings that are conducive to breeding should be terminated. Eggs can develop around your home, usually in water containers. It can take up to 10 days for larvae to develop into adults.

Instructions

1. Overturn containers that collect water, as recommended by the National Environment Agency. Avoid allowing water to accumulate in outdoor containers.

2. Kill larvae before they become adults.

Use BTI Briquets for outdoor applications to kill mosquito larvae, recommends the Armed Forces Pest Management Board. The briquets contain Bacillus thuringiensis, an incecticide. Place the BTI Briquets in bird baths, ponds and other areas where water can't be changed on a daily basis.

3. Avoid stagnant water in your flowering pots.

Clean the water in your flower pots. Avoid letting the water stagnate, to prevent the female from laying her eggs. Occasionally stir the soil in your plotted plants to keep water from sitting on the surface. Cleanse any flower pot plates with a scrub brush to remove any potential eggs.

4. Don't develop breeding grounds.

Clear debris from your roof gutters. Leaves and twigs in your gutter can allow water to accumulate, creating an optimal breeding ground for the female.

5. Remove sources of breeding grounds.

Remove any clutter than can hold water, says The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. Items can include buckets and tires.

6. Take precaution indoors.

Change the water in your vases daily. Rinse the roots of your flowers underneath running water to remove eggs. Wash the inside of your vase thoroughly after use.

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What Kind Of Grass Plant To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes

Getting rid of mosquitoes can be a daunting task. No matter what you do, it seems that they are always there. When it comes to planting grass, you want to be sure to plant the right type of grass, and in the right way, so that you can have fewer mosquitoes to deal with. Plant specific types of grass to keep mosquitoes at bay. Does this Spark an idea?

Types of Grasses

Choose types of grasses that are less likely to attract mosquitoes. The trick is to find short, thin grasses. Typical lawn grass, the type that grows in most people's backyards, is traditionally good for getting rid of mosquitoes because it is easy to care for and doesn't attract mosquitoes. Stay away from native grasses, prairie grasses, and decorative grasses.

Maintaining Grass

Choose a type of grass that is easy to maintain. Regular lawn grasses are the best for this. Keep your grass very short, as short as possible. Adult mosquitoes like to hide in tall grasses, so it is important to mow your lawn each week.

Pay attention to where you plant your grasses. Keep grasses away from water like pools or ponds. Having large walkways free of grass helps keep your mosquitoes down as well.

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Use A Flea Fogger In An Apartment

The best way to keep fleas out of your apartment is to keep them off your pet.

The best method for controlling fleas is a treatment applied directly to an animal. A pet that hasn't been treated for fleas, however, can bring them into your home or apartment. Fleas in the house can quickly lead to an infestation in your carpet and upholstered furniture. Flea foggers or bombs can be used to kill fleas, but special care must be taken when using insecticides in the house. Flea foggers can be dangerous to people and pets.

Instructions

1. Measure the square footage of the area to be treated. Flea foggers are designed to cover certain amounts of space, and you will need to get the right size and number of flea bombs to cover the job.

2. Choose a flea fogger. There are a number of flea bomb products on the market. Read labels to find the one that best suits your needs. Some products require you to remain out of the home longer than others.

3. Move large furniture pieces off carpet and onto tile or wood floors if possible. Fleas may be breeding in carpet under a large easy chair or couch, and the furniture may block the fogger from reaching those areas.

4. Vacuum all carpets to ensure that the flea fogger reaches into carpet. Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag in the outside trash.

5. Remove all exposed food and dishes and eating or cooking utensils. Cover food preparation surfaces to avoid contamination.

6. Turn off lights and put out open flames such as pilot lights. Flea foggers contain flammable liquid and can cause fire if improperly handled.

7. Remove all people and pets---including birds and fish---from the home before treating it with a flea fogger.

8. Place bombs in appropriate places throughout the apartment. Release bombs first in rooms farthest from your exit route and move through the house, setting foggers off until you have released the bombs in every room. Move quickly and get out of the house as rapidly as possible.

9. After the fogging, return home to open the windows and ventilate, then leave again. Quickly go through the apartment and open as many windows and doors as you can to get as much fresh air in as possible, then leave and let the apartment air out. Flea fogger instructions will tell you the recommended length of time to ventilate the home before you can return for good.

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