Use An Outdoor Bug Zapper Indoors

An outdoor bug zapper will work just as well indoors.

An outdoor bug zapper uses electricity in a grid to shock bugs when they touch it. The bugs are attracted by an ultraviolet light, which lures them onto the grid. Once electrocuted, they fall to the ground and can be swept up or left to biodegrade. A standard indoor bug zapper has a tray that catches the bugs when they fall, which then can be cleaned out to prevent contamination of indoor surfaces. The fitted tray is the only real difference between an outdoor bug zapper and one that is designed to work inside. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Locate a paper plate or a plastic plate that is roughly twice the width of the bug zapper. Paper will be easier to work with, but plastic will last longer.

2. Cover the bottom grill of the bug zapper with an all-purpose adhesive.

3. Place the plate on a table, and place the zapper on the plate. The weight of the zapper will be enough to make an effective bond between the plate and the adhesive on the zapper grill. Allow the adhesive to fully dry.

4. Hang the zapper on a ceiling hook. A kitchen would be the ideal place, because it is a room with food odors that attract bugs.

5. Remove and clean the plate on a regular basis to get rid of all the bug waste.

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High School Biology Experiments On Mosquitoes

Female mosquitoes need blood from vertebrates to lay eggs.

Mosquitoes are nuisance insects that annoy people and spread disease. While mosquitoes do not offer positive contributions to the ecosystem outside of being a food source for birds and other creatures, they are ubiquitous and important to understand. High school biology experiments about mosquitoes can lead to better understanding of the insect and why it behaves the way it does.

Attraction Experiments

One type of experiment on mosquitoes for a high school biology class is an experiment studying what factors attract or repel mosquitoes. Students can measure a "swat" rate, or how many mosquitoes a person can swat on themselves in a period of time. It is advisable to cover as much skin as possible while conducting mosquito experiments. Test to see if different colors attract more mosquitoes, if active humans attract more or fewer mosquitoes than inactive humans, what weather conditions encourage mosquitoes, and what time of year mosquitoes are most active.

Egg-Laying Behavior

Another area to study is the egg-laying habits and preferences of mosquitoes. These studies are easiest to do with container-bred mosquitoes in a controlled environment, but a student can make observations in the wild about the egg-laying habits of the pesky creatures. Mosquitoes lay eggs in small bodies of water, so examine which bodies attract the most mosquitoes. For example, study what color of water attracts them, or if containers of water up high in trees attract egg-laying mosquitoes more than water on the ground. Another observation could be to see if mosquitoes avoid bodies of water that already contain eggs.

Egg-Hatching Experiments

Many species of mosquitoes, including the plentiful Eastern Treehole, Asian Tiger and Yellow Fever mosquitoes, lay eggs above the water line, then hatch after the water rises and submerges the eggs. They will not hatch until submerged. See what difference such factors as added oxygen in the water or the presence of mosquito larva have on the speed of eggs hatching.

Repellents

Conduct interesting and useful experiments determining what repellents are most effective in limiting mosquitoes. In an enclosed area, fill balloons of the same color with warm water. Mark them, then spray each balloon with a chemical or natural repellent. See which seems to be the most effective. Try non-liquid deterrents such as moving air (fans) and mosquito nets as well.

Tags: attract more, bodies water, egg-laying habits, most effective, school biology

Get Rid Of Mosquito Larvae Using Vegetable Oil

Mosquitoes bite and can spread disease.

Most people know they should empty outdoor containers with standing water on a regular basis. Doing so greatly helps to reduce the number of mosquito larvae that can hatch. Sometimes it's impossible to eliminate every bit of standing water, and so a little may remain in the bottom of a container. That is enough water to allow mosquito eggs to hatch into healthy, wiggly larvae. Sink the egg rafts and drown the larvae with non-toxic vegetable oil from your kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Fill a plastic spray bottle with vegetable oil.

2. Spritz a puff of the vegetable oil onto the surface of standing water. Afterward, you'll see an oil slick on the water.

3. Squirt another puff of vegetable oil onto the water if the first amount you sprayed wasn't enough to cover the water's surface completely with a light oil slick. The mosquito larvae will quickly drown and egg rafts will sink before they can hatch. The oil will evaporate within one or two sunny days.

4. Repeat the vegetable oil treatment once weekly.

Tags: standing water, mosquito larvae, puff vegetable, puff vegetable onto, vegetable onto

How Does Viola Grow

How Does Viola Grow?

The Viola

The viola flower is a small plant with colorful blooms about 1 to 2 inches in size. The viola bloom may be one color or a mix of colors. The flower springs up on a short slender stem and blooms early in the year through the fall. The small green leaves hug the ground around the plant stem. The violas are easy to grow from seed or as bedding plants.

Planting

Sow viola seeds directly into the ground. Plant early in spring as the seeds sprout slowly. Once established, they grow, bloom and self-seed through the garden. Violas grow best in rich, well-drained soil, but seeds will also grown between rocks, on slopes and in planters. They bloom early in spring and through fall if partly shaded. Violas are easy to plant as bedding plants. Garden centers carry individual plants and bedding flats ready for landscaping.

Landscape Uses

Use the violas for spot color, borders and mass plantings. Though many violas are perennials, they are usually grown as annuals and should be replaced regularly. The plants grow straggly and bloom inconsistently after the first year or two. Violas partner well with other flowers and around shrubs. They are profuse seeders and will spread seed easily into soil, rockeries and grasses. The varieties known as viola flowers and Johnny jump ups often spring up in lawns. Their cheerful little flower faces are usually tricolor with mixes of white, yellow, blue, or purple. They add color to--and will not harm--grass or dichondra lawns.

Problems

Keep violas out of direct summer heat. They like sun to part shade. Hot sunlight and dry summers wither the plants. Violas are also vulnerable to fungus diseases if kept too wet. The leaves need to dry between watering. When violas are infested with insects, the aphids and cutworms are controlled with chemical or organic insecticide. Slugs and snails thrive in the same cool and moist conditions as violas, and they are a serious threat in some regions.

Propagate

Violas put out small slender seed pods after blooming. Johnny jump ups and viola tricolors are especially easy to sow. The tiny seeds pop readily from dry pods. Gather the seeds by plucking the pods when they are dry but not yet open. Drop them in a can or other container. The pods will split open, and loose seeds can be scattered in fall or late winter.

Tags: bedding plants, Does Viola, Does Viola Grow, early spring, Johnny jump

Keep Your Home Mosquito Free

An exterminator checks water-filled tires for mosquito larvae in Florida.

Most of us have experienced the whiny buzz of a mosquito near an ear, a wretched noise from a wretched creature. Aside from the itchy bites they leave behind on the skin, these insects can be deadly. According to "National Geographic," mosquitoes kill millions of people worldwide every year by spreading diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, West Nile virus and encephalitis. Learning more about these vicious bloodsuckers can help you keep them out of your house. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Patch even the smallest holes in window screens. Mosquitoes can get through tiny spaces for the blood they need to produce strong eggs. Fill any gaps along the edges of the windows, too. If possible, keep all windows closed from late afternoon until morning. Mosquitoes usually come out to feast at night.

2. Check the yard and house for standing water. Mosquitoes need only tiny amounts of water to lay their eggs and spawn hundreds more of their kind. Check recycling bins, children's toys, bird baths, old tires, rain gutters that may be clogged and any other place that might hold standing water. Mow the lawn and pull weeds at least once a week, as mosquitoes can hide in tall grass.

3. Keep catnip, horsemint, marigold, ageratum and citronella plants in the garden and around the home. These repel mosquitoes but won't eliminate them. According to a 2001 ScienceDaily article, the catnip plant is 10 times more effective in repelling mosquitoes than DEET.

Tags: standing water

Ideas For Square Canopy Bed Drapes For Girls

Change the style of the drapes according to the age of the girl.

Drapes for a canopy bed add drama and a sense of whimsy to the room. Whether you are after a princess look with sheer sparkly fabrics, a sassy teenage backdrop or something in between, the drapes can be changed out with the season or whenever she sees fit. Achieve a variety of styles with the squarish canopy drapes by experimenting with the way you hang the drapes and the way you tie them back. Does this Spark an idea?

Princess Designs

For a little girl's princess canopy bed, use light sheer fabrics like chiffon to create canopy drapes. If your little girl is too young for a full-size canopy bed, create the canopy effect by hanging one curtain rod from the ceiling and two parallel rods on each wall next to the bed to create a square drapery effect. Thread lengths of bright white tulle or chiffon to create a proper princess look. Dress up canopy drapes with felt cutouts of flowers and stars and sew sparkling beads into the hem of the curtains. White curtains will enhance any color for a princess room -- pink, blue, lavender or yellow.

Graphic Print Designs

Choose a bold graphic for the canopy drapes, and have them sewn to fit the frame of the bed. For an otherwise muted room this is an opportunity to add a jolt of color and visual interest. Derive a color palette for the entire room from the drape fabric, or look for a color mildly represented elsewhere in the room. For instance, a throw pillow with a thin line of cherry red or sky blue can be tied to the overall decor of the room if you choose a graphic print with both colors. Girly patterns to look for include stars, polka dots, floral designs, retro and vintage prints, quirky geometrics and stripes.

Elegant Ideas

Select a fabric such as silk in a modern, elegant color like beige, mauve, chocolate or white, and enhance the square look by hanging a valance. One idea is to create a valance that mimics the bed skirt. A matching valance and bed skirt will unify the look of the room. For instance, a chocolate damask printed bed skirt can be paired with a beige set of canopy drapes and topped with a valance in the same chocolate damask. Dress up the valance and drapes with a beaded fringe for a pop of girlish sparkle.

Sassy Drapes

For the teenage girl look for canopy drapes with a bold flash of color, graphic prints with a theme and a bit of glamour. You might not let her paint her room black, but you can make her black velvet canopy drapes with fuchsia tiebacks. Shiny red satin dotted with sequins will instantly glam up all-white bedding. Graphic prints to look for include guitars, skull and cross bones, damask, bold horizontal stripes in her favorite colors and retro geometric patterns. Involve her in the design process for fresh ideas she will love forever.

Tags: canopy drapes, drapes with, canopy drapes with, chiffon create, chocolate damask

Home Remedy For Rabbit Repellent

Rabbits may be cute, furry animals, but they can quickly destroy a garden by feeding on both plants and vegetables. Since these animals seem cute enough, we typically look for ways to repel them, instead of killing them with a toxic, poisonous solution. There are a few inexpensive home remedy options for making your own simple rabbit repellent. Does this Spark an idea?

Repellent Options

Rabbits have sensitive noses, making them easily repelled by substances with a strong scent. Pepper works perfectly in this instance. If the rabbit is attacking a specific area of the garden, simply sprinkle hot sauce or red pepper flakes around the garden. This will keep the rabbit away from the garden altogether. If you would prefer a repellent that you can safely spray directly onto plants, mix 2 cups of water with two spoonfuls of chili pepper or cayenne pepper in a spray bottle. Stir the powder and water, and also add a spoonful of liquid dish soap, which will help adhere the solution to plant leaves.

Garlic also emits an odor that is unattractive to rabbits. Follow the same procedure, by sprinkling freshly chopped garlic cloves around the garden. To make a spray-on solution, mix 2 cups of water with two spoonfuls of garlic powder and one spoonful of liquid dish soap.

Oleander is another natural repellent. The most common place to find oleander is in dryer sheets. Read your dryer sheet labels to be sure ingredients include oleander, then spread throughout the garden.

Applying the Repellent

To apply the spray-on repellents, simply spray around areas that are being attacked by the rabbits. Also spray on plant leaves and surrounding soil. This solution will stay in place for up to 2 weeks, depending on weather conditions. If rabbits return, simply re-apply the solution every few weeks to keep them from feeding on your plants.

For dryer sheets, place a few throughout the garden, and either push them down into the soil, or cover one side with dirt so they do not blow away with a heavy wind. The dryer sheets will emit the oleander scent for several weeks, keeping your garden free of rabbits. When the scent is no longer present, replace with new dryer sheets.

Tags: dryer sheets, around garden, cups water, cups water with, dish soap, liquid dish

Garlic & Plants

Garlic makes a tasty addition to edible landscapes.

Garlic can be very easily grown in the home garden alongside your other plants. The key to gardening success is giving your garlic enough room for bulb growth and keeping the adjacent soil free of weeds as garlic doesn't like root competition. It benefits from manure or other organic matter added to the soil. Many plants benefit from growing with garlic because it has natural pesticide qualities. Does this Spark an idea?

Growing Garlic

Unlike other common household plants that should be planted in the spring, garlic fares best when planted in the fall. Prepare the soil about three weeks before a hard freeze is anticipated by tilling it thoroughly. Break the garlic cloves apart, saving the smaller cloves for culinary use. Put the garlic in rows between any other vegetation, giving it a minimum of 4 inches of space between each bulb. Make sure that the pointed end of the garlic is facing upward with 2 inches of soil on top.

Maintenance

Garlic requires more fertilizer than many other plants, including vegetables. A basic 10-10-10 mix works well for this purpose. Add 1 lb. of fertilizer for every 100 square feet of garden. This type of all-purpose fertilizer is commonly used for a variety of greenery, so it should nourish the rest of the garden as well. Consider mulching around the garlic to prevent weeds and keep the soil's moisture level consistent. Water the plants in spring during dry weather, then stop in July, allowing the top portion of the plant to die back before harvesting the bulbs in August.

Growing Larger Bulbs

During warm weather, garlic begins producing a straight stalk that makes a loop with a flower. This is a garlic scape. To encourage the plant's production of a larger bulb, prune back the scape as you might any plant to encourage increased fruit or flower production. However, do not throw away your scapes as they're excellent steamed with butter or tossed into stirfry.

Garlic as a Companion Plant

Companion planting is a system of using substances found in various plant roots, leaves and flowers to either attract helpful insects or repel harmful ones. It's a natural way to keep the garden healthy. Garlic specifically helps cabbage and lettuce as aphids don't like it. Beets, cabbage and roses also love to grow near garlic. About the only plants that do not grow cooperatively with garlic are beans, peas and potatoes.

Tags: other plants, plants that, with garlic

Homemade Pest Control Spray

Homemade Pest Control Spray

Using safe, non-toxic means to control household and garden pests gives many homeowners and organic gardeners peace of mind. The fear that commercial pesticides may be harsh to family and pets, as well as toxic to beneficial insects, makes the idea of homemade pest control sprays appealing to many. Unlike chemical pesticides, homemade pest control recipes use familiar household ingredients, such as mint, soap and cayenne pepper, that are non-toxic to humans. They are also easy to make and often less expensive than commercial products. Does this Spark an idea?

Household Pests

One of the most dreaded of all household pests is the cockroach. Though they can be controlled to an extent through proper food storage and stringent cleaning practices, other measures are often needed as well. One option, suggested by Eartheasy.com, is simply keeping a spray bottle of soapy water on hand. Spraying individual roaches, according to the site, will kill them on contact. Soap and water solutions containing lye soap may be more effective than regular household soap. Though lye is toxic if swallowed, lye combined with soap is mild, safe and can penetrate cockroach armor, killing it on contact. Soapy water spray can also be used to control ants.

The website also offers catnip tea is an option, a method that has been backed by researchers at the University of Iowa. Apparantly, the pungent herb contains a chemical called nepetalactone, which repels cockroaches. To brew catnip tea, simply add 1 tsp. of dried catnip leaves to 6 oz. of boiling water and let seep for seven to eight minutes. Spray around baseboards, countertops and other problem areas.

Ingredients commonly used to repel ants, on the other hand, include vinegar, peppermint, cinnamon oil, cayenne pepper and clove oil. Combine 2 cups of vinegar with 2 tsp. of cayenne pepper and spray areas where ants enter your home. Or, brew a tea using dried peppermint steeped in water to treat problem areas as well.

Though not a spray, cornmeal left in infested areas can be lethal to when eaten by ants.

Garden Pests

Use several homemade sprays to control garden pests. For aphids, mites, mealy bugs and other soft-bodied insects, Eartheasy.com suggests mixing 1 tbsp. of canola oil and two to three drops of soap into 1 qt. of water. Simply spray leaves of affected plants to smother pests without the use of toxins. It also suggests using a soap-and-water mixture with hot pepper sauce to repel mites.

To repel Japanese beetles, caterpillars and even rodents from vegetables, roses and fruit trees, organic farmer Stephanie Lowell-Libby suggests a mixture of onion, garlic, cayenne pepper or hot sauce, and water. For aphids, she suggests steeping lemon peel in hot water overnight and straining into a spray.

Tags: cayenne pepper, Control Spray, garden pests, Homemade Pest Control, homemade pest control, pepper sauce

Sewage Treatment Information

Sewage Treatment Information

Sewage treatment is a necessary and important aspect of industrialized and pre-industrial societies. Civilizations have long understood the importance of disposing of used water in a separate system from that of fresh water. This prevents diseases and helps keep the ecosystem functioning. The process to separate good water from sewage is timely and expensive; however, very few advances have been made for alternatives to the system.

Significance

Sewage needs to be treated to ensure that the water used by people is distributed back into the ecosystem with as little environmental impact as possible. Sewage can include any water that is used by humans for disposal or through various other processes such as radiation cooling. This water becomes contaminated with waste, including objects, excrement and food products. The sewage cannot be sent directly back into the water supply, or contamination of plants and animals and eventually humans would take place. All solids must be removed through physical screening or sedimentation. In addition, all soluble and fine suspended organic pollutants must be dispelled through a biological oxidation process.

Features

A sewage treatment facility uses an intricate system to remove all large objects and pollutants from the waste water.

The first step in this process is the removal of large objects such as cans, tampons and foods. The sewage treatment facility uses a large grating machine that circles around a vat of sewage, collecting the objects. These objects are later disposed in a landfill. The sewage then passes through a sedimentation pump in which oils are allowed to float and sludge is allowed to sink. The machine skims off these elements for further disposal.

The remaining sewage is then treated biologically using various types of bacteria that consume or trap the remaining particles. Through a series of holding facilities, the sewage is put through different types of biological processing. By the time it is done, the vast majority of non-water elements are removed.

The tertiary step of sewage treatment is to let the water sit in a large basin or manmade lagoon. This allows further aeration and natural cleaning of the water. The clean water is then released back into the water supply.

This process, at each level, creates a byproduct called sludge. This sludge can be further processed into fertilizer and methane gas for burning.

Benefits

By cycling used water through a process, humans can ensure that the drinking water and water in lakes and rivers is clean. Before proper sewage treatment took place, many cities would just pump their water into lakes and streams. These water beds would soon become contaminated, killing vast numbers of wildlife and plants. It also had negative effects on humans, such as diseases and skin irritation.

Modern facilities ensure that the continued use of water resources is possible for an industrialized nation. They are also very important for developing countries to stop the spread of diseases.

Effects

The introduction of sewage plants across the United States also had negative effects, most notably, energy consumption. The process to treat sewage is very inefficient and can result in some of the highest energy consumption concerns for a community. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, sewage treatment plants account for 3 percent of all energy consumption in the U.S. For example, for each gallon of water that is treated, a compact fluorescent light bulb could run for nearly 12 minutes.

Additional problems have arisen during the late 1990s and the early part of the 21st century. The amount of drugs and medicines being flushed into the water system continues to increase. Small quantities of antibiotics, sex hormones and anti-seizure drugs have all been isolated, according to the Associated Press. Modern sewage treatment plants are ill-equipped to handle the removal of drugs from the system.

Potential

Many communities are turning to on-site sewage treatment opportunities to limit the electricity needs of the main sewage plant, as well as keep the water healthier in the long run. Most of these options include a septic tank that is installed with various filters and aeration systems. These septic tanks need to be emptied by the sewage company; however, the water they receive is further along the cleaning path than previous sewer systems.

This has been shown by the Department of Energy to cut down on the costs of sewage treatment by up to 30 percent.

Tags: sewage treatment, back into, energy consumption, ensure that, into water, also negative, also negative effects

Use Sulphur As An Insecticide

Use Sulphur as an Insecticide

Garden insects can be hard to control without using chemical insecticides. This puts organic gardeners in a dilemma, pushed to choose between losing their plants and spraying chemicals on their soil. Fortunately, there are organic alternatives to chemical insecticides, even for the most persistent garden pests. Sulphur, a naturally occurring substance, works great as an insecticide and has no negative effects on plants or soil. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Fill a spray bottle with water and a drop of dish soap. Shake the bottle vigorously until bubbles form.

2. Spray your plants with the soapy water. Be sure to get the tops and bottoms of the leaves as well as the stems. The soapy water will help the sulphur stick to the plants.

3. Fill a flour sifter with powdered sulphur. Hold the sifter 1 to 2 feet above the plants, and sift the sulphur over them to give them a light dusting. The coat of sulphur should be heavy enough that it is easily visible but still light enough that you can see the color of the leaves beneath it.

4. Spray a lime-sulphur or wettable sulphur spray on any part of the plant that isn't covered with dust. A light mist on the bare spots is enough to get the job done. Combination lime-sulphur spray is much more effective than wettable sulphur, so use the combination if it is available in your area.

5. Examine your plants daily. If you notice that the insects have come back, reapply the sulphur.

Tags: chemical insecticides, enough that, soapy water, Sulphur Insecticide, wettable sulphur, your plants

Gnats In A Pond

Ponds offer food and a breeding ground for non-biting gnats.

Several species of flies need water to support their larval forms. While mosquitoes are perhaps the most well known, gnats can also be a nuisance. The biting buffalo gnats as well as the non-biting varieties can breed in your backyard pond. Control is not easy, but there are some things you can do to mitigate the annoyance. Does this Spark an idea?

Buffalo Gnats

Also called turkey gnats, these biting pests are not gnats at all but are black flies and they can be quite troublesome. While they primarily attack and feed on the blood of birds and cattle, black flies can form in large swarms and bite people as well. Black fly larvae require cool, fast moving water to live. Streams, runoff from snow melt or even water features in ponds like waterfalls or fountains can support black fly larvae as they glean nutrients from the clear, clean water. Trailing vegetation offers an excellent place for egg laying and feeding. Their life cycle is fast, taking only about three weeks from egg laying to adulthood. There are between two and four generations per year.

Control

Control can be difficult because of the wide range in black fly habitat. If black flies invade your pond and swarm around your home, wearing light colored clothing can help reduce the chance of a bite. Wear a light colored hat that covers your ears as well. If larvae hatch in your pond year after year you can try adding pesticides containing the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis to your water. This bacteria only attacks fly larvae and is safe for humans, animals and beneficial insects. Adults are difficult to kill as they are highly migratory and highly mobile. Permethrin based sprays may be the most effective.

Non-Biting Gnats

There are several species of non-biting flies commonly called gnats or midges that breed in standing water like ponds, pools or yard debris like buckets or old tires containing rain water. While not threatening or damaging these flies can breed in large numbers and their swarms may be a nuisance. Larvae feed on living and dead plant matter but adults don't eat at all. A gnat's entire life cycle may take 4 to 5 weeks to complete but adults only live long enough to swarm, mate and lay eggs. There can be several generations in a summer.

Control

Non-biting gnats, much like black flies, are difficult to control. Aerosol sprays can be effective for small areas but only kill on contact; there is no residual effect. Adults may rest on vegetation during the day so spraying surrounding plants with products containing malathion or carbaryl may offer some measure of control. Entomologists at the University of Kentucky caution against adding pesticides to any water source since there is potential to contaminate ground water.

Tags: black flies, adding pesticides, life cycle, light colored, There several

Homemade Stink Bug Insecticide

Stink bugs can be annoying pests that quickly pollute our homes and gardens. Originally from Asia, these bugs have migrated to the United States over the past few years and multiplied rapidly. These flat bugs can easily squeeze through door cracks and window sills, creating easy entry into homes. A simple homemade insecticide can kill stink bugs and repel them, as well. Does this Spark an idea?

Pyrethrum

Pyrethrum is part of the chrysanthemum family of African plants and is lethal to many insects, including stink bugs. You can either grow your own pyrethrum from seeds or purchase a pyrethrum plant from a garden center. Grind the leaves into a powder, using a mortar and pestle. Pour one liter of water into a spray bottle, add half a teaspoon of powdered pyrethrum, then add 10 drops of liquid dish detergent (which will act as an adhesive when sprayed onto plants). Spray onto plant leaves and soil around the home. When insects come into contact with this solution, they will die instantly. Note that this will also kill friendly insects, too, but it will take care of your stink bug problems. This spray can be applied to fruits and vegetables as it is not harmful to humans, but any fruit or vegetable that comes into contact with the pyrethrum spray should be picked within two days of application.

Garlic

Garlic is also an insecticide that works well on stink bugs. An easy way to use garlic is to simply dice a few fresh cloves of garlic and spread throughout your garden. Alternately, pour two cups of water into a spray bottle, then crush two cloves of garlic into liquid form. Stir into the water, then spray this solution over plants, doorways and other areas that stink bugs pollute. Repeat at least once per week to keep stink bugs at bay.

Mint

Mint is also a strong herb that repels stink bugs. Grow your own mint in the garden or purchase a package of fresh mint from your grocery store. You can also purchase mint essential oil, which works well for a spray-on solution. If using fresh mint, grind a few spoonfuls into powder form. Sprinkle throughout your garden or mix in a spray bottle with two cups of water. Spray onto plant leaves, shrubbery and soil. Alternately, pour two cups of water into a spray bottle, add 10 drops of mint essential oil and spray the solution onto affected areas.

Tags: spray bottle, stink bugs, cups water, into spray, into spray bottle, water into, water into spray

Natural Gnat Repellent For Dogs

Gnats pester your dogs.

Gnats are tiny, non-biting insects that flourish in the summertime. Although they do not pierce the skin, they can be a nuisance to the family's best friend who does not have hands to swat them away. Deet-containing insect repellents are of concern to many pet owners for fear of harming the dog's nervous system. Pet owners, however, have taken the job of repelling insects into their own hands. Dog owners may make their own bug repellent at home by adding two or three essential oils in a 1-to-10 ratio in a dilution base of olive oil, witch hazel or vodka.

Types of Essential Oils

Insects get used to one particular kind of oil, so make three or four different kinds or repellent, and switch them up every time the pet goes outside. You may add one or more of the following essential oils to your base oil or alcohol (all of which have been reported to repel gnats): catnip, cedarwood, citronella, cinnamon, clove, garlic oil, geranium, lemongrass, neem or peppermint oil.

Consideration: Dilute your Oils

Always dilute the essential oils before you use them on your pet's coat. Although effective, eucalyptus may be irritating on some dogs' skin. Some pet enthusiasts also recommend against using tea tree oil in any concentration as it is thought to create or worsen neurological problems in some dogs. Make sure that you store all essential oils in a dark cupboard to prevent them from degrading.

Household Products

Apply the essential oil mixture to the coat of the dog, preferably in a place where he cannot lick or scratch, such as his upper back, back of ears, or even the back of the collar. You may keep the mixture in a spray bottle, but try not to apply directly to the skin, and always avoid contact with the dog's eyes. Avoid applying these to pregnant animals until you have your vet's permission. Some natural pet enthusiasts even suggest allowing the dog to sniff and approve the scent before creating the mixture, to ensure that he will approve of wearing it in the long run.

Household Products and Pre-made Repellents

Vanilla extract is reported to repel gnats. Just don't get the kind in the bakery aisle that contains sugar or corn syrup, or this will attract gnats instead of repelling them. A popular mouthwash is used as a natural insect repellent for people, but some fear that it may be too dangerous to use in pets because the oils and alcohol content may burn your skin. Likewise, a well known chest rub is sometimes used on the clothing of humans to repel insects because of its menthol content, but it is not recommended on dog's skin because the dog may try to lick it. You may purchase granulated formulations of essential oil-based repellents to use on outdoor surfaces to repel gnats as well.

Yard Remedies

Try altering the terrain in order to keep the gnat population down: reduce your watering schedule so insects like gnats and mosquitoes do not have a place to breed. Use sodium lighting which tends to attract fewer gnats than other types of lighting. Purchase a finer mesh screening for your outdoor enclosure; screens which keep out flies may not necessarily keep out gnats. Because most flying insects are attracted to the carbon dioxide in our breath, tubs of water containing dry ice may be placed at strategic corners of your yard---safely away from the children and pets---to trick the gnats into flying away from the people and dogs.

Tags: essential oils, repel gnats, away from, Household Products, reported repel, reported repel gnats

The Environmental Ethics Of The Human Population Growth

Habitat loss for wildlife and global hunger are just two of the issues environmental ethics specialists attribute to overpopulation.

The U.S. Census Bureau's 2010 International Data Base indicates that in 1950 there were approximately 2.5 billion people on the planet; in 2050 there will be more than 9 billion people. This growth represents a predicted 25 percent increase in the world's population over the next 25 to 30 year period. The Global Education Project indicates that each person on the planet needs about 110,000 square feet (0.5 hectare) of arable, or agriculturally sustainable, land to live a healthy and adequately nutritional life; 1960 was the last time the population was small enough--at 3 billion people--for Earth's surface to provide such land. Global hunger is just one of many challenges overpopulation forces on the planet and its inhabitants.

Water Pollution

Life on this planet requires water first and foremost. The Johns Hopkins School of Public Health indicates that in the U.S. alone, pesticides have polluted 173,000 miles of streams, rivers and lakes, and that 90% of the waterways in Europe have nitrate pollutants up to 200 times the concentration of naturally-occurring nitrates. Ironically, agriculture, which feeds growing masses of humanity, often acts as the biggest cause of water pollution.

Global Warming

Municipal (housing and transportation) and industrial water pollution follows closely behind agricultural water pollution and also creates air pollution which destroys the ozone layer and contributes to global warming. These categories of polluters are man-made for the purposes of housing people and providing populations with everything from plastic trash bags to commercial airliners. According to the Sierra Club, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions constitute the primary source of global warming; they became 12 times greater when Earth's population grew from 1.6 billion to 6.1 billion.

Diminishing Food and Water Resources

When the amount or arable land needed to feed each and every person on the planet began to sink below 0.5 hectare per person, it "peaked," meaning arable land resources are now diminishing on a per person basis. Other peaking resources include fossil fuels and water. Between 1990 and 2000, Worldwater.org reported that 80 countries had already reached peak water, and growing population and increased pollution are steadily adding countries to that list.

Peak Oil

Global oil consumption increased from 63 million barrels per day to 79 million between 1980 and 2002, and continues to increase according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The International Energy Agency puts consumption at 86.6 million barrels a day in 2010. In 2005, the U.S. Department of Energy commissioned a peak oil risk management study that indicated peak oil may have been reached already but certainly will be within 20 years.

Encroachment Upon and Rights of Wildlife

As world population grows, wildlife habitats shrink. According to the National Wildlife Federation, shrinking habitat causes disease and loss of food due to encroachment of invasive species of plants and animals. Furthermore, the same environmental challenges that face humanity are a detriment to wildlife: global warming, pollution, oil and chemical spills, and over hunting. Defenders of Wildlife lists over 100 categories of wildlife, from frogs to lions, that are endangered because of diminishing habitat and animal populations. They also list six threatened habitats as vast as grasslands and coral reefs.

Tags: global warming, indicates that, arable land, billion people, hunger just, million barrels

Clean The Idle Control Valve On A 4runner

The idle air control valve (usually called an IAC valve) helps maintain the proper idle speed on your vehicle. The Toyota 4Runner idle air control valve is mounted on the throttle body, as it is in all vehicles. Sometimes, carbon buildup near your idle air control valve can cause idling problems. If this is the case, you can try cleaning the valve openings to see if it fixes the problem. In other cases, the valve must be replaced. Most mechanics and service manuals do not recommend cleaning the idle air control valve itself, but rather its mating valves.

Instructions

1. Open the hood and unhook the negative (-) battery cable. Loosen the nut from the cable and carefully pull it away from the terminal.

2. Trace the air intake hose from the air box to the throttle body. Remove the screws from the clamp attaching the hose to the throttle body and move it out of the way.

3. Unhook the electrical connection attached to the idle air control valve. Pull off the three hoses to detach them from the valve.

4. Remove the four mounting screws on top of the idle air control valve. Pull the valve off and remove the old gasket. Set the valve in a safe place.

5. Spray carbon cleaner (safe for electrical components and catalytic converters) into the two valves. Let the solvent soak for 10 to 15 minutes.

6. Clean the valves thoroughly, on the outside and inside. Use a few shop rags to wipe down the inside part of the valves. Remove as much of the carbon buildup as you can. Let dry for about 30 minutes.

7. Remount the idle air control valve with a new gasket. Do not reuse the old gasket. Tighten the screws, replace the electrical connection and replace the hoses.

8. Reconnect the negative battery cable and start the engine. Let it run for 10 to 15 minutes. The computer needs to "relearn" the idle speed. If your idle speed is still inconsistent, replace the idle air control valve.

Tags: idle control, control valve, idle control valve, control valve, idle control valve, idle speed

Keep Mosquitoes Away

Mosquitoes can be a very annoying visitor to backyard gatherings. They can also pose a danger to your visitors, children and pets, as they carry many forms of disease. Do what you can to take precautionary steps to keep them away.

Instructions

1. Remove all water supplies that mosquitoes could breed in. It doesn't have to be much water at all, so check your yard carefully. Flower pots, soda lids and even small pockets of standing water in lower parts of the yard should be removed. Keep your lawn mowed short and flower beds weed free.

2. Empty and clean bird baths frequently. Also make sure any outdoor ponds have circulation and filters pumps in them, to avoid the water stagnating. Remove anything that is a constant source of still water. Check your yard after every substantial rainfall.

3. Plant lavender in various spots around your yard, especially by entryways or patios. Mosquitoes do not like the small of lavender and won't linger in the vacinity of the smell. Buy lavender essential oils and mix a few drops in a small spray bottle with water. Spray this mixture around the area of your patio when you plan on being outdoors.

4. Apply a lavender-based lotion to your exposed skin if you plan to spend time out doors. This is a safe nontoxic way to keep mosquitos away from you. Spray yourself with a lavender scented perfume, or shower with lavender soap.

5. Burn citronnella or lavender-scented candles on your patio. Citronnella is a strong scent, but lavender is very faint and light. Mosquitos do not like either smell, so try them both.

Tags: your yard, with lavender, your patio

Diy Water Wiggle Bird Bath

Get rid of mosquitos from your birdbath with a water wiggler.

A water wiggler is a device you can add to a birdbath to keep the water moving. The wiggler slightly shakes the water around, keeping mosquitoes from laying eggs in the birdbath. The device is small and requires no plumbing or special tools to install it. You can choose a solar- or a battery-operated water wiggler that vibrates silently 24 hours a day. Before choosing your water wiggler, though, you may want to consider making a birdbath. Only a few materials are needed to design a colorful water wiggler birdbath.

Instructions

1. Smooth out any imperfections on your terracotta pots and saucer, using sandpaper.

2. Place the 16-inch pot upside-down on a flat surface, put the 14-inch pot upside-down on top of the 16-inch, and place the 12-inch pot upside-down on top of the 14-inch pot.

3. Mark below the rims of the top and middle clay pots with a pencil. These marks indicate the area of the pot that are not covered by another pot, making it easier to paint your design.

4. Unstack the three terracotta pots. Coat the insides of your clay pots and saucer with the oil-based polyurethane (if not already coated). Apply two to three coats. Make sure to seal the outer rim of the largest pot because it sits directly on the ground. Allow the polyurethane to completely dry.

5. Paint the pots in various colors and designs up to your marked lines. The area above the line is not visible. Allow the paint to dry.

6. Seal the outside of the painted pots with three coats of water-based polyurethane. Allow the pots to dry. Stack the three clay pots the same way that you did previously, adding construction adhesive around the rim of each pot before stacking it.

7. Secure the saucer to the top of the clay pots with construction adhesive. Allow the glue to dry overnight.

8. Place the water wiggler in the center of the assembled bird bath. If it is battery operated, insert the appropriate size batteries first.

9. Fill the bath with water.

Tags: water wiggler, clay pots, pots with, clay pots with, construction adhesive, pots saucer

Use Plants To Repel Mosquitoes

Rosemary will naturally repel mosquitoes

Mosquito sprays can be messy and dangerous, especially for children and babies. However, there is a natural way to repel mosquitoes in your yard and on your deck by using common plants. Learn more about some plants that naturally repel the pesky critters so you can enjoy your outdoor activities. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Steps

1. Decide where and how you want to plant the plants. Do you want to incorporate them into an existing flower bed, add a new bed or use containers? What types of containers will fit your landscape design? If you use containers, be sure to select ones that allow for plenty of drainage so that the plants don't sit in water, known as "wet feet."

2. Determine what kind of sunlight exposure the intended planting spot will receive during the day. Examine the area over different parts of the day and note its sun exposure. Full sun is an area that receives 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day; a partial sun or partial shade area should receive 3-6 hours of sun each day. Most plants will thrive in full sun and partial sun. Be sure to plan accordingly so that your new mosquito-repelling plants will be happy.

3. Select your plants. There are several plants available that will naturally repel mosquitoes. Lemongrass can be planted in full to partial sun, horsemint likes full sun sun to partial shade, rosemary will enjoy full sun to partial sun, catnip does best in full sun sun to partial shade, and marigolds thrive in full sun. These plants can be purchased at home and garden centers, either as plants or seeds. Many of them have a Citronella scent or even contain Citronella oils.

4. Plant the plants or seeds. Note the height of each plant prior to planting, and be sure to plan accordingly (plant the shortest plants in front, and the tallest in back). Marigolds will reach 12-16 inches in height, while horsemint and rosemary can get to be 3-5 feet tall, and lemongrass can grow 3-6 feet high. Be sure to plant each of them according to the directions on the plant tag, and water regularly.

5. Fertilize the plants with a general fertilizer like Miracle Grow or compost tea.

6. Enjoy your mosquito-free yard!

Tags: full partial, naturally repel, partial shade, full partial shade, naturally repel mosquitoes, plan accordingly, plants seeds

Help With "Angry Birds" 129 Golden Egg

Strategically use the dynamite to defeat episode 12-9.

Episode 12-9 in "Angry Birds" can be one of the most challenging for fans of the game. You need three stars in all of the Ham 'Em High episodes in order to get a golden egg, which means you need to master this episode to get that golden egg. Eight pigs are barricaded in wooden scaffolds in front of a thick wall. Behind the wall is a cave with a treasure box. A box of TNT is in the base of the scaffolds, another is hanging from a rope above and two more are at the mouth of the cave in front of concrete slabs protecting the cave.

Three Birds

You can get three stars in this episode using all three birds. The first bird needs to be launched at a 30-degree angle so he hits the wooden scaffolds in front of the third story where the wall meets the floor so he destroys the two pigs near the scaffold. The second bird needs to be launched at a 40-degree angle so he strikes the floor of the third story, falling to the ground and exploding, taking out four more pigs. Launch the final pig at a 30-degree angle so he crashes through the scaffolds on the ground floor and stops beside the wall next to the TNT. When the bird explodes, he takes out the remaining pigs, most of the wood and the TNT, giving you enough points for three stars.

Two Birds

Using two birds is a bit trickier and may not result in more points than using three birds. You will get a 10,000 point bonus for not using the last bird, but you destroy less of the structure. Launch the first bird at a 45-degree angle so he crashes through the wooden square on the fourth floor and then launch the second bird at the same angle. The second bird crashes through the scaffolds. When the second bird explodes, all of the pigs are annihilated, along with the TNT and much of the wood.

Treasure Chest

You will have to forego killing the pigs to get the treasure chest. Launch all three birds at the mouth of the cave to try and break through the concrete to get to the treasure chest. Don't get discouraged if you don't break through the concrete on your first attempt; it can take a few attempts to break through the concrete. The treasure is actually empty and does not result in a new golden egg.

Golden Egg and Star

After getting three stars in this episode, you need to get three stars in all the other Ham 'Em High episodes to unlock the Total Destruction golden egg. You can unlock a star on this golden egg episode by pushing the right side of the accordion in and then pulling it out and holding the accordion open for a second or two. The accordion rips open, revealing the star.

Tags: three stars, second bird, break through, break through concrete, crashes through, this episode, three birds

Pyrethrum & Mosquitoes

Pyrethrum, derived from the chrysanthemum, is effective at controlling mosquitoes.

A major international public health problem is vector-borne disease, including those caused by mosquitoes, such as encephalitis and West Nile virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Throughout the world, pyrethrum is used to control mosquitoes. Does this Spark an idea?

What Is Pyrethrum

Pyrethrum is a natural botanical insecticide made from the dried flowers of some chrysanthemum species (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium, Chrysanthemum coccineum and Chrysanthemum marshalli). Pyrethrum products are available commercially from garden and farm supply shops. Besides offering effective control against mosquitoes, pyrethrum also is used as a garden pesticide to kill aphids, beetles and whiteflies.

Pyrethrum Versus Mosquito

Pyrethrum is a fast-acting, knockdown insecticide that paralyzes mosquitoes on contact. Its active ingredient, pyrethrin, quickly penetrates the insect's nervous system and stimulates repetitive nerve discharges, which keep the mosquito from moving or flying away. If too low a dose is administered, however, some mosquitoes may recover.

Warning

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency assigns pyrethrum the toxicity classification of "Caution" because it is relatively nontoxic to humans. However, allergic reactions are possible. See a physician immediately if asthmatic breathing, headache, lack of coordination, tremors or convulsions occur.

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Replace The Mantles On A Coleman Lantern 5130

The Coleman gas lantern uses a mantle, which is essentially a small mesh bag shielded with fabric. Once the gas is lit and the mantle burns, the fabric is burned off and the ash that remains creates a bright light. The mantle is also the most fragile part of the lantern and will need to be replaced over time. The Coleman 5130-700 model lantern uses a single slip-on-style mantle, which is simple to change.

Instructions

1. Check to ensure that the lantern has cooled off. If you had the lantern on and the mantle just burnt out, allow a half-hour for the lantern to cool. Ensure that the gas is turned off.

2. Unscrew the top ventilator/cover and remove it. You can typically remove the screws with your fingers; if the screws are hard to turn, use a screwdriver.

3. Remove the glass globe. This will easily pull off.

4. Light your mantle with a match and allow it to burn out. This is necessary to rid the mantle of its fabric shielding. If you use the gas to light it, you can crack the mantle and it won't work appropriately.

5. Slide the mantle onto the gas burner tube protruding from the lantern's center. The mantle is a slip-on style and doesn't require any pinning or tying.

6. Replace the globe and secure the cover back onto the lantern.

Tags: lantern uses, mantle which

Insects In The Tundra

Insects overcome many obstacles in the Tundra.

The tundra is a vast expanse of frozen landscape known for being home to the arctic fox and few other mammals throughout various parts of the world. What many people might not know, however, is that insects also survive and prosper in this freezing land mass. Insects including mosquitoes, blow flies and weevils rely on survival techniques, body chemistry, and feeding patterns to make it through the brutal conditions.

Mosquito

The mosquito is one insect that survives in the tundra. Mosquitoes use the chemical glycerol to prevent them from freezing. The glycerol replaces water in the insect's body and acts like antifreeze to protect the insect. The Arctic is a prime area for the mosquito because in the summer the Arctic's melting water forms wetlands. These wetlands include organic matter and are ideal for the mosquito to eat and reproduce.

Arctic Springtail

The Arctic springtail, also known as the snow flea, is a tiny six-legged insect that grows up to 1/3-inch long. Springtails lack wings and are named for their ability to jump when in danger. Their body color can be pale brown, white, purple or red and some have patterns. Springtails feed on organic waste on the tundra's forest floor. They survive the freezing temperatures by dehydrating into a small husk. Then, when temperatures warm during the summer, the springtails re-hydrate and continue activities including searching for food.

Plant Sucking Weevil

A relative of the beetle, the plant sucking weevil can grow up to 3/4-inch in length. The weevil survives by feeding on living or dead plant tissues in the tundra during the summer months. Plant sucking weevils are characterized by a snout protruding from the head and also distinctive antennae. The insect's larval stages are yellow or white in color.

Blow Fly

The blow fly is a 1/2-inch insect that survives in the tundra by feeding on dead carcasses. It has a metallic olive-green body with black legs and an orange abdomen. The blow fly is attracted to carrion, nectar, and dead organic matter that it uses for both food and reproduction.

Tundra Bumble Bee

The tundra bumble bee survives in the tundra in part due to their coat of hair. The insect's coat protects them from losing heat, much like a polar bear. The tundra bumble bee also keeps warm by shivering its flight muscles. The shivering generates heat, which is captured in the coat and helps to maintain a body temperature between 68 and 86 degrees.

Tags: insect that, survives tundra, during summer, insect that survives, organic matter, that survives, that survives tundra

Get Rid Of Ants Naturally

get rid of ants

Black ants, red ants, fire ants--America's least favorite party crashers can be found everywhere. Knowing get rid of ants can be the key to a happy summer. Identifying the type of ant you're dealing with and then taking action are crucial to warding off these pests. Follow this advice to safely prevent ants from taking over your home and garden. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine why they are entering your property and eliminate the food, water and/or housing that they need to survive.

2. Promptly clean after meals and take all trash out of your home. Know that learning get rid of ants involves creating an ant-proof abode.

3. Move outdoor trash and recycling bins as far from your home as possible.

4. Tightly wrap and store food set out on kitchen counters.

5. Refrigerate all perishable food, especially in the summer, when fruits and vegetables may spoil quickly.

6. Remove pools of standing water. Ants get thirsty too.

7. Seal up cracks. The least toxic method is 100 percent silicon caulk.

8. Sprinkle powdered red chili pepper, paprika, dried peppermint or borax on ant trails, in cracks and near entryways to deter them from moving in.

9. Rid your garden of aphids, whiteflies and mealybugs. These sap-feeding insects excrete "honeydew," a sugary favorite of ants.

10. Spray or paint sticky barriers made out of tanglefoot products on plants and trees. These barriers prevent ants from climbing up stems and trunks to feed.

11. Create liquid bait by mixing 1 tsp. boric acid with 2 1/2 fluid oz. corn syrup or honey. Heat until the boric acid dissolves. In an eyedropper, add equal amounts of water and solution to drop in places ants frequent for 2 weeks.

12. Make a natural repellent of citrus peelings and water in a blender and pour it over the anthill.

13. Drown out ants by pouring boiling water over the mounds and into the cracks where they dwell. Roughly 3 gallons of water per mound ought to do the trick.

Tags: your home, ants from, boric acid, prevent ants, prevent ants from

Get Rid Of Acne Scars Naturally Do It All Naturally

Get Rid of Acne Scars

When you want to learn get rid of acne scars, you might be dealing with scars that are older or newer. The truth of the matter is that acne scars can be quite bad, but there are still definitely things that you can to improve scars that are older or quite deep. Even better, you'll be able to do it all naturally! Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Wash your face with water. This is an important part of learning get rid of acne scars naturally, and many people disregard it. They argue that their skin feels greasy if they don't wash with soap, but that is merely your face acclimatizing to a new ritual. Remember that soap can be far too abrasive and harsh, and using water will give your skin the break that it needs to heal.

2. Apply vitamin E oil. Vitamin E oil has long been recognized as a great healer of skin. It can be applied directly to the acne scar or you can take it internally. The earlier you apply it to the acne scar, the faster it will heal. You can find vitamin E in capsule form at any health store or grocery store.

3. Apply aloe vera. When you want to learn get rid of acne scars, remember that one important thing that you need to do is to bring down any redness an inflammation. Aloe vera contains substances that will bring down swelling and which will calm any heat that is lurking in the scars, and this can make your body regroup and heal much more effectively.

4. Drink plenty of water. Water not only helps bring down any inflammation, you will also find that it keeps the functions of your body moving much more effectively. If you are constantly dehydrated, you will find that your immune system will simply not function the way that it is meant to. This can delay healing a great deal, so take some time and get that water into your body.

5. Don't touch your face. When people are trying to heal acne scars, one of the worst things that they can do is to touch their face with hands that are not clean. The more you touch your face, the more you might be introducing new bacteria to the sores, making the scars worse. If you want to know get rid of acne scars, don't touch your face unless your hands are completely clean!

6. Exfoliate gently. One thing that can make acne scars much worse is a build up of dead skin. Using an gently exfoliant will help you get rid of the dead skin, but be gentle, because if you are not, you are going to risk making the acne scars worse.

7. Be patient. When you want to learn get rid of acne scars, it will take time, so remember that you should be easy on yourself!

Tags: acne scars, your face, bring down, learn acne, learn acne scars, touch your

Create A 3d Model

3D models are used in many different fields and for an array of purposes., such as television, motion pictures, video games and website animation. Creating a 3D model is a fairly complex process; in the major studios it is most often broken down into several specializations, with different people completing different aspects of the model. But many capable, motivated individuals create their own models entirely from scratch. Some want to use the models in their own animation, some want to sell these models for others to use, and some just like the intellectual challenge.

Instructions

1. If you would like to start creating your own 3D models, you will need a 3D modeling program with which to build them. While several well-known 3D programs on the market do very good modeling (such as Maya and Cinema 4D), they are very expensive and challenging to learn. A simpler and cheaper program, if all you want to do is create your own 3D models, is Hexagon (available for PC or Mac--about $150 at time of writing).

2. Sketch out your ideas for your model and decide on the approach you want to take. Keep in mind that the level of complexity in your model will affect how difficult it is to build. Whereas a simple straight-back chair might be relatively easy to make, a figure that needs to have posable joints will be far more work. In this article a technique known as "Box Modeling" will be used to build a simple 'toon car.

3. Go online to Daz3D to purchase and install Hexagon on your computer system. Then start the program.

4. Click the "Primitives" tab at the top and select the "Cube." Draw the cube into the view. Now change the selection mode at the top to "Faces."

5. Select the "Surface Modeling" tab at the top and click on the "Extrude Surface" tool. Now click on the top polygon and use the tool to extend it upward to roughly form the roof of the car. Use the same tool to select the front and back polygons to form the hood and trunk areas. Use the "Scale" function of the "Universal Manipulator" tool to adjust the overall proportions of the car.

6. Select the "Edge" selection mode and use the "Scale" and "Position" functions of the "Universal Manipulator" tool to adjust the lines of the car. If you need more curves, use the "Tessellation" tools to create new polygons and edges you can move around.

7. Select the "Primitives" tab and add four "Cylinders" to the scene. Make them all the same size and place them where the tile wells should be. Now go to the "Surface Modeling" tab and select the "Boolean" tool. Use it to remove the area of the car where you need to put the tires. Then create four more, smaller, cylinders to serve as the tires.

8. Select those polygons you want to be the same color, such as the body of the car. Click on the "Materials/Shading" tab on the left. Click on the "Unassigned" domain. Then click "Create New Domain." Rename the new domain"Body." Then, in the materials at the top, change the color to what you want. Do the same for all the other parts of the car. Finally, export your model as a "Wavefront OBJ" for use in other programs.

Tags: your model, Manipulator tool, Manipulator tool adjust, selection mode, Surface Modeling, tool adjust

Control Black Flies & Mosquitoes

Control the breeding grounds of mosquitoes to keep them off your skin.

Black flies and mosquitoes can bother you and pose health hazards when you are enjoying the outdoors. Mosquitoes are seen more often by humans, while black flies are a more common problem for horses and cattle. Both breed around water, and have some similarities that make for a common control regime.

Instructions

Mosquitoes

1. Dispose of or put under shelter any containers sitting around the house or yard that might collect and hold rain water. Empty buckets or wheelbarrows, for instance, can collect rainwater and become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

2. Clean gutters and unclog downspouts to prevent the presence of stagnant water. Again, this will eliminate breeding grounds.

3. Drain or fill in ditches and other potentially swampy areas.

4. Maintain your swimming pool and keep it well chlorinated. If you do not use it and do not wish to maintain it then consider draining it.

5. Use insecticides on any standing water that you cannot eliminate. This will prevent mosquitoes from breeding in those areas.

6. Spray yourself with bug spray, preferably with a product containing DEET, and use bug nets to prevent mosquitoes from landing on you.

Black Flies

7. Eliminate standing water around the home, as detailed in the steps for mosquitoes. Black flies travel up to 10 miles from their breeding ground, which makes this method less effective.

8. Treat remaining stagnant or flowing water around your house with an insecticide. Many of the same insecticides used for treating mosquito breeding sites can be used for black flies.

9. Use a bug spray containing DEET, clothing coated with permethrin, or bug nets to control exposure to black flies.

Tags: breeding grounds, Black flies, breeding grounds mosquitoes, containing DEET, grounds mosquitoes, mosquitoes from

Identify Symptoms Of Celiac Disease

Identify Symptoms of Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a condition of the small intestine caused by an allergy to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley grains or byproducts. Also known as Gluten Enteropathy or Nontropical Sprue, the condition prevents the intestine from absorbing nutrients vital for optimal health. Left untreated, celiac disease may lead to excessive weight loss and malnutrition, with its accompanying symptoms and conditions. It is important to know and understand the symptoms of celiac disease in order to initiate treatment of a gluten-free diet, which generally brings drastic improvement in physical condition and health within a few weeks. Though celiac disease is most commonly discovered in infants or small children, it may also appear suddenly in adults, especially those with a family history of the disease.

Instructions

1. Watch for unexplained weight loss in infants or small children following the introduction of cereals into the diet. With adults, symptoms may occur gradually over several months or years, but will cause a rapid weight loss within a few weeks.

2. Pay attention to appetite. Infants and toddlers or small children will generally turn their head away or refuse to eat. In adults, the inability of the small intestine to absorb nutrients and the general ill feeling that accompanies celiac disease prompts poor appetite and the inability to keep food down.

3. Look for other signs such as light-colored, foul-smelling but bulky bowel movements and the frequent passing of gas. This is caused by the body's efforts to rid the gluten or cereal products from the intestinal tract.

4. Touch the abdomen. It is bloated or swollen? Does touching it cause discomfort or pain? Such localized discomfort is a sign that something is not right within the lower abdominal tract and should be assessed by a physician, regardless of age.

5. Pay attention to growing signs of fatigue in the individual. Malnutrition and lack of adequate vitamin and minerals will produce lethargy, fatigue, sleepiness and may even affect mood and temperament.

Tags: small children, weight loss, celiac disease, Identify Symptoms, Identify Symptoms Celiac, infants small, infants small children

Find Red Eye Flights

Find Red Eye Flights

A red eye flight is a flight that departs late at night, typically after 10 p.m. Offered by many airlines, the red eye flight derives its name from the fatigue and tiredness that comes from nighttime traveling.

Airline companies offer red eye flights because they allow for the repositioning of flight crews and because they help passengers connect to early-morning flights. Customers may prefer to fly on a red eye flight because they won't have to waste a business day with traveling and because these flights tend to be cheaper.

Instructions

1. Visit the website of your preferred airline, such as Southwest.com or Delta.com. Or visit a travel site like Kayak or Expedia that offers information on multiple flights from multiple airlines.

2. Type in your travel information. Enter your departure and arrival destinations as well as your travel dates.

3. Choose a flight that departs after 10 p.m. Most travel sites will provide you with a scroll-down option to pick when your flight will depart. The wording will vary from site to site but will usually say something like "Morning," "Evening" or "After 9 p.m." Choose the latest option available.

4. Book the flight that best caters to your travel plans.

Tags: because they, flight that, your travel, Find Flights, flight that departs

Garlic Bug Spray For Succulents

Get rid of mealy bugs on cactus with garlic spray.

While you may enjoy the effects of garlic in your culinary efforts, the scent and flavor of the herb makes pests run for the hills. Pests affect most plants, including succulents in the garden or home. If you have cacti or other perennial succulents in your home landscaping, planting perennial garlic bulbs in your garden as companion plants will help keep bugs at bay. You can also remove plant pests manually with a homemade garlic spray. Does this Spark an idea?

Succulents Description

Succulent plants are adapted to living on very little water. Cacti, aloe vera, yuccas and hyacinths are all succulents. Water collects inside the thick leaves or shafts to keep plants watered in dry climates. Succulents make fine outdoor garden plants in arid environments and work well as low-maintenance houseplants.

Common Succulent Pests

While these plants are easy to care for, they are not immune to typical plant pests. These pests may include mealy bugs (or aphids), scales or mites. Mealy bugs are perhaps the most common bug to invade succulent plants, either on their leaves or at the base of the roots. Inspect plants regularly to prevent an infestation of bugs, which can result in poor plant production and eventually death. If there are only a few visible bugs, you can manually remove them. Otherwise, you can spray the plant with a pesticide for succulents. While there are commercial insecticides available, you can kill the bugs naturally with a garlic bug spray.

Garlic Spray Recipe

To create your own garlic spray for succulent plants all you need are a few bulbs of garlic, water, hot peppers, liquid dishwashing soap and a blender. Puree the cloves and peppers, add a quart of water and a teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap, and strain into a plastic storage container. Fill an empty spray bottle halfway with the mixture, fill the bottle the rest of the way with water, shake well, and spray directly onto the plants. Respray plants after heavy rainfall.

Beneficial Pests

Some pests are beneficial to plants. Ladybugs are insects you do not want to rid your succulents of with garlic spray. These tiny bugs eat harmful insects like mealy bugs and mites. Examine the plants thoroughly for these friendly insects before you implement any pest control measures.

Tags: garlic spray, mealy bugs, with garlic, with garlic spray, dishwashing soap, garlic spray

Pest Control With Citrus Oil

Protect your home with citrus oil.

Used as a low-toxicity insect repellent, the citrus oil derivative limonene is effective against common household pests such as fleas, fire ants, silverfish and roaches. Citrus oil extracts also are known as d-limonene or linalool. Does this Spark an idea?

Manufacture

Limonene is extracted from citrus rinds, most commonly those of oranges. After the fruit is squeezed for the juice industry, the peels are processed with steam. Citrus oil accumulates on the condensed water and is harvested for fragrance, cleaning products and -- most recently -- insecticides.

Use

Citrus oil is a contact insecticide that's safe for use around food and animals. Insecticides containing citrus oil include fire ant mound drenches, flea control perimeter and pet sprays, and insect repellents.

Cautions

While citrus oil has "low oral and dermal toxicity to mammals, birds and fish," it can irritate skin, writes Karen Russ of Clemson University's Home and Garden Information Center. Further, Michael Merchant, Urban Entomologist at Texas AgriLife Extension Service, cautions that cats may be sensitive to citrus-based flea products.

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Plants For Standing Water

Many iris varieties thrive in wet soils or standing water.

Water and air make up 50 percent of an ideal garden soil, notes the National Garden Association's William Moths. The other 50 percent consists of solid material with plant-sustaining nutrients. Even ideal garden soil, however, can form a nearly impenetrable mass when wet for an extended time. Compacted, wet soil can deprive plant roots of oxygen and friendly, growth-stimulating bacteria. Many plants, however, succeed in either wet soil or standing water. Does this Spark an idea?

Trees

Blackgum trees (Nyssa sylvatica) in standing water develop broad-based, tapering trunks. The glossy, green leaves of these horizontally branched, 30- to 70-foot trees assume brilliant red, purple, yellow and orange shades in autumn. Birds and wildlife feed on their clusters of blue-black berries. Blackgum trees grow in full sun to full shade. Nutans, a pond cypress (Taxodium distichum var. imbricarium) cultivar, also grows 30 to 70 feet tall. Its width seldom exceeds 20 feet. The narrow evergreen has gray-barked, drooping branches. Their muted green needles become warm brown in fall. Nutans grows in full sun.

Shrubs

Three feet of standing water won't bother common buttonbush (Ceophalanthus occidentalis). The 6- to 12-foot deciduous shrub has dense stems of glossy, green leaves. It handles shady conditions as well as wet ones. Buttonbush also sustains birds and wildlife with the round, reddish-brown seedpods following its spherical, white or pink summer flowers. Spicily fragrant golden currant's (Ribes aureum) arching branches pair light-green spring foliage and yellow bloom clusters. The up-to-6-foot shrub's black, yellow or red berries complement its yellow or red autumn leaves. Golden currant grows in sun to partial shade. It survives drought as easily as it does standing water.

Perennials

Cup-shaped, 1- to 2-inch yellow flowers nearly conceal marsh marigold's (Caltha palustra) mounds of branching stems. The early to mid-spring blooms resemble buttercups. The water-lover's heart-shaped green leaves grow to 7 inches wide over the summer. This 12- to 18-inch perennial thrives in sun to partial shade and shallow water. Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), a sun-loving perennial happy in 1 foot of standing water, lures egg-laying Monarch butterflies with its 3- to 5-foot stems of lancelike, spring green foliage. The Monarchs also consume nectar from swamp milkweed's flat, mid-to-late-summer clusters of pinkish or red-purple blooms.

Irises

Many irises (Iris spp.) combine elegance with standing water tolerance. Yellow flag's (Iris pseudacorus) flowers rise in late spring to early summer on 2- to 5-foot stalks above swordlike, yellow-striped, green leaves. Brown-patterned falls contrast with their brilliant yellow petals. Yellow flag colonizes readily in sunny locations and up to 1 foot of standing water. For an eye-catching, early summer display, contrast yellow flag with 2- to 3-foot-tall northern blue flag (Iris versicolor). This iris has clumps of narrow, arching greenish-blue foliage. Each of its stems produces from three to five white-veined, yellow-throated pale blue-violet petals. Northern blue flag flourishes in sun to partial shade and 2 to 4 inches of standing water. Copper iris (Iris fulva) produces copper-red, late-spring blooms on 2- to 3-foot stems. It likes sun or partial shade and tolerates 6 inches of water.

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Use Garlic To Kill Fleas

Garlic offers an all-natural option for keeping fleas off of dogs.

Using garlic to repel and kill fleas has become quite popular in the pet world. Rather than use potentially dangerous chemicals to keep your dog flea-free, you can use garlic and get the same results. You should consult with your veterinarian before using garlic to make sure your dog can handle the treatment. Fortunately, it is quite easy to kill fleas with garlic. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Add fresh, raw garlic to your dog's diet. The amount depends on your dog's weight, so consult with a holistic veterinarian. Garlic makes a dog taste bad to fleas.

2. Give your dog supplements that contain garlic. Many pet stores sell products that contain garlic just for the flea killing and prevention. Follow the dosing directions on the label.

3. Feed your dog treats that contain garlic powder. To make these flea-killing treats, dissolve three beef bullion cubes in 1-1/2 cups of boiling water and set aside. Mix 2 cups of whole wheat flour, 1 cup of cornmeal, 2/3 cup of brewer's yeast and 2 tablespoons of garlic powder in a large bowl. Add 2 egg yolks and slowly add the beef-infused water while stirring. If done properly, the dough will become quite thick. Roll the dough out on a floured surface until it is 1/4-inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out your cookies and place them on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes in a 350° oven, then turn the heat off and let the sheet sit in the oven for at least 3 hours. The garlic, along with the brewer's yeast, will keep the jumpy pests away from your pooch.

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Green Stink Bug Habitat

The green stink bug is a common garden and crop pest.

The green stink bug is the most common stink bug pest in the United States, occupying most states as well as parts of Canada, and at least 52 host plants ranging from pine and fruit trees to weeds and cultivated crops. Stink bugs become active during the first warm days of spring when they mate but are most common in mid- to late June. Both the nymph and adult stages are capable of inflicting considerable damage to their host plants. Does this Spark an idea?

Description

The green stink bug is part of the insect order Heteroptera, or true bugs, because they have two pairs of wings and sharp, piercing mouth parts with which they suck sap from plants. True bugs also undergo incomplete metamorphosis, meaning they go from an egg to a wingless nymph that will molt five times before reaching adulthood.

The adult green stink bug measures about 1/2 to 3/4 inch and has a green, shield-shaped body with a narrow, orange-yellow border. Nymphs of the species look like smaller adults but are wingless and black. The nymphs of the southern green stink bug are light green with two series of white spots along their backs.

Distribution

The green stink bug is the most common stink bug in North America, inhabiting areas as far north as Quebec, south to Florida and across the country to California. The southern green stink bug has a range that is limited to an area from Texas to the Atlantic coast and north to Virginia.

Favorite Foods and Habitat

Green stink bugs are polyphagous, which means they feed on and damage many host plants. In the case of the green stink bug, their hosts plants can include black cherry and elderberry, dogwood, basswood, pine and deciduous trees, shrubs, vines, weeds and many cultivated crops including soybeans, cotton, fruit trees and their fruit, tomatoes, beans, peas and corn.

Using their sharp mouth parts, stink bugs pierce the plant and suck out the fluids. An enzyme that softens the fruit is injected, causing damage. An injury known as cat-facing can occur on fruit, which involves the fruit ceasing to grow around the bite, disfiguring it. Wounds made from feeding stink bugs can also open the way for fungus and other pathogens to enter.

Life Stages

In spring, the stink bug will lay around 36 barrel-shaped eggs in clusters on the leaves or seed pods of its host plant. A nymph will hatch and then go through five molts before reaching its adult stage about 35 days from the time the egg hatches. In northern regions, one generation will be produced per year. In the south, where the seasons are longer, two or more generations per year can be expected.

Young stink bugs hibernate in leaf beds, along fence rows or under tree bark. Adult stink bugs live approximately 2 months.

Control

Stink bugs can be controlled through chemical attack, but they also have natural predators, including birds, toads, spiders, insect-eating mammals, bees, wasps, ants and some flies. The stink bug's only defense against predators is its ability to emit an unpleasant odor, hence its name.

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Do Foggers Kill Roach Eggs

Pass on foggers for your cockroach control needs as there are many other more effective options readily available.

Cockroaches are a singularly common indoor pest in the U.S. and elsewhere. Not only are some people offended by the very sight of a cockroach, they can also be carriers of diseases and can contaminate foods and other surfaces in your home with excrement. There is an abundance of options available to the homeowner who wants to use a chemical pesticide to remove a cockroach infestation, all varying in their effectiveness. Foggers, for example, are commonly marketed as ways to remove a cockroach infestation but doubts hang over their effectiveness. Does this Spark an idea?

Foggers

Total-release aerosol foggers, or "bombs" as they are sometimes called, differ from contact insecticides in that they are not applied directly to observed insects but rather to an entire home that is infested by insects. Foggers release all their pesticide content in one application. Typically, humans and pets will need to leave a house that is being fogged due to the high concentration of toxic pesticides that build up inside the home. The idea of a fogger is that when the pesticide chemicals settle on the ground, they will also settle on any insects in the home.

Foggers, Roaches and Eggs

Pest control experts and the University of Florida and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln agree that total-release foggers are the least effective of any of the cockroach control options available on the market. For starters, only the cockroaches that happen to be in an exposed area during the fogging will be affected. Cockroaches are excellent at hiding and generally prefer more secluded area to more exposed ones anyway. The usefulness of foggers is further compromised by the amount of toxic chemicals introduced into the air in your home in exchange for such a marginal pesticidal result.

Cockroach Eggs

For the same reasons discussed above, foggers offer minor at best lethality to cockroach eggs. While female German cockroaches carry egg capsules called oothecas with them until the eggs are ready to hatch, most other species of cockroaches deposit the egg capsules in a hidden location. It would only be in the case of a female German cockroach carrying her ootheca while moving through an exposed part of your home that a fogger pesticide could even potentially kill the eggs inside.

Alternatives

In general, contact insecticides are recommended for controlling roaches over foggers but contact insecticides generally do not harm roach eggs since they are encased inside the ootheca and thus protected from contacting any insecticide. Therefore if you suspect the cockroaches in your home are breeding, vacuum up any ootheca you find in your home and use natural control methods such as reducing the population of insects upon which the cockroaches feed, reducing sources of excess moisture and regularly cleaning dark, secluded areas of your home that roaches are likely to frequent.

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Control Peach Tree Borers

Control Peach Tree Borers

The peach tree borer has a short, year-long lifespan. In the larva stage, these insects cause the most damage to fruit trees. People have trouble removing them because they reside inside the trunk. Certain pest control methods can help with a borer infestation. It's best to utilize preventive maintenance when dealing with peach tree borers because, if left alone, they will eventually cause severe harm or even death to your fruit tree. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Insecticides

1. Spray during the first or second week during July and again in August if you have a heavy infestation.

2. Try out an insecticide trap that contains pheromones which will catch the adults.

3. Use a spray that contains either permethrin or esfenvalerate. Insecticides which contain these active ingredients include Pounce, Ambush and Asana.

Mothballs

4. Put paradichlorobenzene (mothballs) around the tree to help control a peach tree borer problem. The mothballs release a gas that kills the insects.

5. Apply in late spring or in August. Mothballs work best in temperatures over 60 degrees F.

6. Put 5 to 10 inches of soil over the crystals. Pack the mound until it is smooth. Place 1/4 of an ounce on a 1-year-old tree, 1/2 an ounce on a 2-year-old tree, 3/4 of an ounce on a tree that's 3 to 4 years old and 1 to 2 ounces on a mature tree.

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Get Rid Of Duckweed Without Chemicals

Preventing the growth of duckweed is the best way to avoid hard to control infestations later.

Duckweed, in the Lemnaceae family of plants, is a common aquatic plant classified as the smallest and simplest flowering plant in the world. The plant floats and grows on the surface of the water and is found in slow moving or still waters during summer. It takes only short period for the rapidly multiplying plant to cover the surface of the water. In case of heavy infestation, the quality of the water is affected and the health of fish in the pond is jeopardized. You can get rid of duckweed from your pond without the use of herbicides. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Control

1. Wait for a very windy day, as this is when the duckweed plants are naturally pushed to the pond edges.

2. Use a long-handled, fine mesh net to collect and remove the duckweed from the edges. You can also use a swimming pool net with a long handle.

3. Repeat the process regularly to keep the plants from multiplying. Remove as many of the plants as you can during each removal process.

Prevention

4. Buy koi from a fish store to introduce into the pond as a preventative strategy for duckweed.

5. Choose koi that have little color since these are less expensive. The dull color of these fish makes them less valuable in the koi industry.

6. Use at least 50 koi for every acre of pond, as recommended by the Ohio State University Extension.

7. Aerate your pond regularly since duckweed thrives in stagnant and undisturbed waters. Pond aeration kits are available at garden supply stores.

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Cope With Dengue Fever

Dengue is a viral disease spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Dengue is endemic to many tropical countries. Most cases reported in the United States are due to travelers returning from abroad. You can get dengue hemorrhagic fever if you contract a second strain of this virus and it can be fatal. Since there are no vaccines for this disease, the way to cope with dengue fever is to follow certain medical and preventive guidelines.

Instructions

1. Know the symptoms of dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever. The signs of dengue fever are high fever, rash, vomiting, headache and severe joint pain. The symptoms for dengue hemorrhagic fever are more severe and can include respiratory complications, abdominal pain, bleeding, bruising and shock.

2. Seek immediate medical attention if you exhibit any of these symptoms, especially if you recently traveled to a tropical area. Inform your doctor of your travels abroad. Through physical examinations and blood tests, the doctor is able to diagnose this disease.

3. Relieve the symptoms of dengue fever by getting bed rest and plenty of fluids, if this is the doctor's diagnosis. Your doctor may also recommend acetaminophen and codeine for the headaches and joint pain. This can help you cope with dengue fever as there are no antibiotics or medicines to treat this disease.

4. Prepare yourself for a hospital stay if it is dengue hemorrhagic fever. Monitoring a patient is vital because the patient may require intensive care, intravenous fluids, blood transfusions or oxygen therapy. Patients do recover but dengue can be fatal for children under 10 years old.

5. Prevent bites from infected mosquitoes by wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts when visiting tropical areas where dengue is endemic. Use mosquito spray repellent for added protection.

6. Check outside your home for sources of stagnant water, plastic receptacles, and old tires as these are mosquito breeding sites. Take preventive measures and eliminate these breeding sites by using sprays and insecticides (see the Resources). Note that there are a few reported cases of dengue in the United States in some southern states (see the Resources).

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Replace Mosquito Sprays With Natural Predator Controls

Keep annoying mosquitoes under control with spiders, fish, birds and other natural predators.

The first line of defense against mosquitoes is prevention. Annual removal of rubbish heaps and emptying all materials that hold water help discourage mosquitoes from breeding in your yard. While the public sector may be able to implement natural predators, such as Bacillus bacteria, homeowners can turn to different predators. Familiarity with natural mosquito predators in your area will help you to encourage them to your yard and help you avoid introducing non-native species into your area. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Stop spraying insecticides. Pesticides, especially larvicide, can kill natural predators, such as dragonflies and spiders, and harm birds and other animals.

2. Add mosquito fish, Gambusia Affinis, or guppies, to your outdoor pond to eat mosquito larvae. Still ponds and even small pools of water are ideal breeding areas for mosquitoes.

3. Build bird and bat houses and provide access to sheltered areas for other bird breeds to build their houses. For example, barn swallows like to build their mud nests under the eaves of buildings.

4. Encourage bird and insect predators to your yard. For example, hummingbirds like trumpet-shaped flowers and dragonflies may already be attracted to your pond, especially if you have some cattails or bulrushes growing too.

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Facts About The Sundew Plant

Sundews eat insects as a source of nitrogen.

Sundews are beautiful, carnivorous plants that eat insects. Carnivorous plants are usually found in one or two regions, but the approximately 130 species of sundew plants grow all over the world. Does this Spark an idea?

Orgin of the Name

The name "sundew" is derived from a gel on the plant's tentacles that glistens in the sunlight. The flowers of sundews range from white, to pink, to brilliant red, purple, or orange. The long sundew stem holds the flowers above the leaves so they will attract pollinators.

Perennials or Annuals

Perennial sundews usually dwell in tropical areas. They grow leaves year-round and live for more than two years. Another type of sundew is considered an annual plant, because its seeds develop into new plants for the following year.

Eat Mosquitoes

Sundews ooze a sticky gel on the ends of fine hairs that hold down an insect, making escape impossible. Sundews eat flies, midges and fruit flies; the larger sundews also eat butterflies, moths, mosquitoes and spiders. The gel acts like an acid to dissolve the internal organs of the insects, turning them into a liquid that the plant can use to feed itself.

Self-Pollinating

When sundews don't capture insects, the flowers self-pollinate. Sundews produce large amounts of tiny black seeds that germinate with moisture and light. Seeds of the tuberous species of sundew require a hot, dry summer followed by a cool, most winter to germinate.

Some Sundews Hibernate

Most sundews are perennials, but to stay healthy they need a winter rest of 4 to 5 months at temperatures of 38 to 45 degrees F. Portions of the sundew will die back to a rootball, and revive in the spring.

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How Prevent Flies From Biting My Dogs

Flies can harass your dog.

The stable fly or dog fly is a common nuisance to animals, including dogs. The stable fly can repeatedly attack your dog in what is known as "fly strikes." Other species of flies, such as the deer flies and blackflies will commonly attack dogs to obtain their blood meals. Bites from these flies usually occur on your dog's ear and sometimes around its nose. These bites can cause skin irritations that can become infected. Preventative measures using repellents can help avoid attacks from flies.

Instructions

1. Apply a mentholated topical cream to the tips of your dog's ears, suggests the American Police Canine Association. Scents, like menthol, can help repel flies from your dog.

2. Ask your veterinarian for a pyrethrin containing spray. You can apply the spray to your dog's ears. Alternatively, you can combine the spray with petroleum jelly, according to Pet Education. You can coat your dog's ear with the pyrethrin and petroleum jelly mixture using a cotton pad.

3. Keep your dog indoors during the day, when biting flies are present. This is also important if your dog already has bite wounds.

4. Remove fly attractions. Clean fecal waste in your yard daily. Also keep your dog's food indoors and keep your dog free of odors.

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