Kill Aedes Mosquitoes With Thermal Fogging

The sting of the Aedes mosquito transmits tropical diseases such as dengue and the West Nile virus.

Mosquitoes belonging to the Aedes genus, and include the species Aedis aegyptis and Aedis nigromaculis. They are responsible for the spread of diseases including dengue fever and the West Nile virus. They are mostly endemic to regions with tropical climates, but they may be found anywhere in the United States due to import and transportation of goods that may be contaminated with Aedes larvae. If you suspect the presence of Aedes mosquitoes in or near your home, you can rent or buy a small thermal fogger, and use it to spray commonly available liquid insecticides indoors as well as outdoors. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine the proper insecticide to use for your region by contacting your local Agricultural Extension Service, which is usually based at the main campus or agronomic department of your state university. Mosquitoes in some locales have become resistant to one or more insecticides, but if you are unable to get specific advice, use a product labelled specifically for killing mosquitoes and containing a combination of malathion and permethrin or pyrethrins.

2. Put on your mask, gloves and goggles. Dilute insecticide concentrate with water or a special oil diluent for thermal foggers in a pail or directly in your fogger tank according to the directions on the bottle and on your fogger. Add the diluted insecticide to your fogger tank from any mixing vessel.

3. Have anyone in your home leave and wait outside until you are finished fumigating. Remove any pets, and cover aquariums. Make sure no food is left exposed. Shut all windows and doors that allow air in from the outside. Open all interior doors.

4. Turn your fogger on and set it for a medium-dry fog if it is adjustable.

5. Fog your entire premises starting from the back of the top floor of your house, proceeding to the front of the top floor, and then continuing to the back of the bottom floor and front of the bottom floor. Fog your basement separately if you access it from outdoors, or before fogging your first floor if you access it only from indoors. Leave the premises as soon as you are finished.

6. Fog outdoors near any areas where mosquitoes may breed, such as puddles, hedges, drains, garbage cans, swamps and tree-shaded areas. Fog any storage sheds as well as areas near swimming pools or outdoor spas.

7. Allow at least one-half hour before opening windows and doors and reentering your home.

Tags: your fogger, your home, bottom floor, floor your, fogger tank

Equine Lice

Lice are more likely to affect horses in the winter.

Lice infection, scientifically called pediculosis, can be introduced to a farm through infested equipment. Lice are host specific; therefore, equine lice do not affect other animals. Most lice species only live for a short time off the host.

Contributing Factors

Long winter coats and infrequent grooming contribute to favorable conditions for lice to breed. According to Bill Clymer, livestock parasitologist, it is also believed that horses who are stressed by inadequate diet, illness, injury, or severe winters are more susceptible to lice.

Symptoms

Symptoms of heavy infestations include anemia, deteriorating condition, stunted growth in young horses, uneasiness, alopecia loss of hair and sores from rubbing.

Sucking Lice

The more common of two types of lice are sucking lice. They have piercing mouth parts which make them more harmful than chewing lice since they feed on the horse's blood. The lice lay eggs which attach to the horse's hair. Their complete life cycle is two to four weeks.

Chewing Lice

The chewing lice feed only on skin scales. There are two species of chewing lice: Bovicola equi and Trichodectes pilosus. These lice are typically found on the head, mane, tail base and shoulder area.

Treatments

Lice are extremely contagious so infected horses should be quarantined. Treatment choices include dusting powders, ivermectin wormers and insecticidal shampoos. Treat blankets and tack at the same time, and keep all horses out of infected pastures and round-pens for 14 days to starve any active lice.

Tags: chewing lice, Lice more

Breadboard Mounting Tips

A breadboard is a plastic board with holes drilled into it that is used to test circuits. The second layer of board is full of metal stripe to complete the circuit while it is on the test board. Because testing circuits is a difficult process, mounts are used to add stability and accessibility to the breadboard. It is helpful to know how best to mount the breadboard for ultimate efficiency and project completion. Does this Spark an idea?

Use

Breadboard mounts are used to keep the surface of the breadboard free of countertops and from touching any other surfaces to provide a better connection for the circuits as they are being tested. The kind of mount used can be almost as important as the breadboard itself. Most mounts are mounted from the back of the board, although some are attached from the sides. It is important to consider the type of circuits that you will be testing before choosing the kind of mount to use with it.

Mount Style Tips

The two main kinds of mounts are side mounts or back mounts. Each system is designed to provide as little contact as possible with surrounding surfaces and even with the mount itself. Side mounts are usually attached with clamps and the contact points will be limited to two to four points of contact on the board, depending on the style of side mount. The back mounted systems are attached to the back of the board. The surface contact area is larger, but many of the back mount systems come with holes drilled into them so that the breadboard is still usable in the spot that the mounting plate occupies. Both kinds of systems come in movable or non-movable models.

Profile and Pitch

The profile of the mount is important because that can influence the kind of work that can be done on that board. This criterion is especially important for side mounted or clamp mounting systems. The profile of the backing mount does not matter so much; however, the material that the mount is made of can sometimes change how circuits react with each other on the board. It is important to choose a material that does not interfere with the circuitry.

Mounting Process

Actually mounting the system is the easiest part. All you have to do is either use the enclosed screws or micro locks that came with the bracketing system to screw the mount to the breadboard, or attach the clamps to the sides of the board. The best placement for the mount is one-sixth the width and length dimension in from the edge. In other words, if you had a 6-inch square breadboard, then you would place the edge of the mount 1 inch from the edge of the board on either side. The largest breadboards also need a mount in the center of the board for extra stabilization. Make sure the holes in the mount line up with the holes in the bead board. You can use a nail to stick through both sets of holes to help with alignment. Once the mount is placed on the board it is usually clamped to the table top for stability.

Tags: with holes, back board, drilled into, from edge, holes drilled

Breed A Western Mosquito Fish To A Guppy

Koi ponds are effective habitats for mosquito fish.

Western mosquito fish are aggressive, live-young-bearing fish that enjoy feeding on the larvae of mosquitoes. Introducing the mosquito fish to waterways and ponds for mosquito control can be problematic because this species will displace other natural fish by eating their young as well. However, in an outdoor koi pond they function well to keep the pond free of mosquitoes. The koi fish young are too large to be affected by the mosquito fish. Just be cautious: The mosquito fish will eat its own young, so care must be taken when raising the fish to a guppy.

Instructions

1. Fill your main tank or pond with both male and female mosquito fish. They should begin to breed soon, as mosquito fish breed all year long.

2. Observe the adult fish in your main tank or pond. When females display their gravid spot, a dark patch on the underside of the fish near the tail, they are pregnant. These fish breed all year long and many times per year, so check often.

3. Prepare the breeding tank. Attach the water filter and plug it in. Install the thermometer and adjust the tank heater to keep the water between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Isolate the pregnant females in the breeding tank.

5. Feed and care for the females as usual and wait until the females give birth. As one gives birth, return the female to the main tank or pond. The females will feed on the young, so isolate them rapidly.

6. Continue to care for the fish in the breeding tanks as you would adult fish. Mosquito fish grow to maturity in about six to eight weeks. You may lose later birthed fish to the younger birthed fish unless you use additional tanks to isolate each pregnant female.

7. Return your guppies to the main pond.

Tags: main tank, main tank pond, mosquito fish, tank pond, your main tank, adult fish, birthed fish

Homemade Bug Spray

Some over-the-counter bug sprays contain harmful chemicals like DEET.

Nobody wants to go outside and be pestered and bitten by bugs, but some people are wary of using bug sprays because of all the chemicals they contain. Fortunately, you can make your own homemade bug spray as a safe alternative to the chemical offerings. Best of all, many homemade bug sprays work just as well, if not better, than their chemical counterparts. With a few all natural ingredients, you can whip up a batch of natural bug spray in a matter of minutes. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure 1 cup of rubbing alcohol or witch hazel. Measure 1 cup of water. Blend together in a clean spray bottle.

2. Dilute a drop of each essential oil with water and test it on an inconspicuous area of your skin. If redness, rash, burning or inflammation occur with any of the essential oils, do not use them.

3. Add in 20 drops of citronella oil. Citronella oil is also called rose geranium. Also add 20 drops of lemon grass oil.

4. Add in 10 drops each of tea tree oil and clove oil. Then, put the lid back on the spray bottle and shake it well so all the ingredients blend together. Shake the bottle again before each use because the components of your homemade bug spray will separate between uses.

Tags: spray bottle, your homemade, your homemade spray

Prevent Insects Around The House & Garden

Insects around the home can be a great annoyance during the summer.

Insects are commonly found in the garden and home when they are provided a suitable habitat in which to live. Insects don't need much except food and pleasant climate conditions. Most pests are easy to control by cutting them off from the foods they enjoy, and making an environment that is uninhabitable. If you have a large problem with termites or cockroaches in the home already, contact a professional exterminator. These bug types are extremely hard to get rid of once established. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Look for holes in the wall, door and windows of the home. Locate torn screens and weather stripping and replace as necessary to prevent insects from entering the home.

2. Seal gaps around windows and doors using a caulk gun. Insert the caulk tube into the gun and cut off the tip at a 45-degree angle. Insert a nail into the end of the caulk tube to break the seal. Press the trigger a few times to make it flow, then apply the caulk to the gap.

3. Move compost heaps and wood piles away from the home and the garden to keep insects away.

4. Cut tree branches away from the home and garden to keep bugs away. Cut all branches as close to the trunk or limb as possible using a sharp pair of pruning shears. Cut the branch at a 45-degree angle.

5. Clean out the gutters around your home to prevent ants from breeding in the leaves and other debris.

6. Remove moisture-rich soil and mulch from the side of your home to keep pests out.

7. Rotate the crops in your garden regularly to prevent insects from building up a habitat. Only use plants in one location for two seasons at most. For example, change tomato plants for carrots every two years. This prevents the insects from building a strong population.

8. Add a dehumidifier to any are of the house that has a high humidity, such as your basement. Set the dehumidifier so that the moisture content is at 40 percent.

Tags: insects from, 45-degree angle, away from, away from home, caulk tube, from building

About Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is an acute disease that originates in tropical regions and in Africa. It is caused by four virus microorganisms of the flavivirus type and is also known as "breakbone fever." Dengue fever is given to humans by mosquitoes of the Aedes aegypti type and is similar to malaria. Dengue fever is a particular concern for travelers to Southeast Asia, parts of Africa and parts of South America.

Geography

Dengue fever is problematic in the tropics and subtropics. Travelers should be careful when visiting the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central America and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the West Indies, and the South Pacific are also areas of concern.

Identification

Dengue fever is best identified in a medical environment. Symptoms appear between three and fifteen days after infection and may include a sudden-onset fever, severe headaches, shock, chills, eye pain, low backache and aching joints. A pink rash on the face may appear and then disappear, and lymph nodes in the body often become swollen and sore. After the initial onset of symptoms, a brief period of normalcy occurs, followed by a second sudden fever. At this point, another rash may cover the entire body, and hands and feet may be swollen and red.

Considerations

Dengue fever is a viral disease, and as such, there is no medicinal treatment to eradicate it. Most treatments for dengue fever involve alleviation of pain and symptoms caused by the virus. People with dengue fever should get rest and be sure that they are consuming an adequate volume of liquid to prevent dehydration.

Prevention/Solution

In order to prevent future outbreaks of dengue fever, infected patients must be kept under protection of mosquito netting to avoid passing the virus along. Dengue fever can further be prevented by controlling the mosquito populations in countries where the virus is problematic. To decrease the risk of contracting dengue fever, travelers to dangerous regions should wear long pants and long sleeves, employ mosquito sprays that contain DEET and limit their exposure to mosquitoes.

Warning

Because the type of mosquito that carries the dengue fever virus bites in the daytime, travelers should be particularly careful to protect themselves. Peak biting times occur around sunrise and sunset. The mosquitoes may collect around standing water and are most common in outdoor areas but may also hide in houses and other buildings. Travelers should take care to protect themselves at all times and in all places to reduce their risk.

Tags: Dengue fever, dengue fever, dengue fever, protect themselves, Southeast Asia, Travelers should

Get Rid Of Eyebrow Piercing Scars

You had your eyebrow pierced and now you’ve decided to take it out. While it might not be a problem to remove the piercing, you’re probably left with an unsightly scar on your face. This might be as simple as a few holes or if you had an infection, you might notice that you have a larger scar that cuts through your eyebrow. There are some people who will tell you that you’re stuck with this scar forever, but those people are wrong. There are a few things you can do to get rid of any eyebrow piercing scar. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Ask your doctor for steroid injections in the area. Steroid injections cause your skin to create new skin and can rejuvenate the area. While it may be painful, this option works for many people. You may need to have several injections before seeing any results.

2. Give yourself time and be patient. Scars take time to heal, but given the small size of your eyebrow piercing, the area should heal within a year or two. Many people who had their eyebrow pierced show no signs of a scar within several months.

3. Talk to a professional surgeon about your plastic surgery options. Plastic surgery can help make your scars disappear quickly, though the doctor may require that you wait awhile before undergoing the surgery. You can’t have the surgery done until your piercing has fully healed.

4. Rub a small amount of Bio-Oil on your scar. Bio-Oil is an all natural remedy used to reduce the appearance of scars on the body. You can find it at health food stores and organic stores around the world.

5. Use Cocoa-Butter on the area at least once a day. Cocoa butter is often used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and it also works well on scars. The butter helps moisten the skin and cause it to become more flexible and soft, which can help heal the scar tissue.

6. Put Mederma on the scar and then cover it with sunscreen. Mederma is an over the counter topical cream available from drugstores and helps heal scar tissue. The sunscreen also aids in the healing process.

Tags: your eyebrow, eyebrow pierced, eyebrow piercing, heal scar, heal scar tissue, reduce appearance

Homemade Citronella Bark Spray

Homemade Citronella Bark Spray

Homemade citronella bark spray can be used in a spray bottle as a very useful approach to control nuisance barking. Dogs seem to find the scent of citronella offensive; as a result, your dog will associate being sprayed with the behavior he is exhibiting at the time. If you are trying to train your dog to bark only when appropriate, a spritz of citronella can be very effective in combination with proper training.

Citronella for Problem Barking

A spray of citronella under a dog's chin has been proven more effective than electric shock collars when used for problem barking, according to a study by the Animal Behavior Clinic at Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine. It is a much more gentle approach than shock collars or other punishments used to solve barking problems. Manufactured citronella dog collars have a microphone built into the collar, and when the microphone picks up the noise of your dog's bark, a citronella spray is released onto his chin. If you want to have more control over when he is sprayed (since sometimes barking is a welcome behavior, using a homemade bark spray will allow you to teach your dog when it is good to bark and when it is not.

Using Citronella Bark Spray

Citronella is commonly used as an insect and animal repellant. It is considered safe and non-toxic, with minimal or no risks to wildlife, according to the United States Environmental Agency. People find the woodsy, lemony scent of citronella pleasant, but animals do not. Do not spray your homemade bark spray directly into your dog's face; it can cause eye irritation. If you use quick, powerful sprays directly on your dog's chin, the aroma and the shock of the spray will cause a distraction from his barking so that you can redirect his behavior without pain. Remember to interrupt the barking behavior as soon as it begins--and always reward him when he stops barking. Use the bark spray in combination with a command, such as "quiet." Eventually, your dog will associate the command with the citronella spray, and in time you will just need the command word to stop barking problems.

Citronella Spray Recipe

Combine 1 cup of distilled water with 4 tbsp. of citronella essential oil and 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil in a spray bottle. Shake the solution well before each use. Use 100 percent citronella essential oil for the spray--do not use citronella oil, which is sold for outdoor citronella lanterns and is highly flammable.

Tags: Citronella Bark, your will associate, bark spray, Bark Spray, bark spray, barking problems, Citronella Bark Spray

Pack For A Honeymoon

When planning their wedding day, sometimes the last thing on the minds of the bride and groom is the preparation for the honeymoon. But regardless of where you're going, knowing pack for an enjoyable, relaxing trip should always be near the top of your to-do list.

Instructions

1. Most airlines will allow each passenger to carry on one small bag. Pack enough clothes and portable toiletries in these two bags to hold you over for a couple days should there be a problem with retrieving your luggage.

2. Pack for all contingencies. The three main outfits for most honeymoons are beachwear, casual wear and semi-formal or formal wear. Though it probably won't be cold where you're going, packing for chilly or rainy weather is important too.

3. Give your itinerary to a relative or friend who will be attending the wedding. This way someone will know your flight times and will be able to bring something to the airport, such as your passport, that you may have left behind.

4. Take a camera! Remember to load up on film, or memory if taking a digital camera, so you can capture every moment.

Tags: where going

Control Worms In Sweet Corn

Control Worms in Sweet Corn

Worms are one of the leading causes of sweet corn damage, according to the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. Three main perpetrators are corn earworms, European corn borers and fall armyworms. In order to control them efficiently, growers must take into account phases in the growing season and the lifecycles of the various kinds of worms. In terms of treatments, both chemical and organic methods are effective. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Identification

1. Examine the corn silks. If you have worms in the silks, you are most likely dealing with corn earworms.

2. Check the ear leaf. If you have worms in the leaf, you are probably dealing with European corn borers or fall armyworms.

3. Examine the stalk and whorl. Worms in these areas could be either corn borers or armyworms.

4. Look at the body of the worms. European corn borers are light brown with a reddish-brown head. Fall armyworms are grayish-brown with a uniform coloring. Corn earworms vary in color but always have a brown head and markings along the body.

Corn Earworm Control

5. Till the soil in the fall and the spring. This will expose any larvae to wind and cold, which should eliminate most of them.

6. Apply beneficial insects such as lacewings and damsel bugs to control larvae, or apply insecticide sprays. Ensure that the sprays permeate far into the silks. Corn earworms tend to bore deeply into corn silks, and the treatment must reach them in order to be successful.

7. Trap adults with pheromone lures. These are particularly effective during the late summer and early fall months, when the adult moths are in flight.

Fall Armyworm Control

8. Set pheromone traps during the silking season.

9. Spray corn every five to seven days if you find more than three moths in the traps per week.

10. Inspect corn that is knee-high regularly, particularly in late July and early August, when the armyworms usually are at their peak.

11. Use a soap flush made of 2 tbsp. lemon-scented dishwasher detergent and a gallon of water on other areas of land that may be breeding sites for armyworms.

12. Apply any insecticides late or early in the day, when the worms are most active.

European Corn Borer Control

13. Use light traps and pheromone traps, particularly during the summer months. Count the number of moths captured every week.

14. Spray during the silking period if you catch more than seven moths in a week. Wait until 10 percent to 20 percent of the corn is silking, then spray every five to seven days.

15. Scout the crops regularly during flight season (usually the summer months).

Tags: corn borers, European corn borers, borers fall, borers fall armyworms, Control Worms, Control Worms Sweet

About Mosquito Camping Tents

When sleeping in the great outdoors, campers may not get the protection they need simply by applying insect repellent. Mosquitoes aren't just annoying; they can cause illness or allergic reactions. If you don't want to suffer from insect bites and mosquito swarms, bring along a mosquito tent.

Mosquito Netting

Mosquito netting has long been a staple for people traveling in parts of the world where malaria and mosquito infection are a risk. Netting that is in direct contact with your body is useless, because mosquitoes and other insects can bite the skin through the netting. Instead, netting should hang over and around you. Netting is usually hung from a ceiling and spread around a bed or cot. It can also be hung over a wooden or metal frame structure, with the bed or cot inside.

Styles

Several styles of mosquito camping tents allow free movement and protection. Campers in sleeping bags can use the single model, which consists of a tent that fits snugly over the sleeping bag. It covers the upper body by sitting flat on the ground and rising above and away from your head. The double model is a two-person, mosquito-net tent with bracing and a zipper entry. Larger groups will want to consider a full-sized canvas tent, complete with mosquito netting over all windows and doors.

Why Protection?

Viruses transported by mosquitoes can be deadly. Malaria, West Nile, yellow fever and dengue are all transported through infected mosquitoes. In the United States, campers are susceptible to the West Nile virus, which can cause inflammation of the brain. Applying insect repellent is an important tool for fighting insect-borne diseases, but it is not enough for anyone in a high-risk area. A protective covering, such as netting or tents, is necessary.

Types

Not all mosquito tents are created equal, because not all netting is the same. Netting should protect you from the insects and mosquitoes found in the area where you are camping. The looser and wider the netting mesh, the higher the chance of insect entry. If you are camping in an area where sand and midge flies are a problem, make sure the tent netting will protect you.

Other Considerations

In highly dangerous areas where malaria and dengue are prominent, look for mosquito netting that has been treated with repellent. This kills the insects as they walk across or bump the netting and is added protection for anyone inside. A fine-woven, high-quality mesh helps block the entry of more than mosquitoes. Tents that are folded up and stored damp or wet are at risk for mildew. If you do not camp often, or if you camp in damp areas, look for mildew-resistant netting and tent material.

Tags: area where, insect repellent, mosquito netting, West Nile, where malaria

Assemble A Sig Sauer Mosquito

The Mosquito is a semi-automatic pistol chambered for .22 long rifle ammunition. Manufactured at the American facilities of German firearms maker Sig Sauer, the blowback-operated Mosquito is constructed on a polymer frame and has a stainless steel slide and a 10-round magazine capacity. The barrel measures 3.9 inches and the overall weight of the pistol is 24.6 ounces. The Mosquito duplicates the feel of mid-size, double action/single action target shooting and plinking, but with inexpensive .22 ammunition.

Instructions

1. Inspect the pistol components and make sure they are clear of cleaning patches or any other foreign material before reassembling.

2. Slip the recoil spring over the recoil spring guide. Install the recoil spring and spring guide into the frame so the flat portion of the recoil spring guide faces toward the rear.

3. Place the slide on top of the recoil spring and spring guide. Pull the slide all the way to the rear while pushing down on it until the slide engages with the frame guides.

4. Move the slide slowly forward until it is closed.

5. Rotate the takedown lever on the left side of the pistol counter-clockwise so it points toward the rear of the pistol.

Tags: recoil spring, spring guide, recoil spring guide, recoil spring spring, spring spring

Sporozoa Life Cycle

Mosquitoes complete the complex life cycle of the sporozoan that causes malaria.

Sporozoa are parasitic microorganisms that live at the expense of another organism known as the host. Sporozoa generally have very complex life cycles that require one or more intermediate hosts before they enter their reproductive phase, according to the Oracle Think Ques science website. Some sporozoans cause diseases in their hosts. For example, the sporozoan known as plasmodium vivax is one of four sporozoan species that cause malaria.

Malaria Life Cycle

The complex life cycle of plasmodium vivax is typical of sporozoa, according to Think Quest. This organism requires mosquitoes and primates like human beings to complete its life cycle. Plasmodium grow inside a mosquito's stomach until they reach maturity. At maturity, plasmodium migrate to the mosquito's salivary glands, where they release tiny spore-like reproductive cells called sporozoites. When the mosquito bites a person, it transfers sporozoites to the human bloodstream. They find their way to the liver, where they invade red blood cells.

Away They Grow

The sporozoites grow in the red blood cells, transforming themselves into sexual cells called gametes. When mature, the gametes burst out of the red cells, destroying the cells. Fever and chills are some of the symptoms associated with malaria, according to Think Quest.

The Mosquito Bites

If a mosquito bites the person while malaria symptoms are manifesting, it will suck in plasmodium gametes that unite in the mosquito's stomach to form new plasmodium organisms that start the life cycle all over again. The mosquito phase of the life cycle takes about two weeks, followed by about a two-week incubation phase in the human before symptoms appear.

Sporozoa Are Protists

Sporozoa are one of 14 phylums in the animal kingdom of the protista, better known as the protozoans, said the Snow College biology website. Certain members of the phylums zoomastigina and sarcodina cause other diseases in humans. For instance, the zoomastiginans known as Giardia and Trypanosomes are insect-spread parasites that cause African sleeping sickness and the closely related Chagas disease. Radiolarians from the sarcodina phylum cause amoebic dysentery, and are spread through contaminated water.

Vast Diversity

The vast majority of the 65,000 identified species of protozoans are harmless to humans, according to Kennesaw University's science website. The sporozoa alone comprise 5,500 species. The malaria-causing sporozoa occur throughout the world's tropics and subtropical areas, said Kennesaw U., and kill roughly 2.5 million people a year. Malaria cases have been in an upsurge since 1970 because of drug and insecticide resistance, mosquito control cutbacks due to expense, and increased global travel.

Tags: life cycle, complex life, according Think, according Think Quest, bites person, blood cells

Use Catnip

Catnip, an herb related to mint, is known for the affection cats display for it. However, humans also have used catnip for over 2,000 years. Grow some in your garden and you will find several medicinal and culinary uses this versatile plant.

Instructions

1. Make a catnip tea by steeping several teaspoons of dried catnip leaves and flower stalks in a cup of boiling water. The tea will have a strong minty flavor.

2. Try catnip tea as a digestive aid and mild sedative. Catnip can be used as a carminative, which aids digestive cramps. Catnip tea also has use as a sedative and can be consumed in the late evening hours to aid digestion after large meals and sleep.

3. Add fresh sprigs of catnip leaves to green salads. The flavor of catnip is similar to mint, but sharper.

4. Serve candied catnip leaves after a large meal. Use catnip leaves as an after-dinner mint which also helps with digestion. Beat together egg white and lemon juice and coat the catnip leaves with the mixture. Sprinkle sugar or other sweetener on the leaves to sweeten.

5. Use catnip in homemade cat toys. Catnip contains nepetactone, which gives most cats intense pleasure when they inhale it. The scent is released when the catnip is punctured, which explains why cats often bite catnip. Give a cat fresh springs of catnip or dry catnip, and place it inside cat toys.

Tags: catnip leaves, after large, flavor catnip, toys Catnip

Keep Bugs Wasps Bees & Mosquitoes Away From Your House

If keeping bugs out of your house means a daily battle, where you arm yourself with toxic bug sprays and march with fly swatter in one hand and boric acid in the other, it could be time to get more permanent solutions to your bug infestations. Bugs, wasps, bees and mosquitoes are invading your premises for a reason. This multi-step plan of action will have the critters retreating with a white flag. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Cut off the bugs' food supply. Keep all food in the refrigerator or freezer. If food has to be stored outside of the fridge, seal it in a plastic container. Clean up spills and dirty dishes immediately. If you have pets, remove their dishes after feeding time.

2. Drain the bugs' water supply. Mosquitoes, mice, Palmetto bugs and a wealth of other nasty critters need a water supply to live. Replace all dripping faucets and leaks, including any in your yard. Check your irrigation system to make sure you aren't leaving welcoming pools of water anywhere on the grass or in the flower beds. Never leave standing water inside the house (like in the sink) or outside in the yard (in empty tires, cans, or other forgotten containers). Don't forget to remove your pet's water dish at night.

3. Dispose of garbage in sealed bags. Houseflies, fruit flies, cockroaches, and mice all love open containers of trash. Seal everything tightly, and store it as far away from your home as you can.

4. Seal every crack, hole, or opening you can. Check behind refrigerators and stoves for holes. Caulk around gaps in windows and around door and window frames. Remove cover plates from electrical outlets and caulk around the edge of the seal. If you are electrically minded, you can turn the power off, remove the switches, squirt caulk into the wire holes, and replace the switches. Check anything coming into the house (pipes, vents) and seal those too. Finally, install a door sweep under external doors to seal off the base of the doors from unwelcome mice and rats.

5. Clear away brush and weeds from your yard. Overgrowth not only angers your neighbors, it's like a welcome mat for bugs. Keep your lawn as short as possible, so insects have nowhere to hide.

6. Trim shrubs back at least one foot from your house. Trim trees back carefully. Overhanging trees provide an idea way for critters to gain access to your house.

7. Choose your flower bed plants carefully. If you want to keep bees away, plant herbs and bushes, not flowering plants. Basil can provide an effective way to repel mosquitoes.

Tags: from your, water supply, your house, your yard

Bomb The Attic For Stink Bugs

Stink bugs sometimes migrate to the attic when cold temperatures arrive.

Stink bugs are brown or green shield-shaped insects that are approximately 5/8-inch long. They release an unpleasantly scented substance when threatened, which serves as a deterrent to hungry birds and animals. They are frequently found on vegetable or fruit crops but may move indoors when temperatures plummet in the fall. Attics are a favorite gathering place for stink bugs, as the space is warm and undisturbed by humans and household pets. Treating the attic with an insecticide bomb is an effective way to destroy stink bugs without having to endure the unpleasant odor associated with squishing them. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine the square footage of the attic by multiplying its length by its width. Read the instructions on the insecticide bomb's package to determine the exact number of cans necessary to treat the space.

2. Turn off all sources of ignition in the home, such as the pilots on natural gas furnaces and stoves. This is vital, as leaving them on could lead to an explosion.

3. Cover or remove items that may be damaged by the bomb.

4. Set the release action on the bomb according to package directions. Vacate the home immediately, taking pets with you. Do not return until the amount of time indicated on the insecticide bomb has passed.

5. Sweep up stink bugs killed by the bomb.

6. Wipe down any frequently used surfaces, such as light switches and doorknobs, with a damp cleaning rag.

Tags: insecticide bomb, stink bugs

Eucalyptus Oil For Fleas

Flea control is a serious problem for pet owners, especially those who opt not to use traditional flea medications because of the pesticides they contain. Eucalyptus leaves offer a safe and effective alternative for dog owners; however the phenols in eucalyptus are toxic to cats.

Benefits

The smell of eucalyptus oil repels not only fleas but also other bugs. In addition, it is effective for a long time without the need for reapplying. It can be used in your house as well as on your pet and is free of pesticides.

Finding Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus leaves can be purchased at any crafts store. Eucalyptus oil is available at health food stores.

Household Uses

Place eucalyptus leaves around your yard or under your carpet to repel fleas from your house. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the final rinse when washing your pet's bedding to cleanse thoroughly.

Eucalyptus Oil Uses

Mix 1/4 tsp. eucalyptus oil with eight to 10 ounces of water and spray in your house and on your dog. Place two or three drops of eucalyptus on your dog's collar to repel fleas.

Warning

Don't allow your dog to ingest eucalyptus oil as a large amount can be toxic. Don't leave it out anywhere your dog can reach it.

Tags: your house, drops eucalyptus, Eucalyptus leaves, repel fleas

Treat Welts From A Mosquito Bite

Mosquito bites lead to itchy welts.

If you venture forth at dusk with arms or legs uncovered, you may get chewed up by hungry mosquitoes. When prevention doesn't work, you end up with itchy, swelling welts resulting from the bites. Preventing bites is your first line of defense. Limit your exposure by covering up as much as possible, staying indoors at dusk and avoiding breeding grounds near stagnant water. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Cover the affected area with a cool, wet washcloth or better yet, ice cubes in a zip-top plastic bag and wrapped a small towel or an ice pack designed for athletic injuries or aches.

2. Rub in diphenhydramine cream, sold as Benadryl, to calm the bitten area. Reapply when the area starts to itch again. Use generic Benadryl creams to save money -- the active ingredients are identical to the trademarked cream. Or take Benadryl internally if the potential side effect of drowsiness is not a concern.

3. Apply a thin layer of a steroid cream such as hydrocortisone to the affected area. Follow the directions on the tube regarding how many times to apply per day.

Tags: affected area

Deserted Swimming Pools And Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can grow in deserted pools.

While most mosquito bites are an annoying nuisance, some mosquitoes also carry serious diseases, such as meningitis and West Nile virus. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, making a deserted swimming a potential hotbed for mosquito larvae. With the proper care, mosquitoes can be prevented from visiting deserted swimming pools.

Significance

Mosquitoes require water to place their eggs. The eggs float on the surface of water in clusters of more than 100. Deserted swimming pools, either where the water has been left untreated or where rainwater has collected in puddles in drained pools, are a prime location, as is still swamp water. Even water that has collected in an abandoned tire can serve as place for mosquitoes to lay eggs.

Identification

Mosquitoes cannot lay eggs in well-maintained swimming pools, because the chlorine and other chemicals kill eggs. The filtration system in an actively used swimming pool also disposes of the eggs. However, deserted swimming pools are not maintained in the same manner. There are no chemicals to treat the ones that still have water, and rainwater can collect and stand still in an empty deserted pool, making them an inviting place for mosquitoes to deposit their eggs.

History

According to CBS Dallas/Fort Worth, the 2008 housing crisis had a direct effect on the growth of mosquitoes in Texas and other parts of the United States. Foreclosures forced people out of their homes, leaving houses and swimming pools vacant for a long period of time. Without the proper care, these pools became stagnant and a good place for mosquitoes to lay eggs.

Prevention/Solution

Deserted pools can be treated with Mosquito Dunks, according to the Rockland County Department of Health. They are larvicides that kill young mosquitoes in water before they become biting adults. You can buy Mosquito Dunks at nurseries, hardware stores and pet stores. The Dunks are generally harmless to humans and animals, although in some cases they can cause skin or eye irritation.

Warning

If mosquito populations are not controlled, the risk increases for West Nile virus. While most people will not be seriously affected by the disease, others are at risk of developing a serious case of the disease that is potentially fatal. By limiting breeding grounds in your area, such as deserted pools, you are also cutting down the risk of diseases like the West Nile virus.

Tags: swimming pools, Nile virus, place mosquitoes, their eggs, West Nile, West Nile virus, deserted pools

All Natural Insect Repellents

Mosquitoes sometimes carry disease.

Mosquitoes, ticks and chiggers often make their debut along with warmer summer weather. Not only are these pests annoying, they also pose serious public health hazards. Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus as well as diseases such as encephalitis. Ticks are carriers of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. It's not necessary, however, to douse yourself in chemicals in order to ward off these insects. Natural products can repel mosquitoes and ticks with varying levels of effectiveness. Does this Spark an idea?

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

A study found that lemon eucalyptus oil was more effective than a popular DEET repellent marketed for children.

The Center for Disease Control recommends lemon eucalyptus oil as an effective repellent. The U.S. Department of Agriculture concurs. It conducted studies showing that lemon eucalyptus oil can be as effective as 7 percent and 15 percent DEET, offering about two hours of protection time.

Lemon eucalyptus oil can be purchased as a plain essential oil. It also is available commercially under the brand names Repel Lemon Eucalyptus and Fite Bite Plant-Based Insect Repellent.

Consumer Reports found that Lemon eucalyptus oil was the best non-chemical repellent in their most recent study, although some reviewers disliked the odor. Parents should also take note - a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found this oil to be more effective than the DEET-based Off Skintastic for Kids.

Soybean Oil

Soybeans are the source of another plant-based oil that is effective at repelling mosquitoes and ticks.

Soybean oil insect repellent is sold commercially under the brand name Bite Blocker. Bite Blocker's formula also includes geranium oil and coconut oil. The New England Journal of Medicine found the soybean oil in Bite Blocker to be an effective repellent. When tested, it reduced mosquito bites by 97 percent, compared to an 86 percent reduction with a DEET spray.

According to the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, this plant-based formulation is safe for both pregnant women and infants. Most of its ingredients are food-grade and gentle. It offers about 95 minutes of protection time.

Citronella Oil

Citronella candles aren't powerful enough to be a stand-alone bug repellent.

Citronella candles are ubiquitous during the summer, but do they really work? The University of Guelph says yes, but they are not effective enough to be a stand-alone repellent. The university found that subjects who sat close to the citronella candles had 42.3 percent fewer bites.

The Annals of Internal Medicine did a study on citronella oils and lotions. They found these products to be most effective in the first 20 to 40 minutes, after which the effectiveness declined. The lotion decreased bites by 84 percent and the oil decreased bites by 88 percent.

Although the citronella geranium is available in garden shops, it does not repel mosquitoes on its own.

Permethrin

Permethrin can be applied to tents, camping gear and clothing.

Permethrin is another plant-based solution to the mosquito and tick problem. It loses its effectiveness within minutes if applied to skin, however, so it should be applied to clothing only. It can provide extra protection when combined with a skin-safe repellent.

Permethrin actually kills ticks and insects that land on treated clothing. It can also be applied to the outside of tents and camping gear to keep the bugs out. Permethrin can remain effective for up to 2 weeks, or even longer if the treated items are stored in a plastic bag between uses.

Warnings

Insect repellent should never be applied to the hands of young children. Even natural insect repellents should not be ingested.

Perspiration, rain, level of application and concentration of the formula can all affect the performance of insect repellents.

Tags: Bite Blocker, bites percent, found that, another plant-based, camping gear, commercially under

Doityourself Spray For Mosquitoes

Mosquitos can be a hazard, but you can make your own mosquito repellent to keep them at bay. .

Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance, but they are a hazard to your health as well, carrying diseases such as malaria and West Nile virus. Spending time outdoors in the summer can be frustrating if you are not armed with mosquito repellant. If you are concerned about the chemicals used in commercial sprays because of the possible environmental or health effects that they may have, you can make your own natural mosquito spray. Store-bought sprays can also cause allergic reactions or skin rashes in some individuals. It this is the case, a homemade, natural spray may be an alternative option. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure out 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar and pour it into a bowl.

2. Pour 1/3 cup witch hazel into the bowl with the vinegar. If you do not have witch hazel, you can also use cheaper-grade vodka.

3. Add 5 drops of citronella or eucalyptus essential oil.

4. Pour the ingredients into a spray bottle by using a funnel. Secure the cap on the bottle and firmly shake it to mix the contents together.

Tags: into bowl, make your, witch hazel

Get A Free Ringtone

Need to update your ringtone?

Tired of the standard ringtones that come with your phone? Or do you want to update your ringtone without having to pay for a new one?

Instructions

1. ITunes Software has added a feature that allows users to turn their purchased MP3's into a ringtone. You can use the software to select the song you want, the part of the song you prefer, and send it to your IPhone.

2. For PC users there is also software available that will allow you to convert MP3's to a ringtone for any type of cell phone.

Go to Download.com and put in a search for ringtone, or ringtone software, and many software options will come up.

3. When selecting a software on Download.com, look at the user ratings, try to find a software that users seem to favor, that will help you narrow down your choices.

4. When using most software, you will select the song you want and that software will convert it for you and send a text message to your phone.

5. Once you get the text message, open it up, and your new ringtone will download to your phone.

Tags: your phone, your ringtone, ringtone software, select song, select song want

The Mosquito Magnet Defender Won'T Start

Mosquitoes are a nuisance that can be controlled.

Mosquito Magnet Defender is a mosquito control system that employs the natural abilities of the mosquito, and uses them against the bothersome insect. If a unit won't start, troubleshooting a malfunctioning device is needed. Does this Spark an idea?

Check the Connections

The Mosquito Magnet Defender lures in mosquitoes with converted propane turned into carbon dioxide, a main attractant for mosquitoes. Initially, if a device does not start, check to see if it is plugged in and there are no loose wires or connections.

Check the Propane Tank

If all connections are verified and the unit still refuses to start, the propane tank that supplies the fuel for the Mosquito Magnet may be empty. Check the level and fill, if necessary.

Check the Fuel Supply Line

Another issue may be air in the fuel supply line. Ideally, take the tank and line to the fill station for purging. Additionally, check the security check valve for triggering. If it is triggered, take the regulator valve off and place it back on.

Tags: Mosquito Magnet, Magnet Defender, Mosquito Magnet Defender

Control Botflies

Botfly control will lead to healthier horses.

Botflies are a source of annoyance to horses, and they cause horses to stamp and bite themselves. These flies lay their eggs on the horse's chest and forelegs, and horses get the larvae in their mouths when they bite at themselves. The larvae end up in the horse's stomach, causing gastritis and other stomach problems. The botflies are released in the horse's manure in the spring and begin their life cycle again. Controlling botflies at the egg stage can help you have happier, healthier horses.

Instructions

1. Remove eggs using a bot knife. Use the bot knife on the horse's hair on a daily basis during fly season.

2. Comb horse with a bot comb to remove eggs.

3. Rub sandpaper on the horse's coat to remove eggs.

4. Deworm horses with dewormers containing ivermectin. Dewormers containing ivermectin kill the larvae in the horse's stomach. Deworm in the fall and the spring for best results.

5. Sponge the areas where bot eggs are present with a warm water solution containing an insecticide. The warmth from the water will stimulate the eggs to hatch, and once they hatch, the insecticide will kill the larvae.

6. Spray the horse with equine insect repellent. This should keep the flies from laying eggs on the horses.

7. Apply baby oil to the horse's coat. This will prevent new eggs from sticking.

8. Remove and dispose of horse droppings regularly. This will prevent the botfly larvae from burrowing into the soil and hatching.

Tags: bite themselves, containing ivermectin, healthier horses, horse coat, horse stomach, horse with

Repair Drywall Holes Using Screen

Repairing drywall requires patience and attention to detail.

Small holes develop in drywall for a variety of reasons. The drywall directly behind a door is a common area for damage from doorknobs. Another common cause of damage is when furniture being moved hits the drywall hard enough to punch a hole. Fortunately, drywall can be repaired for a seamless result with a little care and attention to detail. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Scrape any loose pieces of drywall from the damaged hole in the drywall with a utility knife. Leave the edges of the hole rough for better adhesion of the joint compound.

2. Sand the area around the damaged hole with 120-grit sanding block to prepare the surface for the repair.

3. Remove the backing paper on the adhesive backed metal screen panel that is designed for making drywall repairs. Center the screen over the hole and press it firmly in place against the wall.

4. Place a mound of joint compound onto the drywall hawk with a wide joint compound knife. Apply a thin coat of compound over the entire screen and feather the edges out so that they blend in with the wall. Allow the coat to dry for 24 hours.

5. Sand the first coat with a 120-grit sanding block until the surface is smooth. You will notice imperfections and lowered areas in the repair. This is because joint compound shrinks as it dries.

6. Apply two to three more thin coats of joint compound, allowing it to dry 24 hours between coats. Sand each coat with a 120-grit sanding block. Once you are satisfied with the end result, no further coats are necessary.

7. Paint the repaired area to match the rest of the wall with a roller. Allow the paint to dry at least 72 hours prior to placing anything against the repair.

Tags: joint compound, 120-grit sanding, 120-grit sanding block, sanding block, with 120-grit, with 120-grit sanding, attention detail

Hot Pepper Wax Insect Repellent

If insects are wreaking havoc on your plants, you can protect them with a natural insect repellent. Hot pepper wax keeps insects off your plants without using harmful chemicals. Does this Spark an idea?

Hot Pepper Wax

Hot pepper wax is a combination of hot peppers, water and food grade wax. You can make your own by grinding 1/2 cup of dry hot peppers and mixing it with 1 pint of water. Strain the mixture, then add it to food grade wax until you have a mixture thin enough to spray onto plants. You can also purchase hot pepper wax at gardening supply stores.

Function

Hot peppers contain a compound called capsaicin, which attacks insects' nervous systems and metabolism, deterring them from landing on a plant. The wax coats an insect's body, increasing the contact with the capsaicin and killing it. The wax can also smother insects and their eggs as a secondary way of killing them.

Considerations

Capsaicin can cause skin irritation and burning if it comes in contact with your eyes, so wear gloves and eye protection when working with it. To increase the insect repelling powers of a hot pepper wax solution, you can add lemon juice, garlic or rosemary to it.

Tags: contact with, food grade, your plants

Dangers Of Insect Repellents

Dangers of Insect Repellents

With the looming threat of such diseases as West Nile Virus, encephalitis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, proper protection from biting and stinging insects when outdoors is a major concern of many people. The common answer is to dowse our skin and clothing with insect repellent. But, what are the health risks associated with common insect repellents?

Protection Versus Risk

Insect repellents are valuable for protection of exposed skin from nasty mosquitoes, ticks and other unwelcome pests while enjoying outdoor activities. However, some insect repellents actually pose health concerns that you should be aware of before applying them to yourself or your children.

DEET, The Active Ingredient

The majority of insect repellent brands being sold contain the chemical DEET, or N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, as it is chemically known, as their active ingredient. Currently there are about 39 companies manufacturing over 140 brands of insect repellent containing DEET in the United States alone, making it the predominant variety. These repellents can be found with varying percentages of the pesticide, and generally, the greater the amount, the greater the potential for harmful effects.

Health Concerns Surrounding DEET

The Duke University Pharmacology Department conducted a study in 2002 that showed damage to brain cells in some laboratory animals due to constant, routine exposure to DEET based insect repellents. The study went on to conclude that persistent exposure to insect repellents containing DEET could lead to symptoms such as frequent headaches, loss of memory, fatigue and respiratory problems. According to the testing, children are at an even greater risk because of their skin's ability to readily absorb the chemicals into the body. A 2001 Human and Experimental Toxicology report revealed children becoming ill after DEET exposure and suggested it was not safe for them in any amount.

Manufacturers of DEET have disagreed with the Duke findings and point out the testing by the Environmental Protection Agency has found the chemical to be safe at all dosage levels for humans when used according to label directions. However, there have actually been very few studies conducted on the long-term effects of insect repellents. One of the problems in determining health issues lies in the fact that symptoms often do not show up for months or years. One particular long-term concern is DEET's role in the development of cancer cells.

DEET Alternatives

Not all insect repellents contain DEET, but rather contain natural ingredients such as oil of lemon eucalyptus and soybean oil. The drawback to these products is the relatively short span of protection. Also, these ingredients are not without their own risks. Eucalyptus oils are poisonous and can cause skin or eye irritation. Most experts agree that these types of insect repellents should not be used on children under 3 years of age.

Use Only As Directed

As with any consumer product, insect repellents should only be used as recommended by the manufacturer. It is important to follow all warnings and precautions on the product label. Insect repellents should be used only as absolutely necessary on younger children, and never on an infant. Insect repellents are the same as insecticides and pesticides and should be treated as such. Inhaling these mildly toxic chemical fumes could trigger adverse side effects for anyone who is currently on other medications.

With the limited amount of medical data available on the harmful effects of insect repellents, it would be wise to err on the side of safety when choosing to apply these chemicals to yourself or your children.

Herbal Alternatives

If you mix a few drops of citronella oil into 4 ounces of an unscented hand lotion, it makes an effective, short-term insect repellent.

Tags: insect repellent, insect repellents, repellents should, yourself your children, containing DEET, Dangers Insect

Tell The Difference Between Male & Female Plants

This holly bush has male flowers.

In order to identify whether a plant is male or female, you need to know some basic information about the plant's flowers. Complete flowers contain both male and female parts. The male part produces pollen and the female part produces seeds. Incomplete flowers have either male or female parts but not both. If the plant produces incomplete flowers, it could be monoecious and have male and female flowers on the same plant, or dioecious and have male and female flowers on different plants. Examining the plants with a magnifying glass will help you tell the difference between male and female plants. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. These are the stamens of a white lily.

Examine flowers with a magnifying glass to identify male parts. The male part of a flower contains one or more stamens. Each stamen is made up of paired sacs containing pollen called anthers. The anthers are attached to a filament or stalk, which disperses the pollen. Most anthers are orange/yellow in color.

2. Dissect the male part from the flower with a razor blade. Cut open the pollen sacs to confirm they contain pollen, which is a fine to coarse powder-like substance.

3. A complete lily flower with a tubular style in the center and stamens surrounding it.

Identify female parts with a magnifying glass. The female part of a flower is called a pistil and is made up of one or several fused carpels. Identify the carpel, a leaf-like structure located in the innermost whorl of the flower.

4. Cut the female part from the flower with a razor blade. Dissect the carpel to confirm it contains an ovary, style and stigma. The ovary is bulb-shaped, like a small fruit. The style, a tubular structure, extends from the ovary. The top of the style has a surface that is receptive to pollen called the stigma, and is usually sticky or hairy.

Tags: male female, female part, female parts, flower with, magnifying glass

Uses For Vicks Vaporub

Vicks VapoRub is a mentholated topical cream or ointment that has been used for decades to help relieve the symptoms of colds and flu. The familiar blue jar can be purchased at pharmacies, supermarkets and even convenience stores. In addition to relieving the congestion associated with colds, there are also some unconventional uses for Vicks VapoRub.

Headaches

Some headache sufferers have found that a small amount of Vicks VapoRub massaged into the temples and forehead can help relieve their pain. The strong menthol scent helps to relieve sinus pressure, which is the underlying cause of the pain.

Insect Repellant

Apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to your skin and clothes before going outside, to ward off mosquitoes. If you do get bitten by a mosquito, Vicks VapoRub can be used to treat the area to help relieve the itching.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

The mixture of camphor, eucalyptus and menthol in Vicks Vaporub may help get rid of toenail fungus in some people. Prescription medications for toenail fungus are expensive and take a long time to work, but treatment with Vicks VapoRub may show results within 10 days to six weeks. Researchers at the University of Michigan conducted a study on the daily use of Vicks VapoRub for toenail fungus. The study concluded that out of 85 subjects, 32 reported that their toenail fungus was cured in a matter of months.

Splinters and Paper Cuts

Infection can result from paper cuts or splinters if left untreated. Dab a small amount of Vicks VapoRub on the affected area to help speed up healing.

House Pet Uses

House training a dog can be a frustrating task, but Vicks VapoRub can help make it easier. Put an open bottle of Vicks where the animal likes to mark its territory and the smell will deter activity. This also works well with cats that occasionally don't use the litter box.

Dandruff Treatment

A mixture of Vicks VapoRub and mineral oil massaged into the scalp can help eliminate dandruff if used frequently. Shampoo the hair with a mild shampoo after each treatment.

Tennis Elbow

Vicks VapoRub can be helpful in relieving muscle aches and pains. Rub a small amount of the cream or ointment onto the affected area before and after exercise to help reduce the pain associated with tennis elbow.

Chapped Lips

Cracked and dry lips can be painful if left untreated. A small amount of Vicks VapoRub can add moisture to the lips to help relieve the pain. Apply Vicks VapoRub to the lips before outside activities and again after returning indoors. It can help prevent cracks from appearing in the corner of the mouth due to harsh weather conditions.

Tags: Vicks VapoRub, small amount, amount Vicks, amount Vicks VapoRub, help relieve, small amount Vicks

Listerine Mouthwash As A Mosquito Repellent

Keep mosquitoes away with this minty solution.

While there may not be scientific studies to support the use of Listerine as mosquito repellent, there is a plethora of testimony from former mosquito-bite sufferers who swear by it. If you prefer not to use traditional pesticides, Listerine may be worth a try. Does this Spark an idea?

Active Ingredient

Listerine can be applied to the skin or to the area surrounding the house to repel--and even kill--mosquitoes and other insects. According to the Pest Information website, the thyme used in Listerine serves to deter these pests.

Directions

To use Listerine as a mosquito repellent, simply dilute the mouthwash to half strength and pour it into a spray bottle. Use it to spray your skin, deck, picnic tables, doorways and window areas. If you can't find a spray bottle, rubbing Listerine directly on your skin works well, too.

Drawbacks

You'll have to reapply the Listerine every two hours to keep it working effectively. Don't spray it directly on wood surfaces, as it may cause damage.

Tags: Listerine mosquito, Listerine mosquito repellent, mosquito repellent, spray bottle, your skin

Is Garlic Recommended For Detoxing The Body

Garlic is useful for its naturally medicinal qualities. The naturally occurring compounds in garlic act as antioxidants. Also, garlic contains a compound that works as an antibiotic and it might be used to help combat high blood pressure and boost the immune system. Garlic is recommended for detoxifying the body because of its myriad health benefits.

Time Frame

Eating one to two cloves of raw garlic each day (try them finely chopped in salad dressing, hummus or tapenade) will ensure you receive maximum medical effects from it. You might start to notice a difference in your immune system or energy level after about 10 days.

History

Garlic has been used for its medicinal properties since ancient times. There is evidence of medicinal garlic use in Sanskrit writing, and garlic has been used in Eastern holistic medicine for at least 3,000 years. Garlic was used to prevent gangrene in World War I and World War II.

Function

Crushed, raw garlic contains two powerful compounds. The first is allicin. This compound has antibacterial and antioxidant qualities. The second is diallyl sulphide. This compound boosts the immune system and might play a role in lowering blood pressure.

Types

For maximum detoxifying power, you must keep garlic in its raw form. Once it is heated, the medicinal compounds begin to break down. The longer it is cooked, the less potent its medicinal qualities.

Warning

Do not store crushed raw garlic in olive oil at room temperature. In this state, it is subject to the bacterial infection of botulism, which can lead to death in humans.

Tags: immune system, been used, blood pressure, garlic contains, medicinal qualities, This compound

Breed Freshwater Guppies

Guppies in freshwater tanks seem to reproduce more rapidly than big schools of ocean fish.

Raising guppies in home freshwater aquariums can be a pleasurable experience as well as profitable if you choose to breed for sale. Healthy fish come from healthy tanks, so take the time to learn about proper aquarium care and purchase the best equipment you can afford. Guppies multiply rapidly, as new ones are born in under a month. Choose your original males and females with care to produce the best offspring.

Instructions

1. Purchase large fish tanks and all the necessary equipment to filter and aerate them. Five- or 10-gallon tanks are suitable. Have at least one breeder tank to keep pregnant guppies in. Clean the tanks and fill with clear water and additives suggested by your fish tank dealer, then allow the tank to condition for a week before adding the fish. You can add plants to the main tank, but breeder tanks are often left unadorned.

2. Check the pH of the water in the various tanks using a pH kit, as they need to be identical when moving fish between tanks. The best pH for guppies is 6.6 to 6.8. Keep the temperature and conditions as close as possible to that of the breeder you purchase the fish from. Using a thermostat, keep temperatures between 78 degrees to 82 degrees Fahrenheit for guppies.

3. Choose the breeding stock from a reputable guppy breeder. Decide on the colors of the fish you want to breed, and select healthy looking fish, including young males and trim females. The number of fish you purchase will vary depending on your objectives. You may be purchasing fish that have already become impregnated by your least favorite-colored fish, so be sure to have enough in number to assure you get good outcomes from the colors you prefer. It's hard to tell if a fish is pregnant until their underbellies start really rounding out and appear full.

4. Introduce the fish to your main tank. Expect some of them to experience moderate shock, which can occur whenever fish are transferred. If any of them seem lethargic or begin to have odd-looking skin problems, remove the fish and separate them to determine what's wrong. There are many different signs of shock stages and diseases, so it's best if you consult your local fish shop or find a book specifically on guppies. Keep a close eye on the tank, especially the first few hours and days, to keep temperature, pH, and chemicals balanced and healthy.

5. Move the pregnant females to the breeding tanks after about 18 to 20 days. Make sure to also move about 50 percent of the water from the initial tank that the female has been used to, and restore water to the original tank. You'll easily be able to tell the pregnant fish, especially by the full bellies and black spots showing through. When pregnant, they have a dark spot at the rear of the abdoment -- this is the eyes of baby guppies showing through the female's skin. The darker the spot, the closer the babies are to birth. Babies can arrive as early as 20 or 21 days into gestation. The usual gestation period is approximately 28 days.

6. Remove the female after she has dropped the fry. You'll either witness the birthing or see the fry and their egg sacs at the bottom of the tank until they start swimming around. You may get anywhere from five to 50 fry from each pregnant female. Place the female into a separate tank or re-introduce her to the initial tank. Smash up flake food into a powder and feed it to the fry every day. Continue to watch the fry, introducing them to larger tanks as they grow. Add additional tanks for the numbers of fish you plan to breed and raise.

Tags: guppies Keep, initial tank, main tank, showing through

Chrysanthemums As A Natural Mosquito Repellent

An extract from chrysanthemum flowers can repel mosquitoes.

Chrysanthemum flowers contain a substance that repels mosquitoes and several other insects, including cockroaches, beetles and flies. Products containing the chrysanthemum extract known as pyrethrins work effectively to kill and repel mosquitoes. Does this Spark an idea?

Function

Natural pyrethrins usually work as an insecticide to kill mosquitoes, but they can also repel mosquitoes. Dispensing a low dosage of pyrethrins into the air slowly poisons mosquitoes in the area, forcing them to leave before they die.

Types

A fogger that spreads liquid pyrethrins can keep mosquitoes away. A candle that releases pyrethrins scent into the air has only limited effectiveness. Another method involves rubbing chrysanthemum flowers or essential oil on the skin.

Warning

Inhaling pyrethrins can lead to conditions such as asthmatic breathing, sneezing, nasal stuffiness, tremors and headache. Ingestion of large amounts of pyrethrins can lead to nausea, diarrhea, convulsions, paralysis, respiratory failure and death.

Tags: repel mosquitoes, chrysanthemum flowers, pyrethrins lead

Homemade Rainbarrels

Rain barrels are an easy and eco-friendly way to save water for use in your garden.

Rain barrels are a simple and eco-friendly way to collect and save water for use in your home gardens. Making a rain barrel is easy, so why pay $80 or more when you can customize your own barrel for a fraction of the cost? Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Modifying Your Barrel

1. Obtain a barrel. You can spend about $50 on a new one; but industries, warehouses, recyclers and even your neighbors may be throwing away a barrel, so ask around before settling on a new one.

Make sure that your barrel is large (55 gallons or more), made of wood, metal or, preferably, plastic, and that it has never held any type of toxin or chemical. And, of course, check that your barrel is well-sealed, as it will be holding water.

2. Find a location for your barrel just under your house's downspout. If the downspout is too long, you will have to trim it to the appropriate length with metal shears.

3. Cut a hole in the top center of your barrel using the keyhole saw. The water from the downspout will fall through this into the barrel, so make it about 6 inches in diameter. If you're working with a 55-gallon plastic drum, cut the hole between the two small spouts that are on the drum top.

To make things easier and more accurate, be sure to outline the hole before cutting.

4. Drill a 1-inch hole near the base of your barrel. Outline the hole before drilling it to make the process easier.

Attaching the Hose and Screen

5. Acquire a garden hose with valve, adapter and washer. Pick up these items at a local hardware or garden store.

6. Attach hose valve, adapter and washer to the barrel at the 1-inch hole near the base. Place the adapter and washer on the inside of the barrel and position the valve on the outside; screw them together. A helper could simplify this procedure.

7. Attach the garden hose to the hose valve. Be sure that your hose is long enough to reach the areas and gardens you will want to water.

8. Place a screen or filter on the top of your barrel. You can purchase a screen or filter or use something as simple as an old window screen. Just be sure that the screen is large enough to cover the hole at the top of your barrel.

The screen will keep leaves, insects and other creatures out of your collected water. Take care to clean off the screen regularly.

9. Place your barrel under the downspout and wait for rain!

Tags: your barrel, your barrel, adapter washer, sure that, that your

Prevent Tick Bites On Humans

Ticks can carry many diseases that make humans very sick, the most famous of which is Lyme disease from deer ticks. These small bugs reside in wooded areas, shrubs and other vegetation. Playing outside, hiking, camping and especially playing with pets can expose you to tick bites. Thankfully, a few bits of knowledge on keeping ticks at a distance can help you avoid bites and any tick-borne illnesses.

Instructions

1. Keep ticks away from your home by clearing away any brush or dead leaves in the area. Mow your lawn often to prevent tall grass, which is a great home for ticks. Using a tick collar or putting tick medicine on your pets will also help prevent ticks from entering the house.

2. Protect your body when in a wooded or grassy area. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, tucked into long pants that are tucked into socks and wear close-toed shoes or boots. Also wear light-colored clothing to easily spot any ticks that manage to cling to you.

3. Apply a bug spray with 10% to 30% DEET on your clothing and any exposed skin. Avoid mouth, hands and eyes, but make sure to cover the rest of your body.

4. Check your body for ticks after being outdoors. Look in your hair, under your arms, in the back of your knees, between your legs and in and around your ears. Use a mirror to see all parts of your body.

Tags: your body, tucked into

Make Yellowjacket Attractant

Yellow jackets are some of the most aggressive wasps in the United States. They are extremely protective of their nests and will likely attack anybody or anything that goes near it. For this reason, many people want to get them as far away as possible. Like most insects, yellow jackets can be lured away with a simple homemade bait. Take care of your yellow jacket infestation the easy, natural way. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine what type of container you should use. If you want to trap the yellow jackets, you should use a 2-liter bottle. If you simply want to attract them to a different area of your yard, then a small plastic dish will do.

2. Cut the curved top part off of a 2-liter bottle if you want to make a trap. Flip the top upside down and stick it inside the bottom portion of the bottle. Yellow jackets will fly inside the bottle when they smell the bait, but they will have difficulty flying back out.

3. Find a good spot to put the container or trap. Put it in a spot far from where people normally walk.

4. Put enough meat in the container to cover the bottom during the spring and early summer months. Yellow jackets spend much of their time looking for protein during this time of the year. Change the meat daily because yellow jackets will not eat spoiled meat.

5. Spread jam or syrup along the inside of the container during the late summer and fall months. Refill the container as often as necessary.

Tags: 2-liter bottle, jackets will

Prevent Gnat Bites Naturally

Gnats can be as irritating and pervasive as mosquitoes, and just as hard to eradicate. To prevent gnat bites it may seem easiest to just soak yourself in a DEET-based insecticide, but if you are trying to reduce your chemical exposure this isn't the best option. There are a number of natural ways to prevent gnat bites that are just as easy but may take more planning.

Instructions

1. First, realize that gnats are a large family of bugs and there are many types. Some gnats don't even bite. Sometimes people use the term gnat to describe no-see-ums, black flies, and biting midges. If you can figure out what type of gnat you have it will be easier to get rid of the conditions they breed in or avoid them.

2. Avoid areas that gnats inhabit, such as shady, moist areas.

3. Don't create a breeding ground for gnats. Don't over water your garden or allow moist plant waste to accumulate near heavily trafficked areas in your yard.

4. Go outside on windy days. Gnats can't land on you in even a slight breeze.

5. Create a barrier where you often get gnat bites. You can do this with clothing or Vaseline.

6. Use Skin-So-Soft to repel bugs. Skin-So-Soft is an Avon oil that was made to soften skin, but is well-known for repelling bugs, including gnats.

Tags: gnat bites, prevent gnat, prevent gnat bites, that gnats

5 Things To Know Before Buying A House

Understand what comes with the home before you buy.

Buying a house is an exciting but scary step. Home ownership means making an investment in your future, but it also means committing to stay put, at least for a while. Before you make that commitment, you should ensure you are making an informed decision, and not one based on how beautiful the home is or your desire to be on your own.

Your Financial Situation

Just because you qualify for a loan does not necessarily mean you should take a loan. On the other hand, if you don't think you can qualify for a loan, you might be mistaken. When you consider buying a home, sit down with a professional--a loan counselor at your bank or a representative from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development, for instance--and discuss your options. Have tax and income documents ready, as well as a list of your expenses and a copy of your credit report. According to CNN Money, you should try to find a home that is two and a half times your yearly salary. So, if you have a yearly salary of $40,000, you should not choose a house that costs more than $120,000. However, if you have large loan payments or other expenses, you may not want to, or be qualified to, go that high. Ask the professional to help you get a good picture of your earnings, expenses and how they would change if you bought a home.

Home's History

A beautiful home on several acres of green yard might look appealing, but that pretty picture could be hiding problems that will cost you thousands of dollars and hours of lost sleep in the long run. According to the American Association of Realtors, you should find out as much as you can about the home before you buy. Even issues that have been repaired can give you insight into what problems you might be facing a few years down the road. Get a home inspection and carefully go over the results with your inspector. If anything in the home makes you suspicious, don't hesitate to order another inspection from a different company.

Neighborhood

A wonderful home isn't much good if it is in a terrible neighborhood, so find out as much as you can about the neighborhood before you buy. Talk to potential neighbors about any issues the area has been facing, and check to see if there is a neighborhood association or club. Scan newspaper police blotters to see if there is a large amount of crime in the area, and interview principals and teachers at the area schools, if you have children. You might also seek out PTA members or parents of children at those schools to learn more about the climate inside them. The aesthetic appearance of the neighborhood is also important. You probably would not want to move into a home where yours is the only house on the street that is not falling down.

What Comes with the Home

It is customary for home owners to leave some major appliances, like the refrigerator and dishwasher, when they leave the home, but if you see anything else that you like, check if it is for sale. Some sellers won't mind throwing their furniture or decorations in with the home since they are moving anyway. Make sure you and the seller understand exactly what is coming with the home before you sign the contract, and list the items on the contract if it makes you feel more comfortable. Also, confirm the land boundaries and whether outdoor structures, like portable sheds and above-ground pools, will be included before you sign on the dotted line.

"Annoying" Factors

Every home has its annoyances: the third step creaks, or the neighbor's cat likes to lounge on your porch. Even if you are moving to a brand-new home, there are bound to be some annoying factors about your new home and your new location. However, try your hardest before you buy your home to know the difference between small annoying issues and deal breakers. For instance, the American Association of Realtors notes that extra traffic and noise caused by a school might not be something you are willing to deal with. Further, consider how having a difficult-to-remodel home will affect you in five years. Visit the home you are planning to buy as many times as you can; stay overnight if possible. Look for anything that would bother you on a daily basis, and if you find something, look for another home.

Tags: home before, American Association, American Association Realtors, Association Realtors, beautiful home

Naturally Get Rid Of Flies Outdoors

Keeping garbage in tightly sealed bins can control flies outside.

Houseflies and not only a nuisance, they are a health hazard. Flies love to crawl over foul things --- the nastier the better --- and can pass germs to people and pets. If a fly has walked in excrement, it may transmit diseases including infectious hepatitis, dysentery, eye infections, polio, typhoid and cholera. Flies also spread the eggs of parasitic worms. Flies quickly become immune to any new pesticide used to kill them. Insecticides are also dangerous to people, pets, wild animals and the environment. But there are natural ways to control flies outside without toxic chemicals. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Clean up garbage. Eliminate adult flies by targeting areas where larvae (also called maggots) grow. Keep all garbage in tightly sealed metal or heavy-plastic bins.

2. Place garbage cans as far away from the house and outdoor play and entertainment areas as possible.

3. Remove organic waste from the yard, vegetable gardens and fruit orchards at least once a week. Flies breed in rotting fruits, vegetables and dog feces.

4. Hang sticky fly ribbons in areas where flies are present.

5. Buy inverted-cone fly traps for heavily infested areas. Hang the traps far from occupied areas as they contain fly attractants that can be quite foul smelling.

Tags: areas where, control flies, control flies outside, flies outside, garbage tightly

About Citronella Bracelets

With the trend toward removing needless and potentially damaging chemicals from the household, many people are turning toward natural alternatives for mosquito repellents. One of the hottest items on the market is a silicone bracelet containing the essential citronella oils, which claim to repel mosquitoes naturally. But do they really work?

History

Citronella, whether in the form of candles or a bracelet, utilizes the oils of Cymbopogon species of plants. These oils have been in use as an insect repellent within the United States at lease since the middle of the 20th century. Citronella is nontoxic and has many beneficial properties including its pleasant smell as well as a calming effect on dogs. Recently, citronella bracelets have come on the market claiming to be a safe, effective alternative to chemical-based insect repellents.

Effects

Citronella bracelets are self-contained, flexible coils made of soft silicon that expand to fit around the hand and are worn around the wrist. The silicone is infused with citronella and other oils, such as lemongrass and geranium oil, all of which have some insect repellent properties in their own right. The premise behind the bracelets is that the smell of citronella (and the other oils) repels mosquitoes for up to 60 hours continuously. The bands are sold in lawn and garden stores as well as online.

Considerations

There is anecdotal evidence that these bracelets seem to repel mosquitoes effectively for the advertised period of time, or at least for the duration of exposure. There is some controversy, however, as to whether the anecdotes were either truthful or were merely the placebo effect.

Warning

In an effort to ascertain the veracity of the claims of the manufacturers of citronella bracelets, The Canadian Family Physician, a medically oriented website run by The College of Family Physicians of Canada, tested the bracelet against other insect repellents currently on the market. It concluded that while citronella oil itself had a mildly repelling effect on mosquitoes, bracelets and bands containing citronella had no appreciable effect on repelling mosquitoes. The Canadian Family Physician went on to recommend the use of DEET-based repellents for maximum protection.

Theories/Speculation

The bracelets may be based on the theory that the body heat of a person is somehow able to draw out the scent of the citronella oil in a manner similar to citronella candles. Whatever the theory, there is ample scientific evidence that the bands are, at most, weak in comparison to other repellents or, at worse, completely ineffective.

Tags: Canadian Family, Canadian Family Physician, citronella other, citronella other oils, evidence that, Family Physician

Allergic Reactions To Red Ant Bites

Red ants, also called fire ants, aggressively attack their victims when disturbed or threatened. The venomous stings from these ants can cause both minor and major allergic reactions in victims. It is important to understand the symptoms of allergic reactions to red ant bites so emergency medical attention can be sought if necessary.

Stinging Pain

Fire ants got their name from the painful, burning stings they deliver to their victims. To sting, an ant will first attach itself to the victim's skin using its mandibles. Mandibles are the appendages close to the ant's mouth; they are used to grab, crush or defend. Once attached to the skin, the ant proceeds to sting the victim, injecting its venom. A single ant may sting up to seven or eight times, which will intensify the pain, especially if the victim is attacked by a swarm. Expect the pain to last for one to several hours.

Blisters

Within a day, a hive and blister will form at each place where the victim has been stung. It is also likely that the surrounding skin may be red, swell and itch, which can last a few days. A red halo may form around each ant bite. Expect the blisters to last for one to two weeks. If a blister breaks, a scab will form and then fall off after the skin has healed. Resist the urge to scratch the sting sites; if a blister breaks, it could possibly become infected.

Major Reaction

Less than one percent of victims may experience a more serious reaction than described previously. Although the reaction can occur when the victim is first stung, it is possible that the first sting will only sensitize the victim to an allergic reaction. Then, the victim will experience the allergic reaction when stung again at a later date. Because the venom includes protein, those with a protein sensitivity will experience more serious symptoms, including anaphylactic shock. Victims may notice flushed skin and possible swelling of the eyes, throat, lips or tongue. In addition, the victim could experience chest pain, slurred speech, hives all over the body, dizziness, nausea, sweating and difficulty breathing. A major allergic reaction and associated symptoms will occur instantly after the sting or within one hour. Anyone experiencing such symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. Anaphylactic shock can lead to coma or death.

Treatment

The first thing to do when a red ant bites is to remove it from the skin. It must be removed with a hand or cloth; jumping, stomping, or immersing it in water will not detach it. Then, wash the skin with soap and water to remove any traces of the venom on the skin. Disinfect the skin with rubbing alcohol. To reduce the amount of swelling and irritation, apply ice to the sting sites for about 20 minutes. Once a blister forms, Benadryl can be used to relieve the itching. If the victim is experiencing a major allergic reaction, call 911.

Prevention

Red ants like to build their mounds in open areas such as parks, fields and playgrounds. To avoid stepping on a mound, be conscious of where you are walking. Always wear socks and shoes in any area where red ant mounds may be present. When gardening, it is a good idea to wear gloves to protect the skin. Do not purposely agitate red ants or they may become aggressive and attack. Pay close attention to children and infants who may unknowingly disturb a colony.

Tags: allergic reaction, major allergic, blister breaks, experience more, experience more serious

Are Garlic Onion & Red Pepper Bug Repellents

Garlic, as well as onions and red peppers, are natural bug repellents.

Garlic, onions and red peppers are popular natural bug repellents used in home gardens, especially for those who don't want to use harmful chemicals or want an organic garden. The three plants are inter-planted around the garden next to the plants they can protect, a method known as companion planting. Homemade sprays can also be used to repel bugs, together or on their own. Does this Spark an idea?

Garlic

Garlic is effective in repelling aphids and is often planted near roses. It is also grown in a circle around apple and peach trees to keep borers and weevils away. Garlic is an effective tool against onion flies, Japanese beetles, potato beetles, black flies, carrot root flies and root maggots -- aiding carrots, celery, potatoes, cucumbers and peas.

Onion

Onions, like garlic, work well to repel aphids and fruit tree borers. Additionally, inter-plant onions with carrots, as they repel carrot rust flies. Onions are also effective at deterring whiteflies and weevils, and and are good companion plants for celery, leeks, beets, kohlrabi, strawberries, dill, lettuce, cabbage and tomatoes. Do not plant onions near beans and peas, as they can inhibit their growth.

Red Pepper

Red peppers planted in the same area as herbs, including parsley, basil, rosemary and marjoram help deter bugs and other pests from the area. Red peppers also protect tomatoes and carrots, and group well with cucumbers, eggplant, escarole, tomato, okra, Swiss chard and squash. Don't plant red peppers near beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower or fennel.

Sprays

Homemade sprays with garlic, onions and red peppers are effective bug repellents. A mixture of the three, steeped in water strained with a drop of dishwashing liquid, will help get rid of the flea beetle in addition to other insects. Concentrated garlic sprays help keep aphids, whiteflies and gnats away. Teas made from red chilli peppers are used as insect sprays.

Tags: onions peppers, Garlic effective, Homemade sprays, natural repellents, near beans

Hide A Bite Mark

Cover superficial bites with makeup until they fade.

Insect and animal bites can be painful; worse than that, they can leave unsightly scars on your skin. It's possible to camouflage bite marks or minimize their appearance. A combination of makeup tricks, creams and homemade remedies will help. With the passage of time, a bite mark may fade to the point where it's hardly noticeable. Prevention is always better than a cure, so it's preferable to avoid being bitten in the first place. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Cover the bite mark with concealer and then foundation; this is especially effective if the bite mark is on your face or neck. Blend the concealer into your skin with your fingers or a makeup sponge; then cover with your foundation until your skin tone is evened out.

2. Rub the aspirin into the bite mark; this will help to reduce any itching and make the bite mark look smaller. Break the aspirin in half. Wet the rough edge and rub it on the bite mark.

3. Add one tablespoon of baking soda to the water; mix it into a thick paste. Smooth the paste onto the bite mark and leave it there for two or three minutes before washing it off with cool water. The paste helps alleviate any stinging or itching as the bite heals and helps fade the the mark.

4. Smooth a topical cream onto the bite mark and take a Vitamin E supplement to help keep your skin from scarring.

5. Ask a doctor for a surgical solution if the mark is obvious and large, which it might be if a dog or other large animal is responsible for the bite. Options include laser surgery and microdermabrasion, which remove layers of skin and, in the process, remove scarring left a bite.

Tags: bite mark, your skin, bite mark, onto bite, onto bite mark