Insect & Bird Netting

Mosquitoes like this one can carry disease, netting keeps them in check.

Insects and birds can be formidable home and garden pests, and netting, which has been around for centuries, can be a chemical free way of protecting your crops, home and family. Insect netting is commonly called "mosquito netting," and is used for personal protection, especially around beds. Bird netting is used mostly for keeping birds off fruits and vegetables. In each case, the mesh is small enough to block animals but large enough to allow air circulation and permit light. Does this Spark an idea?

Mosquito Netting History

Cleopatra of Egypt was recorded to have used mosquito netting and as far back as the Roman Empire, the connection between insect bites and disease was apparent, though not understood. British officer, Major Ronald Ross and American, Colonel William Crawford Gorgas, advocated the use of netting in the late 1800s and early 1900s, among other methods to contain malaria with great success. Mosquito netting is still considered a highly effective measure against malaria and West Nile virus.

Mosquito Netting Mesh

While mesh might be made of a number of materials, the most common is a polyester or polyamide that is lightweight and durable. The mesh must be very small to be effective. Typically, the mesh has a 1.2mm opening and 20-200 mesh/square inch is recommended to control mosquitoes. In regions with sand flies, a 0.6mm netting is recommended.

Applications of Mosquito Netting

Mosquito netting is most commonly used as a canopy beds, but can also be found on tent openings and even on baby carriages. Rectangular netting offers the most space, but tent shaped netting is also common, and suspended from a single point on a ceiling. It is most likely to be seen in hot, moist regions of the world where biting insects present the greatest problems.

Bird Netting Uses

Bird netting is most frequently used for gardening purposes, especially with berries like blueberries and strawberries that birds can be attracted to. Netting can also be stapled to posts surrounding garden areas, but most often, it is merely laid over bushes or draped over a frame.

Bird Netting Mesh

Bird netting is often synthetic, made from polypropylene, but can also be made from wire mesh when containing other animals is desirable. The average size is 3/4 inch square openings and it typically comes in rolls more than 10 feet across and up to 100 feet long.

Advantages

The main advantage of both bird netting and mosquito netting is that they are non-toxic preventative measures. Unlike chemicals, they have a minimal environmental impact and in the case of bird netting, they do not leave a chemical residue on fruits and vegetables.

Disadvantages

Bird netting and mosquito netting are excellent for individual and home and garden use, but they are impractical for large scale farming. Bird netting can get tangled in the plants and be hard to remove. On occasion, other animals like snakes and rabbits can become entangled as well. Mosquito netting can be inconvenient when it comes to human mobility, especially when used around beds.

Tags: around beds, fruits vegetables, home garden, made from, Mosquito netting, Netting Mesh

Caddisfly Life Cycle

Caddisfly Life Cycle

It's a good sign if mothlike caddisflies are present near lakes and other bodies of water, because it means pollution levels are low and the quality of water is good. Caddisfly larvae are no strangers to anglers who enjoy using them for bait when fly-fishing. As with moths, caddisflies are drawn to porch and street lights, sometimes in annoying numbers.

Mating Swarm

When ready for mating, swarms of caddisflies head for a tree, shrub or vegetation near a stream or other natural water source. Mating takes place, and the females fly off to deposit their bright green strands of eggs on the surface of a stream or on vegetation overhanging a body of water, where the eggs will eventually wash or fall off into the water.

Hatching Larvae

After the green eggs sink to the bottom of the water, the eggs mature, and, about a week and a half later, the larvae hatch and continue to grow. They eat organic debris on the bottom of whatever body of water they are inhabiting, stoking up for the next stage in their lives.

The Pupal Stage

After taking in nourishment, caddisfly larvae set to work spinning silky cases or cocoons, which they then cover in sand, sticks, wood, rocks or anything else that will help form a portable, protective covering around their soft bodies. They live and grow inside these casings and shed them five or six times as they grow, reforming new casings each time. The larval stage is the longest stage of a caddisfly's life.

The Mature Pupa

After molting and remaking five or six new portable cases, the caddisfly finally reaches the mature pupa stage. It has sealed itself inside its case, and, when the time is right, finally breaks free of this last case and makes its way out of the water toward land. Weeks, even months have passed since the larva first hatched out of its egg.

A Brief Adulthood

After this complicated metamorphosis, most adult caddisflies don't even eat once they have taken to the air and land. They live for a brief time--two weeks, a month or two at most--and continue the cycle by mating and laying eggs for the next generation of caddisflies.

Tags: body water, Caddisfly Life, Caddisfly Life Cycle, Life Cycle, They live

Repair A Tear In A Window Screen

Damaged window screens don't always need to be replaced. If a window screen has a clean cut or tear, it can be stitched back together with fishing line and a needle. Though it won't look like new, this repair will allow the screen to keep bugs and other pests out of the house. A light coating of clear nail polish ensures that the mended area remains strong. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove the screen from the window if possible and lay it flat on the ground or a table.

2. Trim away any rough or tattered edges from the torn area with a pair of sharp scissors. Be careful not to make the hole much larger.

3. Cut a length of fishing line and thread it onto the needle. Knot the end of the fishing line.

4. Mend the tear in the window screen using a zigzag stitch, keeping the edges of the tear lined up. Do not pull the fishing line too tight, as that will cause the screen to pucker. Knot the fishing line when you are finished sewing.

5. Paint over the fishing-line seam with clear nail polish, paying special attention to the knots on either end. Rehang the screen after the nail polish dries.

Tags: fishing line, nail polish, clear nail, clear nail polish, Knot fishing

Habits Of Mosquitoes

Many go to great lengths to avoid mosquitoes.

For many the fun of being outdoors in the warm weather is tainted, at least a bit, by the ever looming fear of mosquito bites. These tiny insects are mightier than their size would seem to indicate. Not only can they do what they are famous for, leaving bite victims with itchy welts, they can also spread an assortment of blood-borne illnesses, making them highly problematic in some of the countries where they are most prevalent.

Development

Unlike humans who take years to reach maturity, mosquitoes advance from egg to adult in a short window of 10 to 14 days. This fast development makes it easy for mosquitoes to quickly fill an area in no time at all.

Feeding Habits

If you receive an itchy mosquito bite, it is a female that is to blame. Females are the only ones who feed off of human and animal blood. Their male counterparts subsist on a diet containing nothing but plant juices.

Prey Selection

A mosquito identifies her human pray from afar. Mosquitoes can smell living prey from 50 meters away or even more if the individual being targeted happens to produce large amounts of carbon dioxide. Pregnant women, for example, produce more carbon dioxide than the average individual and may be more attractive and easily sniffed out than other potential bite victims.

Habitat Selection

Mosquitoes prefer a moist environment. Many make their homes in soft soils or stagnant water. Because this is their preferred habitat, mosquito infestations are quite common around water that doesn't move, such as natural bays or even wading pools.

Mating

To reproduce, the female mosquito lays eggs that the male mosquito must then fertilize. To lay these eggs, females must first dine on a blood meal. Often they get this meal at night, filling up on blood from a human or other animal to get the nutrients they require to lay viable eggs.

Tags: bite victims, carbon dioxide

Use Powerpoint On Your Cell Phone

Share your PowerPoint presentations on your cell phone.

PowerPoint gives users more ways to create and share their presentations. For example, they can share their presentations on their cell phones. The PowerPoint Web App and PowerPoint Mobile 2010 allow you to make light edits or run the presentation on your cell phone. You need to have the latest version of PowerPoint installed in order to use these applications. You also need to use the Windows Mobile Device Center to synchronize the program to your cell phone.

Instructions

1. Download the Windows Mobile Device Center file that came from the Microsoft website (See Resources). Or, install the CD, if you have one. Follow instructions for properly installing the software.

2. Plug one end of the USB cable into your computer's USB port. Plug the other end into your cell phone.

3. Click "Next" on the setup wizard. It will now create a connection between your cell phone and computer.

4. Check off the PowerPoint Web App or Mobile 2010 program. Select any relative programs or PowerPoint projects from the drop-down box.

5. Choose "Next." The screen will display that your phone is synchronizing with your computer. Click "Finish" when this is complete.

6. Click the "OK/Menu" button on your phone. Navigate to "Media" or the PowerPoint icon, depending on how your phone is set up. Click on the PowerPoint app or a saved PowerPoint file.

7. Select the "Insert," "Design," "Animations" and "Review" keys to make edits to your presentation. You can change the design, change the font and add sound.

Tags: your cell, cell phone, your cell phone, your phone, cell phone, Device Center, into your

Put Vicks On A Baby'S Feet

It may be an old wives' tale for some and an old-fashioned remedy for others, but applying Vicks BabyRub to your little one's feet for a cough and cold is a must-do for a growing number of parents. Nobody really knows why it seems to work. There is no medical evidence that it actually works but testimonials are plentiful from parents who believe Vicks has helped their coughing infants. One theory claims blood vessels dilate when Vicks is rubbed onto the feet, triggering a reflex to stop the cough. If you have a coughing child, you might feel it is at least worth a try.

Instructions

1. Try this at nighttime, which is often when your baby's cough is at its worst. First, give your baby a warm bath to relax her. The steam will also aid in clearing nasal passages.

2. After the bath, using your fingers, apply a small amount of Vicks to the soles of both feet, just enough to massage into the middle of each foot. The massage will also help her relax and get ready for sleep. You can also apply the Vicks using the back of a metal spoon if you don't want to get Vicks on your fingers, especially if you will be handling your baby afterward.

3. Put warm cotton socks onto your baby for the night. Not only does this help the Vicks absorb into her feet, it will stop any Vicks from getting into your baby's eyes and keep the bedding clean. It will also stop the vapor from being too strong. The coughing should ease in approximately five to 10 minutes after application and can be reapplied every six hours if necessary.

Tags: your baby, will also, your fingers

Bed Bug Repellent Spray

Bed bugs are a parasitic insect that live off the blood of a human or animal host. Adult bed bugs are brown, oval-shaped and flat. Eggs and immature bed bugs are translucent and difficult to detect by eye. Does this Spark an idea?

Bug Spray

Bed bugs do not respond to ordinary, commercial bug sprays. The insects will die of old age before bug repellent kills them.

Spraying Your Skin

Bug spray that you put on your skin does not repel the resilient bloodsuckers. Products containing DEET, citronella oil or geraniol are not designed to kill insects, but rather, to interfere with their ability to find a host. These sprays will also only remain active on your skin for about four hours. Bed bugs are most active from three a.m. to five a.m., several hours after you would have probably applied bug spray.

Professional Sprays

Pesticide resistance is a huge concern and a primary factor in bed bug infestation. Using a spray containing pyrethroid insecticides or insect growth regulators (IGRs) like hydroprene can help kill the insects, or at least disrupt their reproductive cycle.

Tags: kill insects, your skin

A Natural Indoor Mosquito Repellent

Mosquitoes in your home will cause nothing but itching and annoyance.

One of the true banes of spring and summer is the birth and swarm of mosquitoes, a species it seems whose sole purpose in life is to cause itching, burning misery to humans and animals. If mosquitoes get into your house, you will find little relief from the constant bites. There are, however, a number of natural sources you can use to repel these bugs from your home. Does this Spark an idea?

Neem Oil

Neem oil is made from crushing the seeds of a neem tree to produce a material similar to olive oil. The strong smell and thick texture of neem oil makes it a natural insect repellent for a number of bugs, including mosquitoes. You can find neem oil at many convenience stores and health food retailers. Spread the oil around doors and windows, as well as around indoor houseplants that may attract the insects. Neem oil also is safe for use on the skin if you find yourself particularly attractive to the biting bugs.

Garlic

The strong smell of garlic can drive away mosquitoes. Mix 1 part garlic juice with 5 parts water to make the scent tolerable for yourself and your family, and spray the mixture into any area of your home in which you experience mosquito problems. You also can spray strips of cloth with the mixture and hang them around the home to serve as repellent without spreading the smell into the entire room.

Plants

There are a number of plants and flowers that you can grow that are natural mosquito repellents. Marigold flowers give off a strong scent that drives mosquitoes away. Strong herbs like basil, lemon thyme and lemongrass also produce a scent that chases away the pests. The citronella plant itself, the basis of popular citronella candles, has little effect on mosquitoes but crushing the leaves produces the characteristic repellent smell.

Prevention

Remember to be smart in your home during mosquito season to prevent the invasion from getting out of hand. Keep all doors and windows closed or screened. Seal up all gaps and cracks with caulk. Plant repellent herbs and flowers around your home to deter the mosquitoes from entering in the first place. Chemical repellents like DEET are generally safe for use in the home, but make sure you read all instructions and warnings carefully before use.

Tags: your home, doors windows, scent that, strong smell

Bug Repellents For Outdoor Cooking

Keep bugs away from your outdoor cooking area through a variety of repellent options.

Cooking outside on a grill is a delight. Enjoying the fresh air while preparing the foods you and your family enjoy is one of life's little pleasures. One factor that can ruin such a pleasure is bugs. Mosquitoes and black flies are annoyances as well as health concerns. There are some options you can take to keep bugs away from your cooking area, so you and your family can enjoy dining outside. Unfortunately, there aren't any repellents for bad weather! Does this Spark an idea?

Citronella

It's one of the oldest tricks in the book--if a tried-and-true one--that works season after season. Citronella is a citrus-based derivative that keeps some insects away. Mosquitoes are often repelled by the scent, so stock up on citronella in its various forms.

Citronella candles are among the more popular citronella options. Simply light a few candles and between the scent and the flame, most bugs will stay away. Available in a variety of attractive candle options, these accessories can also enhance the appearance of your patio area while doing their job.

Citronella is available in oil form for pouring into tiki torches or lanterns and lighting. The scent isn't offensive to most people, but it certainly seems offensive to most bugs.

Propane

Some outdoor enthusiasts swear by bug repellents that attract bugs into a trap with the use of propane. These units are set up away from the cooking and eating area and emit a sweet scent that is very appealing to bugs--most especially mosquitoes. Rather than bombarding the cooking area and your food, bugs are lured instead toward the propane-induced scent and trapped in a pocket where they die.

While these units tend to work fairly well, they are expensive. They usually cost a few hundred dollars for the initial unit and set-up process. After that, the propane tank requires periodic refilling.

DEET & More

DEET is an approved ingredient in many insect repellents that is effective at keeping them at bay. Products containing 20 percent DEET should keep bugs away from your cooking area for about five hours. You must wear DEET; spraying or rubbing it on your skin, as well as on your clothing and in your hair, is essential.

A product called Ultrathon contains about 33 percent DEET and is water-resistant, making it even better for outdoor cooking since cooks tend to wash their hands frequently. In addition, this product has proven effective for repelling bugs for up to 12 hours after just one application.

Tags: away from, cooking area, away from your, bugs away, bugs away from, from your, area your

Butterfly Facts

Butterfly Facts

Butterflies are winged insects that come in a plethora of bright colors. Butterflies are generally welcomed with awe and appreciation. Many people plant gardens specifically designed to attract various butterfly species.

Description

Butterflies are built like all insects: Three body parts (head, thorax and abdomen), an exoskeleton, six jointed legs, and compound eyes. Their bodies are covered with tiny sensory hairs and their four wings are covered with colorful scales.

Classification

Butterflies are part of the classification order Lepidoptera, which, translated from the original Greek means "scales" (lepidos) and "wing" (ptera). There are approximately 28,000 species of butterflies worldwide.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of a butterfly has four stages, during which the butterfly undergoes complete metamorphosis. The four stages are egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (caterpillar in cocoon) and adult.

Diet

Butterflies live on a liquid diet. Their long, tube-like tongue, or proboscis, uncoils to sip flower nectar, animal fluids, or liquid from rotting fruit or animal flesh.

Habitat

Although butterflies live in almost every environment, most species inhabit tropical climates. Many species of butterflies migrate to avoid harsh weather conditions.

Fun Fact

Many female butterflies can taste with their feet. In deciding on a location to lay eggs, they walk upon and taste vegetation to see if it is suitable food for their newly hatched caterpillars.

Tags: Butterfly Facts, covered with, four stages, species butterflies

Smother A Tick

Common tick

Few things are more disturbing than finding a engorged tick on your body a day or more after an outdoor outing and realizing it has been feeding on you. Luckily, ticks are not usually harmful though they can carry diseases. There are a number of methods for getting rid of ticks, but one way is to smother them.

Instructions

1. Search your body for ticks thoroughly after every outdoor outing, especially when in a wooded area.

2. When you find a tick that is already implanted (head is stuck in your body), use one of these household items to smother it: rubbing alcohol, gasoline, nail polish, petroleum jelly or liquid soap.

3. Apply the chosen substance with a cotton ball on the area so it completely envelops the tick. If you can't completely cover the tick, place the cotton ball on top.

4. Keep still and leave the area alone for 5 to 10 minutes. The tick should detach as it is suffocating and will try to get away.

5. Lift up the cotton ball and the tick should come up with it. If possible, save the tick for identification and testing in case you develop symptoms of a common tick-born illness like Lyme's Disease.

Tags: cotton ball, your body, outdoor outing, tick should

Malaria Prevention In Africa

Malaria, a life-threatening, blood-borne disease, occurs when an infected mosquito bites a person, releasing a parasite called Plasmodium. The parasites multiply in the liver and cause infections in red blood cells. The World Health Organization says symptoms of this condition materialize approximately 10 to 15 days after being bitten and include fevers, headaches and vomiting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Emerging Infectious Diseases says malaria affects 500 million people from around the world, particularly in Africa. Many tourists visiting Africa return home with this condition. Malaria prevention in Africa helps residents and visitors ward off this deadly disorder.

Know Malaria Risks

The first malaria prevention method includes knowing the risks for contracting this life-threatening condition. Mosquito bites differ according to region and time of year. If malaria vaccines are available in the African country of residence, take advantage of this treatment option. People visiting Africa should take the necessary vaccinations before traveling. Many countries require vaccinations before they will allow entry into the country. The CDC has a checklist of vaccinations necessary for travel. For vaccinations to be effective, travelers need vaccinations at least four to six weeks before departure.

Use Repellents and Wear Mosquito-Resistant Clothing

People who use mosquito repellents and water bug-repellent clothing prevent malaria in Africa. Clothing that repels mosquitoes include long pants, long sleeves, thick socks and hats with mosquito guards. Mosquitoes are not as attracted to light colors as much as dark-colored clothing. People visiting Africa need mosquito repellents containing DEET, an effective repellent approved by the Food and Drug Administration. DEET is deemed safe for adults, children and pregnant women. Net Doctor UK says that the insect repellent should contain more than 30 percent DEET. People use lemon scent or refined lemon eucalyptus oil as natural mosquito repellents.

Use Mosquito Nets

Malaria prevention in Africa includes using mosquito nets when sleeping outdoors, the time when mosquito bites increase. If indoor dwelling have openings, seal doors and windows with screens and plug small opening with gauze. Before entering a dwelling at the end of the day, spray the room with insecticide to kill bug in the room before sleeping in it. Air-conditioned rooms don't draw as many mosquitoes.

Take Malaria-Prevention Medications

Many medications are approved for malaria prevention in Africa, so talk to health care providers about these prescription drugs. Anti-malaria drugs have to be specially prepared by pharmacists and should be taken four to six weeks before the trip. People take these drugs before going to African countries to build up in the system and during and after trips in case a person gets bitten by an infected mosquito. Health care professionals provide dosing instructions and recommendations for how long drugs should be taken. Approved drugs include mefloquine, doxycycline and chloroquine.

Tags: mosquito repellents, visiting Africa, four weeks, four weeks before, infected mosquito

Magnet Work

How Does a Magnet Work?

Magnetic Fields

A magnet is an object that attracts certain metals by use of it's magnetic field. These metals include iron, cobalt and nickel. The space around the magnet contains the magnetic field, which is created by the movement of negatively charged electrons. Electrons have mass, and a slight charge. In magnetic metals, the electrons are unpaired, and spin in the same direction, creating magnetic domains, or lines of force, that travel in the same direction.

Magnetic Lines of Force

The magnetic field of a magnet is the boundaries of it's magnetic lines of force. These are the north to south lines in a magnetic field. Magnetic lines of force always start at the north end of a magnet and end on the south end, just like the Earth's axis. Any magnet will set itself parallel to the lines of force, which is how compasses work, and why magnets repel or attract magnetic materials, depending on the north-south position of the magnetic lines of force.

Magnetic lines of force draw near each other when the come close to the north and south poles, or ends, of the magnetic, but grow farther from each other as they move away from the poles. They do not cross over each other.

Types of Magnets

There are three types of magnets. Hard, or permanent, magnets are just like their name, permanently magnetic. They make their own magnetic fields constantly. Soft, or temporary, magnets only create magnetic fields when they are under the influence of a hard magnet's field. They will continue producing a magnetic field for a short while after leaving the field of a permanent magnet.

Electromagnets are artificial magnets that create a magnetic field only when electricity travels through them. They are made with wire coils. When the electricity moves through them, electrons are created and their movement makes a magnetic field. The size of the field can be controlled by the amount of wire coils and the amount of electricity that is sent through them.

Tags: magnetic field, lines force, each other, through them, create magnetic, just like

Mosquitoproof Windows & Doors

Balmy summer evenings and cool summer mornings are usually the top choices for when to get things done if you know the middle of the day will be very hot. Unfortunately, these are also prime bug times and hungry mosquitoes will do what they can to get into your home if they know you're there. Keeping them out and away from your home is of great importance, especially if you're allergic to the bites. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Replace any window screens that have holes or that are bent enough to let bugs sneak past the frame. Add screens to windows that didn't have them previously.

2. Tape mosquito netting to the wall over the window as a last resort. Tape all the way around so there are no open gaps through which desperate mosquitoes can sneak. Remember that you won't be able to open or close the window without removing a portion of the netting for access and this can wear down the adhesive on the tape. You'll have to inspect the tape daily to find any forming gaps.

3. Open and close any screen doors, if you have them, to see how well they fit when shut. Replace or fix them as needed to ensure you have a tight seal when they close. Always close the screen door yourself, rather than letting it shut by itself. Some doors have special hinges that catch as the door is closing to prevent the door from slamming shut. These slow down the door, giving mosquitoes extra time to get in.

Tags: close screen, doors have, have them, your home

Plant A Holly Tree

Red berries appear in the fall on a holly tree.

A holly tree makes a good addition to the landscaping around a house for several reasons. The holly tree is an evergreen, so it has dark green foliage to enjoy year-round. At full maturity, the tree can reach 40 to 50 feet tall, providing wind and sun protection for the house and those out enjoying the yard. The leaves of the holly tree can be cut and used as decoration during the holiday season, for which holly is known. Planting the holly tree takes minimal effort. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Plant the holly tree in the early to mid-spring months, where it will have good drainage, acidic soil and protection from the strongest winds. Plant in a sunny location for best results.

2. Dig a hole twice the size of the holly tree’s rootball and deep enough to cover the roots. Make the hole big enough to allow the roots to branch out in the hole. Add 2 to 3 inches of organic matter to the bottom of the hole. Plant one to two male trees for every six to eight females in one area to ensure proper pollination of the red berries.

3. Place the roots of the tree in the bottom of the hole. Shovel the dirt back in over the roots and the trunk, but do not pack the dirt too tightly. Soak the soil with water every other day for the first couple of weeks to make sure the roots take hold.

4. Prune the holly tree during the winter, when it’s dormant, as the tree will tolerate heavy pruning from year to year. Prune in the spring, if desired, but it may affect the amount of the fruit crop in the fall.

Tags: holly tree, bottom hole

Natural Plant Bug Killers

Natural Plant Bug Killers

The increasing interest in organic growing practices has forced many gardeners and farmers alike to re-evaluate the use of pesticides. Many pesticides today are highly toxic not only to bugs, but to people as well. They are also extremely persistent and can remain in soil for long periods, with the potential of contaminating ground water. There are natural alternatives. Plant-based products that are relatively safe for people to use and are biodegradable are becoming increasingly available on the market and increasingly popular as a safer solution to killing bugs. Does this Spark an idea?

Beauveria Bassiana

Beauveria bassiana is a fungus, a form of simple plant, that kill insects when they come in contact with its spores. The spore will infect the insect and use it as a host to grow on, killing the insect in the process. The fungus is completely natural and can be used as a biological pest control. Beauveria bassiana comes as a powder or spray.

Pyrethrum Daisies

Pyrethrum daisies have been used since ancient times as a treatment for bugs. The flowers of the daisies contain pyrethrins, naturally occurring insecticides that paralyze and kill insects. Pyrethrin-based insecticides are available in powder or liquid form and can be dusted or sprayed on plants to kill bugs. Natural pyrethrins should not be confused with synthetically produced pyrethroids, which are far less biodegradeable than natural pyrethrins and can contaminate ground water.

Neem

Neem is a type of tree indigenous to South Asia, and grows well in tropical and sub-tropical areas throughout the world. The neem tree has been used for centuries to produce natural pesticides. Neem seeds are first crushed. Then water or alcohol is used to extract azadirachtin, the primary constituent that acts as a pesticide, from within the seeds. Neem oil, from the seeds, can also be used to kill insects. Trilogy is a commercially available neem oil that has azadirachtin.

Rotenone

Rotenone is a non-synthetic pesticide that is derived from several species of tropical shrubs. It is completely natural and biodegradable, breaking down quickly on exposure to sunlight. It is readily available from garden centers and nurseries, and comes in a powder form that can be mixed with water to produce a spray. Care should be taken when using rotenone around ponds and other bodies of water, as it is highly toxic to fish.

Nicotine

Tobacco is used as a source of nicotine, a powerful bug killer. Available in liquid form as a 40-percent concentrate of nicotine sulfate, this pesticide is diluted with water and applied as a foliar spray. It is especially effective when applied in warm weather and degrades quickly after application. It is particularly good at killing soft-bodied insects like aphids, whiteflies and thrips.

Tags: kill insects, Beauveria bassiana, been used, comes powder, completely natural, ground water

Integrate Language Arts Into The Life Cycle Of The Frog

What does the study of language have in common with the life cycle of frogs? More than you might think.

Sometimes it seems impossible to combine two different subject areas in order to make a unit work across the curriculum. Two of the subject areas that seem farthest apart are science and language arts, but amazingly each one can make use of the other. Scientists would have a hard time describing the results of their experiments without the skills they learned in language arts, and there would be a whole lot less to read and debate about if scientists were not hard at work discovering new information about the world. The two subject areas can combine quite compatibly even when studying, for example, the life cycle of a frog.

Instructions

Determine Your Objectives

1. Decide what you want to accomplish by combining language study with the life cycle of a frog. Do you want to teach students to read and comprehend scientific texts? Are you trying to get them to demonstrate a more complete understanding of the frog's life cycle? Depending on your answer, you may take very different paths.

2. Explore the various proven techniques that can meet your objectives. Some focus on comprehension, and others focus on processing the knowledge students are acquiring.

3. Determine the techniques that best suit your needs and incorporate them into your unit. Keep in mind how much time you want to spend grading assignments. Not every language arts assignment needs to be an elaborate paper. Some assignments can be short and graded quickly but will still accomplish your objectives.

Consider Some of These Methods of Teaching Across the Curriculum for Reading Comprehension

4. Use the reading comprehension technique known as K-W-L to give your students a purpose for reading and paying attention to your lessons. Students need to divide a sheet of paper into 3 columns. They label the first column "Know" and list what they already know about the life cycle of a frog in this column. Then they move to the second column, labeled "Want to Know," and list anything that they are curious about regarding the life cycle of the frog. The last column is labeled "Learn." Here they will record anything they learned that either answered the questions they posed in the second column or came as a complete surprise to them. Using this method, students have a record of their prior knowledge and a study guide for the test.

5. Skim and scan. Teach students locate the information that they need by teaching them the techniques of "Skimming and Scanning" their texts to find the information that is most important to the question at hand. Show them how they can get the main idea of articles and text book chapters by skimming them to see the titles and charts and graphs that will tell them if the literature they are using will answer their questions. Then show them scan a helpful piece of information to find the sections that will provide the answers they require.

6. Explore some group activities by incorporating Reciprocal Teaching into your life cycle unit. Split your students into groups. The groups can be as small as two or as large as six to eight. Then the group discusses the text by having students summarize it, question each other about what they read, clarify any words or concepts they did not understand and predict where the author of the text will go from the point they left off. This method encourages understanding and also may show students that any problems they had with the text are not theirs alone.

Consider Some of These Methods of Teaching Across the Curriculum to Develop Writing Skills

7. Assign "Learning Logs" in which the students can talk about the process they employ when they learn something. They can describe their reactions to what they learned, and they can write down any questions they need answered.In this way students can think about their learning and how they go about it. This could make them clearer thinkers and better writers. Tell them how scientists actually keep logs very similar to learning logs as they proceed through their experiments.

8. Use a short and very effective assessment tool called RAFT Writing (Role, Audience, Format, Topic) to discover your students' understanding of the life cycle of a frog. For example you could tell them to imagine they are a newly metamorphosed frog (Role) in a dialogue to a younger tadpole (Audience) who is just about to grow legs talking (Format) about the changes that are going to occur (Topic). By what is included in what your students write, you can find out quickly how well your student understands the subject, and he or she will be able to complete the assignment no matter what level his or her skills are at.

9. Make students responsible for an Exit Ticket. Using this technique, they must write a short response to a prompt of your choice and turn it in before you will let them leave class. This is another way to get quick and complete feedback on your students' knowledge while still requiring language arts skills to be used.

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Clean A Clogged Patio Drain

A clogged patio drain may cause a backup of water that can damage your home.

A patio is a place of rest and relaxation where you can gather with your family and friends to enjoy the outdoors. Most patios are built so that there is a slight tilt in the concrete that drains rain water away from the house toward a low point in the yard. A patio built next to a home that is sitting in the low point of the yard must be equipped with a drain that channels the water into an underground pipe that slopes downhill and away from the structure. Clean a clogged patio drain quickly, or you risk water damage to your home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove the retaining screws that hold the drain cover in place with a screwdriver. Lift the cover free of the drain opening. Set the cover and retaining screws out of the work area until you are ready to close the drain after it has been cleaned.

2. Loosen the flat head of the retaining bolt on the bottom of the stem of your hand auger. Pull the tip of the spring-like auger bit and slide it into the patio drain. Push the auger into the drain until it hits an obstruction.

3. Tighten the retaining bolt and spin the handle on the auger body until the clog breaks free. Continue feeding the auger into the drain until it emerges from the far end of the pipe. Pull the bit out of the drain and feed it back into the body of the auger.

4. Have an assistant stand at the far end of the pipe. Insert the nozzle of your water hose into the drain. Turn on the water supply. Squeeze the trigger of the hose to force any remaining debris out of the far end of the drain pipe. Continue rinsing with the hose until your assistant tells you that the water emerging from the far end of the pipe is clean and debris free.

5. Place the cover back onto the opening of the drain. Spray off the patio with your water hose. Collect any debris from the operation and dispose of it in a trash bag.

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Bounce Fabric Softener Uses

Use Bounce Fabric Softener for more than just laundry.

The purpose of Bounce brand fabric softener is to make fabrics softer and remove static electricity, known as static cling, from the fabrics being washed. Bounce Fabric Softener is available in both liquid and dryer sheet form. Through clever thinking and a little ingenuity, you may find other uses for Bounce Fabric Softener throughout your home. Most of these uses come from the aromatic qualities of Bounce Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets. Does this Spark an idea?

Bounce Sheets in Closed Space

Use Bounce Fabric Softener dryer sheets to prevent musty, moldy smells from building up in closed spaces. Scented dryer sheets will provide a fresh smell in closets that do not get a lot of air circulation. You can also put dryer sheets in your car, such as under the seats, to provide a pleasant smell in your vehicle. Put dryer sheets in gym bags or suitcases to ensure that dirty clothes do not leave their scent on unworn clothes.

Bounce Sheets as Open-air Air Fresheners

Use Bounce Fabric Softener dryer sheets as open-air air fresheners, similar to a candle or plug-in air freshener. Placing Bounce dryer sheets throughout your home in the open can provide a fresh scent at a low cost. The Bounce website also provides origami creation directions, allowing you can fold a Bounce Fabric Softener dryer sheet into an origami creation so you don't just have to discretely place dryer sheets around your home. Try placing a dryer sheet origami creation into an air vent. This will leave the scent of the dryer sheet on the air moving through the vent into your home.

Removing Static Electricity

One of the main purposes of a Bounce Fabric Softener dryer sheet in laundry is to remove static electricity, and it can do the same around your home. Gently rub a dryer sheet over appliances, such as a television, to remove any static electricity buildup.

Deodorize Items

Use Bounce Fabric Softener dryer sheets to deodorize household items. Again, this comes from the scent of the dryer sheet replacing the odor you wish to be removed. Try placing Bounce dryer sheets in a plastic bag with a pair of old sneakers or sandals and tying the bag shut. Let the bag sit overnight or for several days, and check to see if the dryer sheet worked. Often, the shoes will be fresher than they were before.

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Remove Oil And Grease Stains From Fabric

Did you get a grease stain or oil stain on your clothing? Oil stains and grease stains can be difficult to remove if you use the wrong technique. But grease and oil stain removal can be made easy if you know do it properly using the right techniques and stain removal method. So read on to learn more about remove oil and grease staining from fabrics like cotton! Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. APPLY DEGREASER SPRAY TO THE OIL OR GREASE STAINED FABRIC: Start by saturating the stain with degreaser spray, like Greased Lightning. Spray the area surrounding the stain as well. Only apply degreaser spray to cotton and other sturdy fabrics; other more delicate materials can be stained by the degreaser.

2. USE A SCRUB BRUSH TO WORK THE DEGREASER INTO THE GREASE OR OIL STAINED FABRIC: Using a fine scrub brush in a circular motion, work the degreaser into the stained fabric fibers. Apply additional degreaser if necessary.

3. IMMEDIATELY LAUNDER THE STAINED FABRIC OR GARMENT: Immediately put the grease stained garment or fabric item into the washer and launder as usual. Allow the fabric or clothing item to air dry; do not place it in the dryer.

4. REPEAT STEPS 1-3 IF NECESSARY: Typically, really bad grease or oil stains may need a second application of degreaser. If necessary, repeat steps 1 through 3.

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Mosquito Misting & Fogging Systems

Mosquitos are nuisances that plague the summer months and outdoor activity.

Mosquitoes often put a damper on any outdoor activity, especially in the hotter summer months when they are more prevalent. Not only do they cause itching and discomfort, they can also carry diseases. To control mosquitoes, people tend to rely on products that can be worn, burned, sprayed or misted over a larger area. Does this Spark an idea?

Mosquitoes

Worldwide there are over 2,500 species of mosquitoes, 200 of which are in the United States. Seventy-seven different species are found in Florida alone. They not only attack humans but also animals, which can lead to a loss in weight and milk production. Mosquito bites can be annoying, but they can also spread diseases like malaria and the West Nile Virus. Humans must play defense in everything from how they dress to what types of repellents they use.

Mosquito Misters

A mosquito mister is a system set up outdoors to intermittently spray a fine mist of pesticide in a certain area to kill mosquitoes and other insects. Spray nozzles deliver the mist from tubing connected to the pesticide. These are operated by a timer, a remote or a switch.

Typically pyrethrins and permethrin are used as the pesticide, but some minimal-risk pesticides might also be used. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) might not regulate these alternative pesticides, but states can. Always check first to make sure you follow requirements and heed any warnings that come with a pesticide.

Mosquito Foggers

Another form of outdoor pest control is the fogger, which is best used where the bug population is more severe. A fogger is a more temporary form of protection and comes in both thermal and cold forms. The thermal fogger will release pesticide as a fog or smoke as the coils warm up, and is used only outdoors. The cold fogger does not require the insecticide to burn. It is considered cleaner and can be used indoors or outdoors.

The Safety of Misting and Fogging Systems

The EPA determined that approved pesticides pose little threat to humans and pets after long-term exposure so long as the product's label instructions are followed precisely. Excessive use or accidents still pose risk as no pesticide can ever be considered 100-percent risk free. Additionally, pyrethrins and permethrin are toxic to all insects and, therefore, pose a threat to beneficial insects as well, including honeybees and butterflies.

Foggers can also be dangerous if used improperly. If too many foggers are used in one area, it can cause a buildup of vapors that can be ignited by any source of spark. The EPA recommends that any fogger be placed more than six feet from all ignition sources. To prevent illness from pesticide exposure, completely air out any area that has been fogged.

Integrated Pest Management

The EPA as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) believes that a combination of several different options is the best approach to pest management. Begin with prevention. Mosquitoes thrive in moist conditions, so drain any areas of standing water around your home. This prevents new mosquitoes from hatching, but since adult mosquitoes can travel several miles, other measures still need to be taken.

When outside, wear loose, light-colored clothing that ideally covers legs and arms. On exposed skin, use EPA-registered repellents like DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Be sure to follow the label's directions on application, particularly on small children.

Tags: Fogging Systems, Misting Fogging, Misting Fogging Systems, outdoor activity, pyrethrins permethrin, summer months

Climate And Its Effect On Living Organisms

The climate is the cornerstone of life on earth.

The earth's climate--the cumulative weather conditions of precipitation, temperature and wind--shapes the growth and reproduction of every living organism. The slightest changes in the atmospheric conditions or temperatures can affect the breeding, diet and migration behaviors of plants and animals.

Alaskan Mammals

As the climate changes, animals in the polar regions of Alaska might have difficulties adapting; seals and polar bears depend upon massive chunks of free-floating sea ice for hunting and breeding, and rising temperatures will erode these ice chunks.

Birds

Birds have very specific migratory and breeding patterns; climate changes can force some species to change the timing of their behaviors, such as earlier nesting as spring prematurely begins.

Fish

Climate change has increased water temperatures worldwide and decreased the quality of some waters; as a result, many species of fish such as brook trout and Northern pike are losing precious living space and the ability to survive.

Forests

The August 2009 edition of "Science Daily" states that warmer temperatures can cause excessive growth of trees and plants, which can then provide too much shade to nearby bodies of water and inhibit their productivity.

Extinction

When climate change is so dramatic that an entire habitat is changed, some animal species will eventually cease to exist as they fail to adapt or find new habitats.

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Natural Fly Repellent For Goats

Spraying goats with fly repellent is the weapon of last resort.

No goat keeper wants to see her goats bothered by flies. The nuisance is unavoidable, however, and the goat keeper wages a battle each summer to keep the pests away. Some avoid the use of chemical insecticides on or around their goats and look for more natural solutions. There is no silver bullet for fly control on goats, but a few good ideas put together make for an effective natural solution. Does this Spark an idea?

Methods

Repelling flies naturally means applying a non-toxic spray to the goats' skin, and preventing flies from getting comfortable in the goat shed. Cheryl K. Smith in her book, "Raising Goats for Dummies," recommends a number of fly repellent ideas, including spraying the goats with a solution of citronella and water. Goat farmers find several methods of natural control effective. Treat the goat and the shed for the best results over a long period of time. By interrupting the cycle of reproduction, killing adult flies and keeping sheds clean, the fly population is reduced significantly.

Nose Botfly

Battling the nose botfly often requires the attention of a veterinarian to treat the goats with a drench of Ivermectin. These flies not only torture goats by getting into their nostrils, but endanger their health by causing a loss of appetite, grating of teeth and stress from itching.

Interrupt Reproduction

Purchase fly predators. They are beneficial insects that kill fly larva before they mature. Fly predators are found on the Internet at farming supply websites, or through suppliers of beneficial insects for gardening and farming. Introduce these each month during the warm season, or year-round if you live in warm climates. Chickens and ducks are also great friends of livestock. Let the birds peck in areas near where goats eat, sleep and play to keep the fly population down.

Clean Sheds

Absolute cleanliness is one of the best fly repellents. If there is nothing to eat and nowhere to breed, the flies won't stick around. Muck out and sweep the sheds and outdoor pens daily. Change bedding weekly. Keep the floors dry and clean and sprinkle agricultural lime on them. Do not use white lime; it is caustic. Agricultural lime is gray and dries out the floor, making it hard for microbes to grow. Fewer microbes, fewer flies. Another simple trick for fighting flies is plain old sticky ribbons. Buy a dozen of these to hang from ceilings of sheds out of reach of the goats.

Herbals

Goat farmers have tried a number of homemade solutions that have not been tested scientifically. These include spray solutions made with lavender, penny royal, mint and cedar oils. Internal supplements of garlic and brewers yeast are recommended by some.

Tags: goats with, beneficial insects, Goat farmers, goat keeper, goat shed

About The Effects Of Mosquitoes On Humans

About the Effects of Mosquitoes on Humans

For most people in the United States and Europe, mosquitoes leave only itchy red bumps. However, in the rest of the world, mosquitoes can cause serious illness or death.

Only the female mosquito ingests blood, as she needs protein and iron to produce eggs. When a mosquito bites, she injects saliva and anti-coagulants into the wound. It is through these substances that a virus or parasite can be transmitted to a human or animal.

Significance

Mosquitoes transmit diseases to over 700 million people per year. In most developed countries, diseases are very limited and deaths are comparatively rare, but in Africa, South and Central America, Mexico and Asia, millions of infections and deaths result from mosquito-borne diseases.

History

Mosquitoes' role in spreading disease was first understood around the turn of the 20th century. In 1898, British physician Sir Ronald Ross, then working in Calcutta, proved that mosquitoes were transmitting malaria. Prior to this, Carlos Finlay of Cuba had suggested the same about yellow fever, as had Josiah Nott and Patrick Manson about the parasite filariasis. Ross's and Finlay's protocols were implemented with significant success by Walter Reed and the U.S. Army Medical Board during construction of the Panama Canal.

Effects

Malaria--this disease is caused by a protozoa parasite. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, joint pain, vomiting and convulsions. Each year, 515 million people are infected with malaria, and 1 to 3 million people, mostly children, die from the disease annually.

Yellow fever--caused by a virus in mosquito saliva. Symptoms are fever, headache, chills, nausea, vomiting and bleeding into the skin. Severe cases cause internal hemorrhaging, coma and death. Annually, there are 200,000 infections and 30,000 deaths.

Encephalitis/West Nile--at least six types of encephalitis diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes. Symptoms for all of these include headache, fever, sensitivity to light, weakness and seizures. Fatalities are not uncommon.

Dengue fever--caused by one of four viruses present in mosquito saliva. Symptoms include headache, joint and muscle pain, fever, severe dizziness, bleeding from the mucous membranes, and bloody vomit/diarrhea. There are an estimated 50 million cases per year, with a fatality rate of 2.5 percent, or an estimated 125,000 deaths.

Epidemic polyarthritis/Ross River virus--is endemic to Australia and Papua New Guinea. While symptoms can persist for up to 6 months, only 400 people per year are infected, and the virus is rarely fatal. Symptoms include fever, headache, joint pain and rash.

Filariasis-- is a parasite endemic to Asia, Africa, Central and South America. The parasite lodges in the lymphatic system and causes thickening of the surrounding skin and tissues, known as elephantiasis. This generally affects the lower extremities, including the genitals. Worldwide, 120 million people are currently infected.

Geography

Most of the mosquito-borne diseases are now endemic to South and Central America, parts of Asia and Africa. Some of the encephalitis viruses, like West Nile, Japanese encephalitis and Western and Eastern equine encephalitis, do cause infections in the United States, Japan and Europe.

Prevention/Solution

There are a number of different ways to minimize the effects of mosquito-borne diseases. Most of them can be treated with antibiotics and antivirals; there is even a vaccine for yellow fever. Developed countries spray for mosquitoes and regularly check levels of animal mortality, as most of these diseases can also be transmitted to animals through mosquito bites. In developing countries, mosquito nets are a common and economical solution. Preventing bites prevents disease. There are also organizations that work to get vaccinations to the impoverished and medicine to those who are already sick.

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Facts On Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is a necessary nutrient for our bodies to function properly. Vitamin B1 deficiency causes several painful, often life-threatening, diseases. Fortunately, B1 is available in nearly every food group.

Sources of Vitamin B1

Most foods contain at least a small amount of vitamin B1. The most effective sources are whole grains and green leafy vegetables. Other good sources include flax seeds, eggs and beef or pork liver.

Recommended Dosage

The recommended dosage of vitamin B1 varies by age and gender. For children under 14, the RDA is below 1 mg per day. For men and older boys, 1.2 mg per day is recommended, and for women and older girls, 1.1 mg per day. For pregnant or breast-feeding women, the RDA is 1.4. There have been tests done showing that higher amounts are not only safe, but beneficial. However, the data is not sufficient to make a recommendation for higher dosages.

Benefits of Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1 is an important ingredient in the effective processing of carbohydrates into usable energy for the body. It is also necessary for healthy nervous system function and it aids in the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. It has been suggested that vitamin B1 can strengthen the immune system as well as prevent cataracts.

Vitamin B1 Deficiency

Vitamin B1 deficiency is dangerous, although not very common, and is usually accompanied by general malnourishment. Severe B1 deficiency is known as "beriberi," a Sinhalese word that literally means, "I cannot, I cannot," because of the complete inability to function normally.

The symptoms of beriberi are painful and can be life-threatening. This disease starts with general fatigue and confusion, but quickly progresses to include whole-body pain, severe weight loss and sometimes heart failure or paralysis.

Fortunately, this disease is completely reversible by simply supplying adequate vitamin B1 in the diet.

Warnings

Because vitamin B1 is water-soluble, it is nearly impossible to overdose, because the body does not store it. Any excess will simply pass through body unabsorbed. The down side to this is the fact that, since it is not stored, there is none available in times of unexpected deficiency.

A very few people have experienced allergic reactions when receiving large amounts of vitamin B1. It can also have adverse reactions to some medications such as digoxin or diuretics.

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Activities In The Tundra

From Alaska to Northern Canada, the tundra sprawls across an immense stretch of North America unspoiled by development. Whether you enjoy outdoor sports, exploring natural areas or just seeing the Arctic for yourself, numerous travel activities are available to southerners interested in exploring the great north land.

Dog Sledding in Alaska

Alaska Dog Sledding offers travelers the opportunity to experience dog sledding, snowmobiling and hiking alongside seasoned Alaskan guides in and around St. Michael, Alaska. The package includes accommodation in a heated cabin and home-cooked northern delicacies such as moose, king crab and salmon. The package costs $2,500 as of 2010 and lasts for six days.

Northern Lights Viewing in the Yukon

Northern Tales tour agency offers a travel package for visitors hoping to see the Aurora Borealis just outside of White Horse in the Yukon, Canada. The Aurora Borealis Package has three options based on tours of two, three or four nights. The package includes accommodation in a cabin hotel and a guided tour to the best viewing spots outside the city. Meals are not included in the cost of the tour. The cost of the tour is $489 for two nights, $617 for three nights, and $766 for four nights as of 2010.

Polar Bear Watching in Manitoba

VIA Rail offers a joint tour along with Tundra Buggy Tours of the area around Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, including Wapusk National Park, which is known for its polar bear migrations across the tundra. The trip lasts for seven days and includes the journey by train from Winnipeg to Churchill and back again. The cost of the trip is $2,516 as of 2010.

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Citronella As A Mosquito Repellent

Mosquitoes invade outdoor parties like an army.

Citronella grass is indigenous to South America. The oil derived from the plant is called geraniol and is the active ingredient in many natural mosquito repellent products. Does this Spark an idea?

Types

Citronella is used in mosquito repellent sprays and lotions. While it is nontoxic, a few people experience a mild skin rash with frequent use. Citronella is also used to scent candles, outdoor lanterns and tiki torches. The characteristic strong, citrus smell repels mosquitoes.

Benefits

Citronella oil is plant-based and nontoxic. DEET is a poisonous mosquito repellent and pesticide. While DEET is the most effective ingredient in sprays and lotions, many do not want to use the toxic product. Citronella-based lotions and sprays do not work as well as or kill mosquitoes like DEET, but citronella does repel mosquitoes.

Effects

The strong scent of citronella confuses insects such as mosquitoes and fleas. The citronella aroma masks the odor of humans and animals so that the bugs cannot find targets to bite.

Tags: mosquito repellent, sprays lotions

Fever With Leg Pain

Fever and leg pain can be common symptoms. Approximately 26 diseases and conditions can cause fever and leg pain. Some of the causes of fever and joint pain are fairly common medical conditions and can be treated relatively easily. However, some of these conditions are far more complex and difficult to treat.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition in which one or more joints is inflamed. According to Wrong Diagnosis, osteoarthritis--a type of arthritis that affects joint bones--is the most common type of arthritis. In addition to causing fever and leg pain, this condition may also cause swollen, tender and stiff joints. Arthritis is most often caused by aging. As people age, their joints experience wear and tear and these can cause arthritis. Wrong Diagnosis states that this condition is most often treated with over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen, and over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Naproxen and Ibuprofen. Patients with this condition may also benefit from maintaining a healthy body weight and regular gentle exercise.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a condition in which the subcutaneous tissues (the third layer of skin) and the skin become inflamed. This condition can cause fever and joint pain as well as several other symptoms, including tender, painful, swollen and red skin. According to Wrong Diagnosis, cellulitis can be caused by a number of things, such as a bacterial infection, an animal bite, a tattoo or diabetes. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, cellulitis can be treated with antibiotics, surgery (to drain abscesses), by elevating the affected limb and by keeping the affected limb clean and sterile.

Phlebitis

Phlebitis is a condition in which one or more veins become inflamed. According to Wrong Diagnosis, this condition can be caused by several things, including an IV catheter infection, blood transfusion complications and certain medical conditions and medications. In addition to fever and leg pain, this condition may also cause localized tenderness, warmth, redness and swelling. Treating phlebitis involves using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, compression bandages and cold or hot packs.

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is a condition in which the bones become inflamed due to bacteria. According to Wrong Diagnosis, bacteria will typically infect another part of the body first and then the infection will travel to the bones through the blood. Osteomyelitis can cause fever and leg pain as well as local redness, bone swelling and muscle spasms. Osteomyelitis can be treated with high-dose antibiotics, surgical drainage and bone grafting.

Syringomyelia

Syringomyelia is a medical condition in which a cyst develops inside the spinal cord. According to Wrong Diagnosis, this condition can be caused by several things, such as hemorrhage, trauma or a tumor. In addition to fever and leg pain, this condition may cause back pain, weakness, stiffness, headaches and temporary loss of sensation. Some patients will require no treatment for this condition, but if treatment is necessary it most often consists of a surgical procedure to drain the cysts.

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About Listerine

About Listerine

Proper tooth care involves a lot more than just brushing. Flossing and using mouthwash have become an essential part of dental hygiene, and one of the leading mouth wash providers is Listerine. Listerine is a whole line of mouthwash products, designed to cater to every type of mouth and flavor preference.

Benefits

Listerine has many benefits when used. Along with freshening breath, Listerine helps fight plaque and gum diseases such as gingivitis. Each different type of Listerine helps fight off specific maladies, but they all focus on keeping your mouth clean and should become a part of your daily oral hygiene to keep your mouth in the best shape possible.

History

Listerine was first sold as a mouthwash in 1914. Previously it was used exclusively by dentists. Before converting to a cheaper plastic bottle, Listerine was also sold in a glass bottle and relied on heavy advertising campaigns to create business. At one point, Listerine claimed to help cure or prevent colds, but a study showed that this was not the case and Listerine had to change their campaign.

Features

Listerine relies on a combination of chemicals to cleanse and freshen mouths. The main base of the product is water, with methyl salicylate, ethanol, eucalyptol, thymol and menthol. The enthanol accounts for over 20 percent of the product, and all of the chemicals work in conjunction to clean and coat the teeth in your mouth.

Function

Listerine is used like any other mouthwash. Swish a small amount in your mouth for 30 seconds. Do not swallow it, because the ingredients could do harm to your stomach. Spit out the mouthwash after 30 seconds. Do this every time after you have brushed and flossed to achieve full effectiveness.

Types

Listerine originated as an "original" flavor, but in 1992 they expanded to their "Cool Mint" line of mouthwashes, and their flavor list includes Fresh Burst, Vanilla Mint, Natural Citrus, Mint Shield, Arctic Mint and Clean Mint. Listerine also makes toothpaste, pocket-sized breath fresheners and a children's mouthwash called Listerine Agent Cool Blue.

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Eucalyptus Oil For Mosquitos

An aromatic oil collected from the leaves and twigs of the eucalyptus tree, eucalyptus oil may play a role in keeping pesky mosquitoes from irritating your skin. Minimize potential problems by learning the facts about this natural insect remedy before you use it to ward off mosquitoes. Does this Spark an idea?

Types

Extracted from the eucalyptus or Australian gum tree, oil of lemon eucalyptus was first listed as an insecticide in 1948, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A synthesized version of lemon eucalyptus oil, which is called p-Mentane-3,8-diol and commonly called PMD, is registered with the EPA and approved for use as an effective mosquito repellent by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Features

Naturally extracted lemon eucalyptus oil typically accounts for 30 to 40 percent of the ingredient volume in both lotion and spray mosquito repellents. PMD, the chemically synthesized version of lemon eucalyptus oil, generally accounts for only 8 to 10 percent of the volume of ingredients in mosquito repellents. Not only does eucalyptus oil repel adult mosquitoes, but it may also be toxic toward mosquito larvae, according to the book "Eucalyptus."

Considerations

Never use eucalyptus oil internally in an attempt to ward off mosquitoes, as doing so could cause potentially serious reactions. Avoid applying eucalyptus oil-based mosquito repellents topically on children's skin without first checking with your child's primary care provider, warns Adriane Fugh-Berman, author of "The 5-Minute Herb and Supplement Consult."

Tags: lemon eucalyptus, mosquito repellents, synthesized version, synthesized version lemon, version lemon

Typhus Vs Typhoid

Typhoid and typhus are bacterial infections.Typhoid can be contracted from contaminated food, drink or water used for washing. Typhus is spread by lice and rats.

Cause

Salmonella typhi bacteria is the cause of typhoid, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to Medline Plus, Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia prowazekii are causes of the two forms of Typhus.

Symptoms

Typhoid infection symptoms include a sustained fever (103 degrees to 104 degrees Fahrenheit), weakness, stomach pains, headache and a rash of flat, rose-colored spots. Symptoms of murine or endemic typhus, caused by Rickettsia typhi, include abdominal pain, backache, a dull red rash spreading from the midsection and high fever for up to two weeks. Symptoms of epidemic typhus, caused by Rickettsia prowazekii, include chills, cough, delirium, severe muscle pain and a rash spreading from the chest.

Treatment

Both conditions can be treated with antibiotics. For typhoid, ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin are commonly prescribed. Typhus is often treated with the antibiotics Doxycycline, tetracycline and chloramphenicol.

Avoidance

Get vaccinated before travel. According to the CDC, there are two vaccines for typhoid: four doses of Ty21a capsules (one capsule by mouth) or an injection of ViCPS (Typhim Vi, Pasteur Merieux). The CDC says no vaccines are available for typhus infection.

Historical Cccurrences

In 1489, 17,000 Spaniards died from typhus, according to cbwinfo.com. According to a 1998 article in the New England Journal of Medicine, typhoid may have killed Alexander the Great in June 323 CE.

Tags: caused Rickettsia, rash spreading, rash spreading from, Rickettsia prowazekii, Rickettsia typhi

Breed Guppies And Aquarium Fishes

Guppies are freshwater aquarium fish. Enthusiasts have chosen these little cichlids over the years, not only for their pulsating colors and splendid fins, but for their breeding potential. Unlike most cichlids, which are slow-growing fish, the guppy reaches sexual maturity within a few months. Many hobbyists have been able to create their own color strains and today, guppies can be found in colors that range across the color spectrum. Guppies, like the equally popular swordtails and mollies, are live bearers, which give birth to tiny fry

Instructions

1. Set up a 20-gallon rectangular breeding aquarium. Place a perforated divider into the middle of the aquarium, to create two 10-gallon compartments. Place two sponge filters, one per compartment, into the aquarium along with a heater and set for 76 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Set up a 16-gallon female grow-out aquarium. Place a sponge filter into this aquarium and a heater set for 76 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Set up a 16-gallon male grow-out aquarium. Place a sponge filter into this aquarium and a heater set for 76 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Set up a 50-gallon fry aquarium. Place two sponge filters into this aquarium and a heater set for 76 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Choose up to 10 adult guppies from your local aquarium dealer. Choose two male fish and eight female fish. Choose fish that display the general colors and fin shapes, which you want to breed for yourself.

6. Place all of the guppies into the one compartment of the 20-gallon breeding aquarium.

7. Remove females to the second compartment once they are gravid or pregnant. Gravid females will display a dark area around their anal fin.

8. Observe the female closely after she has given birth. Females that eat their young during the birthing process must be confined to a breeding trap. This small plastic container allows the young to fall through a false grid floor, into a safe area where the female can not access them.

9. Remove the fry to their 50-gallon aquarium. You can do this on the day they are born. Scoop fry up in a small plastic container, as a net may damage their delicate bodies.

10. Change up to 20 percent of the water in the fry aquarium on a weekly basis.

11. Feed the fry only as much food as they can consume within a few minutes. Feed regularly throughout the day as these tiny fish have a high metabolism and need to eat almost continually. Do not add so much food that pieces can be seen lying on the bottom of the aquarium.

12. Vacuum the bottom of the fry tank on a daily basis. Be careful not to suck fry into the vacuum tube. Always replace old water with new water that has is of the same temperature and pH. Use a pH test kit to check the new water before adding it to the fry aquarium.

13. Separate male and female fish into their respective grow out tanks as soon as you can sex them. Observe the fish's anal fin, which is the unpaired fin on the belly. In the male fish, this fin is modified into a spike-shaped reproductive organ, whereas that of the female, is fin shaped. Male guppies are also typically smaller than the females. They are also more colorful, and display more elaborate fins than the female.

Tags: aquarium Place, degrees Fahrenheit, heater degrees, heater degrees Fahrenheit, Place sponge, aquarium heater

Diy Fly Trap

Flies can ruin any good picnic, outing or gathering taking place outside during warm weather. Screen tents can help but can be costly, and citronella candles don't necessarily get rid of flies. Using household items, you can make a fly trap easily and, depending on what effect you want, you can cater the trap to your needs. Does this Spark an idea?

Items You'll Need

You will need a 2-liter soda bottle. Clear bottles work best. Make sure to remove the label. You will also need thin, bendable wire. Then, to choose how you will catch your flies, experiment. Some things that work best are store bought insecticides (with fly and pest attractant), rotting food like fruits, meats and warm juices.

Meat, Fruit and Juices

If you choose to use biomass, put it into the bottle and lay the bottle on its side. Make sure the bottle is not too full or the biomass will spill out and make a stinky, sticky mess. Take the wire, wrap it around the middle of the bottle twice and then use wire cutters to grasp, twist and cut the wire to the desired length and safety. You don't want any wire sticking out that could poke or scratch anyone. Hang the end of the wire not wrapped around the bottle to a deck or porch area. The flies will fly inside and get stuck in the biomass.

Insecticide

This is a less organic way to make your own fly trap, but simply take a liquid insecticide and pour in a little bit at a time, making sure to coat the walls of the bottle evenly. Spin the bottle around if necessary to make sure to coat all portions. Let the liquid dry. Then take the wire, wrap it tightly around the bottom of the bottle (far away from the neck) and hang the bottle upside-down in the fly-infested area. The flies will be attracted to the scent, fly up in to the bottle, won't be able to fly back down and will land on the walls with insecticide on them.

Tags: area flies, area flies will, flies will, Make sure, sure coat, wire wrap, work best

Naturally Kill Gnats

Naturally Kill Gnats

Gnats can be tiny flying nuisances. There are several different types of gnats, and most of them are harmless--just annoying. They fall into the same order in the animal kingdom as mosquitoes and sand flies. By comparison they are the lesser of the evils, but this still doesn't mean that they're invited into our kitchens and gardens. Without having to use harmful chemicals that may harm pets or children it's possible to kill gnats in unwelcome areas. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Ideas for Gnats Inside the House

1. Mix a solution of 1 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 or 3 tbsp. of Dawn dish soap into a small cup or several small cups. The gnats will be attracted to it and climb in.

2. Fill a jar with vinegar and poke holes in the lid. The gnats like the smell of the vinegar, and when they climb in to get it, they won't be able to climb back out.

3. Pour a cup of ammonia down the drain of the sink to keep gnats from hovering around it. Avoid using the sink for a couple of hours so as not to wash away the scent completely.

4. Set small paper cups around the areas where the gnats are problematic. Fill the cups with a piece of rotten fruit, water and some dish soap. The gnats will smell the fruit and the dish soap will kill them.

Ideas for Gnats Outside

5. Hang sticky fly traps in the areas where gnats hover. Directly suspending the traps over plants that they like will be particularly effective.

6. Cut potatoes into 1/2- to 1/4-inch pieces and set them along pots that plants are in. The gnats are attracted to potatoes, so when you come back several hours later you can dispose of the potatoes and the larvae that is now embedded into them.

7. Rub vanilla extract on clothes and skin to repel gnats when working outside.

8. Set little cups or lids with soapy water in them around the garden to attract gnats, which will climb in the cups and drown.

Tags: dish soap, areas where, areas where gnats, gnats will, Ideas Gnats, Kill Gnats, Naturally Kill

Advantages & Disadvantages Of Reading

Books contain a plethora of interesting information.

People often describe themselves as fitting into one of two extremes --- an avid reader or someone who does not read at all. Both groups express strong arguments to justify their passion or disdain for this popular pastime, with one camp citing a lack of interest and time issues as disadvantages of reading while the other sees reading as an advantage because of the mental stimulation and relaxation it provides.

Disadvantage: Reading Is Boring

Many people tend to read because they need it for work or study purposes and therefore do not associate it with relaxation or enjoyment. This sentiment generally begins in high school, when difficult literary classics such Shakespeare are mandatory.

In the past, reading was one of the few ways to pass the time, but that was before the advent of technologies beginning with the radio, then television and now computers, the Internet and gaming consoles --- in other words, people have many other options for spending time nowadays. With leisure time a precious commodity in this hectic day and age, many people prefer to spend this time doing something that actually interests, relaxes or excites them, ranging from more active pursuits such as playing sports and socializing to more passive activities such as watching movies or video games.

Advantage: Reading Is Good Exercise For The Brain

Unlike watching television, reading activates parts of the brain that would otherwise remain dormant. Stimulating the brain through reading helps keep it strong and active, thereby reducing the risk of developing conditions such as Alzheimer's disease while improving concentration and memory.

Reading is also a valuable learning tool that helps expand knowledge, skills and vocabulary, which in turn give readers more confidence to deal with a variety of situations and discuss a wider variety of topics.

Disadvantage: Reading Is A Time Waster

With the availability to audio books and the adaptation of many books into television series and movies, many people would prefer not taking the extra days and hours to sit down and actually read a book. For many people who do manage to take time to read during their busy daily routine, reading is usually just a means to help pass the time while commuting, having a meal or even sitting on the toilet.

Advantage: Reading Is Relaxing

Reading provides a peaceful escape at any time of day from digital gadgets and the constant bombardment of information that comes from living in the digital age. As well as providing an avenue for relaxation, reading provides an ideal way to unwind at the end of a hectic day. People who read before bed develop a sleep association, their body identifying reading with falling asleep, which helps them fall asleep more easily and sleep more soundly.

Tags: many people, Advantage Reading, Disadvantage Reading, pass time

Homemade Pesticides

One of the most effective ways to keep insects and other pesky biting creatures away from your vegetable and flower gardens is to spray the plants with store-bought pesticides. Unfortunately, these products are filled with chemicals that can harm the plants and cover the vegetables with toxins that your family will later ingest. Instead of using potentially dangerous chemicals to keep the bugs out of the garden, manufacture safe pesticides at home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Garlic Mixture

1. Mix 1/4 cup finely chopped garlic cloves with 2 tbsp. mineral oil. Allow the mixture to sit for two days.

2. Add 1/4 cup unscented liquid soap to the mixture. Stir until well combined.

3. Pour the mixture through a coffee strainer that is placed over a bucket. Throw out the solid portion of the mixture.

4. Add 2 cups of cold water to the bucket. Stir. Place the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto plants and vegetables to eradicate insects naturally. The smell of the garlic will deter insects without harming the plant.

Canola Oil

5. Pour 1 cup canola oil into a bowl.

6. Add 1 tbsp. liquid dish soap into the bowl. Avoid using soaps that contain dyes, perfumes or that are antibacterial. These could all harm the plant.

7. Pour 1 cup water into a plastic spray bottle. Add 2 tsp. of the canola oil mixture into the spray bottle. Shake the bottle and spray the mixture directly onto plants and vegetables.

Tags: spray bottle, into bowl, into spray, into spray bottle, mixture into, mixture into spray, onto plants

Citronella Oil As A Mosquito Repellent

Tiny, obnoxious pests ruin outdoor parties and adventures for many people.

Mosquitoes are the bane of outdoor adventurers and people who simply like to be outside. Options such as poisonous DEET or expensive zappers do not appeal to everyone. Citronella oil as a mosquito repellent is a natural and affordable alternative. Does this Spark an idea?

Identification

Oil of citronella is derived from citronella grass, which is similar to lemon grass. Citronella grass and oil have a characteristic strong, citrus scent believed to repel mosquitoes.

Function

When the scent of citronella oil is in the air, mosquitoes have difficulty smelling human and animal targets to bite. Synthetic citronella fragrances do not work as well as real citronella oil.

Types

Citronella oil can be added to candles. Citronella candles perfume the air when burning and repel mosquitoes. Citronella oil is also an ingredient in many natural bug repellent sprays and lotions. It is nontoxic and therefore may be applied to the skin.

Other Uses

Citronella oil repels more than mosquitoes. It is also used to repel fleas, no see-ums and other outdoor insect pests. Natural flea collars for cats and dogs are scented with citronella oil and other flea repellent oils.

Tags: repel mosquitoes

Make Vinegar Garlic Spray For Cleaning

With all of the attention paid to environmentally friendly cleaning products, many people are making their own cleansers and sprays to use in place of commercial products. Home cleansers are generally made with products most families already have in place and cost a fraction of what can be purchased at the market. Vinegar often provides the base, along with water, to clean counter tops, windows, bathrooms and other surfaces. The addition of garlic can add a preventative boost against mold and pests. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Peel and chop two to four cloves of fresh garlic. You don't need to mince the garlic, cutting the pieces in to halves or thirds is plenty.

2. Boil the garlic in one cup of water for five minutes. Cool and strain the garlic through a mesh strainer or piece of cheesecloth. Capture the garlic water in a pot or measuring cup to add into the spray bottle.

3. Pour 1/2 cup of white or apple cider vinegar into a clean spray bottle, add the garlic water and fill the remainder of the bottle up with clean water. Double the recipe and store in a glass jar with a lid for later use.

Tags: garlic water, spray bottle

Flowers That Repel Bees

Only the adult orchard oriole bird can open Erythrina flowers for nectar.

Bees flock mainly to blue and yellow flowers for nectar and to pollinate, since bees can only see the colors of yellow, blue and ultraviolet. More than 4,000 bee species live in the U.S., according to the U.S. Forest Service. Certain flowers repel bees by specifically attracting other means of pollination or by producing odors bees do not like. Planting bee-repelling flowers helps if you have bee allergies but want to make certain other pollinators hang around, such as butterflies and hummingbirds. Does this Spark an idea?

Penstemon (Penstemon barbatus)

Certain species of penstemon flowers, native to eastern Asia and North America, evolved to attract hummingbirds to their nectar instead of bees by mimicking the shape of the hummingbird's bill. The bright red penstemon flower lures hummingbirds with its long, narrow shape, and the hummingbirds feed and pollinate each flower. Some penstemon flowers grow small yellow or blue flowers, which are easily accessible by bees.

Erythrina fusca (Erythrina fusca Loureiro)

The Erythrina fusca tree, growing mostly in South America, Africa and Asia, and the orchard oriole have evolved to work together to pollinate the tree. For example, only the adult orchard oriole birds can open the flowers of the E. fusca to receive the nectar and pollen. Other birds can only get nectar by feeding after the orioles have fed or by stealing nectar after piercing the flower. Adult male orchard orioles have a black and burnt orange color, matching a hidden part of the E. fusca flower. In turn, the E. fusca plants flower only when in the presence of the most orchard orioles. The largest bees cannot access the nectar of the E. fusca.

Feverfew (Matricaria parthenoides)

Feverfew produces white flowers that look like daisies, making it a decorative plant for flower arrangements as well as a medicinal one when dried. Dried feverfew soothes migraines and repels moths. The name "feverfew" originates from the Latin name "fetrifugia," which means "driver-out of fevers." Feverfew has a strong, pungent odor that repels bees. Avoid growing feverfew among flowers that need pollination.

Tags: Erythrina fusca, orchard oriole, adult orchard, adult orchard oriole, flowers nectar, orchard orioles

Dog Repellent Home Remedy

Sometimes, a dog repellent is necessary

Dogs are known as man's best friend, but sometimes you need to keep them out of certain places around the home or yard. Many dog repellents available at pet stores such as electronic and ultrasonic pet repellents, but these can be pricey. Depending on your dog, preferences, and budget, you may opt for a much cheaper homemade repellent that can be just as effective pet-store items. Does this Spark an idea?

Citrus Dog Repellent

Although many people find the scent of fresh citrus refreshing and soothing, dogs find the smell repulsive and tend to avoid areas containing that scent. This is probably the gentlest homemade repellent on both the dog and your senses. For outdoor use, cut up lemon or orange slices and scatter them throughout your garden to keep dogs away. An upside of using lemon or orange slices in the garden is that they will decompose over time and help fertilize the soil. Mix citrus juice with water for indoor use and mist it on the areas you want to keep your dog away from.

Cayenne Dog Repellent

If a stronger repellent is needed, try using cayenne pepper. Cayenne pepper is widely used as an ingredient in many commercial dog repellents. The capsicum in the pepper is especially irritating to dogs' skin, eyes, throat and nose. Cayenne pepper is readily available in the spice section of any supermarket.

For outdoor use, sprinkle the pepper among the plants to deter your dog from bothering them. The pepper won't harm your plants, but it will stop your dog from harming them. Instead of sprinkling pepper indoors where it may stain furnishings or floors, place a few dried chilis around the areas you want to keep your dog out of. Only a small amount of pepper or chili is needed to create an effective deterrent as your dog's acute sense of smell will pick up even a minute quantity of capsicum.

Vinegar Dog Repellent

If nothing else seems to work and you need something heavy-duty, you may have to resort to vinegar. Vinegar is another cheap and common household item that will be effective as a dog repellent. The downside is that although its potent smell will deter your dog from certain areas, it will probably deter you as well. It also cannot be poured directly onto your garden because it will kill your plants. On the positive side, it doubles as a pet odor remover.

Tags: your from, areas want, areas want keep, Cayenne pepper, deter your, deter your from, homemade repellent

Get Rid Of Mosquito Scars

Use Vitamin E oil to fade scars left by mosquito bites.

A warm summer walk isn't complete without a few mosquito bites. You may not even notice the tiny insect drawing blood but moments later, your skin will swell and begin to itch. The itching sensation can be extreme and the urge to scratch difficult to resist. Too much scratching can break open the bump and might cause scabs and even scars. To avoid scarring, be diligent about caring for your bites and apply the following topical treatment.

Instructions

1. Soak a cotton ball with Helichrysum oil and dab the cotton ball onto your scar, holding in place for five minutes. Repeat three times daily until the scar fades.

2. Apply Vitamin E oil to the scar and massage into the scar tissue. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and skin conditioner.

3. Apply Vitamin E oil generously every morning and night until the appearance of the scar improves. Massaging the area will help to break up the scar tissue, nourish the skin and, ultimately, fade the scar.

4. Rub cocoa butter into the scar daily. Cocoa butter moisturizes the skin and helps to even skin tone while emollients help to break down scar tissue and smooth out the skin's surface. Repeat three times daily.

5. Avoid future scars by applying a cotton ball soaked in tea tree oil to fresh bites. Tea tree oil has powerful antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that help to treat the bite, lessen the itch, and reduce swelling.

Tags: cotton ball, scar tissue, Apply Vitamin, help break, into scar

About The Pathogenesis Of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes that can cause fever, and pain in the joints and muscles, especially the back and legs. In its most severe form, as dengue hemorrhagic fever, dengue affects blood vessels, causing bleeding under the skin and in the organs that can lead to severe blood loss and death.

Types

Dengue fever can be very mild, with flu-like symptoms, sore throat and low fever that last only a few days. You may not even realize that you are infected. Dengue can also cause more serious illness, with high fever, pain behind the eyes, nausea, rash and severe joint and muscle aches.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever occurs as a complication of dengue. Fever usually spikes to extremely high temperatures and levels of platelets--the cells in your blood that aid in clotting--decrease. Blood vessels become leaky, causing bruising or bleeding from mucous membranes in the eyes, nose and mouth. In severe cases, blood loss can lead to hypovolemic shock or death when too little blood is able to reach the heart and brain.

Prevention/Solution

Since dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes, the best way to prevent infection is to protect yourself against mosquito bites. The mosquitoes that spread dengue are most active during the day, so even in warm weather it is important to wear light-colored clothing with long pants and long sleeves if you are traveling in areas where dengue infection is high. Spray an insect repellent that contains DEET on any exposed skin.

There is no vaccine or medication specifically for dengue at this time. Treating the symptoms of severe dengue mainly involves replacing lost fluids and electrolytes.

Considerations

Incidence of dengue has increased in many areas around the world as mosquito populations increase. Urban and suburban areas with standing water that act as a breeding ground for mosquitoes are most at risk. Watch for any areas of standing water around your home if you live in a subtropical or tropical area. Cover any open containers that may collect rainfall. Apply insecticides or introduce mosquito-eating fish to standing ponds.

Significance

Dengue is increasing around the world and is believed to infect over 50 million people a year. Once confined to more tropical and subtropical areas of the world in underdeveloped countries, dengue has now spread to developed nations including the United States. Prevention of dengue is exceptionally important since up to 90 percent of those infected with dengue a second time will progress to the hemorrhagic form. Children have a greater chance of developing the hemorrhagic form.

Warning

Since dengue fever can progress to the hemorrhagic form, it is important to see your doctor right away if you develop a flu-like illness with fever after traveling to a subtropical or tropical country. See a doctor if you develop such symptoms while you are still traveling, especially if you develop a skin rash or bruising. If your children experience such symptoms you should immediately take them to see a doctor.

Tags: hemorrhagic form, around world, blood loss, fever pain, hemorrhagic fever