Natural Ways to Repel Summer Insects
Summer time is here once again. Unfortunately, with all the good that summer brings, the warm and humid weather also brings unwanted insects.
Here are some natural and safe remedies to help get rid of these pests and enjoy your summer.
Wasps. Wasps come back as soon as the warm weather turns. The colonies are getting bigger and this results in more aggressive and hungrier insects. These insects have a good quality of eating other dead insects, however they are a huge risk to anyone who is allergic to them. Wasps do not like any type of mint, so growing mint in your garden will be a deterrent. Mint is safe and non-toxic to any pets or children who may accidentally get into it.
Ants. Warm and damp weather is a recipe for ants to come out. Ants can be attracted to anything that spills in your kitchen or on your floors. Once you see one ant, you can bet there are more hanging around. You can make a natural repellent out of white or apple cider vinegar and water. Simply put this mixture in a spray bottle and spray the affected areas.
Mosquito’s. Mosquito’s are a pest that can put a damper on the mood of any party or gathering. They seem to come out of nowhere and keep coming back. A safe and effective way to reduce the mosquito population around your home or yard is to reduce standing water if possible. Standing water is the mosquito’s preferred breeding ground and will bring them into any yard that has standing water. You can also grow mosquito repelling plants such as basil.
Ticks. Ticks are one of the hardest insects to get rid of. They dig into your skin and your pet’s fur and stick. A single adult female can have as many as 4,000 eggs in one sitting. Planting basil can help repel ticks along with a solution of tea tree oil and water. However, be aware, cats can be sensitive to this mixture.
Do you have any suggestions for repelling summer insects? Share them below!
Happy Summer!
Backyard Safety
Homeowners often aspire to have attractive backyards that look like they belong in a magazine. While these can be picturesque and functional for adults, they may not be entirely practical for homeowners who have young children, especially when the majority of the yard is covered with paving stones and concrete.
When young children are part of a household, homeowners may benefit by designing yards that are both functional and fun. Incorporating safe play areas for kids is one way to unlock the potential of both, big and small backyards.
When considering playground equipment for the yard, parents need to make safety a priority. Follow the “five S’s” when considering your next purchase:
Surface: Parents should assume children will fall. Be sure to buy equipment that is made of a material with a grip to it such as rubber.
Structure: Be sure that the equipment you buy is made of a sturdy material. Cedar wood works great if you are building your own equipment.
Site: Be sure to place your playset in a safe area. Avoid overhanging trees and area of the yard with direct sunlight.
Safety: Follow directions for installation and don’t cut corners to save time. Make sure to anchor down all posts into the ground and check your equipment often for rusty spots and wear and tear.
Supervision: Place your play set and play area in a place where you can easily monitor what is going on.
Backyard playgrounds should be built with safety in mind. Not only for your children, but for others too.
Cutting Prom Costs
Many people fondly remember their high school proms. While proms make great memories, they can also break the bank!
Prom can be an expensive occasion. On average, American families plan to spend $900 on their children’s prom. Here are some helpful tips to help cut costs when it comes to preparing for prom 2017!
Search for deals: Subscribe to mailing lists and download apps such as Living Social or Groupon to find the best deals on flowers, formal wear, and all the extras.
Go supermarket floral: Supermarkets and warehouse clubs may offer discounted prices on flowers, which prom goers can fashion into boutonnieres and corsages. Also, nothing says you cannot pull a beautiful bloom out of your home garden as well!
Be your own paparazzi: Smartphone cameras now have excellent capabilities, and certain apps can apply filters and fix minor flaws easily. Pair with a coupon for discount photo prints, and soon you’ll have a frugal photo memory book or wall portrait.
Savings in numbers: See if a particular vendor will cut costs if you book services with a group of friends. Retailers will guarantee the sales, and prom goers can save some money.
Prom is meant for making memories, not getting in debt. Save money with smart shopping and avoid all the stress!
Happy prom season!