With the official arrival of summer, you can count on one thing. The bugs are out. Toss the aerosol cans of bug spray and try new "earth friendly" bug repellents this year. They can work wonders, and you know exactly what you are putting on yourself, and your children rather than the unknown chemicals in commercial brands.
Mosquitoes seem to be the number one annoyance of the summer. The first thing you can do is rid your area of standing water. Planting marigolds in your patio area deters not only mosquitoes, but other flying insects as well. Citronella candles repelling mosquitoes is a bit of a myth; studies show they only repel for approximately 20 minutes. Instead, try mixing garlic with water in a spray bottle. This has been shown to help for up to 5 hours, and garlic will not hurt your body.
Flies in your home are also another headache during the summer months. Flies tend to not like natural products such as mint, basil or bay leaves. Set out dishes of herbs, or wrap in cheesecloth and hang near high-prone areas such as open windows or pet dishes.
Do fleas bother your pet? Do not use flea repellents sold by mass retailers! Studies have shown pets have become seriously ill by over the counter flea remedies, sometimes fatally. Citrus is a natural flea repellent, as well as cedar. Mix lemon juice and water and rub on your pet. Cedar beds are also available for pets. Keep your house clean, and remember to vacuum regularly.
You don't need to subject your family and pets to toxic chemicals. Try living a green life and see the difference in your home!
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Ann Safford
Ann is a freelance writer who lives in Massachusetts with her husband, three children and a multitude of pets including her dog, two cats, a horse and six chickens. She enjoys writing about natural living, simple lifestyles and frugal living. Her hobbies include spending time with her family, horseback riding and gardening.
Ann is a freelance writer who lives in Massachusetts with her husband, three children and a multitude of pets including her dog, two cats, a horse and six chickens. She enjoys writing about natural living, simple lifestyles and frugal living. Her hobbies include spending time with her family, horseback riding and gardening.
With the official arrival of summer, you can count on one thing. The bugs are out. Toss the aerosol cans of bug spray and try new "earth friendly" bug repellents this year. They can work wonders, and you know exactly what you are putting on yourself, and your children rather than the unknown chemicals in commercial brands.
Mosquitoes seem to be the number one annoyance of the summer. The first thing you can do is rid your area of standing water. Planting marigolds in your patio area deters not only mosquitoes, but other flying insects as well. Citronella candles repelling mosquitoes is a bit of a myth; studies show they only repel for approximately 20 minutes. Instead, try mixing garlic with water in a spray bottle. This has been shown to help for up to 5 hours, and garlic will not hurt your body.
Anthony G. Alessi, MD
Charles Glassman, MD
Dale Peterson, MD
Mache Seibel, MD
Peter Weiss, MD
Mitchell Yass, DPT
Dr. Howard Peiper
Dr. Mary Riggin
