Get Rid of Summer Pests in Natural, Synthetics-Free, Home-Made Ways... and Enjoy the Summer More
Posted: Friday, July 20, 2007
by Eve Juurik
The Spring of Life
For me there is one place on earth, where I truly rest and relax - my family's Summer house on the island of Saaremaa. It is my little heaven on earth. I so love to take my parent's little dog Joosu, and roam the endless forests and fields and meadows. I so love to wake up in the morning... correction, afternoon... and step right out on the lawn, where my mom's countless flower-beds display their colorful beauty and the delicate bucket of their intermingling scents fills the air. Wow! I so love to walk to the sea through the old, winding dustroad, hemmed with ancient, moss-covered stone fences. I love the super-long midsummer nights, when it hardly gets dark at all. I love to take my camera and start snapping pics of all this breath-taking beauty, that the pure wonder of nature and the nostalgia of the memories of past generations, has to offer. It all is pure joy. I get so rejuvenated by it.
Research reveals that 75% of all doctor's visits are stress related. This shows the kind of life-styles we are leading. We need to learn to de-stress daily and enjoy the beauty and the good in our lives.
Actually, I believe, that the greatest joys of our lives, are the people and things that are already in our lives... people, that we so often take for granted - our spouses, our kids, our parents, our siblings... Too often we are so used to those people, that we no longer take the time to enjoy them and see the wonder in them. But it is there... if we choose to see it and appreciate it. And hey, there is a great catch that goes with appreciating others - they will immediately appreciate us more too... and we have contributed to a happier and healthier life for both of us!
Going back to Summer and some of the unpleasant things that go with it, like flees and bugs, I would like to share with You a few tips for a greater enjoyment of this wonderful time of a year:
Natural Itch Relief
Master Herbalist Susun Weed recommends a simple, very effective and chemical-free remedy against mosquito bites, flea bites, and other summer itchies:
Osha Root Tincture (which may be ordered online or found in your local natural foods store) is the best remedy for allergic reactions caused by poison ivy and bug bites EVER.
Simply apply tincture directly, and sparingly, to the affected area and allow to dry.
If osha is unavailable, here is another helpful itch treatment:
Cosmetic-grade clay mixed with water to make a paste, applied liberally to the affected area, and allowed to dry.
As always, consult a health professional before using this or any remedy if you are pregnant, or have compromised or threatened health.
Protect Your Pet From Fleas and Ticks
Put brewer's yeast or garlic in your pet's food; sprinkle fennel, rue, rosemary, or eucalyptus seeds or leaves around Your pet's sleeping area.
Essential Oils to Repel Insects
Essential oils are some of the most powerful natural remedies available. Some oils are especially effective in repelling insects. You can instill a few drops of Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) or Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) into Your body lotion and apply the lotion to exposed areas of Your body. Both of those oils also help to deodorize smelly legs... and added to a deodorant, make it more effective.
Get Rid of Ants in Your Garden
Ants can be a real pest in the garden. Fortunately there is a simple solution to getting rid of them: In a bowl, mix one cup borax, one cup sugar, and three cups water. Place a loose wad of toilet paper into four different screw-top jars that are about the size of shallow marinated artichoke jars. Pour the mixture into the jars until it is about one inch from the top. Screw the lids on the jars, and with a hammer and nail, make four to eight holes in the lid. Place the jars in areas where you have ants, and watch them line up in rows and march in. Keep away from children.
Create Your Own Natural Plant Spray
To rid your plants of many common pests, without using harmful synthetic substances, gently wipe leaves with a solution of mild soap and water. Or mix the solution in a spray bottle and spray leaves and stems.
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