Page 9 - Clear Lake Mirror Reporter E-Edition 7-8-2015

Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter Lifestyle July 8, 2015 • Page 9

Which everyday items
really repel bugs

(Family Features) During the summer, it may seem
impossible to keep bugs away from the home, so people will
try just about anything. Perhaps you’ve heard about household
DIY tricks to prevent pests, but what actually works?
As a way to help homeowners everywhere, Ron Harrison,
Ph.D., entomologist and Orkin technical services director, has
debugged some of these myths and explains why some everyday
household items can truly help keep pests away.

Truth: Bags of Water to Repel Flies
You may have seen water hanging in a clear bag on a porch
or outside of a restaurant. Did you know there is evidence the
bag can repel flies? It’s not the water itself or the plastic bag
that make it effective - the trick works when light reflects on
the water inside the bag. This confuses the flies so they stay
away.

Myth: Dryer Sheets to Repel Mosquitoes, Spiders Tips to help eliminate dangerous pests
and Rodents
Dryer sheets are rumored to protect against much more (Family Features) A yard that is lush, green destroy grasses and plants at their roots. application to significantly reduce the population of active lawn pests, and
than static cling. But there is no scientific research to back up and free of weeds shows evidence of healthy lawn Other lawn pests pose their greatest threat additional applications every four to six weeks for lasting control and ongoing
these claims. Wiping dryer sheets along baseboards and in maintenance. However, many homeowners overlook to you and your family. For example, Lyme protection.
corners may appear to work because they are picking up dust an important aspect of lawn care that can affect not disease, which is transmitted by the deer tick, is In addition to a regular treatment program, these tips from the Centers
and crumbs, which attract pests. So what can repel these pests? only the health of the yard, but also your family. the most commonly reported tick-borne illness for Disease Control can help reduce ticks in your yard:
•For mosquitoes: Apply an EPA-approved insect repellent Nuisance pests such as fleas, ticks, ants, spiders and in the United States. Typical symptoms include •Clear tall grasses and brush around homes and at the edge of lawns
with DEET. more can transmit diseases and cause allergic reactions fever, headache, fatigue and a skin rash. If left •Place a barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas
•For spiders: Install screens and tighten seals on doors for both people and pets. untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the •Mow the lawn frequently and keep leaves raked
and windows. Also, remove webs and other insects, which are Your lawn is the perfect environment in which heart and the nervous system. Currently, there are •Stack wood neatly and in a dry area away from the house or lawn
a food source for spiders. threatening weeds, diseases and pests can lurk, often no protective vaccines for humans for tick-borne •Keep playground equipment, decks and patios away from wooded areas
•For rodents: Clean up crumbs, cover trash cans, store with harmful consequences. In some cases, the primary diseases. and in a sunny location if possible
food in tightly sealed containers and seal cracks and crevices Considering how quickly pest populations •Remove any trash or debris from the yard that may give ticks a place to
inside and outside the home. damage may can multiply, being proactive in preventing and hide
come in the treating their presence is crucial. A regularly
Truth: Soapy Water to Repel Garden Bugs form of these scheduled treatment plan is one of the best
Garden bugs called aphids thrive when temperatures insects eating strategies to reduce your exposure to dangerous
rise and they feed on trees, flowers, fruits and vegetables. away at grass pests, and help defend your home and family from
Combining two tablespoons of dish soap with a gallon of water or the leaves unwanted lawn visitors.
and spraying the mixture on plant leaves every few days can of shrubs. Look for a system designed to eliminate
help manage an aphid infestation. Alternatively, active pests and control successive generations.
Summer temperatures and weather patterns lend grub worms For example, the TruShield Lawn Pest Control
themselves well to pests’ survival needs, which make it a or insect Plan available through TruGreen includes a first
peak time for pest activity. Remember to call a licensed pest larvae may
professional to assess the situation.

Rising temperatures are the diseases they can transmit, such outside by spraying the yard 2. If you pull out any fleas or ticks,
are a double-edged sword as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain and treating around the home’s immediately drown them in a nearby
for pet lovers. Warmer days create the spotted fever, which can also be foundation to kill any potential flea bowl of soapy water.
perfect setting for a run through the transmitted to humans. populations. In 3. Have your pet stand on a white
park or a game of fetch. But these warm Protecting against infestations ticks from jumping onto pets when sheet or towel. Then brush or rub your
days also provide an ideal environment When you see fleas or ticks on your addition to using a pet-safe insect pet’s coat. Small black specks on the
for pests that can have a serious impact pet, there is a good chance that they are repellant, cut down tall brush and grasses white sheet or towel are more than likely
on your pet’s health. in your home as well. Simply treating near the house or pet runs to reduce a fleas or flea dirt. Flea dirt can also look
Tiny but mighty your pet won’t rid the problem entirely, pet’s exposure to fleas and ticks. like sand.
Both fleas and ticks are small but because you risk re-infestation until pests Learn more about the health risks 4. Apply a monthly topical
dangerous. Fleas are ravenous and can are fully eradicated. associated with fleas and ticks, and find preventive treatment to keep pests from
consume 15 times their own body Household sprays, carpet powders additional prevention tips, at www. coming back.
weight in your pet’s blood. A serious and foggers kill fleas nesting in the petarmor.com. 5. Also be sure to treat your home
infestation can cause your pet to become home. Thoroughly vacuum and wash and yard to prevent a recurrence.
anemic. It is common for pets to have any carpeting, furniture or linens, How to Check for Fleas and Ticks Choosing a preventive treatment
sensitivity to flea saliva and just one including beds and pillows that your pet Adult ticks are often visible to No two pets are the same, so
bite can cause a severe allergic reaction, may have come into contact with. the naked eye, so you may be able to it’s a good idea to consult with your
leading to painful and intense itching. Although you won’t be able to spot them on short-haired pets. But veterinarian before you begin a flea and
Fleas also transmit a variety of diseases control the outdoor environment as with longer haired pets, it’s best to do a tick preventive program. Some questions
such as bartonella and typhus, as well as easily as the home, you should also thorough inspection with a fine-toothed to keep in mind as you’re determining
tapeworms. treat your yard so that pests aren’t comb. the best treatment for your pet include:
Female ticks can consume more reintroduced every time your dog or Signs your pet may have fleas can •Is a topical or oral treatment most
than 100 times their body weight in cat ventures outside. Prevent fleas and include flea dirt (small dark flakes), appropriate for my pet?
your dog’s blood, which can lead to excessive itching or scratching, redness •How costly is the treatment?
anemia. Their bites may trigger allergic and inflammation, hot spots and pale •Can I get the treatment from a
reactions, but even more dangerous gums. You may also see adult fleas on retailer over the counter, or is it available
your pet’s coat and skin. only through the veterinary office?
•Does it kill eggs and larvae to
Follow this advice to find and prevent the re-infestation cycle?
eliminate fleas and ticks on your pet: •How quickly does it begin working
1. First, use a fine-toothed metal and how long will it last?
flea comb. Run the comb along your •Is it waterproof?
pet’s back or underbelly, making sure the •Is it safe for breeding, pregnant
comb comes in contact with the skin. and lactating animals?

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