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Diatomaceous Earth-Nature’s Supreme Pesticide

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When it comes to bugs and pesticides, more and more people are looking for natural products that are safer for their health as well as the environment. One of the biggest natural pesticides that is becoming more and more popular is diatomaceous earth.

What is diatomaceous earth?

Diatomaceous earth is a natural rock that is extremely soft. Because of its soft density, it can easily be broken down into a white powder. When the powder is broken down, it has a very abrasive feel.

What is it used for?

There are many uses for diatomaceous earth. It is used in many plastics, toothpastes, cat litter and even in dynamite. It’s also extremely heat-resistant, which makes it very popular for use as a thermal insulator. Today, it is also an extremely popular form of pesticide.

How does diatomaceous earth work as a pesticide?

Diatomaceous earth is extremely useful as an absorbent. The powder of the diatomaceous earth is used to remove the water and other liquids from the body of the insects, forcing them to die of dehydration.

They also have an effect on insects with exoskeletons, such as fleas and bedbugs. Due to their abrasive nature, the powder gets in between the skeleton of these bugs and cuts them up. Every time the insect moves, the particles in the diatomaceous earth act like tiny razor blades and cut the insect until it eventually dies.

Why should I use diatomaceous earth?

The main reason that you should use this product is because it’s natural, so it will not have any lingering effects on the environment. Plus, since it’s a natural product, nobody is using additional resources in order to create or manufacture it.

Another reason to use diatomaceous earth is because it’s safe for mammals. Humans and other mammals can digest and touch the product without experiencing any harm. This means that you can easily apply this to your garden and not have to worry about ingesting it with your food. Many farmers add this to their crops to keep bugs off of their grains and other foods. Plus, since it won’t affect mammals, you don’t have to worry about it having a negative effect on your household pets. If they were to consume the product, they will not suffer any health conditions.

Many farmers have also claimed that diatomaceous earth can help cure their animals of worms in a natural way. The diatomaceous earth will cause the worms to die, but it will not hurt the mammal that the worms are inside. Farmers also use the product to keep fleas away from their farm animals.

Are there any downsides?

The only complaint that some people have with diatomaceous earth is that it’s not a bait, meaning that you cannot simply put a pile of it around your home and expect the bugs to be attracted to it. Instead, the bugs have to come across it on their own, meaning that it may take a little bit for the product to work. If you want to cure your infestation of bugs immediately, you may want to choose something else, but if you’re okay with waiting for the product to kick in, then diatomaceous earth is a great choice.

Miranda Smith writes for Rose, Rose is a great option for those needing Chicago commercial exterminators services.







Protect Your Flower Garden With These Safe and Organic Methods

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If you want your flower garden to flourish and blossom beautifully, then you have to protect it against pests. Garden pests are the biggest enemies of flower gardens. Not only do they destroy the flowers, but some of them even eat through the roots and stems, killing the whole plant and destroying the beautiful look of your garden.

To avoid this, you can make use of pest control products that can keep pests away from the plants. However, there are some dangers to using commercial pest control products though, and more often than not, they do more damage than good not only to the flowers but to the environment as well. For this reason, here are some safe and organic pest control methods for your flowering plants.

Pest Prevention Tips

If you don’t want pests in your flower garden, then you have to prevent infestation in the first place. One of the reasons why pests invade your garden is because the garden’s not healthy. There are too many weeds; the grass is long; the shrubberies are unkempt; there are puddles of stagnant water; and there are garbage and dead leaves everywhere. An unhealthy and unkempt garden is an invitation for pests to stay.

To prevent pest infestation, you have to maintain a clean garden. Pull out weeds and make sure they are not invading the space of your flowering plants. It’ll be better too if you leave the soil around the flowering plants clear of any grass or weeds.

If there are weak plants near the healthier flowering plants, you also need to pull them out. These plants may have already been infected with pests, and you don’t want it attracting more and infecting the neighboring healthy plants. Of note though; be sure to dispose of them properly and see to it that you keep the debris away from your flower garden.

It’s also recommended that you remove debris and garbage in the garden. Keeping the flower garden free of dead leaves, twigs, cut grass, garbage, etc. will minimize insect habitat and prevent pest infestation.

Pest Control Tips

If there are pests in the garden, you can minimize their population by making use of seaweed mulch. Seaweed mulch contains important trace elements that can keep the soil healthy and the plants strong. Some of these include iron as well as calcium. There’s also zinc as well as sulfur and magnesium. By making your flowering plants healthy, they can withstand diseases better. Of note; seaweed mulch can also keep pests like slugs away.

Another way to get rid of pests is to make your own homemade sprays. They are organic and non-toxic, so they’re both safe for the plants, the environment, and humans. One such homemade spray that can get rid of earwigs and slugs is the pepper sauce spray. You only need to mix about a couple of teaspoons of cayenne pepper, a quart of water, and about a few Ivory soap drops. Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and spray directly onto the infected plants.

If the garden has a severe pest infestation, a call to your local pest control company will be a very good help.

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Jennifer Daleo writes for RovePestControlReviews.com. Keeping a garden healthy is easy, but if there’s severe pest infestation, then the services of a professional pest control provider will be very beneficial to you.

Bringing The Romance Of Fresh-Grown Herbs Home

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Gardens of herbs filling the air with their sweet and pungent aroma are the stuff of romance for both dreamers and poets. But the beautiful and useful herb garden isn’t limited to the grounds of a creative few; anyone who loves the taste of fresh basil in their spaghetti sauce or the soothing smell of lavender in the bedroom can bring the benefits of fresh herbs into their own homes. With a few suggestions to help them on their way, the most novice gardener can incorporate their favorite herbs into their everyday lifestyle.

Research Some Favorite Herbs

There are some great herbs that get chosen, grow beautifully and the gardener regrets them ever since. Take mint, for example. It smells beautifully and will attract bees. It grows well. And then rapidly overtakes everything else which is planted in the area. People who are new to herbs should find out which herbs like the sun, which herbs will experience a flavor change when planted next to other herbs, and which will take over the garden. A bit of research can save the new gardener from many frustrating hours of labor. Research the herbs of most interest to see if the herbs will be appropriate for the situation.

Choosing a Spot for the Garden

One of the beauties of an herb garden is that one can be confined to a window ledge or spread over acres of rolling landscape. While most of us don’t have the responsibility that comes with the ownership of herbal acreage, most of us do have room somewhere to insert a little plant of delicious aroma.

Potted herbs can be placed on window sills, in front of sunny windows, on a porch or patio or sprinkled around the edges of a yard. A vegetable or flower garden can be interspersed with planted herbs or one plot of land can be specifically designated as an herb garden. The important point is to plant sun-loving herbs in a sunny spot and place those herbs in the shade which don’t want as much sunshine. Once an area has been identified that is available for the herbs, watch it to see how much sunlight is available and then choose the herbs that will grow there.

Choose Herbs for Their Specific Purposes

There are some wonderful reasons that people choose to plant herbs in or around their homes. Many recipes are deliciously enhanced by the flavor of fresh herbs and there is a substantial amount of satisfaction in cooking from a personal garden. Many people grow and harvest herbs for medicinal and health purposes. Other may choose herbs for the aromas they give to the environment, for their aromatic use throughout the home or in potpourri. Other people may simply choose the herbs for their visual appeal. Following are some examples of the types of herbs that may be used in each situation.

Culinary use: basil, oregano, dill, mint, thyme, parsley, marjoram, chives

Medicinal purposes: lemon balm, chamomile, lavender, rosehips, aloe

Aromatic characteristics: mint, rosemary, lavender, lovage, sage, sweet marjoram

Decorative qualities: basil, chives, lavender, sage, chamomile, borage

Create the Herb Garden

After having researched the particular herbs to be chosen, learned their uses and planting preferences, and preparing the chosen site for planting, it will be time to purchase the herbs and establish the garden. One final reminder is to avoid getting too many herbs at once. Allow some time to become comfortable with a few herbs before branching out into many different herbs.

The romance and beauty of an herb garden may be within the grasp of just about everyone who wishes for one.

Lawrence Reaves writes for The Growers Exchange, a gardening company offering potted plants, herb plants and all sorts of gardening accessories.  Take a look at the high quality products they offer, here.

Choosing the best pH for Bonsai

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What is Bonsai?

Bonsai is a technique used to grow trees and has its origin in Asia. This method is linked with bonsai which is the art of training a potted tree to grow in a particular way.  Trimming the roots and branches usually results in a dwarfed tree.  The branches are then tied to the trunk by wires so that the root system balances with the top of the plant.  Each part of the tree has to be proportional; from the trunk to the leaves.

Bonsai growing is practiced on several sizes and species of trees. A small bonsai will grow 2 inches tall, while the average bonsai will grow to 2 feet. Although growing a bonsai tree is considered to be a form of art it can be very challenging. There are certain things you should know if you decide on a bonsai gardening project.

Moisture

Bonsai thrives best in soil that is well drained. When the plant is growing in the summer, add water once per day. During winter, water once each week.

While too much water will will cause the roots of the bonsai tree to rot, too little water can be harmful as well.  While it is necessary to water the bonsai tree often, the water should be pH tested before it is used, and if necessary should be adjusted to be more acidic.

Growing a bonsai tree in a shallow dish of water will provide the humidity it needs.  Never allow it sit directly in the water because the roots will become oversaturated, place the tree on rocks in the water instead.

Bonsai Soil

The bonsai plants, like most plants, will flourish in a soil that is slightly acidic.  What this means is that the pH level or the level of basicity and acidity should be in the range between 5.5 and 6.5. A neutral pH level is 7.0. If you want to ensure that you have the right pH level for your bonsai tree, take a sample of the soil you plan to grow it in and get it tested by an extension officer in your locale. The test will specify the soil’s pH level and will let you know whether or not you need to make any adjustments to the soil.

A typical bonsai soil is a mixture of organic and inorganic matter.  The usual soil mix for bonsai is 75% inorganic and 25% organic matter.  However it may differ subject to the needs of the specific bonsai.  Gravel, clay or sand can be used for the inorganic component, and the organic component can be mulch and dead plant matter.

The most rewarding experience for enthusiastic bonsai tree growers is the training and nurturing they are able offer to the trees. Because the bonsai tree is not being grown in its natural environment, you’ll have to make certain that you make available all that it needs to grow strong and healthy. To take good care of your bonsai tree, you have to provide it with enough watering, ideal soil conditions, feeding and training. Once these conditions are met, you will enjoy seeing healthy bonsai trees in your home.

Lucas Barnes writes for Plantdex about a range of gardening topics.

What Can You Do When Stung by Bees or Wasps?

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Seeing a bee or a wasp fly around will usually put any person on high alert. Our danger sensors are on high alert, ready for the insect to come swooping down and attack us at any time. Our vigilance is well-placed since these insects are very notorious and they have the most vicious sting of all pests.

Bees and wasps have a modified egg-laying apparatus known as ovipositor or stinger. The stinger is used to subdue prey and also to defend their nests. These insects sting rather than bite to inflict their venom and injure their attacker. The venom is then injected into the wound made by the stinger. The venom contains chemicals that can induce pain, and it may also contain toxic proteins that can induce allergic reactions to highly sensitive people. Bees and wasps usually attack people when their hive is disturbed or out of defense.

Bees And Wasps Can Be Aggressive If Provoked

These insects normally do not sting people, especially if you do not do anything to provoke them. If they fly close to you, you can stand still and they won’t even mind you. However, if you try to swat the bees or wasps and miss, it is possible that the insects will view you as their attacker, which could lead to being stung. In addition, bee stings also usually occur if you have disturbed their bee hive. These insects can be very dangerous because in addition to carrying their venom and toxic proteins in their body, they can also attack as a group.

The Dangers of Bee and Wasp Stings

Among the biggest risks from bee and wasp stings are: allergic reaction and infection. A person can be stung by bees and wasps anywhere on his/her body, and it can be painful and frightening. Here are some of the symptoms of a bee or wasp sting:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Warmth in the surrounding area of the sting
  • Hives
  • Small amounts of bleeding
  • Redness
  • Itching

The general symptoms that can indicate a more serious or life-threatening allergic reactions are:

  • Tickling in the throat
  • Breathing problems
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Anxiety
  • Sweating
  • Coughing
  • Itching in other areas of the body aside from the sting area

Treatment For Stings

There are certain specific treatments for stings, but it can be determined by your doctor. Local reactions usually do not lead to serious reactions, but they can still be dangerous if the sting occurs in the mouth, nose or throat area since the swelling might close off the airway. The treatments for local reactions include:

  1. Removal of the stinger. Gently scuff across the site with a blunt-edged object. You must not try to pull out the stinger using tweezers since this may release more venom.
  2. Wash the sting area with soap and water, and apply a cold or ice pack wrapped with cloth. This will help reduce swelling and pain, and prevent infection.
  3. If the sting is on the arm or leg, you must elevate the limb to reduce swelling
  4. To reduce itching, you can apply a paste of baking soda and water, and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. You can also apply a wet tea bag and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. Another remedy for itching and pain is the application of antihistamine, corticosteroid cream, or calamine lotion.
  5. Observe the individual for the next hour for any signs of developing allergic reaction which will need immediate emergency medical treatment.

If the individual develops the symptoms of severe allergic reaction, immediately call for your local emergency service. Emergency treatment may include:

  • Laboratory tests
  • Breathing support
  • Epinephrine
  • Intravenous antihistamines
  • Other specific medications

About 3% of the population is allergic to the toxic proteins carried by bees and wasps, resulting in a life-threatening reaction to the sting called anaphylaxis, which is a fatal allergic reaction. For this reason, if your area is known to have bee or wasp hives, it is best to address the infestation early on. You can also take preventive measures to avoid being stung, such as spraying your clothes with repellant, avoid wearing perfumes or other scented products, and avoid locations where hives and nests are present.

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Kris Lim is a health blogger who specializes in allergic reactions from insect bites and stings, such as from bees and wasps. She also contributes her advice and tips to pest control professionals at RovePestControlReviews.com.

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