Different Types of Marine Bites and Stings

Depending on the region where you have been enjoying open waters, you could come suffer a bite or sting from the following creatures of the sea – jellyfish, Portuguese Man-of-War, stingray, stonefish, scorpion fish, catfish, sea urchins, sea anemone, coral, cone shell, barracuda, moray (or electric eel), and sharks [1].

Symptoms

Depending on the creature that bites or stings you, the main symptoms that may develop include pain, burning sensations, swelling, redness, or bleeding near the place you were stung or bitten. You may also experience symptoms that affect the rest of your entire body, such as cramps, diarrhea, trouble breathing, fever, vomiting, excessive sweating, weakness, faintness, dizziness, and paralysis.

Marine Bite and Sting Home Remedies

It is important to immediately spring into action when you’ve been bitten or stung by a marine creature. Ocean bacteria are quite dangerous and infections become a primary threat. A local wound infection can develop in less within 24 hours. To lessen the damage to your body, consider the following home remedies for marine bites and stings:

a) Credit Card:

When you’ve come in contact with the tentacles of a jellyfish, remove using a credit card. Jellyfish tentacles have a knack for getting embedded in the skin. The longer they stay attached, the higher your chances are to suffer the delivery of their venom. Scrape the tentacles out in the same way that you would remove a bee stinger.

b) Baking Soda:

When scraping out the tentacles of a jellyfish, sprinkling baking soda on the skin makes the job much easier to accomplish.

c) Shaving Cream:

Applying shaving cream to the skin when trying to scrape away the tentacles of a jellyfish can make it easier to do.

d) Eye Drops:

If you receive a sting to the eyes, rinse with a saline solution.

e) Salt Water:

Immediately wash a marine creature wound with salt water to minimize the damage of possible venom or infection.

f) Household Pastes:

Create a thick paste out of flour or baby powder by adding a small amount of water until you achieve a decent consistency. Apply the paste to the stinging cells of a marine creature, and fully remove with the edge of a knife, safety razor, or credit card [2].

g) Tap Water:

A marine bite wound requires immediate cleaning, which can be done with lots of fresh tap water if nothing else is available. Gently scrub the wound with soap and water to remove any foreign materials and avoid infection.

h) Scissors:

If your brush with a marine creature has left behind dead tissue, remove with a pair of sterile scissors to minimize the damage.

i) Gloves:

If you have to remove a stinger, reach for a pair of gloves, when possible.

j) Ice:

Ease the pain of a marine bite or sting with an ice pack or a Ziploc bag filled with ice cubes. When no ice is readily available in the home, use a bag of frozen vegetables.

k) Alcohol:

After getting out of the water, rinse with rubbing alcohol (40%–70% isopropyl alcohol) to remove any larvae and other contaminates that could linger on your body.

l) Dishwashing Soap:

To clean a scrape left behind from coral, wash the wound for five minutes with large amounts of warm water and mild dishwashing soap. Cleaning the wound will reduce the risk of infection and scarring.

m) Stay Out of Swimming Pools:

To avoid enhancing the strength of venom cells, do not jump in a swimming pool because you think the chlorination will help. The water in the pool will actually cause the cells to discharge more venom.

n) Meat Tenderizer:

Components in meat tenderizer can neutralize the venom of jellyfish and other sea creatures. You can make a thick paste by combining salt water and meat tenderizer. Pat down the remedy on the skin within the first couple of minutes of being stung for quick relief.

o) Vinegar:

Treat a jellyfish sting by making a 50/50 mix of vinegar and salt water. Apply the remedy to the sting site.

p) Towel:

Use a towel to wipe off stingers and tentacles of marine creatures.

q) Lie Still:

To avoid spreading venom from a marine creature to other parts of the body, lie still and rest the affected area for about one hour.

r) Hydrogen Peroxide:

Treat wounds associated with sea urchins and coral by thoroughly washing with hydrogen peroxide. It is also suggested to follow up with a nice soak in diluted vinegar.

s) Tape:

Remove the tiny pieces of sponge or coral by using a piece of adhesive tape. Apply to the abrasion site, and then tear it away. As you pull off the tape, the leftover spicules are removed. Follow up by washing the wound with vinegar.

t) Hot Water:

Since heat lessens the intensity of the protein that causes pain in a stingray venom victim, soaking affected body parts in hot water for at least one hour can help a great deal. Hot water from the tap usually offers a 120-degree soak, which is hot enough to make a difference. You can also use this home remedy for treating wounds caused by catfish and starfish.

u) Lime Juice:

If you are unable to get your hands on vinegar after coming in contact with a jellyfish, reach for lime juice. Dilute with sea water.

v) Ammonia:

When nothing else is within reach, use ammonia to treat the site of a jellyfish sting.

Resources

[1] http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000032.htm

[2] http://firstaid.webmd.com/tc/marine-stings-and-scrapes-home-treatment

Causes and Symptoms

The itchiness that comes from insect bites are linked to chemicals found in the saliva or stinger. Some people are highly sensitive and allergic to these components and will display more intense symptoms. Common culprits of itchy bug bites include bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, mosquitoes, fire ants, fleas, ticks, lice, and bed bugs [1]. Besides itchiness, other symptoms that accompany an insect bite include redness, swelling, inflamed skin, and rashes.

Itchy Insect Bite Home Remedies

From common kitchen ingredients to everyday over-the-counter products taking up space in your bathroom cabinet, there are plenty of ways to ease the itchiness of a bug bite. To enjoy instant relief, consider the following home remedies for itchy insect bites:

a) Powdered Milk:

When the itch of a bug bite drives you crazy, create a soothing paste by combining one part powdered milk and two parts water with a pinch or two of salt. Dab the remedy on a bite. The enzymes of the powdered milk help to neutralize the venom associated with a bite or sting.

b) Ivory Soap:

Rubbing a bar of soap over an itchy bug bite can provide instant relief. Use a wet bar of soap for the best results.

c) Tape:

Position a piece of scotch tape over an insect bite. Some people have noted better results when dabbing on rubbing alcohol or ammonia on the bite before applying the tape.

d) Hot Water:

Since heat has proven effective against the itchiness of some insect bites, try taking a hot shower or bath. Applying a hot compress will also help.

e) Alka Seltzer [2]:

To address itchy mosquito and other insect bites, ease the itch by dropping two Alka-Seltzer tablets in a half a glass of water. Dip a cotton ball into the glass, and then apply to affected skin. If you are allergic to aspirin, do not follow this home remedy.

f) Toothpaste:

Ease the itch of bug bites by applying white toothpaste to affected skin.

g) Mouthwash:

The antiseptic properties of mouthwash (like Listerine) contain components that will soothe the itch of an insect bite.

h) Vinegar:

Directly apply white vinegar to an insect bite, or soak in a hot bath after adding two cups of vinegar to the water.

i) Tea:

Add rubbing alcohol to a strongly brewed cup of tea to create a solution that treats insect bites that itch. You may also place a used, hot tea bag directly on a bite or soak a cotton ball in hot tea that is then applied to affected skin.

j) Deodorant:

Directly apply the solid or roll-on type of underarm deodorant to a bug bite to gain relief from bothersome itching.

k) Nail Polish:

Ease the itching of bug bites by applying a single or double layer of clear nail polish on and around affected skin. Leave the polish on for a couple of days to continue enjoying relief from itchiness.

l) Salt:

After pouring a quarter size of salt on your hand, rub on the affected area of an itchy insect bite to enjoy relief.

m) Liquor:

Any liquor (from vodka to tequila) can serve as a substitute for rubbing alcohol, which temporarily helps stop the inflammation and itch of insect bites.

n) Baking Soda:

Add enough water to baking soda to form a paste that will help dry out and ease the discomfort of itchy insect bites. The consistency of this remedy needs to be slightly thick so that it will stay in place.

o) Hand Sanitizer:

A small amount of hand sanitizer rubbed into an itchy bug bite can bring soothing relief.

p) Meat Tenderizer:

Mixing meat tenderizer with a bit of water creates a paste that soothes painful, itchy insect bites and stings.

q) Tums:

While you may know Tums as an antacid, crushing a few tablets and adding a couple drops of water can create a soothing paste for itchy bug bites.

r) Aspirin:

Crush an aspirin and add a few drops of water to create a paste that is directly applied to itchy bug bites. Some people will substitute the water for a couple of drops of rubbing alcohol to enhance the antibacterial and cooling effect of the remedy.

s) Honey:

Applying honey to an insect bite will encourage the healing process and soothe the discomfort caused by allergens found in a bug’s saliva.

t) Epsom Salts:

A foot soak of water and Epsom salts is known to treat bug bites on the ankle and foot region.

u) Benadryl [3]:

Taking an antihistamine that contains diphenhydramine (such as Benadryl) can fight the factors that causes your skin to itch after a bug bite. You may also directly apply Benadryl cream to affected skin to see results.

v) Orajel:

The numbing properties of the toothache treatment called Orajel can provide relief for itchy insect bites. You can count on this remedy to last a couple of hours.

w) Oatmeal and Cornstarch:

Soothe itchy bug bites by soaking in bath water filled with powdered oatmeal (grinded in food processor or blender) or cornstarch.

x) Vicks VapoRub:

The menthol and camphor contained in Vicks VapoRub can help soothe the effects of an itchy mosquito bite because it boosts circulation of your blood and helps break up the anti-bloodclotting agents that accompanies some insect bites.

y) Preparation H:

Used to fight hemorrhoids, components found in Preparation H is known to reduce the swelling and itch of bites for up to 24 hours.

z) Mylanta:

Although no one seems to be able to pinpoint the exact reason why it works, the heartburn relief product known as Mylanta contains ingredients known to soothe itchy insect bites. Some believe the remedy is effective because Mylanta may reduce the acidity of the anticoagulant chemicals found in the saliva of insects.

aa) Witch Hazel:

You can apply undiluted witch hazel (an astringent for the skin) directly to insect bites to ease itching and discomfort.

bb) Rubbing Alcohol:

Ease the itch and stinging sensation of an insect bite by dipping a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and dabbing on mosquito bites.

cc) Ice:

Apply an ice cube or ice pack to a bug bite to gain relief from itching. If the bite is on the hand or arm, run very cold water from the faucet over affected skin.

dd) Basil:

Crush the fresh leaves of basil to express the oils, and then apply to a bug bite.

ee) Citrus Fruits:

Apply fresh lemon or lime slices directly to an itchy bite. You may also treat itchiness with the juice of lemons or limes.

ff) Banana Peel:

Rub the inside of a banana peel on a bug bite to relieve the itching.

Resources

[1] http://dermnetnz.org/arthropods/bites.html
[2] Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things; pg. 38
[3] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-insect-bites/FA00046

What is a Chigger?

Also referred to as ‘red bugs,’ chiggers are tiny parasitic larvae of mites that come in red, yellow or orange colors [1]. These creatures are closely related to ticks. While chiggers prefer a meal from small mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, they often feed on humans by mistake. They have hairy bodies and move with the help of six legs.

Chiggers measure about 1/150″ in length, but you can’t detect them without the help of a magnifying glass. They can become easier to see if several chiggers gather close to your waistband or wristwatch – giving off a bright red color [2].

Chiggers often appear during the late spring and summertime. They like to frequent overgrown lawns, leaf litter, shrubbery, and other damp, shady places. Once chigger larvae have found a human host, they work their way to places where clothing fits tightly over the skin (like socks) and prefer delicate or wrinkled skin to bite.

A Chigger Bite

Chiggers bite us in a similar manner to the tick. They attach to our skin by inserting tiny specialized mouth parts – commonly into skin pores or hair follicles. The mouth parts that pierce the skin are short and fragile. Penetration can only take place in thin skin, wrinkles, or folds. Common places where chigger bites are found are around the ankles, the back of the knees, around the crotch, under the belt line, and in the armpits.

It is not the bite alone that causes the skin to itch. The chigger injects saliva into a host after attaching to the skin. A strong digestive enzyme is found in the saliva that actually dissolves the skin cells it comes in contact with. Contrary to popular belief, the chigger is not after our blood – it feeds off of liquefied tissue.

When feeding, a chigger often goes undetected for one to three hours. This will be the chigger’s one and only meal. Once a chigger is fully engorged, it cannot bite again, and will eventually die. Many are accidentally brushed away or scratched off before they have a chance to finish a meal.
Victims of a chigger bite experience intense itching accompanied by a small, reddish welt on the skin.

Chigger Bite Home Remedies

You might not be able to see a chigger on your skin, but you certainly will know when you’ve been bit. To calm the itchiness, redness and other symptoms, become familiar with the following home remedies for chigger bites to gain soothing relief:

a) Aspirin:

Moisten an aspirin tablet and rub on chigger bites to ease the pain and itchiness.

b) Nail Polish:

To stop the itching and help remind you to stop scratching your bite, apply a small amount of clear nail polish an affected area.

c) Vitamin E:

Taking 400 I.U. of vitamin E is said to bring relief within 15 minutes. Until your bites clear up, take 200 I.U. every three or four hours.

d) Calamine Lotion:

To calm the itchiness of chigger bites, consider slathering on calamine lotion for relief.

e) Icy-Hot:

To cool the itch of chigger bites, Icy-Hot (or Mineral Ice) can come to the rescue.

f) Kosher Salt Water:

Some people bathe in water with added Kosher salt to treat the itching of chigger bites. While running water into your tub, add five cups of Kosher coarse salt. Soak in the tub for 10 minutes, and then pour one cup of salt over the bites. Vigorously rub affected skin while in the tub. It is reported that some burning may occur, but the itching will subside. Soak the skin for an additional five minutes. Once out of the tub, dry off. This home remedy comes in handy when you’re looking to get a restful nights’ sleep.

g) Diaper Rash Cream:

Who knew that the same cream used to treat diaper rashes could address symptoms of chigger bites?

h) Epsom Salts:

Stand in a bathtub filled with hot water and pour in ½ bag of Epsom salts. On the following day, repeat the procedure with the remaining half of the bag. It is said that the Epsom salts draw out the components that irritates human skin. This remedy supposedly cuts down the time it takes for you to heal.

i) Baking Soda:

Take a bath and wash affected skin with soap and water. Next, apply a paste made from baking soda and water to bites after getting out of the tub.

j) Listerine:

This popular mouthwash is said to take away the itch of a chigger bite. Soak a washcloth in the liquid and rub over affected skin. The Minty Cool flavor is a preferred choice amongst home remedy users.

k) Meat Tenderizer:

Sit on the edge of your tub and wet down your legs and ankles with warm water. Rub unseasoned meat tenderizer in a very gentle manner on the places where you’ve been bitten by chiggers. Leave the remedy on for about five minutes, and then rinse off with warm water.

l) Milk:

Have a glass of milk after suffering chigger bites, as the enzymes are thought to soothe itching the skin.

m) Elmer’s Glue:

Apply a thin coating of Elmer’s Glue on chigger bites to soothe the itching.

n) Hot Soapy Bath:

A warm soapy bath can remove and kill any chiggers attached to your body before they feed. Don’t forget to thoroughly scrub your body.

o) Avoid Afternoon Hikes:

Chiggers are most active during the afternoon hours when the ground temperature is between 77 and 86 degrees. However, the pests are useless when temps fall below 60 degrees. If the temperature falls below 42 degrees, the chiggers that bite humans actually die.

p) Clothing Choices:

One of the smartest things you can do to protect yourself from chigger bites is to wear proper clothing when traveling to places known for chigger infestations. Leave behind shorts, sleeveless shirts, and sandals. Choose long sleeves and long pants to protect your skin.

q) Pant Leg and Cuff Check:

When walking in wooded areas, tuck your pant legs inside boots, as well as button cuffs to keep chiggers outside of your clothing.

Resources

[1] http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/ehs/ehschig.shtml
[2] http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/avoid-outdoor-pests/chiggers

Causes and Signs of Mold

In order to grow, mold requires moisture and a food source. In your home, mold feeds off of drywall, insulation, and in some cases wood framing inside walls. If a house is properly waterproofed, ventilated, and has no moisture or condensation, mold is unable to grow. Common places that mold grows include window frames, basement walls, bathroom walls and ceilings.

Signs of mold include:

• A strange, pungent odor
• Black or gray spotting on surfaces – sometimes fuzzy or slimy-looking
• Unexplained watery eyes, listlessness, and congestion
• Increased allergic reactions [1]
• Discolored papers, fabrics and leather

The Difference Between Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew are different kinds of fungi even though they share some of the same characteristics. They come in various colors and textures – mold is usually black, green, red or blue, while mildew is typically gray or white. The two fungi are often mentioned as one in the same mainly because they appear in some of the same moist, warm places in a home. However, mold appears on food more often than mildew, while mildew attacks showers, paper and fabrics more often than mold [2].

Mold Hold Remedies

Since mold is associated with ruining household items and affecting your health, it is important to react fast once the warning signs become visible. The following home remedies for mold can help you reclaim your living spaces:

a) Remove Affected Items:

When materials have become compromised by mold, you need to clean up the area to avoid contaminating other objects.

b) Lysol:

After cleaning moldy objects, it is important to disinfect to prevent regrowth.

c) Fix Leaks:

Mold loves moist conditions, so if you have a leak in your home – get it fixed to keep the threat of growth away.

d) Soap and Water:

Although it doesn’t disinfect or penetrate deep growth, a blend of soap and water can remove surface mold.

e) Chlorine Bleach:

Heavy-duty molds respond to chlorine bleach. Prepare a solution with one cup of bleach and one gallon of water. Place the remedy in a spray bottle to kill mold.

f) Vinegar:

Create a solution of water and vinegar to effectively eliminate molds in the bathroom and kitchen. Transfer to a spray bottle and use a sponge to wipe.

g) Alcohol:

Remove mold throughout the house by rubbing alcohol on surfaces that show growth. This is an effective home remedy for removing mold on objects made out of leather.

h) Sunlight:

Mold on objects is destroyed when placed in the sunlight for a bit of time.

i) Air Conditioner:

Since moisture plays an important role in the growth of mold, turn on your air conditioner during hot, humid days.

j) Clothing Storage:

Do not store fabric items in a plastic bag or you run the risk of mildew growth. A storage alternative is to put clothing in a pillowcase or wrap in a sheet.

k) Remove Clean-Up Materials:

The materials and that you use for removing mold need to be tightly sealed in a garbage bag and tossed away so that you don’t leave behind debris that can promote regrowth.

Resources

[1] http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldbasics.html
[2] http://missourifamilies.org/quick/materialqa/material6.htm

What are Carpet Beetles?

Carpet beetles are common pests that not only gravitate towards fabric, but are also found in food products. Their small size allows them to easily find their way into homes and businesses. They come in from the outdoors – usually entering by way of screen doors and windows.

The different kinds of carpet beetles include Black, Varied, Common, and Furniture [1]. Carpet beetle larvae are easy to detect because they are hairy with a striped tan and white color. The back of the insect usually has tall bristles (or hairs). It is the larvae that use fabric as its source of food. When a carpet beetle reaches the adult stage, they range from 1/8″ up to 3/16″ in length. Some are black and oblong, while others have different color patterns and a more oval shape.

Carpet Beetle Home Remedies

At the first sign of an infestation, it is important to quickly react if you want to save your wardrobe, furnishings, and fabric décor. To get rid of these unwanted pests, consider the following home remedies for carpet beetles:

a) Vacuum Cleaner:

Vacuuming and steam cleaning your carpets and furniture on a regular basis will help cut down on the population of carpet beetles in your home by removing pet fur, human hair, and dust.

b) Inspect Flowers [2]:

Sometimes, carpet beetles enter the home because you have unknowingly brought them in with a fresh bouquet of flowers. Adult carpet beetles eat pollen and nectar instead of the fabric during their younger days. Flowers that tempt their taste buds include crape myrtle, spiraea, buckwheat, and other plants that produce a lot of pollen.

c) Dryer:

Place items with signs of carpet beetles in your dryer on the high heat setting for at least 30 minutes.

d) Plastic:

Reduce the risk of attracting carpet beetles by storing your clothes and starches in plastic.

e) Lighting in Closets:

Carpet beetles feed in the dark so a closet that receives a little sunlight or has built-in lighting will seem less attractive to the pest.

f) Clean Furnishings:

It is important to regularly and thoroughly clean furnishings in your home, including draperies, rugs, and upholstered furniture.

g) Clean Your Fabrics:

Carpet beetles are attracted to food and perspiration stains found on fabrics. Protect your belongings by keeping them clean.

h) Synthetic Materials:

Carpet beetles only eat organic materials, so if you have a room that you’d like to protect, fill it with furniture, carpets, rugs, and interior fabrics made out of synthetic fabrics and materials.

i) Routine Cleaning:

Prevent and eradicate a carpet beetle infestation by cleaning on a routine basis. The beetle enjoys a diet of animal and human hair. They also feed on dust bunnies that collect on floors.

j) Cedar Chests:

A new cedar chest contains an oil that has the ability to kill small carpet beetle larvae. However, the oil does not do so well on larger specimens. It is suggested to store clothing and other belongings in the chest for protection. Keep in mind that as the cedar ages, it will lose the power of the oil over time.

k) Boric Acid:

The reason why boric acid is a popular method of killing insects is because it is effective without posing a problem to humans. The substance is actually a naturally occurring compound. Dusting places you don’t want a carpet beetle to enter can keep the pest away.

l) Clothing Inspections:

During the fall and spring, go over clothing and your storage spaces to make sure you haven’t suffered an infestation.

m) Seal Broken Screens:

Make it a habit to check your windows and air ducts for holes or tears in screens to cut down on entry points for carpet beetles.

n) Mothballs [3]:

When storing clothing in a container, place mothballs inside to protect from carpet beetles.

o) Hot, Soapy Water:

If you find carpet beetles have attacked your favorite clothing, wash fabrics in hot, soapy water to get rid of the pests, larva, and their eggs.

p) Toss Out Items:

Sometimes, it is necessary to throw out certain items that have been affected by carpet beetles. If clothing can be salvaged, dry cleaning may help.

Resources

[1] http://www.bugclinic.com/carpet_beetle.htm
[2] http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7436.html
[3] http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/housingandclothing/DK1005.html

What are Centipedes?

It may seem that a centipede has a million legs, but in reality, the long bugs typically possess between 30 to 70 legs. The pest (which is classified as an arthropod) has received its nickname as the “thousand-legger” because they appear to have lots of legs as they quickly move across a floor or wall. Ranging in shades of tan, brown, and red, there are an estimated 8,000 species of centipedes around the world [1]. Centipedes usually seek shelter in the outdoors under rocks, tree bark, and leaves, as well as indoors in basements and bathrooms.

Because a centipede is an arthropod, they have skeletons on the outside of their bodies and possess segmented, jointed legs. Interestingly, centipedes are carnivores – eating other insects considered pests in households, such as spiders, moths, common houseflies, and cockroaches. However, because of their appearance, they aren’t welcome guests in a home. Although centipedes avoid getting close to humans, they have the ability to deliver a bite with a painful sting. Centipedes usually bite humans when they feel threatened or hungry.

Other facts about centipedes include:

• Centipedes lay their eggs in the springtime.
• They can live a relatively long time – from 3 to 7 years.
• For most of the day, centipedes hide in dark places, and then come out at night to hunt for small prey.
• Centipedes require a damp environment to live or their bodies will dry out.

Centipede Home Remedies

Unfortunately because of its appearance, the centipede has a bad rap. In reality, they prey on the small insects, termites, larvae, and spiders you equally don’t want in your household. While they help get rid of indoor pests, some people simply cannot stand their sight. Home remedies for centipedes include:

a) A Dry House:

Centipedes require a moist environment to live or they will dry out and die. To make your home less attractive to a centipede – clean damp closets and basements.

b) Dehumidifier:

Use dehumidifiers in rooms to keep the environment dry, which will repel centipedes. The pest needs moisture to live.

c) Seal Off Cracks:

Seal cracks around your house to cut down on the entrance points for a centipede. Repair cracks and holes in the foundation, concrete walls, doors, windows, and the basement floor. You should also cover basement floor drains with a window screen. Also, don’t forget to search for cracks or gaps in floorboards and under appliances.

d) Boric Acid:

Boric acid is a natural pesticide that can kill centipedes without harming humans or pets. Dust in areas you fear centipedes will visit.

e) Gloves:

When working in wood piles and other outdoor piles (such as grass clippings and leaves), wear gloves to protect your hands from unexpected centipede bites.

f) Jar:

A humane way to rid your home of centipedes is to simply capture it in a jar and release far from your house.

g) Eliminate Other Pests:

If centipedes do not have anything to eat in your home, they will move on elsewhere. Rid your home of termites, spiders, silverfish, bedbugs and cockroaches to reduce the number of centipedes in your home.

h) De-Clutter Your Home:

Eliminate the places in your home that can serve as shelter for a centipede. Reducing clutter inside and outside the home is one place to start. For example, removing laundry from the floor takes one more hiding spot away from centipedes.

i) Tear Down Ivy:

Consider removing ivy growing on the side of your house, which is a favorite hiding place for centipedes.

j) Eliminate Hiding Places and Shelter:

If it seems centipedes are easily entering your home, it might be a good idea to remove the materials close to your home that attract centipedes in the first place. Rocks, boards, and any debris close to a home or garden will decrease the number of centipedes living near your home.

k) Lawn Care:

Centipedes also enjoy setting up shop in rotting logs and grass clippings. It is suggested to clear away these items from your yard and exterior of the home. You can also frequently mow your lawn to make the area drier and less appealing to a centipede.

Resources

[1] http://a-z-animals.com/animals/centipede/

What are Raccoons?

With masked faces and ringed tails, raccoons look cute and cuddly, but can quickly become a nuisance when they tip over trashcans and invade gardens. The animal is equipped with five toes on both the front and hind feet. They have long, dexterous fingers that allow them to open latches, untie knots, turn doorknobs, and open jars [1]. Raccoons are nocturnal, intelligent, adaptable creatures. They live in the wilderness, but also in cities. For example, the densest population of raccoons in the state of New York is in New York City.

The Dangers of Raccoons

Besides coming in contact with a sick, injured, or rabid raccoon, they also leave behind feces that may contain the eggs of raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis), which is fatal to humans. If you have come across raccoon droppings (called scat) and attempt to clean it up on your own, make sure to protect yourself to avoid exposing yourself to the disease.

Raccoon Home Remedies

As omnivores, raccoons are on the hunt for a variety of foods, including frogs, fish, amphibians, shellfish, insects, berries, nuts, corn, vegetation, birds, eggs, mice, roadkill, cat food, and of course – human garbage. Typical homes for a raccoon include hollow trees, hollow logs, rock crevices, and ground burrows. To make sure these highly dexterous creatures aren’t a repeat visitor to your yard, consider the following home remedies for raccoons:

a) Ammonia:

Raccoons are clean animals and do not make it a habit to use the bathroom in their dens. If you have stumbled upon a raccoon den, consider tossing a towel soaked in ammonia into their home or the entrance of their den. Ammonia is naturally found in urine and the smell can make a raccoon think that their den is soiled – prompting them to look for a new home.

b) Dog Urine:

Raccoons will think twice before entering a yard that has the scent of dog urine.

c) Protect Your Trash:

Take back your yard from raccoons by keeping them out of your garbage cans. One approach is to use solid metal trashcans, which are harder to open. You can also use bungee cords to keep lids intact.

d) Cinder Blocks:

To keep raccoons out of your garbage cans, place cinder blocks on the lids every night.

e) Hot Peppers:

The sense of smell and taste of a raccoon is quite sensitive, which is why hot peppers are effective in repelling the creature from your yard. Mix powdered or ground pepper, such as cayenne and jalapeno, inside a spray bottle with water. Shake up the ingredients and spray close to garbage cans and around gardens.

f) Pepper and Onion Deterrent:

Create a raccoon repellent spray for your garden by combining one tablespoon each of cayenne pepper and jalapeno pepper with one chopped yellow onion. Boil the ingredients in a pot of water. Strain the contents and use as a spray to protect your garden from raccoons. It is suggested to repeat the home remedy once every after 4 to 5 days.

g) Cucumbers:

The smell of cucumbers is not pleasant to a raccoon’s nose. Therefore, planting cucumbers close to fencing and gardens is a good way to repel the critter. Raccoons also do not like maneuvering the prickly vines of the plants.

h) Fruit Tree Clean Up:

If you have fruit trees in your yard, it is a good idea to exercise aggressive clean-up habits. Raccoons will visit yards to snag fallen fruit. To make matters worse, rotting fruit on the ground acts like a beacon for raccoons.

i) Bird Feeders:

Since bird feeders contain appetizing snacks for raccoons, you may want to bring your feeders in every night if you’ve spotted the creature in your yard. Once they realize the food source is no longer available, the raccoon should seek a meal elsewhere.

j) Radio:

Raccoons typically steer clear of areas where they hear human voices. A radio set to a talk station can help deter raccoons from a yard.

k) Raccoon Bait:

If you are looking for effective bait for a raccoon trap, use canned cat food (or tuna fish) and most fruits.

l) Sprinklers:

If you know the time of night that raccoons sneak into your yard, consider scaring them off with sprinklers set on timers or sensor-operated sprinklers. The flash of water is an unpleasant experience for most raccoons. The sound will also give a raccoon a scare.

m) Flood Lights:

Some raccoons ignore the presence of light as they rummage through a garbage can. However, others are skittish of motion-activated devices, such as flood lights.

n) Do Not Feed the Beasts:

It seems like a no-brainer, but the slightest gesture of food can become your worst nightmare. Resist the temptation to feed a raccoon – no matter how cute and cuddly it may seem.

Resources

[1] http://www.clfdccd.com/Animal%20Tracks/Animal%20Tracks%20-%20Raccoon%20%28Procyon%20lotor%29.htm

What are Nits?

Nits are another way of referring to lice eggs – which can turn into the pests that can attack your hair, body, and pubic region. Before a nit hatches, they appear as tiny yellow, tan, or brown dots. Nits are about 0.8mm by 0.3mm in size.

Causes and Signs

Nits are found within 6 millimeters of the scalp. Lice will lay nits on hair shafts located close to the surface of the skin because the temperature is ideal for keeping the eggs warm. The eggs hatch between 1 to 2 weeks after they have been laid. An individual can also come in contact with nits by wearing clothing or using an item (such as a towel) that has nits or lice on it.

Nits resemble dandruff with the exception that they cannot be shaken off or brushed out [1]. Once they have hatched, the shell left behind is white or clear.

The presence of lice is also an indication that you require nit removal. Signs that lice are in your child’s hair is an itchy scalp, the sensation that something is moving in the hair, red sores on the scalp, and swollen lymph nodes in the front and back of the neck.

Nit Removal Home Remedies

Early detection, patience, and aggressively addressing the issue will help prevent the hatching of lice eggs. To keep your child in school and free of head lice, consider the following home remedies for removing nits.

a) Comb:

When nits appear within 1 centimeter of the scalp, physically remove with a fine-toothed comb.

b) 30 Minutes in Hot Cycle:

Any clothing that a child has come in contact with since one week before nits have appeared needs to be washed for 30 minutes on the hot cycle. This suggestion also includes hats, scarves, coats, and sports uniforms.

c) Wash Bedding:

Don’t forget to wash all bedding (including sheets, blankets, pillows, pillowcases, comforter, and mattress cover). It is suggested to wash in hot water, dry on the hottest setting, and place in a sealed plastic bag (for an extra precaution) to rid bedding of nits.

d) Plastic Bags:

Clothing, towels, and other everyday items can cause reinfestation of nits if not properly addressed. If you cannot wash an item in hot water, it is necessary to store in plastic bags for up to two weeks. Typical items include stuffed animals, throw pillows, barrettes, ponytail holders, hair ribbons, helmets, and necklaces.

e) Vacuum:

Use a vacuum cleaner to remove nits from mattresses, couches, chairs, rugs and floors, car seats, and car floor mats. Don’t forget to immediately dispose of the vacuum bag afterwards.

f) Vinegar:

Nits come with their own “cement,” which allows them to attach to the hair shaft. The properties found in distilled white vinegar can be used to loosen this substance to make it easier to remove nits. After shampooing, rinse the hair and scalp with vinegar. Use hot water to rinse out the vinegar.

g) Hair Straightening Comb or Iron:

The heat from a straightening tool, such as a comb or flat iron, is a chemical-free home remedy for removing nits. Not only does the intense heat kill eggs, but also eradicates head lice.

h) Coconut Scented Shampoo:

If you have only detected nits in the hair, but see no live lice, it is possible to overcome a greater problem by simply washing the hair with shampoo and removing nits using the specialized nit comb. Some people swear that coconut-scented shampoo is more effective because many pests, including lice, are not too fond of the smell.

i) Dry Hair Check:

It is better to detect nits under good lighting and when the hair is dry. The small size of the nits generally makes detection a challenging task. However, the lice eggs are also shiny when viewed at a certain angle. When checking the hair, go over very small sections at a time. Take your time as you investigate the edges of the hair, at the neck, and behind the ears.

j) Your Fingernails:

Although small, it is possible to pull off nits using your fingernails.

k) Scissors:

When possible, some people will cut small sections of an individual hair to remove a nit.

l) Kill the Eggs:

After removing nits from the hair, place in a bowl of vinegar or hot, soapy water with added ammonia.

m) Vinegar and Towel:

When more than a few nits are present in the hair, create a vinegar wrap to loosen the glue that allows the egg to attach. Mix a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water. Next, thoroughly wet a towel and wrap the head with it. Leave the wet towel on the head for one hour. Remove and allow the hair to dry. Recheck for nits and repeat if necessary.

n) Vaseline:

When nits are found on the eyelashes or eyebrows, coat the pests with Vaseline and remove. It typically takes up to four applications per day to see results.

Resources

[1] http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/common/head_lice.html

What are Ticks?

Ticks belong to the same family as spiders, mites, and scorpions. Across the globe, there are more than 800 species of ticks to worry about. The pest is interested in feeding off of the blood of a victim – human or animal. The two families of ticks to become familiar with is Ixodidae (hard ticks) and Argasidae (soft ticks), which transmit different kinds of sickness [1].

Hard ticks are equipped with a strong back plate (or scutum) that sets them apart from other pests. Ticks tend to attach and feed for hours up to days. The transmission of disease generally takes place as the end of their meal nears – when the tick is full of blood. Ticks usually dwell in locations with tall grass, overgrown brush, wooded areas, and forest beds.

Why Are Ticks Dangerous?

Ticks are known to carry disease and infect their victims. In the United States, humans should be aware of anaplasmosis and babesiosis (from blacklegged ticks), Lyme disease (from the blacklegged and western blacklegged tick), ehrlichiosis (from the lone star tick), Rocky Mountain spotted fever (brown dog tick), and tularemia (from dog ticks, wood ticks and the lone star tick).

Causes and Symptoms

Not all species of tick are a threat to humans even though they may reside in a specific state. For example, Illinois is home to at least 15 species of ticks. However, only a few species threaten humans, such as the American dog tick, lone star tick, blacklegged (deer) tick, brown dog tick and winter tick [2].

The bite of a tick is typically painless, and many people are unaware that they have been bitten. If a tick has bitten you, you may exhibit flu-like symptoms, fever, numbness, rash (or localized redness), weakness, confusion, shortness of breath, palpitation, nausea, vomiting, as well as pain and swelling in the joints.

Tick Home Remedies

When you venture out into the woods, forest, or even your own backyard, you never know when you will come in contact with a potential threat. Ticks are not only a threat to animals, but also humans. To avoid the side effects of tick bites, bacterial infections, or a case of Lyme disease, it is suggested to become familiar with home remedies for ticks:

a) Choice of Clothing:

The type of clothing you wear outside can lessen your contact with ticks. Choose long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and boots for trips involving tall grass and brush. Make sure to tuck the cuffs of your pants into your socks. It is also suggested to wear something that covers your head.

b) Insect Repellent:

If you apply an insect repellent that contains 10 to 30 percent DEET onto your clothes, you can decrease the chances of ticks bothering you in the outdoors.

c) Walking and Camping Habits:

When walking outside, it is suggested to position yourself in the center of paths and trails so that you avoid brushing up against weeds. When camping out, make sure to set up tents and sitting areas away from piles of leaf litter. Avoid directly sitting down on the forest floor, where ticks are likely to dwell.

d) Constant Check:

When enjoying the great outdoors, it is important to constantly check your clothing and skin for ticks every two to three hours. Ticks rarely attach to the skin quickly and rarely transmit a disease until they’ve been attached for four or more hours. Outdoor-loving pets need to be inspected as well.

e) Masking Tape:

Ticks that crawl on the outside of clothing can be removed by folding over a piece of masking or cellophane tape to reveal the sticky side. Press the stickiness against ticks, fold over, and then toss in the trash.

f) Tweezers:

If you go outside in tick-infested areas, it is suggested to carry a pair of tweezers along for the ride.

g) Soap and Water:

After removing a tick from the skin, thoroughly wash the area with soap and water. Follow up with an application of an antiseptic to protect against infection.

h) White Flannel:

Assess your surroundings before venturing into heavily wooded or grassy areas. Tie a piece of white flannel to a string, and drag through the underbrush or grass. If you’ve entered a danger zone, the cloth will reveal ticks that have attached.

i) Lemon:

Repel ticks on pets with the scent of lemons. Cut six lemons in half and boil in a quart of water. Allow the liquid and fruit to steep for a couple of hours. Strain the solution and transfer into a spray bottle. Apply the home remedy to your pet’s fur – making sure to avoid spraying into their eyes.

j) Garlic:

Since ticks are not too fond of the smell of garlic, you can use it to your advantage when it comes time to protect against the pest. One way to embrace this home remedy is to eat raw garlic or take garlic pills, which releases offensive chemicals into the skin and blood – making you less attractive to ticks. You may also give small quantities of garlic to your pets, such as grating a bit of garlic and adding to their meals.

Resources

[1] http://www.emedicinehealth.com/ticks/article_em.htm
[2] http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/pccommonticks.htm

What are Ticks?

There are about 800 kinds of ticks that live all over the world. Out of all the species, around 100 are known to carry diseases. In the United States, disease-carrying ticks include the Rocky Mountain wood tick (carries tick paralysis), American dog tick (carries Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tick paralysis), and the western black-legged tick (carries Lyme disease).

Ticks typically have a hard, smooth shield that covers all or part of their body. Some measure around one-quarter inch and can reach the size of a pinhead. The tick has two main body parts: head and abdomen. Ticks dwell in regions where there is vegetation, such as weeds, grass, trees, and plants. They like wooded areas and most likely come in contact with people and animals by sources of water, such as lakes and streams.

A tick doesn’t bite, but instead attaches itself to a victim (called a host) so that it can feed on blood. It uses barbed mouthparts to dig into the skin of a victim, making tick removal highly difficult. Most people and animals are unaware that a tick has become imbedded into the skin. If left undetected, a tick will engorge itself on the blood of its host over the course of 2 to 4 days and drop off. However, in that time – the damage could already be done if the tick was carrying a disease. It is also important to note that not all ticks transmit disease [1].

Tick Attachment

Tick attachment is usually painless and many people don’t even know that they’ve come in contact with one. For example, the deer tick (known to transmit Lyme disease) is nearly undetectable. However, symptoms of tick attachment do alert people to a potentially serious health concern associated with the pest.

On occasion, a neurotoxin is secreted at the time of attachment. Some hosts react with muscle weakness or paralysis. Other indications of tick attachment include localized redness, itching, burning, and in some rare cases, localized intense pain before or after a tick drops off.

If a tick transmits pathogens during a feeding, an individual may experience flu-like symptoms, fever, numbness, rash, weakness, confusion, swollen joints, painful joints, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting.

Tick Removal Home Remedies

Being too aggressive in removing a tick can cause it to transfer disease and encourage a skin infection. This is why many people use home remedies for tick removal to coax the mouthparts of the pest out of the skin. A variety of suggestions are found below:

a) Tweezers:

One of the best tick removal home remedies is a pair of tweezers. It is an effective way to firmly grasp the pest as close to the skin as possible. It is very important not to twist or jerk the tick when removing because the mouthparts can break off and stay in the skin. Any disease the tick is carrying will then be transferred into your bloodstream.

b) Piece of Tissue:

When tweezers are not available, remove a tick with a piece of tissue – making sure your fingers do not come in contact with the pest.

c) Soapy Water:

After removing a tick, place them in a container filled with soapy water to make sure they can no longer do any damage.

d) Alcohol Rub Down:

Before combing your pet’s fur to remove ticks, soak a cotton ball in alcohol and rub down the fur or coat.

e) Avoid Aggressive Tick Removal:

There is a great deal of home remedies for tick removal on the Internet, yet some will actually make matters worse. Do not follow suggestions for remedies that will give a tick a ‘shock.’ A tick will purge the contents of its body into your bloodstream, which could lead to infection or a transmission of a disease. Tick removal ideas to avoid include using nail polish remover, hot matches, and Vaseline.

f) Q-Tip and Insect Spray:

Place a small amount of insect spray on a Q-tip and directly apply to a tick that has become embedded into the skin. In most cases, the tick will back out on its own.

g) Dish Detergent :

Put a small amount of dish detergent (such as Dawn) on a cotton ball and place over a tick. Hopefully, he will start to back out of the skin on his own. Use a pair of tweezers to remove him from the skin.

h) Pert Plus Shampoo:

To remove ticks from a pet, use the dandruff shampoo Pert Plus. Starting at the neck and moving down the length of the body, quickly wash your pet. It is recommended to select the 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner option. Wear gloves while washing your pet to avoid yourself from coming in contact with a tick.

i) Apple Cider Vinegar:

After tick removal, rinse a pet’s fur with apple cider vinegar – a scent that ticks do not enjoy. Ticks should not reinfest the pet.

j) Cigarette:

Hold the hot end of a lit cigarette close to a tick. The heat will make it feel uncomfortable – encouraging it to release from your skin and back out on its own.

k) Tape:

Use the sticky side of masking or cellophane tape to remove ticks that are crawling on your clothes. Press the tape against the ticks, fold over, and discard in the garbage.

l) Finger and Hand Protection:

When removing a tick, it is important to use a tissue, paper towel, or latex gloves to protect your fingers and hands. It is highly suggested to avoid removing ticks with your bare hands [2].

m) Vial of Alcohol:

If you want to make sure the tick you’ve come in contact with is not capable of spreading a disease to you, after removing the pest, place in a small vial of alcohol to preserve it long enough for someone to analyze it.

n) Disinfect:

After removing a tick, it is important to disinfect the skin. Some of the ways to protect against infection is with soapy water or rubbing alcohol

Resources

[1] http://science-ed.pnl.gov/pals/resource/cards/ticks.stm
[2] http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/removing_a_tick.html