Mosquitos In Your Garden? Try Planting These.

If you are a serious gardener, you spend lots of time outdoors. And, for sure, you would rather be tending your plants than swatting mosquitoes.

While there are many things you can do to keep mosquitoes away, there are some plants that will beautify your yard and help repel mosquitoes.

As one more way to keep mosquitoes away from you and your yard, try planting these attractive plants.


HORSEMINT
Horsemint has a scent similar to citronella. Horsemint grows wild in most of the Eastern United States, from Mexico, Texas up to Minnesota to Vermont. It is partial to sandy soils and will grow in USDA Zones 5-10. Native Americans used it as a treatment for colds and flu. It has natural fungicidal and bacterial retardant properties because it's essential oils are high in thymol.


ROSEMARY
This wonderful herb we use for seasoning is also a great, natural mosquito repellant. It has been used for centuries to keep pesky mosquitoes away. Rosemary is a native of the Mediterranean, so it likes hot, dry weather and well-drained soil. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-10, and must be grown as a pot plant in colder climates. If you happen to live in a part of the country where rosemary does not grow, you can get a good quality rosemary essential oil; mix 4 drops with 1?4 cup olive oil. Store in a cool, dry place. When it comes to fresh plant oils as natural mosquito repellants, there is every reason to have the plant in your yard, if they will grow in your area. It is an inexpensive and attractive way to boost the appearance of the landscape and have natural mosquito repellants on hand as well.


MARIGOLDS Organic gardeners have used marigolds as companion plants to keep aphids away. Mosquitoes don’t like its scent any better (and some humans feel the same way). Marigolds are sun-loving annuals that come in a variety of shapes and sizes for almost any landscape. They are quite easy to grow from seed.


AGERATUM
This charming little bedding plant contains coumarin, and mosquitoes detest the smell. It is used in the perfume industry and is even in some commercial mosquito repellants. Don’t rub ageratum on your skin, though. It has some other less desirable elements that you don’t want to keep on your skin in quantity. Ageratums are annuals, and the come in a muted blue and white that compliments most other plantings.


MOSQUITO PLANTS
There are two types of plants that are called mosquito plants. One is a member of the geranium family that was genetically engineered to incorporate the properties of citronella. Citronella only grows in tropical places, but it is a well known repellant for mosquitoes. This plant was created to bring the repellant properties of citronella into a hardier plant. It will grow where any geranium will thrive. Many have questioned its usefulness as a mosquito repellant, but it is attractive enough to warrant planting for it’s ornamental value.
The other kind of mosquito plant is agastache cana. Its common names include Texas hummingbird mint, bubblegum mint, giant hyssop, or giant hummingbird mint. As you might guess, hummingbirds are quite attracted to it.
It is a New Mexico native, also found in parts of Texas. It is, in fact, a member of the mint family and its leaves do have a pungent aroma when crushed. In its native habitat, it is perennial, and is usually hardy in USDA Zones 5a-9a. It blooms late summer to early fall, so it catches hummingbirds on their annual migration. The long, medium pink flowers reel in butterflies as well.


CATNIP
One of the most powerful mosquito repellant plants is ordinary catnip. Recent studies have shown that it is ten times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. It is a short lived perennial throughout most of the United States. It is easy to grow from seed, and quickly reseeds. Aside from its intoxicating effects on cats, the leaves make a very soothing tea.
With all of these plants, the leaves must be crushed to release the aroma. Otherwise mosquitoes can’t smell them. And, with rosemary and catnip, you can simply crush a few leaves and rub on your skin and clothing to enhance the effect.
So, next time you are revising your plantings, consider using some of these attractive plants to do more than just enhance the landscape. You can have pretty ornamentals that also drive mosquitoes away.


About The Author: Scottie Johnson is a life long mosquito warrior and freelance writer dedicated to eliminating mosquitoes from her life. She is also an organic gardener. For more information about mosquito control in your home and yard, visit her website at http://www.mosquito-kill-net.com.

Using Insect Repellents Safely

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) answers questions about Insect Repellents and DEET.


Q. Which mosquito repellent works the best?
A. The most effective repellents contain DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), which is an ingredient used to repel pests like mosquitoes and ticks. DEET has been tested against a variety of biting insects and has been shown to be very effective. The more DEET a repellent contains the longer time it can protect you from mosquito bites. A higher percentage of DEET in a repellent does not mean that your protection is better—just that it will last longer. DEET concentrations higher than 50% do not increase the length of protection.


Q. Is DEET safe?
A. Yes, products containing DEET are very safe when used according to the directions. The regulation of substances such as DEET is determined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Because DEET is so widely used, a great deal of testing has been done. When manufacturers seek registration with the EPA, laboratory testing regarding both short-term and long-term health effects must be carried out. Over the long history of DEET use, very few confirmed incidents of toxic reactions to DEET have occurred when the product is used properly.


Q. How does the percentage of DEET in a product relate to the amount of protection it gives?
A. Based on a 2002 study:


A product containing 23.8% DEET provided an average of 5 hours of protection from mosquito bites.

A product containing 20% DEET provided almost 4 hours of protection

A product with 6.65% DEET provided almost 2 hours of protection

Products with 4.75% DEET and 2% soybean oil were both able to provide roughly 1 and a half hour of protection.

Q. What are some general considerations to remember in order to use products containing DEET safely?
A. Always follow the recommendations appearing on the product label.


Use enough repellent to cover exposed skin or clothing. Don't apply repellent to skin that is under clothing. Heavy application is not necessary to achieve protection.

Do not apply repellent to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.

After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.

Do not spray aerosol or pump products in enclosed areas.

Do not apply aerosol or pump products directly to your face. Spray your hands and then rub them carefully over the face, avoiding eyes and mouth.

Q. How should products containing DEET be used on children?
A. No definitive studies exist in the scientific literature about what concentration of DEET is safe for children. No serious illness has been linked to the use of DEET in children when used according the product recommendations. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Environmental Health has recently updated their recommendation for use of DEET products on children, citing: "Insect repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide, also known as N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) with a concentration of 10% appear to be as safe as products with a concentration of 30% when used according to the directions on the product labels."
The AAP and other experts suggest that it is acceptable to apply repellent with low concentrations of DEET to infants over 2 months old. Other guidelines cite that it is acceptable to use repellents containing DEET on children over 2 years of age.


Repellent products that do not contain DEET are not likely to offer the same degree of protection from mosquito bites as products containing DEET. Non-DEET repellents have not necessarily been as thoroughly studied as DEET, and may not be safer for use on children.


Parents should choose the type and concentration of repellent to be used by taking into account the amount of time that a child will be outdoors, exposure to mosquitoes, and the risk of mosquito-transmitted disease in the area. Persons who are concerned about using DEET or other products on children may wish to consult their health care provider for advice. The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) can also provide information through a toll-free number, 1-800-858-7378 or npic.orst.edu.


Always follow the recommendations appearing on the product label when using repellent.


When using repellent on a child, apply it to your own hands and then rub them on your child. Avoid children's eyes and mouth and use it sparingly around their ears.

Do not apply repellent to children's hands. (Children may tend to put their hands in their mouths.)

Do not allow young children to apply insect repellent to themselves; have an adult do it for them. Keep repellents out of reach of children.

Do not apply repellent to skin under clothing. If repellent is applied to clothing, wash treated clothing before wearing again.

Using repellents on the skin is not the only way to avoid mosquito bites. Children and adults can wear clothing with long pants and long sleeves while outdoors. DEET or other repellents such as permethrin can also be applied to clothing (don’t use permethrin on skin), as mosquitoes may bite through thin fabric. Mosquito netting can be used over infant carriers. Finally, it may be possible to reduce the number of mosquitoes in the area by getting rid of containers with standing water that provide breeding places for the mosquitoes.


Q. Is DEET safe for pregnant or nursing women?
A. There are no reported adverse events following use of repellents containing DEET in pregnant or breastfeeding women.


Q. Can I use an insect repellent containing DEET and a product containing sunscreen at the same time?
A. Yes. People can and should use both sunscreen and DEET when they are outdoors to protect their health. Follow the instructions on the package for proper application of each product. Apply sunscreen first, followed by repellent containing DEET.


To protect from sun exposure and insect bites, you can also wear long sleeves and long pants. You can also apply insect repellent containing DEET or permethrin to your clothing, rather than directly to your skin.


Q. Should I use a combination sunscreen/DEET-based insect repellent?
A. Because the instructions for safe use of DEET and safe use of sunscreen are different, CDC does not recommend using products that combine DEET with sunscreen

SUN SAFETY

It is now well known that exposure to sun puts people at risk for skin cancer and premature aging and that most of that exposure comes during childhood (80% of a person's lifetime sun exposure occurs before they are 21). Regular use of sunscreen in children can lower their risk of skin cancer by almost 78%.


There are many sunscreens available for safe use in children over six months old. Pick one that offers UVA and UVB protection and that has a SPF of 15 or higher (especially if your child has light skin). Apply the sunscreen in a thick coat at least 30-45 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours (or more often in he is swimming or perspiring heavily).


Here are some other tips to protect your child from the damaging effects of the sun.


Wear protective clothing, including a hat and long sleeve shirt and long pants. Keep in mind that most clothing only has a SPF of 5-9, so you can still get sun damage with a shirt on.

Limit exposure to the sun when it is at its strongest (10am-4pm).

Protect your child's eyes with sunglasses that protect against UVA and UVB radiation.

Use sunscreen daily, even if it is cloudy, since most of the sun's radiation penetrates clouds and can still cause sunburn.
Consider using a sunscreen with ingredients (such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) that physically block the sun's radiation if your child has sensitive skin.
Deet lowers the effectiveness of sunscreens, so use a higher SPF if you are using a combination product that has both a sunscreen and an insect repellent

How to Outsmart Poison Ivy

Outdoor enthusiasts look forward to summer with excitement – once the weather cooperates, they want to be outside enjoying nature. That can mean hiking, camping, biking and other fresh air activities.


As any experienced outdoorsperson knows, when exploring in the woods, it pays to be on the lookout for poison ivy, oak and sumac. “The rash, blisters and itching associated with these plants are caused by urushiol, a chemical in the sap,” explains Dr. Mark Christensen, associate professor of Pharmacy at Oregon State University. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 85 percent of the population will develop an allergic reaction when exposed to poison oak, ivy or sumac.


Obviously, the first line of defense against being affected is being able to identify these three plants. You can find photos of the offending plants in books or online, but here are some other tips for identifying the plants.




Poison ivy grows around lakes and streams in the Midwest and East. It can be a woody, ropelike vine, a trailing shrub on the ground, or a free-standing shrub. It normally has three leaflets, but may vary from groups of three to nine. Leaves are green in the summer and red in the fall, and it has yellow or green flowers and berries.





Poison oak grows as a low shrub in the eastern part of the country from New Jersey to Texas; it grows to 6-foot-tall clumps or vines up to 30 feet long along the Pacific coast. Its oak-like leave usually grow in cluster of three, with clusters of yellow berries.








Poison sumac grows in boggy areas, especially in the Southeast as a rangy shrub up to 15 feet tall, with seven to 13 smooth-edged leaflets and glossy pale yellow or cream colored berries.








Common advice for those who come into contact with one of the plants is to remove all clothes and shoes that have touched the plant; and wash the exposed skin within ten minutes with soap and water.


These steps are not always enough, however, to ensure that you won’t still suffer from the rash and itch of poison ivy, oak or sumac. “It can be very difficult to remove all traces of urushiol from the skin, but if a person removes it in time, the rash can actually be avoided,” says Christensen.


A new product called Tecnu Extreme can actually protect users from developing the rash of poison ivy, oak and sumac as well as stop the rash from spreading if used after exposure. Simply squeeze a marble-sized amount of the gel into the palm of your hand, add a slight amount of water and gently rub it over skin that has been exposed to the poison plants.


Tecnu Extreme is an entirely new formulation from Tec Labs, "The Poison Oak and Ivy Experts." It contains micro fine scrubbing beads to help remove the rash causing oils that are embedded in the skin; the itch relieving active ingredient Grindelia helps treat the symptoms. It’s a one-step solution for people to use to prevent the rash, stop the itching or heal the rash once it has started.


So don’t let poison ivy, oak or sumac take the fun out of your summer outdoor activities. Just be sure to keep a tube of Tecnu Extreme in your backpack or medicine cabinet so it is handy when you need it.


For more information, visit www.tecnuestreme.com or call (800) ITCHING.


Courtesy of ARA Content

Create an Outdoor Living Space in Your Own Back Yard

Create an Outdoor Living Space in Your Own Back Yard



(ARA) - Today, almost everything you do inside your home is coming outdoors. From showers to kitchen sinks and everything in between, today’s homeowners are utilizing the back yard to get more life out of their homes.



In fact, Americans spent nearly $150 billion on home remodeling in 2005 and according to the U.S. Census Bureau, one-third of those dollars went towards outdoor living areas. In 2006, almost two-thirds of architects saw a dramatic increase in outdoor living spaces which encompasses such things as decks, patios and outdoor kitchens.



Of course grilling outdoors has always been a favorite pastime, but with the creation of outdoor kitchens, the backyard barbecue has a new gourmet twist. These second kitchens allow for a different kind of cooking and dining experience.



But it is not just about a different way to cook, it’s a lifestyle. Some homeowners choose to install an outdoor fireplace or firepit for the focal point and surrounded it with couches and chaise lounges for comfy conversation areas, taking entertaining to a whole new level.



To give your new features the appearance that they’ve always been a part of your landscaping, you’ll want to surround them in manufactured stone veneer. Few building materials create as great warmth and appeal than stone and brands like Cultured Stone manufactured stone from Owens Corning provide a great deal of distinctiveness for the dollar.



Among the material’s many benefits, it looks and performs like natural stone but is easier to install. Cultured Stone veneers are available in more than 100 different colors and more than 21 different textures to help add value and character to a project.



Getting Started on Your Outdoor Room



Pulling together an outdoor room is about creating an area that meets your idea of comfort and relaxation. The Hearth Patio & Barbecue Association offers these simple steps to help create the perfect outdoor room:



* Jot down ideas about how the space will be used in all of its applications, from entertaining to relaxing.



* Create a wish list. Find magazine and newspaper articles for information on outdoor living spaces. Clip pictures and put them into a notebook.



* Review your home’s style. Bring the indoor style outside, so the home’s décor has cohesion. There are products available for every taste and style.



* Get started with a pro. Visit a specialty retailer who sells hearth, barbecue and patio products. Take the notebook and wish list so they can see your plan and style. In addition to expertise and products, a specialty retailer can offer key insights about what’s available in a particular area and what works best in a certain climate.



* Consider fire and food. Position the fireplace as the focal point, blend in the cooking and eating areas as you would an indoor kitchen for usability.



* Think foundation. Stone patios, retaining walls, fences and decks are basic foundation elements.



* Draw a plan. The best way to achieve the desired end result is to sketch out a plan.



* Build the space. Have fun putting the space together. Consider multiple conversation areas for enhanced functionality and interest.



Get ready to plan your outdoor living space by logging on to www.culturedstone.com to get ideas. The site features a photo gallery, detailed product information and technical resources, like downloadable literature and instructions, that may help you with your project. A site search engine can help you find the authorized Cultured Stone products dealers nearest you. If you don’t have access to the Internet, you can call (800) 255-1727 for more information.



Courtesy of ARAcontent