6 Natural Ways to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard

For the most part, snakes are beneficial allies in our lawns and gardens, helping keep destructive insect and rodent populations to a minimum.

However, if you’re concerned about the safety of your family and pets, or regularly spot venomous snakes near your home, it might be time to give them the boot. Here are 6 natural approaches for keeping snakes out of your lawn.

 

Remove Clutter

Because snakes are ambush predators, they require hiding spots to successfully hunt. By removing clutter like and unused equipment, you’ll remove these potential hideouts thereby limiting your lawn’s snake population.

 

Install a Perch Pole in Your Yard

Perch poles help attract birds like hawks and owls, which are natural predators of snakes. For best results, install the perch in an area that provides birds with the best, most wide open view of your lawn.

 

Remove Their Food Source

Snakes feed on everything from insects to rodents to small birds. It’s simple: If you remove these food sources, you’re not going to encounter many snakes in your yard.

Start with general pest control measures like limiting outdoor garbage and applying a non-toxic insecticide to your lawn each month. Bird feeders and pet food bowls can also attract rodents and bugs which in turn will attract snakes, so consider feeding your pets indoors and removing or moving bird feeders farther from your home.

 

Landscape with Snakes in Mind

Tall grass, mulch mounds, rock beds, and water gardens make for excellent snake habitats, providing them ample space to hunt, breed, and hide. Avoiding these lawn features and keeping your grass relatively short is essential to keeping snakes away from your yard.

 

Try Cinnamon and Clove Essential Oils

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services reports that cinnamon oil and clove oil are effective at deterring some types of snakes.

To apply: Mix a few drops of each essential oil per gallon of water, and spray potential entry points, known trouble areas, and throughout grass and shrubbery.

 

Reach for A Water Hose

The next time a snake wanders into your lawn or garden, avoid killing it and reach for a water hose instead. Typically a few quick sprays with a hose is all it takes to get a snake to leave your property. This non-lethal approach is not only more humane but also safer, as you can remove the snake without having to venture too close

 

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Easy, Natural Rodent Control: 4 Steps

Rats and mice spread disease, contaminate food, damage property, and can even cause fires by chewing electrical wiring.

Conventional traps are hazardous to children and pets, and rodenticides harm wildlife all the way up the food chain, not to mention leave dying rodents in your walls. So, the next time you suspect mice or rats are scurrying about your home, try this natural and effective 4-step approach instead.

Prevent Them

This is the single most important step to rodent control.

Using spackle or caulk, patch all holes larger than the size of a dime both inside and outside your home, paying special attention to foundations and walling. Ensure baseboards are secure as well. For best results, use weather stripping on all doors and windows, too.

Stop Feeding Them

If there’s nothing to eat, rodents will vacate your house.

Starve them by storing all food (including pet food) in airtight containers. Wash dishes, wipe counters, and sweep daily to avoid crumbs. Empty trash cans often, too.

Repel Them

Because peppermint irritates the nasal passages of rodents, it can help keep these pests away from your home.

Simply place a few drops of peppermint essential oil on several cotton balls and strategically place them around known entry points and trouble spots like garages, attics, and kitchen cabinets. Replace every 5-7 days.

You can also deter rodents by encouraging natural and domestic predators. Rescuing or fostering a cat or terrier is the cutest option. Building an owl birdhouse just outside your home also works.

Catch Them

A humane trap that captures a rodent for later release can be helpful when all else fails. These can be found at hardware stores and sometimes acquired from your local animal control dept.

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Top Cute Puppy Names

Your puppy needs a cute name to match their equally cute appearance. Whether your dog is a small cute breed such as a Pomeranian, or a larger but equally cute fluffy dog such as Bernese Mountain dog, we’ve rounded up some of the best names out there for you to take your pick from. 

Choosing a name for your puppy is one of the first puppy-parent choices you’ll make, so make sure you pick wisely. 

Try to choose a name which suits their appearance and personality, but also keep it short enough so that you can call their name across the dog park with ease. 

Here are forty of the cutest puppy names out there. 

Top Twenty Cute Female Puppy Names

• Amber – Name your beautiful girl after a jewel, even better if she is the same color,  a warm honey shade. 
• Angel – Originating from the Greek word ‘angelos’ meaning messenger. 
• Annie – A beautiful woman’s name of English origin, meaning grace. 
• Bella – Relating to the French, Italian, and Spanish words for “beautiful.” Perhaps you’d prefer Isabella or Belle?
• Chloe – Derived from the Greek Goddess Demeter, Chloe means blooming or fertility. 
• Daisy – A pretty name after a white flower. This could be perfect for a cute white dog. 
• Ellie – A shortened version of Ellen or Eleanor, this name is of Hebrew origin, “el” meaning god and “or” meaning light. 
• Flower – Why not name your puppy after one of nature’s most beautiful creations: flowers
• Ivy – A really simple and charming name for a female puppy. The Ancient Greeks such to give newlyweds an ivy wreath to symbolize faithfulness – perfect for a faithful pup. 
• Kiki – This is a really cute name meaning new beginnings. It has French, Japanese, Spanish, and German roots. 
• Lola – Short for the Spanish name “Dolores,” which means “sorrows.” Lola is also short for the German name “Aloisia.”
• Mia – A shortened version of the name “Maria,” which has Latin origins meaning “mine” or “wished for child.”
• Minnie – Name your cute black and white pooch after the lovable Minnie Mouse, Mickey’s adorable sweetheart. 
• Molly – An Irish name meaning star of the sea. This would be a great name for a dog who loves to be in the water. 
• Nala – After Disney’s “Lion King” main female character. This name has multiple origins, African, Latin and Sanskrit. 
• Poppy - If you have a cute dog with red fur, this name would be the perfect match. Its Latin meaning is “red flower.” 
• Princess – A very sweet female name. If you want your pooch to be a pampered princess, this is the perfect name. 
• Rosie – This lovely name is of English origin meaning “Rose.” If you prefer the original name, why not name them after the beautiful flower? 
• Sugar – Is there possibly a sweeter name than “Sugar?” 
• Willow – Willow trees have a graceful appearance, which is why it’s a perfect name for a graceful dog. 

Top Twenty Cute Male Puppy Names

• Alfie – A really sweet boy’s name meaning “wise counselor.” 
• Bear – This boy’s name is of English origin and would be a cute name for a large teddy bear type dog. 
• Benji – Hebrew origin meaning “son of the right hand,” or “son of the south.”
• Charlie – This is an English boy’s name meaning “free man.”
• Chocolate – A cute name for a chocolate-colored dog such as a Lab. 
• Frankie – Short for Francis which was derived from the Latin word “Franciscus,” meaning “French,”  this would make a great name for a French dog breed. 
• Harry – This name is the medieval form of Henry, derived from the German world “heim,” meaning “home.”
• Henry – Perhaps you prefer Henry to Harry? This is an equally cute name for your sweet boy.
• Leo – Does your dog look like a lion? If so, Leo would make a perfect match for them as it is Latin for “lion.” 
• Louie – Does your pup have a spot of regal blood in them? If so, choose the name Louie – 18 French kings have had this name in the past as well as numerous saints. 
• Lucky – Meaning fortunate. Name your pup after one of the cute puppies from 101 Dalmatians.
• Oliver – From Latin origin, meaning “olive tree,” you could shorten it to Olly, which is equally cute. 
• Monty – A shortened version of the name Montgomery, which means “hill of the powerful one.” 
• Peanut – This is a really cute name for a small pet dog. 
• Rex – The Latin meaning of Rex is “King.” Ss your dog fit for a King’s name?
• Romeo – Does your puppy have a romantic streak in them? If they’re always giving you cuddles and kisses why not name them Romeo?
• Sammy – A cuter version of the name Samuel which is of Hebrew origin meaning “God heard.” 
• Simba – A boy’s name which is of Swahili origin meaning “lion,” also the name of the cute but fierce star of “The Lion King.” 
• Teddy – There are plenty of teddy bear dog breeds which you could give the name Teddy to. 
• Ziggy – This cute name would be a perfect match for any cute dog. 

We hope you’ve managed to find the perfect cute name for your new puppy somewhere in this list!

Author: John Woods www.allthingsdogs.com

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5 Tips for Keeping Wasps Out of Your Yard

6 Natural Bug Bite Remedies

Unfortunately, no matter how diligent you are with pest control and applying repellents, bug bites are still going to happen. That’s just the world we live in. Thankfully, just as there are natural approaches for preventing bites, there are natural options for soothing them once they occur. The next time a bug leaves you with a red, itchy bump, try one of these 6 natural bug bite remedies.

 

Oatmeal

Not only is oatmeal moisturizing and soothing, but research shows it’s also an anti inflammatory capable of relieving skin irritation caused by bug bites.

To use: Make a paste by mixing equal parts oatmeal and water and apply it directly to the bite site. Allow the mixture to sit for 10-15 minutes, then simply wipe it off with a wet cloth.

 

Aloe vera

Bug bites and stings cause your immune system to release compounds called histamines, which typically leads to an itchy reaction. Aloe vera has antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, which can do wonders to relieve this irritation.

For this approach: Cut open an aloe vera leaf and apply the plant’s gel to the irritated skin. Reapply as needed.

 

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm, an herb in the mint family, has natural antihistamine properties, which makes it awesome for alleviating bug bites and stings.

To use: Finely crush fresh lemon balm leaves and spread liberally on affected areas.

 

Lavender Oil

It smells incredible, improves mood, and to top it off, it also helps soothe bug bites.

Take advantage of lavender oil’s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities by diluting it with a carrier like coconut oil and spreading in on bug bites or stings.

 

Ice or Ice Packs

Ice works to calm the itching of bug bites in two ways. Firstly, the cold constricts blood vessels, decreasing inflammation and the body’s natural histamine response. Secondly, the ice will numb the site, reducing the urge to scratch.

Using a cloth or similar barrier, apply the ice or ice pack to the bite area. Remove after 5-10 minutes.

Chamomile 

When applied topically, Chamomile has restorative, anti-inflammatory effects. In fact, one study found that it both reduces pain and helps lesions heal more quickly.

To use: Steep a chamomile tea bag in a glass of water in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Squeeze out the water, and apply the tea bag directly to the affected area. Remove after 10 minutes.

 
 

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page to let us know what you think!

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5 Tips to Chigger-Proof Your Yard Without Harsh Chemicals

If you’ve ever encountered chiggers, chances are you’ll never forget the experience. Living in grassy areas during spring and summer, these relatives of ticks feed on the skin of their hosts, causing extreme, often painful skin irritation that can stay with you for months. Also known as red bugs, harvest mites, and berry bugs, chiggers can put a serious damper on summer activities. Here are 5 tips to get a chigger-free lawn this summer without harsh chemicals.

 

Deter Wild Animals

Small animals like rodents, turtles, and birds often introduce and attract chiggers to our lawns. Reducing clutter, regularly trimming shrubbery, and sealing trash cans helps deter wild animals thereby limiting the chigger population in your yard. 

 

Protect You and Your Pets 

Chiggers sometimes enter our lawns by hitching a ride on our clothing and pets. To prevent this and avoid painful bites, spray yourself and your pup before exploring wooded areas and spaces with tall grass.

Maintain Your Yard

Chiggers and the wildlife they feed on thrive in cluttered, unkempt spaces. Regularly mowing the yard, trimming bushes, and clearing brush like weeds and leaves helps deny chiggers the shelter and shade they need to survive.

 

Treat Your Yard

Treating your yard monthly with a non-toxic pesticide like PCO Choice is one of the most efficient approaches to killing and repelling chiggers. 

 

Remove Unnecessary Moisture

Without adequate moisture, chiggers simply cannot survive. Removing or repairing sources of unnecessary moisture like leaky hoses and avoiding overwatering can substantially limit the number of chiggers in your yard.

 

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page to let us know what you think!

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5 Scary Deets About DEET

DEET is arguably the most popular bug repellent in the U.S. Each year, millions of Americans spray it directly on their skin before camping, hiking, and cookouts to repel biting insects like mosquitoes. While DEET has one of the safer reputations among synthetic insecticides, it’s still an artificial chemical, and therefore something you should think about seriously before using around yourself, your family and pets. Here are 7 scary details to consider before you reach for another bottle of DEET-based bug spray.

Mosquitoes Are Adapting to It

While some types of mosquitoes are known to have a genetic resistance to DEET-based repellents, it seems now other mosquitoes are developing an immunity, too.

A study examining the host-seeking behavior of mosquitoes found that three hours after an initial exposure some mosquitoes displayed insensitivity to the repellent. Researchers believe this decreased response to DEET after previous exposure indicates that individual mosquitoes can adapt an immunity against the repellent that’s based on something similar to a learned behavior rather than solely genetics.

It’s Been Linked to Seizures

Although infrequent, potentially fatal seizures have been linked with DEET use. In 1998, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pointed to up to 46 cases of possible DEET-related seizures, including, sadly, 4 deaths.

The agency noted “it does appear that some cases are likely related to DEET toxicity,” and also suggested that more seizure cases are probably linked to the repellent but that “physicians may fail to check for history of DEET use or fail to report cases of seizure subsequent to DEET use.”

It Can Increase the Toxicity of Other Insecticides

Did you know DEET can actually strengthen the toxicity of other common synthetic pesticides?

Carbamates, a toxic family of insecticides often used in conjunction with DEET, is one such example. One of the studies that looked at DEET’s toxic interaction with carbamate insecticides concluded, “These findings question the safety of DEET, particularly in combination with other chemicals, and they highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the development of safer insect repellents for use in public health.”

It’s Neurotoxic to Mammals

It was long believed that DEET simply had an olfactory effect on biting insects like mosquitoes, meaning it repelled them simply by smell. More recent studies have discovered that while DEET does repel by scent, it also deters pests through neurological means.

One such study states “We’ve found that DEET is not simply a behavior-modifying chemical but also inhibits the activity of a key central nervous system enzyme, acetycholinesterase, in both insects and mammals”. Commenting on similar findings, researchers of another study concluded, “These findings indicate that DEET has neurological effects on insects in addition to known olfactory effects, and that its toxicity is strengthened in combination with other insecticides.”

 

It Can Melt Plastic

If you knew your bug spray could melt plastic, would you still put it on your skin?

In addition to repelling bugs, you might be surprised to learn DEET is a rather powerful solvent, especially when it comes to synthetic materials like plastic. This is especially relevant to outdoor enthusiasts like hikers and campers, as DEET is known to destroy items like camping gear, plastic bottles, sportswear, and more.

 

It’s Toxic to Pets

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center states that pets exposed to DEET products can experience “significant clinical” side effects. These health complications include skin irritation, eye damage, and respiratory issues, including airway inflammation and difficulty breathing. Gastrointestinal distress and nervous system problems are also linked to DEET exposure, such as ataxia, disorientation, and seizures.  

It’s Said to Alter Mood and Impair Cognitive Function

The Pesticide Information Project of Cooperative Extension Offices of Cornell University reports that in the late ‘80s Everglades National Park employees were studied to help determine the possible health consequences associated with prolonged DEET exposure.

It was discovered that those who used DEET more frequently were more likely to suffer negative side effects, including but not limited to insomnia, mood disturbances, impaired cognitive function, nausea, headaches, dizziness, and more.

 

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