Bergamot Benefits

Even If the plant had nothing but its beauty to recommend it, wild bergamot would still be worth growing. The narrow tubular flowers, which bloom from July through September, range from maroon to magenta to lilac In color and resemble a somewhat disheveled chrysanthemum atop a two-foot high, erect stalk.

Since the herb is a member of the mint family, it has its relatives' square, hollow stem, shallow, dense root system and paired leaves, which are tinged with reddish-purple on their "under" surfaces.

The pretty plant — though not choosy as to where it grows — does prefer "wet feet" and partial shade. You should know, also, that growing bergamot from seed is a slow process, so it's best to start your crop with root cuttings. Simply divide the roots — at any time from early spring until late fall — remove any woody or blackened portions, and set the runners out 18 Inches apart.

In order to maintain a healthy stand of flowers, this resetting should be done every three years. if, however, you feed your plants with compost In the fall, your "patch" can be left in the same spot (and will produce abundantly) for a good bit longer. Also, If you cut the plant back after the first bloom, It will produce an additional "harvest" during the same growing season.

Apart from Its beauty, bergamot functions as one of many flowers that attract hummingbirds and is a good companion plant for tomatoes. What's more, a leaf or two — tucked in a hat or pocket — will help repel pesky mosquitoes and gnats.

When harvested, bergamot is excellent for potpourri and dried flower arrangements, it makes a great garnish in wine cups and fruit punch, adds zing to lemonade and apple jelly and can also be used to flavor salads.

Also, a simple tip would be wearing a repellent bracelet such as the Repeller Bug Band.The Repeller Bug Band is a natural insect repellent bug bracelet that is DEET-free and safe for kids. It contains an all-natural,non-spray & deet-free repellent formula. This formula offers the best balanced proportion of 11 natural, organic essential oils and repels mosquitoes and fleas, gnats, ticks, ants and more! With this product, you get real protection without the use of dangerous sprays or powders!

Repelling Mosquitoes with these Plants

Various herbs have been used for centuries to help keep mosquitoes from landing on skin and biting. However, over the last century with the emergence of new products containing synthetic chemicals such as DEET, many common herbs with insect repelling qualities are no longer being used. However, plants can be used to repel biting insects.

To keep away mosquitoes during picnics outdoors burn Citronella candles. Lemon grass, Cymbopogan nardus, a course grass-like plant, contain Citronella oils. As well as its essential oil repelling insects it also may help to deter unwanted cats in the garden. Burning candles with wicks saturated with the herb, myrrh is also quite effective at keeping many insects away. Egyptians used myrrh as a fumigant.

Indoors try placing the scented geranium, Pelargonium citrosum Vanieenii at strategic locations such as near doors and windows. "Vanieenii" has a good reputation for warding off bugs. Many other scented geraniums besides "Vanieenii" also contain Citronella oils which help repel insects.
If insects such as mosquitoes have already become a problem many herbs can be used directly on the skin as repellents. Infusions of 50% Chomomile and 50% Elder leaves dubbed on skin are effective for up to 20 minutes. Infusions are much like making tea, boiling water is poured over the herb and the herb/water mixture is then left to steep for 10 to 15 minutes. The remaining liquid is strained and used as the repellant.

As well as infusion, other properties of herbs such as their essential oils can be used as repellents. Essential oils such as Lavender, Tea tree oil and Citronella from the stone root, Collinsonia canadensis an be worn on the skin and in hair to effectively keep mosquitoes away. It is best to dilute these powerful essential oils in a little olive oil and test this new mixture on a patch of skin before applying to ones entire body. Pennyroyal has also been used throughout history to repel insects. However, the oil of Pennyroyal is extremely toxic and should only be used by certified herbalist.
In the event mosquitoes were not repelled effectively, many herbs can be used to relieve the itching from bites. Wash insect bites with a Tea tree oil based soap and rinse with witch hazel. Next, dab freshly washed bites and lemon juice or cider vinegar. Before bedtime, apply lavender oil or cinnamon oil by rubbing on the affected area. As well as helping repel mosquitoes these oils also take away itching from bites.

Another quick and simple tip to prevent mosquito bites would be wearing a natural insect repellent bracelet such as the Repeller Bug Band.The Repeller Bug Band is a natural insect repellent bug bracelet that is DEET-free and safe for kids. It contains an all-natural,non-spray & deet-free repellent formula. This formula offers the best balanced proportion of 11 natural, organic essential oils and repels mosquitoes and fleas, gnats, ticks, ants and more! With this product, you get real protection without the use of dangerous sprays or powders!

2 Natural Predators that Repel Mosquitoes

Although the tiger mosquito does not have many predators, we can encourage the ones it does have.

Bats - Bats are one of the mosquito's most deadly beasts of prey. At night, bats come to life and flit through the air, using their sonar-like echolocation to hunt the tiny insects. Bat houses, like bird houses, offer bats a safe place to live. Setting one up in your yard will encourage these flying mammals to take up residence there and help control your mosquito population. Bat houses are wooden structures that look like plain boxes. There is a shallow opening on the bottom where the bats can enter. The small dark boxes imitate bat's natural dwellings, like small caves and hollow trees. Some insect eating bats can catch up to 600 bugs in only an hour! To dispel any myths and misgivings about bats, there are only three species which consume blood and they all live in Central and South America. Insect feeding bats have no interest in humans, and their swooping behavior is simply the dive they make to catch bugs, not to attack people. Bat houses can be easily constructed by hand (look at this handy site with step by step bat house instructions) or bought pre-made at a hardware or home store. Install your bat house high in a tree, on a tall pole, or directly onto the side of your house or other building. The box should be placed at least 15 to 20 feet off the ground and in a sunny spot. It usually takes up to one year for a bat colony to settle into a new bat box. Remember never to spray pesticides or other chemicals near your bat house. (On a side note, bat droppings, called guano, are an excellent nitrogen-rich fertilizer.)

Birds - Many birds are avid mosquito hunters. A few popular species include the chickadee, wren, and purple martin. Bird houses that are specialized for each species can be bought online, or built by hand. Plant brightly colored flowers near the bird houses, such as black eyed susan, and wait for a family to take up nest!

If you live near a lake or pond that is plagued by mosquitos, encourage the habitation of pond-living predators such as frogs, toads, damselflies, dragonflies, and larvae-eating fish. All of these water loving predators consume most small insects, including mosquitos.

Aside from these ways, there is another way to repel mosquitoes, that is, by wearing a natural repellent bracelet. It is DEET free & safe for kids (wrists / ankles) and babies (attach to ankle or baby stroller). Wear it on your wrist, ankle or attach it to your backpack. It is easy to use and you won't even notice it's there. It holds 1 Repeller Band Refill (15 Days Of Protection Per Refill). It contains an all-natural,non-spray & deet-free repellent formula. This formula offers the best balanced proportion of 11 natural, organic essential oils and repels mosquitoes and fleas, gnats, ticks, ants and more! With this product, you get real protection without the use of dangerous sprays or powders!

Lavender as a Mosquito Repellent

Lavender is a flowering, fragrant herb that belongs to the mint family Lamiacea. Lavenders are native to the Mediterranean region and southeast regions of India. The oil extracted from the blue-violet flowers has both medicinal and antiseptic uses.

Lavender oil has a calming scent and widely used in the medicines for reducing tension, migraine, anxiety, and depression. Its aroma reduces nerve exhaustion and also induces sleep. This oil is used as a remedy for muscular pain, and widely used in the treatment of respiratory and urinary disorders. Lavender oil is also used for the treatment of hypertension and digestive problems. Another important use is as a repellant against harmful insects.

Using Lavender Oil to Repel Mosquitoes

Lavenders are widely used as a repellent against mosquitoes and other insects. The advantage of using lavender oil over other chemical repellants is that it is completely natural and also has a sleep-inducing effect. It also nourishes the skin with no side-effects unlike other synthetic repellants. Moreover, the aroma is also pleasant when compared to the strong-smelling mosquito repellant creams.

To stay safe from mosquitoes, you can directly apply the oil to the ankles, wrist, or feet. The mode of application is similar to that of a perfume. Mix the lavender oil with aqueous cream and then apply to the desired parts for more sensitive skin.

Mixing lavender oil with citronella and eucalyptus oils and then spraying this mixture is an effective means to repel mosquitoes. This mixture is also used in the candle production. This herb can also be planted in your garden as it keeps the surrounding areas of the house free from mosquitoes and other unwanted insects.

Aside from using lavender oil, you can also wear a natural mosquito repellent bracelet. The Repeller Bug Band is DEET free & safe for kids (wrists / ankles) and babies (attach to ankle or baby stroller). Wear it on your wrist, ankle or attach it to your backpack. It is easy to use and you won't even notice it's there. It holds 1 Repeller Band Refill (15 Days Of Protection Per Refill). It contains an all-natural,non-spray & deet-free repellent formula. This formula offers the best balanced proportion of 11 natural, organic essential oils and repels mosquitoes and fleas, gnats, ticks, ants and more! With this product, you get real protection without the use of dangerous sprays or powders!

5 Ant Sting Natural Methods

In the past we presented you with 5 effective ways to treat ant bites. Now we will expand and present you with an additional 5 methods you can use for treating ant bites.

Method 1: Vegetables and fruits are a great natural remedy for treating ant bites. For example, you can pour lemon juice directly onto an ant bite. The acidity from the lemon counteracts and neutralizes the acid in the bite. A slice of cucumber on the bite is also helpful, as well as a little bit of onion or a clove or garlic.

Method 2: 20 Mule Team Borax is another great way to treat ant bits. You can soak the affected area in a tub of warm water diluted with 3 cups of the Borax. This should draw the poison out of the bite. Borax actually comes from the mineral ‘boron’. So, in effect, you are just soaking in a mineral bath.

Method 3: Aloe Vera – especially straight from the plant. If you can get your hands on one, just cut a leaf open, and squeeze its juice directly onto your ant bite. If you can’t get a leaf, the next best thing is pure aloe vera gel you get from a drugstore. It should draw any infection out of the bite.

Method 4: Take a pill of Benadryl if you have an allergic reaction to the bite (but make sure you don’t have any adverse reactions to Benedryl itself). A 25 milligram dose of Benadryl should do the job for any allergic reaction to the bite.

Method 5: Make a thick paste out of baking soda and water. Apply it straight onto the ant bite. Besides taking care of the pain, this paste should also help with the itching. This is also a great way to treat bee stings.

Another ant prevention technique is by using natural repellents. The Repeller Bug Band is a natural insect repellent bug bracelet that is DEET-free and safe for kids. It contains an all-natural,non-spray & DEET-free formula. This formula offers the best balanced proportion of 11 natural, organic essential oils and repels mosquitoes and fleas, gnats, ticks, ants and more! With this product, you get real protection without the use of dangerous sprays or powders!

Scorpion Sting Tips for Children

If a scorpion stings you or your child, follow the suggestions below. Healthy adults may not need further treatment, and these tips can help keep children safe until they see a doctor:

Clean the wound with soap and water.

Apply cold compresses to the affected area to ease the pain and slow the venom's spread. This is most effective in the first two hours after a sting occurs.

Keep the affected limb raised to the level of your heart.

Try to stay calm and quiet so that the poison spreads more slowly.

Don't consume food or liquids if you're having difficulty swallowing.

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Chlidren's Motrin, others), can help ease discomfort. But avoid using narcotic pain medications, which can suppress breathing.

Check your or your child's immunization records to be sure a tetanus vaccine is up to date. Scorpions tend to avoid contact. If you live in an area where scorpions are common, prevent chance meetings by doing the following:

 

Remove trash, logs, boards, stones, bricks and other objects that would make good hiding places for scorpions from around your home.

Keep grass closely mowed, and prune bushes and overhanging tree branches, which can provide a path to your roof for scorpions.

Caulk cracks, install weatherstripping around doors and windows, and repair torn screens.

Don't store firewood inside your house.

When hiking or camping, wear long sleeves and pants and check your sleeping bag for scorpions before you crawl in. Check your clothing and shake out your shoes before you put them on. Always wear shoes.

When traveling in other countries — especially if you're camping or staying in rustic accommodations — shake out your clothing, bedding and packages often and sleep under a mosquito net. If you have a known allergy to insect stings, carry an epinephrine injector, such as EpiPen.

If you do find a scorpion near your home or campsite, use tongs to gently remove the scorpion away from people. To prevent scorpion stings, a good natural repellent product to use is the Repeller Bug Band. The Repeller Bug Band is a natural insect repellent bug bracelet that is DEET-free and safe for kids. It contains an all-natural,non-spray & deet-free repellent formula. This formula offers the best balanced proportion of 11 natural, organic essential oils and repels mosquitoes and fleas, gnats, ticks, ants and more! With this product, you get real protection without the use of dangerous sprays or powders!

Tips for Repelling Aphids

Aphids frequently carry viruses which infect a host plant as the insect feeds. Such viruses are often lethal to crops like potatoes, citrus fruits, and grains. Furthermore, the honeydew secreted by aphids as they feed creates a favorable environment for sooty molds which spread quickly to coat the leaves of a plant, depriving it of sunlight.

While an aphid infestation may start out slow, aphids reproduce quickly and a colony of these pests can easily destroy entire crops if left untreated. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep aphids in check using all natural and organic means that won’t compromise the health of your garden or your family.

1. Physical Removal

For minor infestations of aphids, it may be possible to physically remove the insects from your plants. Don a pair of gardening gloves and brush or pinch the pests from stems and leaves. If the infestation is contained to one or two stalks or branches, prune off the affected portion(s) and drop them into a bucket of soapy water to kill the aphids.

2. Water Pressure

It is possible to spray aphids off of plants with the simple application of a garden hose. While this method may harm younger, more fragile host plants, it can be quite effective at controlling small aphid populations on more robust and well-established plants.

3. Soap and Water

The basic nature of mild household detergents makes them perfect for getting rid of mild to moderate aphid infestations. Dilute a few tablespoons of dish soap in a small bucket of lukewarm water and use a sponge or spray bottle to apply the mixture to plants where aphids have taken hold. Upon contact, the soap will dissolve the waxy protective coating from aphids’ bodies, dehydrating and eventually killing the insects without harming the plant. Remember to also treat the undersides of leaves where aphid eggs and larvae may be hiding!

***It is important to note that most forms of soap will also kill beneficial insects. Use caution when applying this treatment to your plants, as killing off populations of natural predator insects such as ladybugs, hoverflies, and lacewings will leave the door wide open for new colonies of aphids to move in.***

Another quick and simple tip would be wearing a natural repellent bracelet such as the Repeller Bug Band.The Repeller Bug Band is a natural insect repellent bug bracelet that is DEET-free and safe for kids. It contains an all-natural,non-spray & deet-free repellent formula. This formula offers the best balanced proportion of 11 natural, organic essential oils and repels mosquitoes and fleas, gnats, ticks, ants and more! With this product, you get real protection without the use of dangerous sprays or powders!

Repelling Garden Insects Naturally

It’s often easy to tell that something is eating up your organic garden, but identifying and eliminating the trouble-maker without using dangerous chemicals can be a more complicated, and often frustrating, process. Below are some of the most common pests along with an eco-friendly way to eliminate them.

Spider Mites

Spider Mites are another tiny little pest, that you may not be able to see right away (you may, however, see tiny little webs on your plants – a sure sign of spider mites). They live on the undersides of the leaves, sucking the sap out, eventually causing them to look very sickly with curled, yellow leaves.

To get rid of them, mix one part rubbing alcohol with two parts water and mist it on infested plants – this will kill them on contact. Make sure to spray in the evening so that the alcohol can evaporate before the sun comes up.

Beetles

There are so many kinds of beetles to attack your garden that it can be overwhelming. Some common troublemakers include: vine weevils, Mexican bean beetles, Colorado potato beetles, flea beetles, asparagus beetles and Japanese beetles. For some, you can tell by the name where they are most likely to strike, but several types of beetles are willing to go after any edible crop. The good thing about beetles is you’ll be able to see them going after your plants, and hopefully put a stop to it quickly.

To eliminate most beetles, all you need is a bucket filled with water and a tiny bit of soap. You can either hand-pick the beetles from your garden and drop them into the water, or pour the soapy water over infested plants. Either way the soap will kill the beetles and make it harder for future invaders to crawl onto your veggies. If the soap and water method isn’t getting rid of all of them, spraying plants with an All-Natural, Neem oil based spray will get rid of the rest.

Grasshoppers

Grasshoppers will take big bites out of the leaves of almost any edible plant. They can quickly and easily travel around your yard using their powerful legs and wings, so they’re one of the toughest pests to get rid of completely.

One of the only ways to eliminate Grasshoppers without using nasty poisons is to use a Hot Pepper Wax Spray, which can also be effective for aphids, whiteflies, spider mites and scale. Hot Pepper Wax Spray is generally made from cayenne peppers, and it works by making the leaves of your plants so spicy that the bugs won’t want anything to do with them. Just make sure not to use it too close to harvest or you’ll experience a bit of the spiciness yourself!


Also, a simple tip would be wearing a repellent bracelet such as the Repeller Bug Band.The Repeller Bug Band is a natural insect repellent bug bracelet that is DEET-free and safe for kids. It contains an all-natural,non-spray & deet-free repellent formula. This formula offers the best balanced proportion of 11 natural, organic essential oils and repels mosquitoes and fleas, gnats, ticks, ants and more! With this product, you get real protection without the use of dangerous sprays or powders!

Tips for Insect Repelling

The days are finally getting longer, the snow is (slowly!) beginning to melt, and spring officially arrives in just a few days! While the prospect of warmer weather has us all a bit giddy, we can’t forget the unwelcome intruders that tag along with the sunny summer weather.

Yes, we are talking about insects, and everybody knows that they can be a huge nuisance. However, using chemical products to keep them away is not on the top of everyone’s wish list. Here are ways in repelling insects naturally:

Wear Light Clothing

While you are probably already wearing light clothing, since it’s summertime and all, consider wearing light COLORED clothing as well! Mosquitoes are for some reason attracted to dark colored clothing, so switching up your fashion choices might actually keep the bugs away!

Relax

Calm down, you’re drawing the bugs! Seriously, though! When we stress, or sweat, our bodies release hormones and pheromones that the bugs are attracted to! So, try not to exercise outside,and if you need to stress out, do it inside in the a/c!

Soybean Oil

Soybean oil is usually used in cooking, but recent research has shown that it is also a great insect repellent! In a recent study, experts found that insect repellents made with soybean oil kept the mosquitoes away for an astonishing 94.6 minutes, which was WAY more than any other plant based repellent that was tested!

Citronella

Citronella is a lemony grass-like plant that bugs absolutely hate! You probably already know about it, since it’s found in almost all outdoor candles, torches and lanterns. It is one of the most powerful natural insect repellents! You can buy or make the candles, but you can also plant citronella grass outside of your home, and you can buy the oil and rub it directly on your skin!

Aside from this, a good insect repellent band is also a good option. The Repeller Bug Band is a natural insect repellent bug bracelet that is DEET-free and safe for kids. Mosquitoes, including ticks, fleas, gnats, etc., will hate you for wearing this band. It has a formula that offers the best balanced proportion of 11 natural, organic essential oils and repels mosquitoes and fleas, gnats, ticks, ants and more! With this product, you get real protection without the use of dangerous sprays or powders!

Spiders out!: Repelling Spider

Let’s be completely honest. Nobody REALLY likes spiders. Even if they are completely harmless little things, nobody really wants spiders hanging around inside their house.

But, how do you repel spiders naturally without hurting them, and without exposing your family to any potentially harmful chemicals?

Mint Them Out

Did you know that spiders HATE peppermint? Most people don’t! An easy way to keep spiders from invading your space is to fill a spray bottle with peppermint essential oil and water, and then spray it around your home. Plus, your home will smell great!!

Clean It Up

The cheapest and most organic way to repel spiders naturally is probably not the easiest! Keeping your home neat, tidy and free of dust or webs is the best way to keep spiders from moving in. Regular vacuuming, dusting, and de-cluttering will keep any insects from making themselves at home!

Use Vinegar

White vinegar has about five trillion uses around the house (look it up!), and repelling spiders is one of them! Repelling spiders with vinegar is much like repelling them with peppermint oil, in that you fill a spray bottle with vinegar and water, and spray all the cracks and crevices around your home.

Enlist The Help Of A Furry Friend

Cats are a great spider deterrent! Four legged furry friends can be great hunters and will definitely not let a spider crawl across the floor without going on the prowl and taking care of business!

Another good way to prevent mosquitoes is by wearing a natural repellent bracelet. It is DEET free & safe for kids (wrists / ankles) and babies (attach to ankle or baby stroller). Wear it on your wrist, ankle or attach it to your backpack. It is easy to use and you won’t even notice it’s there. It holds 1 Repeller Band Refill (15 Days Of Protection Per Refill). It contains an all-natural,non-spray & deet-free repellent formula. This formula offers the best balanced proportion of 11 natural, organic essential oils and repels mosquitoes and fleas, gnats, ticks, ants and more! With this product, you get real protection without the use of dangerous sprays or powders!

Oils as Mosquito Bite Remedies

First you catch a glimpse of a mere wisp of movement out of the corner of your eye. You swipe at it, but hit only air as the tiny predator deftly evades your hand and disappears. Then comes the high-pitch buzzing in your ear. Over and over you attempt to swat it away. Sadly, your efforts are all in vain. Before you know it, you’re covered in pink, swollen, itchy bites.

Yes, we are talking about mosquitoes, and everybody knows that they can be a huge nuisance. However, using chemical products to keep them away is not on the top of everyone’s wish list.

Peppermint

Apply crushed fresh peppermint leaves over mosquito bites or dab on a couple of drops of peppermint essential oil for fast relief. The cooling oils naturally present in peppermint temporarily overload nerves to stop pain and itching.

Fresh peppermint and peppermint oil also make excellent repellent against mosquitoes, ants, spiders and many other creepy crawlies!

Tea Bags

Gently rub a cool, damp tea bag over bites. The natural tannins in the leaves will draw out excess fluid to reduce pain and swelling.

Tea Tree Oil

Last, but definitely not least, dab a couple of drops of tea tree oil onto bites for quick and effective relief. Tea tree oil is a powerful anti-microbial in addition to being anti-inflammatory, meaning that your skin will heal faster with less chance of infection.

If you’re ready to try tea tree oil, you can purchase it along with lemon, peppermint, and three other popular essential oils.

Aside from this, a good mosquito repellent band is also a good option. The Repeller Bug Band is a natural insect repellent bug bracelet that is DEET-free and safe for kids. Mosquitoes, including ticks, fleas, gnats, etc., will hate you for wearing this band. It has a formula that offers the best balanced proportion of 11 natural, organic essential oils and repels mosquitoes naturally, fleas, gnats, ticks, ants and more! With this product, you get real protection without the use of dangerous sprays or powders!

Natural Ways to Avoid Mosquito

I’m sure everyone reading this right now has experienced the redness, the swelling and the uncontrollable itching that comes with a mosquito bite. It’s enough to ruin any barbecue or picnic!

Many people turn to store bought insect repellents to keep mosquitoes away, but these insect repellents often contain a toxic pesticide that is dangerous to human health. This pesticide is known as DEET.

Heavy exposure to DEET has been linked to memory loss, headache, weakness, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, tremors and shortness of breath in humans and is particularly toxic to children.

“Bug Off” Mosquito Repellent Spray

Stevie from GardenTherapy.ca has devised a fantastic “Bug Off” spray recipe that includes mosquito repelling essential oils such as citronella, lemongrass and eucalyptus. Spray this on your skin before heading outside.

Bug Repellent Sunscreen

This sunscreen is multi-purpose – it protects from harmful UV sun rays like any good sunscreen, but it also repels bugs, including mosquitoes.

On top of that it’s all natural and contains none of the toxic chemicals found in many over-priced store-bought sunscreens.

Throw Rosemary On The Barbecue

Mosquitoes often strike while we are barbecuing, but this simple trick will turn your barbecue into a natural mosquito repellent, while also adding delicious flavour to your food!

Throw a few stalks of rosemary on the hot coals to give off a mosquito repelling aroma.

To prevent mosquito bites, a good natural repellent product to use is the Repeller Bug Band. The Repeller Bug Band is a natural insect repellent bug bracelet that is DEET-free and safe for kids. It contains an all-natural,non-spray & deet-free repellent formula. This formula offers the best balanced proportion of 11 natural, organic essential oils and repels mosquitoes and fleas, gnats, ticks, ants and more! With this product, you get real protection without the use of dangerous sprays or powders!