With disease-carrying bugs buzzing around, it’s time to take the proper steps in protecting your lawn so that you can enjoy living life outside to the fullest and get the most out of your backyard this summer. Taking proper preventive measures can help protect your family and your yard from nuisance pests. To keep your family and property safe, the National Pest Management Association and the Centers for Disease Control recommends these 6 tips.Combatting Warm-Weather BugsTips to prevent pest-related illness and irritation this summer(Family Features) With temperatures rising and homeowners heading outdoors for picnics, parties and gatherings, insect-induced risks are fully in-season. With disease-carrying bugs buzzing around, it’s time to take the proper steps in protecting your lawn so that you can enjoy living life outside to the fullest and get the most out of your backyard this summer. Warm-weather bugs, such as fleas and ticks, offer risks that include irritating bites and Lyme disease, which is transmitted by deer ticks and is typically accompanied by fever, headache, fatigue and a skin rash. If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause nervous system damage. Ticks can often be found in heavily wooded regions and naturalized areas with tall, un-mowed grass and other plants. Pets and families should be aware of tick problems in these areas if left untreated. Fleas are also a problem for pets if left undetected. Fleas thrive in warm, dry periods of summer and can be difficult to control. Other lawn pests including chiggers, ants and spiders can be an irritation for families playing in their yard. Taking proper preventive measures can help protect your family and your yard from these and other nuisance pests. The National Pest Management Association and the Centers for Disease Control recommend the following tips:
Concerned homeowners should also consider contacting an outdoor pest control professional who can help reduce exposure to fleas, ticks and other pests, decreasing the risks for pest-borne illnesses. For example, the TruShield Lawn Pest Control Plan available through TruGreen includes an inspection of your lawn and treatment of any problem areas. The service also includes a broad application to significantly reduce the population of any other active lawn pests, and additional applications every four to six weeks for lasting control and ongoing protection. “Using a professional to help control lawn pests should be part of a well-rounded, comprehensive defense program,” said Bob Mangan, TruGreen director of technical services. “Because ticks and other nuisance pests can congregate in backyards, it is especially important to help protect yourself and your family so that you can fully enjoy your outdoor time.” Learn more about how to reduce your exposure to dangerous pests and help defend your home and family from unwanted lawn visitors at TruGreen.com. Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE: KEYWORDS
If a break from the sights and sounds of the city is calling your name, it may be time for a camping getaway to rest and recharge. Fortunately, if roughing it isn’t your idea of a good time, there are several ways you can elevate your campsite for a less primitive experience, such as screening out pests, powering your equipment, packing comfortable bedding, using electric cooking equipment and staying clean.
Elevate Your Camping Experience(Family Features) If a break from the sights and sounds of the city is calling your name, it may be time for a camping getaway to rest and recharge. Fortunately, if roughing it isn’t your idea of a good time, there are several ways you can elevate your campsite for a less primitive experience. ![]() Power it up. A generator makes it possible to enjoy some comforts from home while you’re soaking up the fresh air. Electricity can help power practical uses (fans and phone chargers, for example) and other nonessential but enjoyable purposes such as personal electronics and cooking devices. If you’re thinking your camping neighbors may balk at the large, noisy version you use for emergency backup power, you’re probably right. Fortunately, inverter generators, like Briggs & Stratton’s PowerSmart Series, are designed for quiet operation – perfect for a campsite. Some inverters operate as low as 59 decibels – quieter than a normal conversation. Look for models with technology that allows you to power mobile devices safely and offers campers multiple power options and outlets for greater versatility. Keep comfy at night. Many campers pack with a minimalist approach, but your bedding is no place to skimp. Even one night of uncomfortable sleep can put a damper on your getaway and leave you achy and irritable. If a cot or inflatable mattress isn’t practical, at least consider an extra layer for a softer cushion below you. Cut cooking time. There’s something hypnotically calming about the sight and sound of flames dancing in the night. But when your stomach is growling, the fire pit can be your worst enemy. A propane or electric stove can help ensure you won’t go hungry. Clean things up. After a hot, sticky day of hiking, a shower may be just what you need to refresh and revive. Fortunately, if your campsite doesn’t offer a bathhouse, there are dozens of options when it comes to portable showers. Make sure you have a dry towel at the ready by using a microfiber blend that is not only lightweight for transport but also dries quickly between uses. Portable generators emit carbon monoxide and are dangerous if not operated properly. The only safe place to operate a portable generator is outside and away from the campsite. To learn more about how to safely operate a portable generator, visit takeyourgeneratoroutside.com. Camping doesn’t have to be a rugged affair, especially with the variety of accessories available to help create a home away from home. Learn more about options to help power your next camping excursion at briggsandstratton.com. Photo courtesy of Getty Images (family of four) SOURCE: Once warmer weather arrives, there is nothing better than spending time outside on your deck or patio. But before you can enjoy those outdoor spaces to the fullest, you need to put in a little work to make them feel fresh and new again. These tips can help you clean up your outdoor space and refresh your home’s exterior just in time to host your first summer barbecue party.5 Tips to Get More Out of Your Backyard(Family Features) Once warmer weather arrives, there is nothing better than spending time outside on your deck or patio. But before you can enjoy those outdoor spaces to the fullest, you need to put in a little work to make them feel fresh and new again. These tips from gardener, outdoors expert and author of the Garden Betty blog Linda Ly can help you clean up your outdoor space and refresh your home’s exterior just in time to host your first summer barbecue party.
Find more tips to help you reacquaint yourself with your backyard and garden spaces at Clorox.com. Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE: |
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