Combatting Warm-Weather Bugs

Tips 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:

• Clear tall grass and brush.

• Mow frequently and keep leaves raked.

• Remove vegetation or trash from around any source of standing water that cannot be changed, dumped or removed.

• Screen windows, doors and other openings with fine mesh and keep doors and windows shut to prevent entry.

• Have pets treated for flea and tick control and keep them on a regular regimen.

• When outdoors, use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon-eucalyptus on exposed skin.

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:
TruGreen

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.

Screen out pests. Even the most avid nature lovers can appreciate the need to keep pests away from their sleeping area. Using a tent with a screened patio area is one way to help cut down on the flies, mosquitos and other guests inside your sleeping quarters. The screen helps keep the majority of potential pests away from the main tent entrance so you can come and go more freely.

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:
Briggs & Stratton

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.

1. Make it edible. If you’re conflicted about what to plant, turn to functional plants that look good and taste great, too. Ly’s favorite meals come from her backyard, with raised beds where she rotates vegetables such as kale, beets and radishes, and herbs are scattered throughout the garden in small beds and pots. She also grows fruit trees, flowers and a cactus garden and has a composting area and tiki coop for chickens.
   
2. Ready the deck. No one likes fungus on the deck – or mildew stains, dirt or weather-beaten patches. Pressure wash your deck then re-stain it with a matching color and finish, and apply a wood preservative to help prevent water damage and discoloration.
   
3. Remove mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can form on the exterior siding and trim of your home, as well as on patio furniture, flower pots and swimming pools. It’s important to regularly clean the outside of your house as well as your outdoor furniture and accessories that may be susceptible to standing water to remove any mold or mildew. It is easy to remove mold or mildew with a garden hose, a long-handled brush and a mixture of one-half cup of Clorox Regular-Bleach per each gallon of water.
   
4. Give it a fresh coat. Weather can really take a toll on a paint job. If your shutters are looking dull or more washed out than before, it might be time for a touch-up. Same goes for the garage door as well as your front door. Nothing is more welcoming to guests than a well-cared-for facade.
   
5. Stop the spread of fungal disease in gardens. One thing to be mindful of in the garden is fungal diseases, which can be deadly to plants and wildlife. Although it may not be the first thing that comes to mind, Clorox Regular-Bleach when used as directed is a simple but powerful tool that is often used to help stop the spread of fungal diseases, and can even keep flowers alive longer when you add a small amount to the vase.

Find more tips to help you reacquaint yourself with your backyard and garden spaces at Clorox.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
Clorox