Can Mud Repel Mosquitoes and Other Bugs?

 Original Article

by Tim Makay

I don’t think there is anyone alive who has spent any amount of time outdoors who hasn’t been plagued by mosquitoes and other biting critters.

Whether they are trying to suck your blood for dinner or are just biting you out of some misguided instinct of self-defense, it is always aggravating, sometimes painful, and potentially life-threatening in the form of germs and parasites.

There are all sorts of bug repellents on the market, but some folks look for more traditional, homeopathic methods. How about mud? Can mud repel mosquitoes or other bugs?

How to Keep Pests from Ruining Your Food Storage

 Original Article

APARTMENT PREPPER

by Bernie Carr

I recently wrote about storing food staples in Mylar bags which generated a lot of interest. One subject that is a concern for readers is how to keep pests from invading rice, flour, pasta and other staples. No one wants to find a bug or two in their food storage let alone have an infestation that ruins their stored foods. Let’s discuss how to keep these pantry pests away.

Foods that can attract pantry pests

The 10 Best Raccoon Baits You Can Use

 Original Article

By Tom Marlowe

Raccoons are common cohabitors with humans all across North America. These large and furry critters are definitely charming, at least when they are at rest, thanks to their dusky gray fur, iconic black mask, and ringed, puffy tail.

And those little paws that are so much like hands in their dexterity!

Precious, but these mobile mammalian miscreants have something of an unsavory reputation thanks to their propensity for breaking into trash, sheds, and even homes in search of food, even stealing it right out the bowls of our pets. The nerve of these procyons!

Unlike most other mammalian pests raccoons represent something of a challenge when it comes time to get rid of them, or relocate them.

Cheap, Easy, Effective, and Safe DIY Rat Bait

Original Article

Several years ago when we lived in Antelope Valley north of Reno, our little valley experienced a packrat infestation. Now mice are bad, and rats are worse, but packrats are evil incarnate. Almost as bad as lawyers and politicians.

They weren’t getting into the house or our food storage. They were building their massive, nasty nests in our vehicles, using whatever they deemed comfy and essential. They brought in a bit of outside material, but also found it necessary to chew through wires in our car and truck. I can’t remember all the damage they did—my husband sure would as he had to make the repairs—but chewing through the wires to the seat warmer in the driver’s seat of the Subaru was beyond rude.

HOW TO INSULATE A CABIN FLOOR AND KEEP IT RODENT FREE

How To Safely Catch A Skunk Step By Step

 Original Article

By Rebekah Pierce

Skunks. Nobody likes them – but they’re an inevitable part of living in the country. In fact, skunks can be helpful, preferring to eat plants and insects and thereby keeping various pest problems under control.

That’s not very helpful if you’re dealing with a skunk infestation on your homestead. If you do, you’re likely worried about the skunk spraying your home, belongings, or pets – or worse, going after your chickens’ eggs.

Do you have a skunk problem on your homestead? This helpful guide will teach you how to safely catch a skunk without getting sprayed. You’ll need a trap, some bait, and some gloves – it’s easy to do!

Follow these simple steps and you can get that pesky skunk off your property for good.

KILL RATS DEAD WITH CORNBREAD MIX & BAKING SODA

How To Get Rid Of Red Bugs Quickly And Easily

 Original Article

By Rebekah Pierce 

If you are a homesteader, then you know how pesky red bugs can be. They seem to appear out of nowhere and can be very difficult to get rid of.

Although their bites aren’t necessarily dangerous, they can be quite itchy and irritating – definitely not something you want to deal with, especially if you have young kids.

In this blog post, I will share some tips on how to get rid of red bugs quickly and easily.

So read on, and learn how to take care of these annoying pests!

What Are Red Bugs?