While calling an exterminator may be the first thing a homeowner may do when pests are spotted, this is not always such a great idea. The products that exterminating companies use are generally commercial grade, meaning they are made to wipe out pests using concentrated chemicals that are toxic to humans and pets. Many of these products contain poisons, hormone disruptors, and other ingredients that leave residues behind that should not be introduced into a home environment.

Prepping Your Home to Keep Out Pests

To better prepare and prevent pests in your home, there are some natural, common sense ways you can create a home fortress against unwanted guests like cockroaches, bedbugs, mice, fleas, and ants to name just a few.

Maintain a clean kitchen at all times. Pests are attracted to any food source, however insignificant it may seem. The kitchen is a prime target for pests because it’s the area in your home where food is prepared, served, and stored. Letting food crumbs, spills and other debris accumulate on kitchen counter tops, in sinks, appliances, and floors is like putting out a welcome sign to pests. To keep your home pest free, be sure to clean these areas regularly using natural cleansers that have a citrus scent. This will stop pests from visiting.

Seal up cracks and crevices in your home. A good way to prepare your home for keeping pests out is to do a thorough inspection of the structure of your property. Take the time to do a walk around the perimeter of the house, patio and porch areas, windows and entrances. Note any cracks in mortar, wood or window seals. Do the same inside your home, especially in areas of your basement, walls, window frames, under sinks and near heating and air units. Use a natural sealant to close up these areas. For larger holes, use steel wool to prevent rodents from getting in.

Use natural pest repellents  There are many excellent pest products to be found in natural food stores, but you can also make your own with ingredients found around your home. Try ¼ Cup of lemon juice added to clean water in a spray bottle for keeping surfaces clean and removing pheromones left behind by trailing insects. Peppermint oil can be substituted and used to repel cockroaches, bedbugs, and ants of many types. Rodents can be stopped by adding garlic to areas where you note chewing or droppings.

Keep food in pest proof containers. To keep your food pantry stocked and safe from pests, use food containers that are both food grade and pest proof. Glass containers with metal lids are preferable to plastic containers that are prone to chewing by rodents. Give food an added layer of protection by first adding them to a plastic bag, sealed, and then placed in containers off the floor level. Bookshelves and special food storage racks work well for this purpose.

Toss out old produce. Fruit flies and gnats continue to be a problem in many homes, especially when consumers buy their produce fresh from the market. When fruit flies get into a home, these tiny pests can multiply at incredible rates, making it hard to get rid of them. To prep your home for preventing these annoying pests, be sure to use fresh produce days and toss out anything that is overripe, especially fruits and tomatoes.

Use waterproof covers on beds. To prep your beds for safe slumber that doesn’t include bedbugs, a growing problem in many regions, take the time to cover all mattresses and pillows in waterproof covers before adding bedding. Never use pre-owned mattresses or bedding. If you bring furniture into your home, inspect it carefully for any sign of bedbugs, which look like tiny red dots on a piece of white paper left overnight.

Keeping your home pest free is a matter of working with nature and taking steps to make your home cleaner and less inhabitable to household pests.

About the author: Karen Miller spends her free time working in her garden growing all sorts of delicious vegetables for her specialized diet. She writes for Terminix’s bed bug exterminators.

Many people store food leftovers in the kitchen for use later, since this is a good way to cut your food bill. While this may cut down on food wastage, the food containers used may pose heath as well as environmental risks. This is because container manufacturers often use phthalates or bisphenol A (BPA) on their products. These chemicals can mimic estrogen and interfere with the body’s hormone levels. Of course, knowing the dangers posed by such containers can help you make better choices.

Photo Credit: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/419931

In today’s world, there are a lot of reasons to worry about natural disasters. After watching the recent storm, Hurricane Sandy, hurl through the states of New York and New Jersey, many people are wondering if they are prepared for a natural disaster. Millions of people lost power in Hurricane Sandy and a lot of people were turned out of their homes, many of which have been destroyed. Some people were caught entirely unprepared, while others seemed to fare better. Some of this is luck – if your home was in Sandy’s path it was not due to lack of preparation – but for some people, the right preparation made all the difference.

If you have found yourself wondering if you are prepared for natural disasters, the answer is probably no. But not to worry – it is not hard to make sure you are prepared should disaster strike. Here are some tips to get you started.

TIP #1 – Figure out what the dangers are.

Different parts of the country face different hazards and it is important to identify which dangers might show up in your area. If you do not know if you are more likely to be caught in a hurricane, tornado, earthquake, or flood, contact your local emergency mangers or the American Red Cross and ask someone there.

TIP #2 – Come up with a plan.

Once you have determined what dangers you might face, draw up a plan as to how you and your family will cope with them. Earthquakes require different responses than tornadoes, etc. so figure out what yours needs to be. Check out http://www.ready.gov for more information on how you can prepare.

TIP #3 – Make sure you can be contacted through multiple ways.

Do not depend on your cell phone or your wireless connection alone, but instead make sure you can be reached in as many ways as possible. Sign up for text alerts and emails, but also get a battery powered AM/FM radio. Don’t forget the extra batteries!

TIP #4 – Stock up on non-perishable food and water.

If you are stuck in a natural disaster, you might not be able to buy food for several days or longer. If you lose power, though, you cannot depend on anything in the freezer or refrigerator. That is why it is smart for all Americans to make sure that they are prepared for power outages by having enough non-perishable food stored up to last you several days. Canned food is a great option. You also need to be ready for the water to cut out. Water is even more necessary than food, so make sure you have plenty of bottled water on hand in case you need it.

Flashlights can be vital in an emergency! Photo Credit: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/900537

TIP #5 – Get the right supplies.

In addition to food, water, and a radio, there are a number of other supplies every home should make sure to have. These include: a first aid kit, flashlights, garbage bags, matches in a waterproof container, and personal hygiene products. Keep a set of all of these things somewhere in your house that is specifically designated for emergencies only. For example, you should not use your emergency flashlight as your regular flashlight. It will be easier to find everything if it’s all together.

TIP #6 – Consider buying a generator.

As Hurricane Sandy taught us, sometimes the power goes out for days or longer. This can be dangerous during the cold months of the winter and the hottest months of the summer. Consider investing in a generator, whether traditional gas-powered or a more eco-friendly model, like a solar-powered generator.

About the Author: Michelle Lim enjoys writing about preparedness and designer bedding. When she’s not spending her time writing, she enjoys spending time with her 2 cats and her boyfriend.

You may remember a post that I featured a few months ago from Sequoia Scott who has an adorable and informative blog over at sequoiasgarden.blogspot.com. She knows that I have been unable to write for this site, and she graciously has written up another guest post to be featured here! Her topic is especially relevant in light of the recent Hurricane Sandy. Thousands of people were reliant on the help of their neighbors, communities, and emergency responders. It is always important to be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of your neighbors so that you can be better prepared yourself. And if you are constantly working towards self improvement you can be an asset to many when disaster strikes. Enjoy this wonderful post from Sequoia, and don’t forget to check out her blog and follow it so that you don’t miss out on any of her wisdom in the future!

NETWORKING IN AN EMERGENCY
By Sequoia Scott

This all got me thinking about other type of resources that I can find right here in my own neighborhood.  I live in a rural area and really don’t have many neighbors.  However, I have learned just by living here everyone’s routines and skills.

I know when everyone goes to work. I know what time the school bus comes. I know who shops on-line. I know when someone is going on vacation.  All of this I know because I have learned their routines, not by asking questions.

Photo Credit: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1114174

Just from observing I have also learned many of their skills.  Almost all the men on the block can run heavy equipment. I know who has extra gas and diesel. I know who can milk a goat or a cow. I also know who has home protection. I know who has medical skills, that would be me, but my neighbor knows all about holistic medicine and home remedies which would be really useful if help was a long time in coming.

To take care of yourself and your family in an emergency it is a good idea to know what your resources are in your immediate neighborhood.  Even better is to have neighborhood meetings about responding to a disaster and looking out for each other.  Learn what skills your neighbors have and let them know what special skills you have.

The general skills we all need to develop to respond to an emergency are the same skills that you will want to look for in a networking neighborhood response.  Here are a few ideas:

First aid and CPR
Sewing
Security
Electrical
Carpentry
Mechanical
Cooking over an open fire
Animal care

I always think that a group of people with a common goal can be very creative when it comes to solving problems. A collective brain, if you will, and that each member of the group will have some experience or skill that will contribute to the whole in one regard or another.  Together we are stronger and never alone.

Here is the link for Sequoia’s past post on emergencyfoodstorage101: Do as I Say, Not as I Did. Check it out if you haven’t already! Thanks again Sequoia for providing such a wonderful post for our readers

If food suddenly stopped coming to grocery stores, how long would the food last? Only 3 days. Would you and your family have enough food to last longer if this happened? Find out how to stock up on food and what you need to do to be prepared.

The time is now

As people become concerned about the state of the economy and a worsening political climate, more and more people are starting to stock up on food. From civil unrest to natural disasters, the need for storing food and supplies is being realized by people everywhere. Several families are actively storing food and preparing for any number of possibilities when the SHTF. But, the most common question is, where do I start? By the end of the article, you will know exactly what to do.

Calculate and track your food

Many people want to start storing food for emergency purposes, but have no idea of how much they will need or how to get started. A food storage calculator is key to helping you know exactly what you need based on your family size and a goal of months. Planning for SHTF emergencies doesn’t have to be complicated. A food storage calculator and tracker on simplifies the planning process by allowing you to track your stored food and water.

The food storage calculator and tracker on stockupfood.com provides you with an easy to use system for when the a disaster strikes. This online tool allows you to calculate the amount of food you will need for your family over a specified amount of time. You can change your goal any time to start small and build your way up to a year supply or more.

The food storage calculator provides the foods and categories along with the amounts you need to survive a disaster. Although you can completely customize your food supply, the starting categories are:

- Grains

- Fats and Oils

- Legumes

- Cooking Items

- Dairy

- Water

- Sugars

In addition, the calculator provides a percentage-based food storage tracker for each type of food. At a glance, you will be able to see what percentage of your necessary quantity you have on hand.

To monitor your food storage using the food storage tracker for each item listed, you simply enter the amount of the food type you have on hand. When you purchase additional quantities, you update the quantities in the food storage tracker. When you use food items, you simply update your food supply with what you used. At any time, you have access through the storage tracker to know exactly the amount of each food type you have on-hand and can see what you need.

Food Preservation

When you are storing food over a period of time, being knowledgeable with food preservation is very important. Knowing about food preservation will ensure that the food you have stored will remain safe to consume. It isn’t as complicated as you might think. Be sure to know the expiration dates of the food you are storing and rotate it when needed. Also, be sure to store your food in a room with the appropriate temperature.

Becoming prepared used to be complicated but over the years it has become much easier. The first step is to make the decision to be emergency preparedness minded. Then just start finding out what your family needs and keep track of what you have. Before you know it, you will be the most prepared in your neighborhood!

•  You have created your 72 hour emergency kit – This is very important, and you have made sure that it was a top priority. In the duffel bag sitting on the top shelf of your closet you have stored a three day supply of canned and freeze dried food, bottled water, bedding, changes of clothes, flashlights, batteries, water-proof matches, eating utensils, rope, a shovel, pen and paper, a pocket knife, a first aid kit with all the necessary medicines and bandages, and a small supply of money. This kit will go a long way towards keeping you and your family fed, clothed and protected as much as possible. You have also made sure to check the kit every four-six months in order to freshen any of the food, medicine or batteries that are no longer in their prime.
• You have made sure that you have coolers and plenty of frozen ice and frozen bottles of water – Once the power is lost there will be only four hours before the food in your refrigerator spoils, and maybe forty-eight hours before the food in the freezer thaws out and becomes inedible. Having coolers to store this food and pre-frozen bottles of water to help keep the coolers at an even temperature can prolong to ability to keep the food fresh and usable. Also having blocks of dry ice will help to keep the food cold beyond the loss of power.

Taking these precautions have made you and your family as safe as possible. There is nothing left to do but wait out the disaster and settle in until the power is restored. You have food, fuel, light, shelter, and medicine. Because you were properly prepared this disaster shouldn’t hit you as hard as it would others who haven’t planned as well. Because you were properly prepared you will be able to survive and thrive in a time of calamity.

this mirror looks like a cookie

Mirror

Obviously you are going to have to keep up appearances.  If you are a man, the difference between looking messy and dirty and clean and kept can mean the difference between life and death.  Not kidding.  Think about it, if you were wondering alongside that high way.  No one wants to pick up a vagrant with a bright pimple on their face.

Also a mirror can be used to send out reflective SOS signals.  So if you are stranded somewhere you may be able to send someone a sign by shooting them some reflected light.

This photo is not intended to encourage counterfeit production of bils

Money

Everyone likes money.  If you ever need anything you can just trade money for it.   Kind of silly that we use paper as our currency.  You would think by now we would all have barcodes implanted on our skin that keeps a running total of our currency.

Anyway. keep 2 nickles, 2 dimes, 2 quarters, and 2 twenties.  This is so you can use a pay phone, incase if you accidently stumble back into 1990 and you don’t have a smartphone with gps tracking technology.

Matches

Speaking of smart phones, sure they are cool and their wolfram alpha technology is awesome, but they can’t light a fire.  And that is something that can save your life, depending on whether or not it is cold or if animals are chasing you.

It doesn’t have to look exactly like this.

Keep A Finances Journal

A record of your financial history is meant to do one thing- keep you accountable.  It will explicitly show you where your excess money is being squandered. No more buying Snickers on your way to and from work, even though it is just a dollar a day it adds up to thirty dollars a month or 360 dollars in a year! That is enough money to buy a small refrigerator or a brand new television.

A record of our expenses will show us where we need to tighten our leaks.  Sometimes that means saying good bye to treats.

Pay Yourself First

With every paycheck take a percentage and pay yourself.  10 percent is a good round number. If you make $250 a week, take $25 out.  This is sort of your personal spending money, for recreational purposes.  If you want to buy 25 dollars worth of snickers every week, by all means it is your money do what you want.  The point of this is to keep yourself on a leash, so to speak.  Giving yourself a preset spending allowance really helps to save money.

Make a Budget

Do not just limit your budgeting to personal recreation.  Set up an in depth budget for groceries, utilities, house hold supplies and whatever else requires monthly upkeep. As part of this budget make a decision as to how much of your income you want to set aside for savings.  Will it be 20 percent or more? Saving 20 percent of your income in savings will amass a pool of money very quickly, it may surprise you.

Debt always begins to piles up.

Avoid Debt

Debt will rob you.  We no longer live in an age of hunting and gathering.  We do not have to avoid predators, now we have to look out for creditors.  I know it sounds cheesy, but it is true. Debt will enslave you.  If you have any, it is best that you take care of it as fast as you can, and avoid ever going back to it.  Now there are something you will have to go into debt for, housing and schooling.  Other than that do not go into debt.

Carpool

Find some friends that travel on a similar routine as you.  If you can get someone to take you to work every other day, you can save up to have of the money you have been throwing into gas.  Of course, do not expect that your neighbors will drive you around all the time, that would be rude of you.

Grow Your Food

With all the different levels of marketing and laws, there are very few ways to feel true independent freedom.  Your food most likely depends on your paycheck, and the grocers ability to provide, and the producers ability to create. There are many levels to the scheming market place.  Growing your own food is a sure fire way to feel truly independent, and it will help to cut costs on groceries.

Coin Jar

Take your coins and put them in an old pickle jar.  It doesn’t have to be a pickle jar, just collect them somewhere.  Instead of frivolously throwing change around, keep it and save it. You could easily collect more than 50 dollars worth of change within a month.  That may not seem like a lot, but 50 dollars could be a good dinner and a movie for two.  Think about it.  Turn your change into a fancy date night.  Why not, get something valuable out of those small coins.

Being Prepared for Power Outages

Most of us know how important it is to keep a supply of food in case of emergency, but how often do we forget about other emergency provisions that we might need? As a society, we have become reliant on power in order to cook, keep warm, keep cool, and even see in the dark. Yet power outages are a relatively common occurrence. How then, can we be prepared to deal with them?

Be Smart

First thing’s first, you have to make sure you know exactly which utilities have been affected by the power outage. Depending on the kind of outage, you may be without more than just your lights. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.org) is a really good source. advises checking with local authorities before using water, as it could be contaminated. If you are unsure, refrain from drinking unfiltered tap water to be safe. It is critical that you do not use any generators, grills or similar items indoors, as carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly. You will also need to make sure that you dispose of any perishable food from the refrigerator after power has been off for more than two hours.

How to Prepare

There are a few essential ways in which you can prepare. One of the most important is, of course, food storage. If you are without the use of your refrigerator for more than a couple of hours, you will be without any of your cold foods. As a result, it is vital that you have a supply of necessary food items that do not need to be refrigerated. A good supply of water, or a water filter, is also important to have in cases of contamination. Portable power sources are also available and will definitely be an asset during an outage.

We never know when a power outage is going to hit us, but if we are prepared, we will not have to know.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lee Flynn is a freelance writer and expert in emergency food preparedness and food storage.

Hey guys! Yet again I participated in the Food Penpal Program found over on The Lean Green Bean Blog! (Click the picture above for more information and rules!)

This month I had a lot of fun putting together a box, and also receiving my box!

This time around I received a box from a girl named Leslie. She doesn’t have a blog, or I would refer you over to it! But she is a super nice gal, and I was very lucky to have her as my foodie penpal!

Here is what the contents of my box contained:

Hippie Chow Granola: This stuff is sooo good! I love it on top of yogurt, but it is great plain as well! Definitely a good choice!

Two Chocolate bars, one with peanuts and one with pretzels inside: Leslie was very brave to send these candy bars by mail, and she packaged them up really good so that I wouldn’t have a chocolaty mess when I opened the box! Just popped them in the freezer and let them sit for a bit, and they were as good as new. And they were amazing!

Local items: Leslie lives in Kansas City, KS and she went to her local farmers market and got me a few things that are specific to her area! First there was Kansas Wildflower Honey, some Kansas City BBQ Sauce that looks oh-so-good!, and some locally made jam!

*More pictures to come of my box and contents! I forgot to bring my flash drive with me to upload them!

I mailed my box to Lindsay from theliveinkitchen.com, so check out her blog to see what I sent over there! But be careful, you will get sucked in to her blog, and her beautiful food photos and recipes! I definitely recommend it

If you want to find out more about this fun program, click the Foodie Penpal picture at the top of the post!

I won’t be participating in August because I have a very busy month ahead, but I look forward to participating again in the future!