Screened Porches - Enjoy the Great Outdoors, Save Money, & Forget About the Mosquitoes and Bugs

One of the most enjoyable aspects about living in southern U.S. climates, such as North Carolina, is that the weather is conducive for spending lots of time outdoors. Nothing is better than starting up a summer game night of poker, board game, or even having a few friends over for a cook out in the relaxing evening air. A big deterrent to most people though, can be the large insect population that the warmth also brings.

One solution which is quite common is to douse every house guest with insect repellent. Most people tend not to appreciate the odor and feeling that bug spray provides. Some individuals are even allergic to insect repellents which will provide other issues with which to contend.

Citronella candles are another popular choice for preventing pests. The only problem with this choice of pest prevention is that the homeowner will be assured that the candles won't be harassed while the house guests serve as tasty treats for the mosquitoes.

The best solution for any outdoor function is a screened in porch or patio. There are so many houses in the south with screened porches that they are synonymous with southern hospitality. The screen helps keep the mosquitoes and other vermin out and the fun in without sacrificing the benefits of fresh air and nature.

Bugs will no longer be issue at your picnic when you are protected by the safety of your screened porch. The cool air blowing through the screen and the sound of nature will invigorate anyone as the family enjoys a delicious meal.

Kids love the use of the porch too, especially when the kids are stir crazy on rainy days. Rather than being stuck inside, a porch can be a nice retreat to allow them to get some outdoor time. Younger children can be allowed to play safely inside an enclosure that will keep them protected from weather and creepy crawlies.

There will be nothing but good times to be enjoyed when using the porch as much as most southerners. Entire families can enjoy getting together and having parties or you can have a romantic evening in the summer breeze with your sweetheart.

To be sure that your screened porch is as relaxing as it can be, you should always hire a professional installer that has experience with many styles of screened porches. By taking advantage of the skill and creativity of a professional decking company, the homeowner can be assured that the porch being installed is the safest and most beneficial porch for your lifestyle.

For more information and guidance about quality decks, sunrooms, and screened porches, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking specializes in custom-designed room additions, decks and gazebos, etc. and has a great portfolio of pictures with compelling ideas for your outdoor home improvement projects.

Daniel Elliott is an independent contractor who authors articles and media on a variety of topics for diverse audiences. WebDrafter.com, Inc. (http://www.webdrafter.com) produces Website design, hosting, and search engine marketing services for many of the clients, industries and markets related to the articles and media authored by Dan Elliott. If you would like Dan Elliott to ghost write or pen an article for you or your company, please contact him with your specifications.

What Do You Know About Mosquitoes in General?

Mosquitoes are annoying, swarming, hitting pests, and some are carriers of malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, filariasis, and encephalomyelitis. Mosquitoes can be distinguished from other Diptera by their fragile, small appearance. Females have elongated mouth parts and a distinct proboscis well suited for piercing and sucking blood. Scales are present along the wing veins and along the lower wing margins.

The sexes can be distinguished by the antennae: in females they are long and slender with a few short hairs; in the male they are feathery and plumose. Close examination shows the antennae to be composed of 14 to 15 segments. The venation of the wings is also characteristic for mosquitoes and is helpful in species identification. Mosquitoes are particularly attracted to man and animals, especially to bright light and dark-colored clothing. The females are the blood suckers and cannot produce fertile eggs without ingesting blood. It is postulated that the blood supplies the serotonin and epinephrine necessary for production of gonadotropic hormone by the mosquito, required for ovulation. The eggs are laid on the surface of water and hatch into aquatic "wiggletails". These subsequently metamorphose into adults. Three genera-Anopheles, Aedes, Culex-transmit disease to man.

Mosquito control
1. Mechanical methods
Wire screens for windows and doors. Mosquito nets. Repellants; certain lotions or creams applied to the skin repel mosquitoes from bitting eg, citrignella oil, Indalone. Animal barrier: Placing farm animals between the breeding places and human habitations would deviate mosquitoes (particularly zoophilic) from biting man.

2. Natural or physical methods (ecological interference)
Changing the environment so as to become unsuitable for the mosquitoe eg, filling or drainage of the breeding place. Developing of hade if larvae require sunshine and vice versa. Changing of water level, water current, PH.

3. Biological methods
Introduction of a natural enemy (predator): a fish (Gambusia affinis) feed on larvae and pupae; release of sterilized males (X-ray or chemical agents) which compete with males in nature, mating with females. and resulting in reduction of the forth coming generation.

4. Chemical methods (insecticides)
Used the ones against adults (adulticides). Insecticides act on contact being absorbed through the cuticle (contact poison). These are applied as space spray with an insecticide, which causes immediate knockdown of mosquitoes eg. pyrethrum (active ingredient in Flit), but it has no residual action. And also by residual spray of resting places of adults (walls0 using an insecticide of long action (residual insecticide) eg, hydrocarbons as DDT and Gammaxane, Organophosphorous compounds as Malathion and Diphterex, carbamates as sevin. The dvelopment of resistance is a drawback of insecticides

Specific agents can be applied against aquatic stages. These agents are applied to water surfaces. Anopheline larvae are affected more than culicines, being surface feeders. Pupae are not affected, as they do not feed. Respiratory poison: applying non-volatile oils suffocates larvae and pupae by blocking the respiratory spiracles. Residual insecticides are sprayed on water surface mixed with dust or oil. They exert their effect by contact and ingestion. Practically no single method alone is efficient in control. The combined use of two or more methods (integrated control) would provide a higher and more efficient level of abatement. Insects escaped on method, are killed by other.

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What Every Parent Ought To Know About Protecting Kids From Insect Bites

Protect Your Kids

It is essential to protect your children from the potentially dangerous effects of nasty insect bites. Since children playing outdoors are often bitten or stung by insects, when children are outside and no matter what they are doing, it is important for them to be protected.

Insect Bite Facts

When an insect bites, it injects venom or other substances and bacteria into your child's skin. Bites from bees, yellow jackets, wasps, hornets, fire ants and some spiders are usually the most problematic. Bites from mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, biting flies and spiders can also cause reactions. While only a small percentage of children develop severe reactions to insect venom, it can definitely cause an allergic reaction depending on how sensitive your child's skin is.

o Some signs to be aware of are: fever, hives, skin rashes, painful joints and swollen glands. Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours if you feel your child needs to be seen.

o Some symptoms of an allergic reaction can be very severe. Anaphylaxis is a response that leads to shortness of breath or wheezing, tightening of the throat, shock and loss of consciousness. If this is the case, Call 911 immediately. Your child may need an ambulance for symptoms of anaphylaxis from bee, yellow jacket, wasp, or fire ant stings.

Most of the time pesky bug bites or stings only cause mild swelling and an annoying experience of itching or a stinging sensation. Watch out for sores from children scratching since their bites can become infected and leave scars.

Prevention is Your Best Bet

Teach your children to play it safe. Preventing bug bites is important, since insects can be transmitters of disease. You can bring awareness to your family's skin care by being an example. Children respond better when they see you protecting your skin. Begin by following these recommendations:

Helpful Tips

o If your child has had a serious reaction to insect bites or stings, ask your doctor about an emergency care kit.

o Try not to provoke insects. Avoid quick, jerky movements around insect hives and nests.

o Play in safe areas. Do not allow your child to play in high grass or weeds. Limit the time your child spends in wooded areas.

o Avoid wearing perfumes.

o Avoid wearing floral-patterned clothing. Instead, wear light, solid colors.

o Protect your child well by having them wear protective clothing to properly cover their skin when out in the woods. Wear long-sleeved shirts and tuck pant cuffs into socks to help protect their ankles. This helps to avoid ticks and the risk of contracting Lyme Disease.

o Make sure they wear shoes while walking or running in grassy areas to avoid stings to the feet.

o Cover your child's head and neck with a full brimmed hat to shield them from getting bites.

o Have them wear gloves when they help you in the garden to avoid bites and stings.

o Regularly check their clothes for bugs.

More Tips:

o Stay out of shady areas near bushes and shrubs. Use protective netting when sleeping or eating outdoors. Flying pests like mosquitoes and gnats come out to feast after the sun sets.

o Eat outdoors with caution, especially or in areas near garbage cans. Avoid sweetened foods and beverages.

o Give your dogs and cats flea and tick treatments

o Have properly-fitted screens on your home's windows.

o Remove standing water from your yard. Mosquitoes commonly breed in standing water.

Use an All Natural Insect Repellent

Although it may not be possible to prevent all bug bites, observing these recommendations may reduce the number of bug bites your child gets. The first line of defense against annoying bug bites is to use an appropriate insect repellent.

*****AWARD WINNING Baby Cakes No-Fly Zone ALL NATURAL insect repellent is for baby, children & adult care alike. No-Fly Zone baby skin care insect repellent has an herbal, natural skin care recipe that blends essential oils & extracts to work hard yet naturally to keep mosquitoes, fleas & bugs away from your child's skin. This natural skin care insect repellent is pH balanced for healthy baby skin care - and it smells great too!

No-Fly Zone natural skin care insect repellent contains NO DEET, NO POISONS OR SYNTHETIC INSECTICIDES. It is ideal for spraying you're your infant carrier, baby stroller, baby clothes, bed linens and even your picnic blanket.

*Baby Cakes No-Fly Zone was named as a distinguished iParenting Media Award winner outstanding product for 2007*

where you will also find more articles and great award winning baby skin care products, which are wonderful for adults too!

Here's to your family's good health!

Diane Cuesta

Owner of SkinCareBaby LLC

Diane Cuesta has been uplifting the consciousness of individuals and practicing heart-centered spiritual healing since 1992. With a deep sense of compassion and commitment to Love, her mission as an author/internet business owner is to serve humanity for the highest, greatest good. It is her vision that the greatest business and financial success occurs when spiritual, humanitarian and environmental principals are practiced.

For more great tips about baby skin care visit our website:

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