Organic Insecticides | Organic Pesticides | EcoSMART Bug Spray

5 Tips to Avoid a Camping Catastrophe

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There’s nothing better than camping outdoors and getting to know nature one-on-one. From your own backyard to a mountainous trail, fall is the perfect time to explore! If you’re looking to experience the wilderness, then these 5 tips might be of help to you.

1. Keep Caution With Kids

Make sure each child has a flashlight and is prepared for what’s to come. Bring clothes for a warm day, but also for chilly nights. Talk with them about the experience they are going to have and what they might encounter.

2. Stay Clean

Brush your teeth with purified water and baking soda and make sure you bring hand sanitizer with you at all times. Avoid perfumes, colognes, or scented lotions that could potentially attract those insects you’re trying to avoid. Take advantage of streams and bodies of water to wash your feet since they will be getting quite dirty.

3. Pack a Survival Kit

Water purifying tablets, knife, compass, flashlight, extra batteries, flare gun, metal bowl, compass, and a water filter are must-haves.

4. Stay Away From Poisonous Plants, Bears, and Bugs

Keep clear of poison oak, poison ivy, and poison sumac by knowing what these plants look like and wearing clothes that cover legs and arms. Secure your food to keep the bears from joining in on your camping site. Finally, check out EcoSMART’s mosquito repellent for mosquito and tick control since insects can really be a pest to camp with.

5. Clean Up

Trash can ruin the environment and attract all sort of unwanted camping friends, so clean up after yourself! Protect nature and the ecosystem so you can visit again.

Ticks Be Gone!

Ticks are tricky little bugs that have a tendency to hide in the most secret of places on your body. They latch on with all their might and seem impossible to get off. And more importantly then the sheer annoyance of trying to remove the tick is making sure it didn’t give you Lyme Disease.

Photo courtesy of pictureof.net

Since these ticks can cause you to get incredibly sick people always try to remove them as soon as they are spotted. Ticks have a reputation for being hard to get rid of so over the years “sure ways” of removal have been created. These ways are not always best though.

Photo courtesy of ratamatata.com

Myth 1: Burning ticks off is the best way to kill it. This is probably the most popular method around. Yes fire will kill the tick, but did you know before that little bugger dies it can regurgitate fluids onto your skin? These can end up being harmful. Another downside, you are purposely burning skin. Always a good thing to avoid.

Photo courtesy of discovery.com

Myth 2: Use petroleum jelly. Thinking behind this method is that it will suffocate the tick, and it will die. Problem solved simple as that. Not simple, this simply irritates the tick causing it once again to regurgitate harmful things onto your skin particularly into the original bite.

Photo courtesy of nailsforbeauty.com

Myth 3: Use nail polish. Once again trying to suffocate that pesky little tick to death by trapping it under a coat of nail polish. Nail polish may pack a strong smell, but it’s not very effective at tick killing no matter what the old lady down the street swears by.

All of this sounds like a hassle to deal with, so why not try to avoid the mess all together. Spraying yourself down before going outdoors seems a lot safer than trying to remove that tick. Check out EcoSMART’s insect repellent to help keep ticks, as well as other bugs away from you this fall.

Top 4 Mosquito Myths

It is obvious that mosquitoes can sometimes be our worst enemies and trying to get rid of them is difficult. However, there are 4 facts about them that most people probably don’t know…

1) Myth: Mosquitoes, both male and female can bite.

Fact: Only females bite. They use the protein in blood to develop their eggs. Males mostly feed on the nectar that flowers provide.

2) Myth: A mosquito will die after biting and taking in blood.

Fact: The female will actually use the protein in the blood to develop up to as many as 400 eggs. She can then be on the hunt to bite again!

3) Myth: Bats can control mosquito populations extremely well.

Fact: Bats will eat any insect. They do not specifically seek out mosquitoes and don’t normally have an effect on the population.

4) Myth: Repellent does not keep the insects, especially mosquitoes, away.

Fact: EcoSMART Mosquito Fogger will kill and repel insects, especially mosquitoes after applying to insect-infested areas such as garbage cans and bushes, so test out this mosquito repellent today!

Keep Bugs Out This Fall

When the weather starts turning, so do the bugs, right into your home. Start early to prevent this infestation! I have 6 great tips to help you ditch those bugs before they move in.

1. Create a Clean Home
   A bug’s dream is trash piled high in the garbage can or dishes stacked in the sink for days. Don’t give them a place to eat and thrive in your home. Keep things tidy and ditch the trash far from your house.
2. Clear the Weeds
   Bugs love to live in your unweeded garden after you’re done caring for it all summer. When the cold weather falls, their next best home is yours! So weed your garden through the fall until all regrowth halts.
3. Trim Overgrowth
   Any brush laying near the house is the perfect gateway for insects into your home. Cut back trees and bushes for the fall to burn the bridges for those bugs.
4. Create Uneven Land
   By surrounding the foundation of your home with crushed rock or small gravel, it prevents bugs from voyaging into your house. The uneven, bumpy path into your home will be a tough one to pass for the little critters.
5. Seal the Cracks
   Bugs will sneak in anywhere and everywhere they can, but sealing all the cracks in your house that you can find will cut down on their entry points. Near the base of your foundation and around windows and doors are a great place to start.
6. Kill the Bugs with EcoSMART
   The EcoSMART Insect Killer Granules for Lawns and Landscapes are a natural bug repellent that will kill the bugs before they even get a chance to come inside. Spread the granules around landscapes, on the lawn, and around the foundation for ultimate bug protection.
   

   Photo Credit to www.ecosmart.com

End of Summer Send-offs

Running Smart

If you’re a runner, summer is a great time to get outside to exercise, train or just for a fun!  Here are some tips on helping you make your summer runs great:

1. Get new music for your iPod or MP3! Nothing gets me as motivated to run up a hill like a favorite beat of mine. Songs with heavy or fast beats always get me moving. Try to change up your running playlist often so that songs never get old.

2. Wear double layer anklet socks.  Foot sweat could lead to blisters. The perfect socks for running have two thin layers so that heat and friction are in between the two layers of material instead of between your foot and sock. Therefore moisture is less likely to get trapped next to your skin, leaving you blister-free!

3. Stay hydrated! If you’re able to take water with you, do it. If not, make sure you drink plenty of water before and after a run. Never start a run dehydrated.

4.  Wear insect repellent. Especially if you like running in the evenings, those bugs will get you! Most insect repellents are greasy and come off when you sweat, but EcoSMART’s insect repellent is perfect for sweaty runners! You’ll hardly notice you even put it on.

Written by Nicole Paladin

10 Easy Ways to Go Green!

In today’s society, going green is not only trendy but helpful. But sometimes it’s hard to know what exactly to do in order to help the environment! Here are ten simple tips in order to begin your new “going green” lifestyle!

Going green is simple and easy!

1) Save energy and water: Make sure that all appliances are unplugged when you aren’t using them, and that all of the facets in your house are not leaking.

2) Reduce the amount of gas you use: Carpooling or biking to work reduce not only the amount of cars on the road but help you save money on gas and by biking to work you are able to receive exercise everyday!

3) Eat Smart: Buy local, fresh ingredients! This way you are supporting local farms and are able to know that all of the produce you receive is the freshest out there!

4) Don’t use bottled water: By buying a water bottle and refilling it consistently, you not only save money but you reduce the amount of plastic used for making the individual bottles.

5) Use fabric bags when shopping: Like buying a water bottle, by buying the fabric bags you reduce the amount of plastic used for making the individual bags. Companies sometimes even give discounts for those who use fabric bags as well.

6) Recycle: Make sure you recycle all bottles, plastics, and other materials that can be recycled. Check if your neighborhood offers recycling pick up or if there is a drop off location close by!

7) Pay bills online, read papers online, etc: This saves on the amount of paper being used.

8)  Make your own household cleaners, or use natural cleaners, repellents, etc: This was harsh chemicals aren’t being released into the air, or put on your body! My favorite natural insect repellents is EcoSMART’s natural insect repellent. It’s kid and pet friendly and smells great!

9)  Donate and shop at goodwill, or other thrift stores: They say one man’s (or woman’s) trash is another person’s treasure! Who knows what you can find there, and this way you clear space in your house as well!

10)  Subscribe to eco friendly blogs and learn about more ways that you can help the environment!

Written By: Chelsea Smith

Why EcoSMART is Trendy

Going green has been on the world’s mind for quite some time now.  Though not all transitions have been easy, it seems that eliminating your personal carbon footprint is the chic way to be. We’ve gone organic in our food, clothes, diapers and even beauty products.  But what about bug spray?

You may have heard of the dangers of deet in regular bug sprays; This harsh chemical is very toxic to humans, pets and the environment.

While most repellents on the shelves today still contain deet, EcoSMART stands ahead of the rest.  This natural insect repellent is completely organic in a non-toxic line of repellents. What a trendsetter in the world of insecticides!  Not only is EcoSMART super safe, but also lasts long, has a great scent and dries fast without leaving your skin feel oily.

Whether you’re all aboard the “green” train, or simply looking for a good bug spray, EcoSMART’s complete line of insecticides has you covered.  Bonus: You might even look trendy using it!

Written by: Rachel Yurchak

More Beer = More Bites

Research has been pointing to a certain trend in mosquito bites that has many scientists baffled. Multiple studies have shown that those who are drinking beer are more prone to mosquito bites than non drinkers. In fact, studies have proven that you are 15% more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes after you have been drinking beer! In addition, the mosquitoes that are most attracted to beer drinkers are the species that frequently carry malaria.

Why beer drinkers?

Nobody knows the exact correlation between beer and mosquitoes, but there have been many speculations. Some studies have proven that mosquitoes were more attractive to the body odors of those who have been consuming alcohol. Scientists have also hypothesized that mosquitoes know that those who have consumed alcohol will be much slower, making themselves an easy target. They won’t notice the mosquitoes as much and will be less likely to defend themselves against the bites. Another theory is that after you have a beer or two, your skin becomes warmer and you breathe a little heavier, allowing the extra body heat to attract more mosquitoes.

How do you protect yourself while you’re having a cold one?

If you insist on throwing a few back outside, it’s best to protect yourself from mosquitoes. Try not to wear perfumes and other scents that attract mosquitoes. Trust me, the beer will be enough to send them your way! It’s important to use an effective, natural bug repellent as well. EcoSMART has an organic insect repellent that uses natural ingredients to target the nervous systems of insects in a way that is effective and safe for you, your children and your pets. Pick some EcoSMART up at the store today before the mosquitoes get a first hand taste of your blood alcohol content!

By Kayla Mulligan

Don’t Bug Out Over Urban Mosquitoes

Have you ever heard of the Asian tiger mosquito? Neither had, I until recently. Also known as the “urban mosquito,” this larger, striped mosquito has been thriving in city environments. Unfortunately, the Asian tiger mosquito targets humans as their main meal source. This can have a negative impact on society considering they can serve as transmitters for disease pathogens.

Why are they called urban mosquitoes?

Asian tiger mosquitoes prefer city over rural environments. These mosquitoes require little water to breed. Perfect breeding grounds include man-made containers that contain water, such as tires, buckets, tin cans, bird baths, clogged drains, etc. Clearly, the city would be the perfect habitat. Another unique fact about these mosquitoes is that they bite during the day rather than night. Asian tiger mosquitoes are also more aggressive than average mosquitoes.

How did they get here?

Asian tiger mosquitoes have said to have arrived in Houston, TX in 1985 through imported tires from Asia. Since then, they have quickly spread through other areas of the U.S., particularly urban areas. Even though this mosquito does not fly far, this species has traveled through the southern and eastern parts of the country by hiding out in tires. Even though these mosquitoes prefer warm environments, it is predicted that they will continue to travel north due to global warming trends. So far, the Asian tiger mosquito has been found in over 30 states.

How do you protect yourself?

If you live in the city, a good way to protect the area around your home is to make sure to keep your drains clean and remove stagnant water. Also, try to keep the screen doors shut in your home. When going outside, use insect repellent, even in the day. Unfortunately, most insect repellent contains DEET, a chemical can that in some occasions can have adverse side effects. If you are looking for a natural bug repellent, I recommend EcoSMART’s organic insect repellent. Made of all-natural ingredients, this spray is safe for you, your children and pets. EcoSMART’s products also target the nervous systems of only insects, so the formula successfully keeps insects away!

By Kayla Mulligan