How to Picnic Bug-Free
- by Diane Rixon (RSS feed) on Jul 16th 2009 11:00AM
- Go natural. Citronella oil can discourage mosquitoes, of course. But did you know that lemon and garlic (oils or fresh) can be used to repel flies, mosquitoes and ants?
- Wipe the tablecloth down with plain old white vinegar. Flies don't care for the smell, apparently.
- On the other hand, tell Granddad to lay off the Old Spice since mosquitoes appear irresistibly attracted to sweet and/or strongly scented colognes.
- Put a lid on it. Once flies catch a whiff of your delicious salads, pies and sodas they'll be buzzing you and your guests till you pack up and head for home. Hold them off for as long as you can by keeping foods and drinks covered.
- Extra-clever tip: wrap a little aluminium foil around the tops of soda cans and cups. Then push a drinking straw through the top. It's guaranteed to keep wasps out of your beverage.
- Dark-colored clothing attracts flying insects, so dress yourself and the kids with that in mind and opt for lighter hues. The same rule applies to party decorations as well.
- If mosquitoes and/or gnats are out in force, nothing works like DEET. If (like me) you're concerned about DEET's health effects, spray it onto your clothes and not directly onto your skin.
Summer. It's the season for outdoor dining. So get out and enjoy that picnic, backyard BBQ or neighborhood street party, bug-free.
Oh, and if one of those nasty bugs does bite you, check out these treatment hints from AOL Health!
Comments [0]
Daily DIY: Five Ways to Re-Use a Plastic Bag
Welcome the Fall With Apples Galore!
DIY & Save: 20 Foods That Freeze Surprisingly Well ... and 20 That Don't
Unusual Uses: Digital Cameras - 22 Clever Uses
10 After-School Snacks Your Child Can Make
