Page 2 - June 2017 Quarterly Newsletter
P. 2
FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCE JAMIE RATHBUN
How to Keep Mosquitoes (and other pests) Away!
I am naturally a magnet for anything that bites or stings. Use mosquito repellent. The longest-lasting
And while I am not allergic to any of these pests, I do repellents contain the chemical DEET. For kids, the
have quite a reaction, with large welts forming quickly American Academy of Pediatrics recommends
after a pest has bitten or stung. And my children have sticking with repellants that contain no more than
inherited the magnetism from me. So, I’m always 30% DEET. Never use insect repellant on infants
looking for ways to keep pests at bay. The following younger than two months. Instead, place your baby
steps can protect you and your family against insect in a carrier or stroller and cover it with mosquito
bites: netting.
Stay clear of areas that attract pest. Stinging
Light candles at night. In one study, people who lit
insects favor bushes, rotting fruit and decaying logs citronella candles had 42% fewer bites than those
or stumps. Mosquitoes breed in standing water. who stayed in the dark. However, even regular
Bees and wasps also like garbage, so keep your candles reduced bites by 23%.
garbage outside in covered cans.
Design your garden to be less attractive to bees.
Consume sweet-smelling foods and drinks inside, They seem to especially like yellow and white
when possible. These attract insects. For the same flowers. But they tend to find reds less attractive
reason, skip sweet smelling colognes, soaps, and than other colors.
lotions when you’ll be outside.
If a wasp or bee threatens,
Avoid the patterns and textures insects favor. move away slowly and
These include floral prints, bright clothing, and quietly. Avoid waving your
shiny jewelry.
arms, swatting, or running.
Four for the Fourth
As the nation gets closer to celebrating its 2. Free entertainment. This is the perfect time of year to
independence, it is a perfect time to reflect on your take advantage of all the outdoor activities your
spending behaviors for the first half of the year and community or area has to offer. From concerts and
make mid-year resolutions to get back on track. plays in the park to the Fourth of July parades to the
Re-examine your goals and the actions you are taking county fair. But, be careful when you go, high cost
to reach them. Maybe, you are spending more on food concessions can sabotage your free outing. Consult
and entertainment than you think. Tracking your your community calendar on a regular basis to get
spending for thirty days will give you a good idea of ideas, and then start planning.
where you are nickel and diming yourself. Then,
determine a certain amount you are going to allow 3. Farmer’s Markets. What a wonderful local resource
yourself for these expenses, and with the amount you to buy fruits, flowers, vegetables, and other handmade
are saving, you can apply toward reaching your goodies. It may be a little pricier, so consider going in
financial goals. the later hours of the market, when the vendors are
trying to sell their last products…you will probably get
Some tips to help you save, not only on the Fourth of a better deal!
July, but year round:
4. Social gatherings. This is the perfect time of year to
1. Work the coupons. Whether you get them from the get together with friends and family to host a BBQ or
newspaper, online, or on a phone app, coupons can dinner party. But, that can be expensive. Offer to buy
save you money if you take time to search for the meats and ask your guests to bring a side or dessert
them. Create your grocery list, and then look for a to share. It will save you the stress of making the whole
coupon that you can use for something you are meal and give your company the opportunity to show
already buying. It is never a good idea to buy off their favorite dish.
anything that is on sale for the sake of getting a
good deal.
