How to Use Mosquito Repelling Candles Outdoors or Indoors

Question about using Geraniol bucket candles mosquito repelling candles.

Q: "What is the best way to use mosquito repeller candles?" Thanks. Mac

Answer: We recommend that you light geraniol candles at least 30 minutes to an hour prior to your outdoor gathering. Space the candles about 8 feet apart around the perimeter of the area where you plan to entertain. Make sure the Geraniol pillar candles or bucket candle is on a flat, heat resistant surface where it is unlikely to be knocked over. For the best protection, we recommend that you place mosquito traps down wind from your party and keep them running continuously during the mosquito/biting insect season. The best unit is the all propane mosquito trap since you can place it anywhere you choose without an electrical outlet nearby.

Take care when using any burning candle to make sure that it’s on a flat, heat-resistant surface to prevent the candle from tipping over or spilling wax, and never leaving a burning candle unattended.

Among the pleasant smelling geraniol options are:

• Geraniol wristbands that use geraniol imbedded in plastic bracelets you can loop around wrist, ankle or bell or place out of reach of a baby on a stroller
• Geraniol bucket candles. Each weighs just over a pound, is in a silver colored and burns for about 50 hours.
  
• Geraniol pillar candles. Each 3 inch by 3 inch pillar candle weighs about 11 ounces and burns for about 36 hours.

Thank you for your question. Enjoy your parties.
Sincerely, Barbara

Protecting Berry Bushes from Hungry Birds and Rabbits

Question about protecting blueberry bushes from birds.

Q: "How do I keep birds from eating my blueberries? This is the second year for the bushes which are covered with green berries. Would a Bird-X bird repeller do the job? I don't want to deal with bird netting if I don't have to."Thanks. Jack

Answer: Your best choice is not the bird repeller unless you install multiple units of the smaller units, the Bird-X Peller 1 and the Bird-X Peller 2. Each unit has only one speaker. You would have to have at least two units or install the Super Bird-X Peller with four speakers. These are noisy, you would have to have AC power and your neighbors might be unhappy.

I recommend that you either drape the plants with standard 3/4 inch mesh bird netting or build what is called a walk-in blueberry cage. Essentially that is a frame over which you drape the netting. That way you can secure the bird net so birds cannot get underneath. After harvest, which usually takes a few weeks per variety, you can remove the netting. The netting should last for years since it is UV treated.

Remember that rabbits and other rodents enjoy the young branches of blueberry plants. To keep them out in the wintertime, surround the bushes with tall chicken wire fencing

Blueberry bushes require little care, if you are in the right climate zones, keep the soil acidic and provide enough water. In 1964, I gave my dad a half dozen small bushes. Four of them survive to this day in western Pennsylvania and continue to produce huge numbers of berries 45 years later. Each spring the bushes are covered with bird netting that is anchored along the edges with bricks. Rarely a bird will get underneath and need to be rescued.

Thanks for your question. Enjoy those pies!
Sincerely, Barbara

Quickly Stop or Reduce Nausea from Vertigo or Motion Sickness

Question regarding using the ReliefBand Motion Sickness Device 2 Free Batteries for nausea from vertigo.

Q: "Recently, I began having attacks of vertigo. Some are mild, some are not. Along with that, I feel nausea, almost like mild morning sickness. Can the ReliefBand help?" Thanks. Fran

Answer: Nausea is nausea no matter what the cause. My employees and I have successfully used Reliefbands for nausea from flu, from migraines and also from vertigo. Recently, I've had to deal with those symptoms myself. According to internet sites, the symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) usually last only a few seconds to a few minutes and are intermittent (i.e., come and go). Rolling over in bed, getting out of bed, swinging on a swing, etc. can also cause symptoms of lightheadedness and imbalance as well as nausea. Unfortunately, BPPV is more common as we grow older. ccording to the American Academy of Neurology, the most effective treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) caused by ear crystals in the posterior semicircular canal, are treatments where the patient moves head and body in certain positions. The idea is to move the calcium crystals into another inner ear canal where the body can absorb them.

We also sell conductive gel and conductive gel and extra batteries in separate packages. Remember the Reliefband if you get seasick or airsick, too.

Thank you for your question. Good luck. What was recommended for me was physical therapy which starts next week.

Sincerely, Barbara

Attract Bluebirds for Natural Insect Control and Beauty

Question about the bluebird houses and how to attract bluebirds to my yard.

Q: "My family enjoys bird watching in our backyard. How do we attract bluebirds? We know they are beautiful to watch and we understand they eat a lot of insects, too." thanks. Dave

Answer: Attract and keep bluebirds in your backyard by providing them with houses in which to nest and the foods they love to eat. Bluebirds love insects, especially larva.

Some suggested boxes:

• Song Bird Essentials Bluebird Birdhouse with Plexiglass Viewing Top.
• Songbird Essentials Flat Top Bluebird House
• Woodlink Audubon - Coppertop Bluebird House

Some suggested bluebird feeders:

• Song Essentials Bluebird Feeder. Bluebirds soon learn to reach inside this feeder for the meal worms & treats you provide. Designed for easy three step training. 1) Leave the lid open, held by the cable and remove one plexiglas side. 2) Insert plexiglass side. 3) Close the lid so only bluebirds can use the feeder.
• Protected Bluebird Jail FeederThis feeder is made to discourage larger birds from feasting on meal worms and blue bird food.

Suggested food:

• Bulk Dried Mealworms average count 176,000
• Unipeck - Value Tub Dried Mealworms average count 10,000

Thank you for your question. Enjoy your bird-watching.
Sincerely, Barbara

Adding a Solar Pump with Solar Panel to a Backyard Koi Pond or Fountain

Question about replacing an electric water pump with a solar water pump for a Koi pond.

Q: We are working to reduce our dependence upon the power grid. Our electric pump for our backyard Koi pond is aging. Continuous aeration of the water keeps the koi healthy. We'd like to replace with a "green" solar pump. What choices do we have?

Answer: We recommend that you size your solar powered pump to your pond. You may need two pumps if your pond is oversized. Decide how many gallons per hour you want your pump to move.

Below are some pumps we currently offering including a floating fountain with pump:

• Unique Arts Large Solar Pump for Ponds: For a larger fountain or pond. The separate 8 x 11 inch solar panel is staked into the ground. The 16 foot long cord means the panel can be placed in direct sunlight and the angled solar panel head easily adjusts to receive optimum sunlight. 130 GPH (gallon-per-hour output) with up to a 48 in spray. 18V DC brushless pump means no rotating brush to wear out, eliminating the need for replacement parts. Easy installation: complete and ready to go. A/C Jack and adapter is included to continue using the pump on rainy days. Three fountain nozzles are included.
• Natures Foundry 26 Inch Solar Water Pump Kit:This solar panel operated pump has a one year pump and five year panel warranty. Solar panel capacity: 1.5 watts. Motor requirements: 6 volts with recommended panel of 1.5 watts. Water Flow Rate: 45-55 gallons per hour. Head Size: 26 inches. Outlet Hose: 1/4 Inch interior diameter. Solar Panel Size: 16 inches.
• Natures Foundry - 14 in Solar Pump Kit Pump Dimensions: Physical size of pump: 3" x 4" x 5-1/2", Includes Garden Stake, Nozzle Kit, and 12 ft Extension Cord. 5 Year Solar Panel Warranty. 1 Year Pump Warranty. This unit is probably too small for your needs.
• Floating Solar Pond Lily Fountain:. This fountain is 10 1/2"L x 10 1/2"W x 3 1/2"H and made of ABS Plastic, polyresin and polystyrene floater. The water sound is low: just float on your pond. Powered by an integral solar panel with an integral low voltage pump with filter. 3 different fountain heads. Maximum fountain height up to 17 inches. Water flow capacity: up to 50 gph. One year warranty.
• Toskana SunJet 150 Mini Solar Pump Kit Create your own water feature in pond, bird bath or fountain. Powered by a separate solar panel (supplied). Low voltage water pump with filter. 3 different fountain heads. 16 ft cable to solar panel. Maximum fountain height up to 10 inches. Water flow capacity: 33 gallons per hour. Note: Fountain bowl not included.

Thank you for your question. Enjoy your pond.
Sincerely, Barbara

Choosing a Cervical Collar to Ease Whiplash Neck Injury Pain

Questions about cervical collars

Q: "I suffered from whiplash in a car accident. I understand there are several types of cervical collar. The one I have is not comfortable. Could you explain the differences and suggest how I choose one?'Thanks. Matt

Answer: We recommend that your physician and/or physical therapist help you choose the best cervical collar for your needs. Physical therapists often are the better choice as they can measure your neck accurately and share experiences with other patients' comfort. Cervical collars or neck braces help support one's spinal cord and head after surgery or trauma. A cervical collar can also help realign one's spinal cord as it relieve pains. Usually cervical collars are not worn for long periods of time. For example after a cervical spinal fusion, a patient may need the support of a neck collar during recovery.

After suffering a whiplash injury, a person may need neck support until the neck injury is healed.

Currently, we offer these types of cervical collar:

• Philadelphia cervical collars: adjustable neck height from 70mm (2 3/4" in) to over 100 mm depending upon size (medium, large and extra large). Each size fits necks 16 inches to 21 inches around. Molded "Ethafoam" for comfort, this cervical collar provides very high immobilization, is anatomically shaped and has a preformed chin and opening for a tracheotomy.
• Soft Foam Cervical Collar: Made with a firm density PU foam to provide cushion and comfortable cervical support. Covered with aesthetically pleasing Nylon stockinette and a cotton sleeve. Sizes: small, medium, large, extra large. Fit necks beginning at 12 inches through 23 inches around.
• Deluxe Foam Cervical Collar: Medium density, 1" thick foam collar covered in natural stockinette. Contoured design features chin cutout. Velcro®-type closure.
• Adjustable Cervical Collar: Height adjustment from 1"-1.25" for perfect fitting. Made with Ethafoam for more cushioning. Well-ventilated for comfort.
  Available in Medium (16 to 21 inches), Large (17 to 22 inches) and X-Large (18 to 23 inches).

Thank you for your question. We wish you a speedy recovery.
Sincerely, Barbara

Automatic Outdoor Dog Water Fountain for Summer & Hot Climates

Question about the Contech Outdoor Dog Water Fountain.

Q: My labs enjoy staying outside in our fenced yard despite the summer heat. The trees provide shade but it still gets into the 80's or low 90's most days. We'd like them to have fresh water and the option of cooling off. How does the automatic water fountain work? How hard is it to train dogs to use it?" Thanks. John.

Answer: Learning to use the Automatic Dog Waterer is like learning to use a dog door. If the dog is thirsty, he or she will learn faster. When we trained our Bostons to use the dog door, we gave them dog cookies the first few times and pushed them through the door. That was all it took.

Similarly, your dogs should learn quickly to use the waterer. If you want them to get cooled off, my suggestion is to purchase a Contech Water Scarecrow. This will dump about a cup of water on them each time they approach it which should help to cool them off.

Meanwhile, these are the specifications for the automatic waterer:

* Runs on 4 "C" Batteries: Battery life: Up to 1 Year.
* Low battery indicator: when light flashes red, change batteries.
* Ultra sound based concept: Operates unattended and "activates" the fresh stream of water when your pet approaches.
* Detection Range: 40 degrees angle out to a distance of 1 meter (approximately 3 feet).
* Operates 24/7: Cool Clean Water on Demand for your dog at any time.
* Simple Installation: Installs easily on any outdoor spigot.
* Emergency Lockout: If an object remains in front of the WaterDog for more than 4 minutes, the Water Dog will shut off until the object is removed.
* Pipe Splitter Included: Flow Through Tap Connector allows you to connect another hose or sprinkler without having to disconnect the Water Dog.
* DO NOT use if there is a risk of freezing.
* Maintenance:
o Daily: Place your hand in front of the WaterDog sensor. When the light flashes green, it is working correctly.
o Monthly: Inspect the sensor area to make sure that it is clean and free of any debris. Wash the screen with soapy water.
o Yearly: Replace the alkaline batteries for maximum performance.
* Most dogs will understand how to use the WaterDog immediately. More timid dogs may need some training. When introducing your dog, make sure he is thirsty. Remove regular source of water and exercise first.
* Dimensions: Unit: 6.5" high x 3" diameter. Metal Hose: 23"
* 2 Year Limited Manufacturers Warranty.

Thanks for your question.
Sincerely, Barbara