Knowledge Weighs Nothing

The Upside Down Fire Technique (And Why You Should Try It!)

November 27, 2013

Upside down fire method

So what is an upside-down fire and why should you be using this technique to light your fires?

With the traditional way of building a fire, most people start with a small pile of kindling and then add larger logs as the fire gets going. With the upside-down fire technique you build your fire from the base up before you light it, not only that, but you start with the biggest logs at the bottom, then some smaller logs and then the kindling on top. Watch the short video below for details on how to do this.

When you light the kindling on top the fire burns down slowly through the larger logs, whilst still giving off a similar amount of heat. You probably won’t have to put any further logs on the fire for two to three hours, so this will reduce the amount of wood your burn each day. Also when done outdoors in a camping or survival scenario it enables you to leave the fire unattended for several hours, as the initial fire burns much, much longer than a traditional campfire.

(Video/Photo from: Household Hacker)

Filed Under: A.K.W.N, General, Homesteading, Wilderness Survival

Quickly Turn An Off-The-Shelf Carport Into A Barn (Or Even A Cabin?)

October 27, 2018

Use a carport to build a barn

What a great idea! Purchase an off-the-shelf carport, assemble it, clad it with timber, add a door, and you have an awesome low-cost barn… You could cut costs even further by cladding with wood stripped from free wooden pallets. If you ask around local businesses, you can get an endless supply of free pallets. See our 160+ pallet tutorials post for more pallet projects and ideas.

What interests me about this the most though is not necessarily building a large barn as in the photo, but the opportunity to use a smaller carport to build a tool shed/workshop. In fact, come to think of it, you can pretty much build any single-story building by adapting one of these off-the-shelf carport kits.

In fact, I am sure you could build a low-cost cabin using this method, providing you insulated the ceiling and possibly the walls as well. It would appear fairly straightforward to cut and install additional windows and doors, so why not a cheap/quick/affordable cabin or single story house?

Anyway, I thought I would feature this great project from ‘Mulligan’s Run’, as it provides plenty of food for thought for affordable and very quick building. Check out how the barn was made here: Turn A Simple Carport Into An Awesome Barn

(Image from: Mulligan’s Run)

Filed Under: A.K.W.N, DIY, General, Homesteading

How To Make Pineapple Weed Tea (Great For Stress & Insomnia)

July 4, 2014

Pineapple weed tea

You have probably seen pineapple weed thousands of times but never given it a second look. It likes yards and other trampled/beaten and unkempt areas. It is very easy to identify with its pineapple-shaped yellow flower heads. Pineapple weed is actually a close relative of chamomile, and it has similar calming/sedative properties. In fact, I would say it is a more powerful sedative than chamomile.

Pineapple tea is very simple to make and it tastes great, like a sweeter slightly pineapple version of chamomile tea. It is excellent to drink when stressed to help you relax. It is also great to drink before bed to help you sleep.

How To Make Pineapple Weed Tea

You only use the flower heads to make the tea, so go out and collect around a handful (seems about the right amount for a decent sized cup). Make sure you collect from a clean and unpolluted area. Once you have your flower heads, simply put them in a cup, teapot or French press (French press works very well), cover with boiling water and let them sit and steep for 3-5 minutes. Now simply strain and drink!

Pineapple weed tea is delicious and quite sweet by itself, but it is also amazing if you add a spoonful of honey. Give it a try!

Note: I am not aware of any issues relating to drinking pineapple weed tea and medical conditions or medications, but I am not a medical expert, so just to be on the safe side, check with your doctor if you are suffering from a serious medical condition. I am sure it’s fine but better to be safe than sorry.

(Image from Wikipedia)

Filed Under: A.K.W.N, Foraging, Health/Fitness, Homesteading

Mosquito Repellent Plants: 7 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes & Bugs

July 1, 2015

7 plants that repel mosquitoes

As well as the plants that repel mosquitoes, we’ve also included a few plants repel mosquitoes AND some other insects such as gnats, ticks & fleas (and other bugs); and plants that protect other plants from aphids & mites etc.

Planting and growing insect and mosquito repellent plants provide a great opportunity to get out in the garden and plant some plants which are a perfect mix of beauty and functionality. Some people are sceptical about using plants to repel bugs/insects, whilst others are 100% convinced that mosquito repellent plants do as advertized. My advice is – nothing is going to be as effective as DEET and similar pharmaceutical products, but these plants that repel mosquitoes and other bugs really do help. Many of them a beautiful in their own right, and some also have other useful properties.

The thing is – if you take natural plant based bug repellents out of the equation; the only really option is DEET based products. There are serious health concerns about the toxic effects of DEET as it is absorbed into the body through your skin. Children are thought to be most at risk from side effects, as children’s skin absorbs more DEET than an adult’s. Sure, DEET has its place and it is even vital in certain situations and locations, but I think it is always worthwhile to also consider natural cures and solutions rather than just reaching for the pharmaceutical option each and every time.

At the end of the day, if you plant some of the mosquito and bug repellent plants listed below, at the very least you’ll be getting some pretty plants that smell beautiful. If however you are still not convinced enough to plant any of these plants that repel mosquitoes and other biting insects, why not check out: All Terrain Herbal Armor DEET-Free Natural Insect Repellent, it is biodegradable, cruelty – free, and contains no petrochemicals or animal by products.

Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

Here is infographic with the keypoints, see down below for more in-depth information on each plant.

Plants That Repel Mosquitoes Infographic

The following plants are known throughout the world to act as natural mosquito repellents. While some work better than others, incorporating these plants into your yard can reduce the concentration of these annoying, and potentially dangerous, insects. So without further ado, here’s our list of the best mosquito repellent plants.

Pennyroyal - many uses as a mosquito repellent plantPennyroyal – one of the most versatile mosquito repellent plants to grow

Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal helps to repel mosquitoes, gnats and also ticks and fleas! In fact it should be your number one natural mosquito repellent plant to grow.

Pennyroyal is often used in commercial natural mosquito repellent creams and sprays. Pennyroyal is one of the best bug repellent plants in the garden, but it is best utilized as a natural mosquito repellent applied to the skin.

If you crush pennyroyal leaves and rub them onto your skin, this acts as an effective natural mosquito repellent. Additionally, you can also crush the stems and put them in pockets, bags and hats.

Natural mosquito repellent for dogs! Crushed pennyroyal leaves and stems can also be rubbed on dogs to help repel ticks and fleas. Actually you will often see dogs rubbing in pennyroyal patches when outdoors.

The most effective way to incorporate pennyroyal into your yard is to establish it as a companion plant. Many find success planting pennyroyal close to areas where they congregate. For example, planting near patios and outdoor seating areas. Pennyroyals do exceptionally well when potted. To prevent common fungal diseases that afflict this plant, spray with cooled chamomile tea after planting.

Feverfew - one of the best plants that repel mosquitoesFeverfew is beautiful in its own right AND it’s a natural mosquito repellent too!

Feverfew

Feverfew is great for repelling mosquitoes and other flying biting insects. It is ideal for planting around outdoor seating areas, pathways and close to doorways and windows; for maximum benefit, plant in conjunction with citronella grass and lavender (see below). Double up with these plants that repel mosquitos etc, for maximum results.

In addition to its natural insect repellent qualities, feverfew also has many medicinal uses. It is historically used to help treat nervous disorders, headaches and it also works as a laxative and helps ease bloating.

To enhance its mosquito repelling qualities, it’s suggested to plant feverfew near outdoor seating and congregating areas in your yard. For example, plant around pathways and close to windows and doorways. If you have issues with mosquitoes entering your home, plant feverfew outside and indoors near windows.

Unlike some of the other mosquito repellent plants, feverfew is quite hardy and does quite well in a wide variety of light and soil conditions. If you’re starting plants indoors, it’s best to group 3 or 4 seeds together in 1/4-inch deep soil. Don’t bury seeds deep in the soil, as this plant is light dependent to spark germination and growth. It’s safe to transplant after the first true leaves have grown. Make sure to give feverfew around 8 to 12-inches of space between other plants. Again, this is one of the best bug repellent plants to grow in your garden.

To take advantage of its medicinal uses, harvest flowers when they’re in full bloom and harvest leaves just before the plant starts to flower. Harvesting at these times ensures the maximum concentration of medicinal compounds.

Citronella grass - the most popular natural mosquito repellent Citronella grass – a versatile natural insect repellent

Citronella grass

Citronella grass is an old favourite; everyone knows it is commonly used as an insect and natural mosquito repellent in outdoor candles, which are used around outdoor eating and seating areas. Citronella grass is one of the best mosquito repellent plants and it can be planted and used in a similar way as citronella candles, to keep flying insects away.

Belonging to the geranium plant family, the fragrance produced by the citronella foliage is known as one of the most effective natural mosquito repellents, which is why it is often found in DEET free natural mosquito repellents. While some proponents claim that by simply growing the plant repels mosquitoes, the actual results are mixed. The bug repelling fragrance produced by its leaves seems to primarily work when the leaves are crushed. Unlike other plants that repel mosquitoes in this list, to maximize your results, you have to do a little extra work.

Once the plant has matured, remove several of its leaves. Using your hands, rub the leaves together to crush them and release its essential oils. Rub these oils over your body. For added relief from these bothersome pests, sprinkle crushed citronella leaves around your outdoor seating area.

To further maximize the insect repelling results, plant citronella grass in your garden & yard and use in conjunction with feverfew and lavender.

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of citronella grass is its ease. Unlike other bug repellent plants, citronella is quite hearty and capable of being grown in a wide variety of climates. Because of its versatility it can be grown indoors and outdoors. While the plant thrives outdoors during warmer months, make sure to transplant it to indoor locations before the first frost.

Citronella prefers a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day – this is regardless of its indoor or outdoor location. While full-sun is preferred, they can tolerate partial shade. Citronella may thrive in a variety of soils, as long as it’s well-drained. To maximize the production of mosquito-repelling oils, occasionally fertilize with all-purpose plant food.

On average, a citronella plant can grow anywhere from 2 to 4 feet high. To encourage new growth, pruning and pinching is highly recommended.

Additionally, citronella grass has also been found to have a calming effect on barking dogs, which is worth considering if you have a dog which barks excessively day and night. Your neighbours might thank you for at least giving it a try!

Lavender - the most beautiful mosquito repellent plant you can growBeautiful! I’d still grow lavender even if it didn’t repel mosquitoes

Lavender

Belonging to the mint family, lavender is a fragrant herb native to the Mediterranean region. Producing beautiful blue-violet flowers, the oils it creates have a long history being used as a medicinal tincture.

Due to its calming scent, lavender oil is most commonly used as a tension-relief and anti-anxiety remedy. Although its uses in the human body are varied, one of its most potent uses is also one of the most under-rated.

Lavender is a powerful mosquito and general insect repellent. The oils secreted by this plant effectively ward off these pests through completely natural means. There are several ways you can use lavender to naturally repel mosquitoes. The most effective of these methods is by extracting its oils. To utilize this method, simply grind its flowers and apply to the areas of your skin where mosquitoes like to bite, such as your ankles and arms.

Of course, lavender naturally repels mosquitoes by simply growing. Plant lavender around outdoor seating areas, pathways and near doorways and windows. The scent produced by the plant wards off mosquitoes and other bugs. Lavender can be successfully grown indoors and outdoors. Along with its powerful anti-mosquito properties, it’s also a beautiful addition to any home or garden.

Cut and or dried lavender can also be placed on windowsills to stop mosquitoes entering the house. Additionally, dried lavender flowers can also be used in wardrobes to repel moths and keep clothes smelling fresh. All in all lavender is one of the most versatile plants that repel mosquitoes, that you can grow.

Chrysanthemum companion plantPyrethrum Chrysanthemum repels aphids, leafhoppers, mites and other bugs that attack plants

Pyrethrum also known as Chrysanthemum

Whilst not specifically a mosquito repellent plant, pyrethrum helps to repel a whole host of other insects and bugs, including: aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites, harlequin bugs and ticks.

Pyrethrum is best used as a ‘companion plant’ to protect other plants with its insect repellent properties. It is planted close to plants which are affected by the insects above.

Additionally a natural pesticide can be made with pyrethrum flowers. The flowers need to be dried and crushed and mixed with water. It is beyond the scope of this article to give specific instructions on potency etc., so please carry out further research before trying this, as even though the pesticide is completely natural, it can still be harmful to humans in certain situations.

The oils produced by the Chrysanthemum plant is one of the most powerful natural bug repellents. In fact, the majority of all-natural repellents call upon its essential oil as its primary active ingredient. Not only does its oil repel mosquitoes, but if they come in contact with it the oils, it actually kills the insect. This is an excellent benefit for those dealing with massive mosquito infestations.

As with many of these plants, Chrysanthemums are relatively easy bug repellent plants to care for, as long as you follow several tips. This plant is particularly susceptible to mildew. Therefore, it’s imperative to keep them as dry as possible. They require ample air circulation, water draining and full morning sun to efficiently dry any dew that’s been deposited on its stems and leaves. Never plant in low-lying or boxed-in areas that feature little air circulation.

As for the soil, these plants require fertile, sandy or loamy soil. To ensure maximum health, make sure the soil maintains a pH level around 6.5. These plants are relatively tough and are able to thrive without much external fertilization. In order to keep these plants as healthy as possible, make sure they’re exposed to light. During the growing season, feed with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.

Marigold plantsMarigolds – the jack of all trades

Marigolds

Marigolds are beautify, strongly aromatic herbaceous flowers commonly found throughout the world. While many choose to cultivate these flowers based upon their season-long blooms and delicious scent, these flowers are also effective mosquito repellents.

As with pyrethrum, marigolds are best used as a ‘companion plant’ to help protect other plants; however, marigolds do also have some natural mosquito repellent properties, so it’s a bit of an all-rounder.

Marigolds contain a chemical compound called thiopenes in the roots. This plant repels aphids, cabbage maggots, white flies and many other pests. Marigolds are particularly good at protecting tomato plants.

Along with its potent anti-mosquito properties, marigolds are relatively easy to grow. Although easy to care for, there are several tips you should follow to ensure maximum growth. The first rule of thumb to remember is marigolds require lots of direct sunlight. Although they can flourish is almost any type of soil, these flowers tend to do best in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. As spring warms the soil, sow them directly into the garden. If you’re growing from seeds, starts the seeds indoors around 4 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost. When seedlings grow to around 2-inches tall, separate them and plant in flats of loose soil. You may also transplant them into a garden.

Once planted, marigolds require very little upkeep. Never water marigolds from overhead. Rather, water at the base of the flowers. Don’t worry about fertilizing these plants. Due to its sensitive nature, excess fertilization causes the foliage to rapidly develop, which reduces flower production. Unlike other plants, marigolds flower best in poor soil. Try to plant these flowers in full-sun as they can mildew quickly if the flowers remain damp from morning dew or rainstorms.

Peppermint - delicious and useful as a natural insect repellent Everyone should grow peppermint, for cooking if nothing else

Peppermint

Peppermint is one of the most beloved plants due to its strong, poignant scent. A common ingredient in a vast array of products, the peppermint plant does far more than simply add a delicious flavor to treats or toothpaste.

The majority of bugs despise the scent and taste of peppermint. Its strong essential oils waft effortlessly through the air to naturally repel mosquitoes and other common insects. Planting peppermint along outdoor seating areas, around windows or near doorways is an effective way to naturally repel mosquitos and other bugs.

Another added benefit? Should you be bitten by a mosquito, rubbing its leaves directly into the the bite offers near-instant itch relief. Double benefit! It’s a plant that repels mosquitoes and it provides mosquito bite relief.

An excellent benefit of growing peppermint is its ease. As with any other plant belonging to the mint family, peppermint is fast growing and requires minimal care. When growing peppermint outdoors, plant about 2-feet apart in moist soil. This plant spreads quite rapidly and requires a decent amount of room to flourish. At its peak, peppermint grows around 1 to 2-feet tall.

In your garden, plant peppermint near tomatoes and cabbage to thwart pesky insects. While these plants tend to do best directly in a garden, they also do quite well in pots. Fill a container with compost-enriched potting mix and place close to outdoor seating areas. The only requirement is these plants require full sunlight to truly flourish.

Unlike other plants in this list, peppermint does best in moist soil. When planting outside, use a light mulch to help keep the soil moist. Water the leaves regularly to keep them clean and to maintain high oil production. When growing peppermint indoors, make sure to water them regularly. Focus on maintaining even soil moistness.

To enhance the mosquito-repelling effectiveness of peppermint, pick several mature leaves from the plant. Mince the leaves into tiny pieces and scatter across your entire outdoor sitting area. Many perform this action immediately before holding an outdoor party or enjoying a nice glass of wine and a book. While the plant itself will help repel mosquitoes, by mincing the leaves and spreading them, the oils are released in greater concentrations. Consider rubbing a little of the minced leaves across areas of your skin where mosquitoes like to bite. However, be careful when doing this. If you have sensitive skin, the oils can cause a rash or irritation. Test on a small portion of your skin and wait 20 minutes. If no reaction occurs, apply to a larger area.

Mosquitoes | An Overview of Blood-Thirsty Pests

Did you know there are over 3,000 different mosquito species throughout the world? While each mosquito has a unique scientific name, their presence to humans and animals is relatively similar. As with most insects, mosquitoes lay eggs to reproduce. These eggs are often found in still, calm waters and float on “rafts.” One of the greatest preventative measures is to eliminate water accumulation in your yard.

There are four stages a mosquito goes through: egg, larva, pupa and adult. During the egg, larvae and pupae stage, the mosquitoes live in water. However, as they molt into the adult stage, they fly away from water sources and become airborne. As summer temperatures rise to 80-degrees Fahrenheit, the larva goes through a rapid transformation. On average, it takes four days for larva to reach the pupae stage. From here, it takes an additional three days before the pupa transforms into an adult mosquito. The lifespan of a single mosquito is relatively short. Female mosquitoes may live for several weeks if they have a constant source of sugar while male mosquitoes typically live for less than a week.

The primary difference between adult male and female mosquitoes is its size. Generally, female mosquitoes are larger than males and have a threadlike antennae. Male mosquitoes feature a more bushy antennae.

Unlike popular belief, mosquitoes find nourishment on more than just blood. Both male and female adult mosquitoes feed on nectar. However, when it comes time to lay eggs, female mosquitoes seek out warm-blooded hosts to feed on their blood. Male mosquitoes don’t feed on blood.

The Importance of Mosquitoes in the Ecosystem

It’s difficult to imagine these annoying pests have any purpose outside of ruining your outdoor enjoyment, but they have several important purposes in your local ecosystem. Mosquito larvae serves as a viable food source for fish and other aquatic animals. As the mosquitoes grow older, they become an important food source for bats, birds, spiders, dragonflies and other arthropods. Without these insects, entire animal groups would lack in nourishment.

The Negative Impact of Mosquitoes

Of course, with a positive benefit comes a negative. Perhaps the most noteworthy downside of mosquitoes is their ability to transmit dangerous pathogens to humans and other warm-blooded animals. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases, such as encephalitis, dengue fever and yellow fever. It’s important to note these insects can only be carriers of disease, they cannot spontaneously cause disease. For example, a mosquito must feed on an infected host in order to transmit a pathogen.

(Photos from: Wikimedia Commons)

Filed Under: A.K.W.N, General, Home Remedies, Homesteading, Natural Pest Control

How To Stop Bleeding QUICKLY With Black Pepper

November 13, 2013

Stop Bleeding With Black Pepper

When it comes to survival and wilderness first aid, I highly recommend you carry a blood-clotting agent with you in your first aid kit, personally, I believe that CELOX produces the best consumer-available blood clotting agent, as unlike many other brands, CELOX is also effective for people on blood thinners such as heparin and warfarin etc. You can purchase CELOX here from Amazon. It is quite expensive, but simply put – it could save your life one day…

If you do not have a clotting agent such as CELOX, you can in fact use simple ground black pepper to stop bleeding quickly for small to medium-sized cuts/wounds.  Black pepper is naturally antibacterial and it also makes blood coagulate quickly and stop bleeding. Black pepper was commonly used by soldiers in the Second World War, and even today it is often used in professional kitchens (probably due to its availability) to stop cuts from bleeding.

It couldn’t be simpler to use black pepper to stop bleeding – simply pour a generous amount of ground black pepper onto the wound and apply pressure (and bandage if necessary) and it should quickly stop bleeding (please use common sense though as serious cuts may still require the attention of a physician).

Note: Finely ground black pepper works best, and no, black pepper does not sting when put on a cut!

Personally, I keep some CELOX in our first aid kits for emergencies, but for day-to-day and around the home, black pepper is a useful alternative for smaller wounds.

Disclaimer – I am not a medical expert, this information is based on my own experience and research. Please do your own research and exercise common sense before trying this. If you have an existing medical condition or allergy, please check that this won’t interfere with your condition or medication.

Filed Under: A.K.W.N, General, General Prepping, Health/Fitness, Homesteading

Easily Fix Old Drill Batteries — Options For Both NiCad & Li-Ion Batteries

October 27, 2018

Fix drill batteries

I have an old DEWALT cordless drill.  The battery no longer holds its charge. I contacted DEWALT ages back about a replacement battery but they quoted $85 PLUS P&P… I am sad to say that my trusty old drill has sat unused since. I purchased a new cheaper drill for half the price.

But all is not lost as thanks to the video below, I am now able to breathe life back into my trusty old DWALT drill! I can ‘hot rod’ and repair the battery for less than $20! I just wish I had found out about this sooner as I would have avoided buying a second drill.

If you have an old Ni-Cad battery drill, or any other battery power tool that’s no longer charging or holding its charge, DON’T pay top dollar for a replacement battery or a new tool. Hot-rod the battery pack and replace the battery cells. It’s pretty straightforward to do. Watch the video below for more information.

I have added a second video down below. This one shows how to upgrade your old NiCad battery drills etc, to lithium battery drills! This means you don’t need to purchase a new drill, to take advantage of the newer, much-improved lithium battery technology. You can simply upgrade your old drill’s battery by replacing the battery cells in it.

I have now found and added a third video. This video explains how to revive Li-Ion batteries. When this works, it gives the batteries a new lease of life.

Please exercise caution when reviving old batteries or replacing the battery cells etc. Follow the instructions in the videos below. Note any safety precautions and limitations. Play Safe!

How To Hotrod a Cordless Drill Battery (Replace The Battery Cells!)

Upgrade Old NiCad Powertool Batteries To Lithium Batteries

How To Revive Dead Li-Ion Power Tool Batteries

Filed Under: A.K.W.N, Homesteading, Self-Sufficiency

How To Get Rid Of Wasps: Includes A DIY Wasp Trap!

July 17, 2015

Wasps - how to get rid of wasps?

There’s nothing as terrifying – and painful – as finding yourself surrounded by the buzzing of wasps or hornets. If you’ve spent any time in your yard or enjoying the peaceful serenity of nature, you’ve likely had an encounter with these flying demons. Regardless of where you’ve had this encounter, the overwhelming desire to never have to deal with such creatures is universally strong.

Before learning how to get rid of wasps and hornets, it’s important to learn about these creatures. There are distinct differences between these two bugs. Understanding these differences can help set up effective and long-lasting remedies.

Wasps | A Basic Overview

The terms “wasps” and “hornets” can be quite confusing as they are often used interchangeably. However, a wasp is its own species of insect, which is strikingly different than hornets. Unlike bees, which survive on a diet of pollen or nectar, the majority of wasps live on a diet of other insects. Wasps are social creatures, and much like bees, live in a colony.

As winter gives way to spring, wasp colonies begin to flourish. A colony is started with a single queen wasp that survived the winter. Worker wasps build their nests out of paper, which they naturally produce by chewing on wood, cardboard or scraps of paper. In the beginning, a wasp colony is small. However, as summer progresses, the number of wasps rapidly develop. By the end of summer, a social wasp colony can be in the hundreds.

When fall approaches, only a handful of wasps remain. These typically include several fertile females, which are potential queens, and several males. As the temperatures turn cooler, colony is abandoned and the fertilized female wasps scatter in search of shelter. The remaining male wasps die with the cold weather.

Wasp Quick Facts

  • Wasps are typically smaller than hornets. These insects measure less than 1 inch.
  • The nests of wasps are both found suspended in the air or on the ground. It’s not uncommon for a nest to be built underground. In general, a single nest can hold anywhere from 100 to 5,000 individual worker wasps.
  • Wasps can range in color, which makes it difficult to suggest a single primary coloration.
  • Wasps prey on other insects. While some wasps may feed on pollen or nectar, they are not pollinators. They often scavenge for sweets and proteins.
  • Unlike popular belief, the average social wasp is not an extremely aggressive insect. This is quite different than yellow jackets, which are extremely aggressive. A social wasp is only likely to sting if it feels threatened. When compared to bees, which generally die after a sting, a wasp can sting multiple times without perishing.

Hornets | A Basic Overview

Hornets belong to the Vespa genus and closely resemble social wasps. Because of this, many confuse these two insects as being the same bug. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. There are over 20 different hornet species, which can be found throughout Europe, North America and Africa.

Much like wasps, hornets are social insects. They construct hives by chewing wood and transforming these shavings into a paper-like pulp. Hives flourish through a fertile queen hornet, who primarily gives birth to asexual female workers. There are very few male hornets. The few males born have a very specific job – mating with the queen. After their sexual task is completed, they die soon thereafter.

In the same vein as wasps, hornets thrive during the spring and summer months, only to die during winter. The majority of worker hornets do not survive the colder months; however, fertile queens survive by finding shelter under tree bark or sneaking into your home. As soon as winter gives way to spring, the fertile queen begins laying eggs and a new hive is born. Before the queen dies, she gives birth to several queen hornets and males. This ensures the next generation of hornets is healthy, strong and capable of building a new nest.

Worker hornets defend their hive with venom-filled stingers. Unlike yellowjackets, which are quite aggressive toward humans and animals, hornets only attack when they feel the nest is threatened.

Hornet Quick Facts

  • Hornets measure anywhere from 1 to 1.5-inches in length. They are typically larger than wasps and other stinging insects within the same genus.
  • The nests are constructed out of a paper-like pulp and are globular in shape. Nests are elevated above ground, such as in trees or along the gutters of a home. The colony size of a hornet nest is much smaller than wasps. The average hornet colony houses anywhere from 100 to 700 workers.
  • Hornets feature two distinct color variations. They are either black and white or feature a brownish-reddish color.
  • Hornets feed off other insects. They rarely go after pollen and typically don’t scavenge for sweets or proteins. This is why the majority of hornets are immune to general traps that use sweets.
  • If the nest is undisturbed, hornets are not likely to sting. However, if the nest is disturbed or the hive feels threatened, hornets can be extremely aggressive. A single hornet can sting an individual several times in a row, which leads to severe pain.
  • The venom in a hornet sting can lead to serious allergic reactions in some individuals. The quantity of stings sustained in an attack may result in life-threatening reactions to those sensitive to its venom.

Get rid of wasps

How To Get Rid Of Wasps And Hornets

Wasp Trap | How To Get Rid Of Wasps Safely

Now that you have a more thorough understanding of these insects, how do you get rid of wasps? Of course, you have the option of hiring a professional pest management service, but these services are often very expensive and use harmful toxins to control wasp and hornet colonies. If you’re searching for a more natural way to eliminate these insects, you may want to look into homemade wasp traps.

By the time wasps or hornets become a concern, it’s likely because a colony has grown to exponential numbers. As a general rule of thumb, if the wasps aren’t causing a problem, such as a nest far away from social spots or areas of your yard where you and friends congregate, it’s best to leave the hive alone as it’ll disappear during the fall and winter months.

The most effective way to safely eliminate wasps and hornets from your property is to limit the number of potential nesting spots. Seal all openings in hollow tubing, such as the interior piping of children’s playground equipment. Of course, if you’re dealing with a large, active nest, you’re going to need more proactive measures.

While there are many insecticides on the market designed to kill wasps and hornets, these can fill your yard with poison. The toxins used in the majority of commercial insecticides are dangerous for the environment, pets and humans. Perhaps the most effective form of pest control is making a homemade wasp trap out of materials you likely have around the house.

Homemade Wasp Trap | Step-by-Step Instructions

The basic premise of this homemade wasp trap is quite simple. With a standard 2-liter soda bottle, wasps enter the bottle, get trapped and die. This is one of the most effective remedies to minimize the number of wasps; however, the only way to completely eliminate wasps is by removing their nest and killing their queen. This will be discussed in the next section.

making a soda bottle wasp trapCutting the top of the soda bottle for the homemade wasp trap

Step-by-Step Directions for the Homemade Wasp Trap

  • Step One | Gather a 2-liter plastic soda bottle and cut the neck of the bottle around 4-inches below the bottle cap region.
  • Step Two | Remove the freshly cut neck and flip it upside down. Place it in the opening of the bottle you just cut.
  • Step Three | With packing or duct tape, tape these two pieces together. Make sure the tape is secure and there are no openings in the seams.
  • Step Four | Because wasps and hornets are attracted to protein, place several pieces of raw meat inside the bottle. While some suggest sugar water, this doesn’t always attract wasps. Rather, you’d likely collect an army of yellowjackets or other insects, such as honey bees..
  • Step Five | To prevent the wasps and hornets from climbing out of the bottle, coat the interior lining of the flipped portion of the bottle with petroleum jelly.
  • Step Six | Hang the wasp trap by attaching it to a string and place it away from where you and your family gather. A great spot is along the perimeter of your yard.
  • Step Seven | Once the bottle is full, which may take several days, pour boiling water into the bottle to ensure all the wasps are dead. Dispose of the bottle in an outdoor trashcan and replace with a new wasp trap.

DIY wasp trapHomemade wasp trap! Made in 2 Minutes!

Natural Wasp Nest Killer

Exercise extreme caution when messing with nests! Make sure children, pets and neighbours are out of harms way. If you’re unsure, you may want to consider a pest control company to destroy the nest safely.

As mentioned earlier, the only way to truly eliminate these pests is to kill the nest and all its inhabitants. Up until recently, the majority of products contained harmful poisons to accomplish this goal. However, there is a new product capable of safely eliminating wasp nests without the use of harsh ingredients.

EcoSMART Organic Wasp and Hornet Killer utilizes natural plant and tree extracts to safely and effectively kill nests and colonies. When used with the aforementioned homemade wasp trap, this is one of the most effective ways to keep these pests at bay.

When using this product, it’s important to keep safety in mind. You never want to try and kill a nest while standing close to it. Wasps and hornets get quite agitated when their nest is disturbed. So you only want to use a product with far-reaching jet spray. This product features an 18-foot spray, which allows you to be close enough for an accurate reach, but far away enough to prevent being stung. Locate the wasp or hornet spray.

Stand 15 to 18-feet away and thoroughly spray the nest with this product. Try to completely saturate the nest, but if the wasps come out and begin making their way toward you, immediately seek shelter and repeat at a later time. It’s best to do this in the early morning hours when the entire hive has returned from its day of seeking food and supplies. Repeat if the hive is not completely destroyed.

Wasp and Hornet Prevention | Keep the Insects Away

One of the most effective natural prevention methods is also one of the least understood. Homeowners and insect research alike aren’t sure why it works, but as millions will attest, it’s incredibly effective – and easy.

To prevent wasps, hornets and other insects from infiltrating your home or yard, simply fill a clear, sealable plastic bag with water and place 3 to 5 coins in it. Seal the bag and hand along the perimeter of your home and yard. Instantly, wasps, hornets and other flying insects will immediately leave your property.

While it’s not known exactly why this works, the most commonly accepted hypothesis is these creatures feel threatened by the hanging bag of water. They may believe that it’s another hive. The majority of wasps and hornets do not wish to nest near a competing hive. Therefore, they’ll leave your property and seek shelter in another location.

If you’re looking for a professional visual deterrent, then you may be interested in the Get Lost Wasp Deterrent. This preventative measure looks like a common wasp hive. It works by activating the natural territorial behavior of wasps. According to the manufacturer, it prevents wasps and hornets from building a hive within 200 feet of its location. Hang this product underneath decks, eaves or in tree canopies.

It’s suggested to hang several throughout your property to keep it completely free from wasp and hornet colonies. When combined with the water bag method, you can expect zero wasp or hornet nests. This is, by far, the most environmentally-friendly method of keeping these insects away. The goal is to not kill off these insects, but rather, prevent them from entering your space.

(Images from: slgckgc)

Filed Under: A.K.W.N, DIY, General, Homesteading, Natural Pest Control

How To Reuse Old Car/Truck Batteries To Power Your Home

October 23, 2018

Reuse old car batteries

Car and truck batteries need to provide 100s of amps to get an engine started. An old car/truck battery might no longer have the power left to start a high drain engine, but it will probably still be capable of providing 100+ of watts of power, which can keep the lights on and power small devices.

You can use old car/truck batteries together with solar chargers to provide off-grid electricity. The solar chargers top up the batteries each day. An old car battery can easily provide 100 watts of electricity for several hours at a time. If your energy demands are higher, use two or more batteries.

The best part of all this is you can get old car batteries for zero cost. Garages are replacing car, van and truck batteries daily. They have to pay to recycle/dispose of these old batteries. If you ask, they should be happy to give you several batteries for free. Alternatively, old car batteries are often dropped off at household waste and recycling centres. If you swing by you will probably be able to get more than enough old batteries.

Check out the video below, explaining about using an old car battery with a solar charger to provide off-grid electricity.

Filed Under: A.K.W.N, DIY, General, General Prepping, Homesteading

12 Home Remedies For Earaches

November 27, 2013

home-remedies-earaches1

This post is quite timely for me as I currently have an ear, nose and throat infection that just won’t go away. Earache is a bit like toothache – it sounds like a minor inconvenience, but the pain from both can be excruciating…

If you suffer with earaches regularly or you have young children who seem especially prone, check out the post below from ‘Common Sense Homesteading’  which details 12 home remedies to help cure earache and reduce pain. Personally when at home I use one of those microwaveable wheat bags and place it on my ear, I find the heat soothes the pain.  You could also try a hot water bottle.

12 Home Remedies For Earaches

(Photo from: Common Sense Homesteading)

Filed Under: General, Health/Fitness, Homesteading, Self-Sufficiency

How To Make A DIY Soup Can Forge

October 27, 2018

DIY soup can forge

We have done several posts about making your own knives, arrowheads and other small tools over the years, but the main stumbling block preventing most folks having a go is that the tutorials usually require a blacksmiths forge to heat, shape and harden the steel.

Building or buying a full-sized blacksmiths forge is beyond most people, however, how about building a small DIY forge from a soup can or similar? I think most people interested in kife making could manage that, especially as this soup can forge is simple to make and costs very little to build. A DIY soup can forge like the one in the video tutorial above would be perfect for those interested in making and forging their own knives or arrowheads etc.

Watch the video below to see how to build this simple soup can forge. I guess if you wanted to make larger tools such as axe heads, you could just use a larger can or a paint tin and make a larger forge in the same manner.

(Image from: LifeBuzzN)

Filed Under: A.K.W.N, DIY, Homesteading, Self-Sufficiency

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