What is a Skunk Ape?

The Myakka Skunk Ape is a creature that many people have claimed to have seen throughout Florida. Especially long the Myakka river. This swamp beast is said to be the cousin of the legendary bigfoot as footage and photos can be found all over the next.

The Myakka Skunk Ape – Real or Fake?

This beast is said to live in swampy areas and smell like rotting eggs, thus the name “Skunk Ape”. There have been reports of this strange animal dating back to the 1940′s as pictures and video footage routinely make it into the news papers but no evidence has yet to proof if this hominid cryptic is real or fake.

Millions of Crazy Ants swarming Florida & Texas.

Invasive Electronic Eating Ants

These new species of ants are spreading everywhere from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida and most recently the Tampa Bay Area. These crazy ants, aka Rasberry crazy ants or Tawny ants can’t be killed by regular insecticide and are attracted to electronics in which they have already caused $146.5 million dollars in damages in Texas alone.

Millions of Ants Swarming America

The reason these ants are such a threat are because they completely take over an environment killing and eating everything while monopolizing the food resources, making it unable for the native wildlife to flourish. In addition, they attack electrical wiring, breaker boxes, and all electronics including laptops, and cell phone, frying the circuit boards.

Will these crazy ants be stopped? How?

Huge Mako Shark Caught

A whopping 13 hundred pound Mako Shark was hooked by fishermen off the coast of Southern California. Texas fisherman Jason Johnston caught the huge shark which is said to be the biggest shark ever caught. This world record shark was measured at 12 feet long, 8 feet in girth and 1,323 pounds.

Worlds Biggest Shark Caught – New Record

It took over a quarter of a mile of fishing line for Jason Johnston to reel in the monster fish. It looked like something out of a nightmare indeed. The fishermen will donate the sea creature to a research organization but in the meantime they are having fun taking pictures and showing off their once in a lifetime catch.

Why should one avail services of Horse classifieds for selling horse?

Selling your horse can be quite an effort because it can, more often than not, involve an excruciatingly long waiting period between putting your horse for sale and actually selling it. Since the value of your horse may come down in the market during the time you keep waiting for the sale to come through, it is advisable to avail the services of Horse Classifieds for the sale of your horse in an expert-like manner.

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How to Find a Good Pest Control Company?

When you have a bed bug infestation, the best thing to do is to act right away on how to get rid of them before they start invading the rest of your beds, and even other people’s beds. Remember, these creatures can hitch on your luggage or clothing and you may not know it but you might be unconsciously bringing them to other homes, offices, and shops. Trying to get rid of them yourself may prove to be futile because not all pesticides are non-toxic and may not have lasting effects especially if you overlook other possible areas of infestation. In New York where bed bugs are prevalent, there are many companies who specialize in exterminating bed bugs and other household pests.
Here are some things you have to consider if you are looking for a company that offers pest management services:

  • Only choose a licensed and certified Pest Management Company. You can look through the internet, newspaper or even listen to personal recommendations for those companies that are reliable and trustworthy.
  • Determine whether they have been around long enough and have experience dealing with bed bug extermination. Also try to check if they are part of any national, state, or local pest organizations.
  • Ask them how they do their process. If you’re planning on availing of pest management services, make sure that they charge their fees upfront.
  • Ask them about their bed bug protocol and what products they use. it’s important that they only use organic and absolutely non-toxic methods and products if you have children and pets in your home.

How to Find the Right Supplement for Your Horse’s Needs

Horses are grazing animals and therefore many people think they can get by perfectly easily just by eating grass or hay. This is a view often expressed by non-horse owners who struggle to understand the requirement for hard feed, let alone supplements. Indeed, many horse owners also wonder why horse nutrition is so complicated.

Unnatural Lifestyle

When people removed horses from the wild, they took them from a free-ranging existence to a contained one. When owners restrict their horses to a single field, paddock or stable, then they remove from them the ability to forage at will. They are therefore duty bound to provide them with the optimum nutrition to promote good health and appropriate energy levels. Continue reading …

How to use organic and eco friendly methods of keeping pests out of your home and garden

Pests can invade your home and take away the comfort that you feel. There are plenty of pest control methods available, but the chemical-rich ones can harm both pets and humans in the home. The good news is that there are some more eco-friendly methods that will not harm you or your pets, but will take care of your pest problem. There are some steps you can take to get rid of your pest problem.

Step One

You want to know what you are up against so that you can make the right eco-friendly pest control spray. Just make note of what you see around the house, even if you only saw one. When it comes to pests, where there is one another is surely not far away. If there are pests outdoors that are also bothering you, make note of these as well. For example, you may want to limit the pests on your porch or patio so that you enjoy it without being bugged, pun intended.

Step Two

For this step you will need a 16 ounce spray bottle, three tablespoons of liquid castile soap in a peppermint scent and enough water to fill the bottle. Simply put everything in the bottle and shake well. This is a spray you will use when you actually see the pest and you will spray them directly. This helps to get rid of pincher bugs, ants and spiders.

Step Three

Fleas, flies and ants will not be an issue by following this step. You will need a half cup of bay leaves, a half cup of citrus peels and a half cup of peppermint leaves. Put these in the blender until they are chopped well. Then, add in one and a half teaspoons of diatomaceous earth, one and a half teaspoons of pyrethrum powder, one and a half teaspoons of cayenne pepper, one and a half teaspoons of salt and one and a half teaspoons of garlic powder. You will mix this together well and put it in a lidded glass jar. This can be placed behind counters and along baseboards.

Step Four

If your plants are being overtaken by mites and aphids, then this step is what you really want the most. You will want to get a pound of neem leaves and some water and put this in a blender to blend. Let this sit overnight and then strain this in the morning. Add another four quarts of water and a single teaspoon of liquid castile soap that is unscented. Treat plants every seven days by spraying this mixture on them.

Step Five

If you are looking to get rid of roaches you need a half cup of flour, a cup of cornmeal, a cup of borax and a fourth cup of confectioner’s sugar. Mix this well and then sprinkle it under the sinks, along baseboards, in drawers, behind your refrigerator and in cabinets.

Step Six

When you are enjoying your outdoor living spaces at night the last thing you want is mosquitoes. You will want to get a glass jar and fill it with water and a pint of basil leaves. Allow this to sit overnight and then strain it in the morning. Put the fluid in a spray bottle and use it as a mosquito repellent whenever you are outside. This helps to keep fruit flies at bay too.

About the author: Karen Miller writes about organic pest control for Terminix.  Karen spends her free time in her personal garden and enjoys reading about gardening.

Easy Ways to Keep your Dog in Tip Top Health

A dog is said to be man’s best friend, so keeping him in good health must surely be a priority for most dog owners. There are some simple steps that every owner can take to keep their pet healthy and happy every day, saving on expensive vet’s bills as well as maintaining a happy dog.

For most pet lovers dogs are not just an animal, they’re a member of the family. Their health and happiness is of utmost importance. Taking simple steps to maintain your dog’s vitality will have him continuing to enjoy his days for years to come.

Get grooming
Every dog will benefit from frequent grooming both at home and professionally. Different breeds require different levels of care but all should have some degree of grooming. Keeping his hair trimmed and out of his eyes, for example, can cut the risk of eye infections that can eventually lead to blindness. Leaving your dog’s hair for too long, particularly long-haired breeds, can not only lead to severe knotting and matting which can lead to dry skin and itchy flaking. Do also ensure that nails are trimmed as ingrown nails can be an issue.

Tooth care
If your friendly haustiere has smelly breath then he’s not alone. Gum disease and bad teeth are an issue for a huge proportion of dogs. If you let plaque and tartar build-up then you may find yourself faced with having to take your dog to the vet to have this removed. Regular care at home can avoid this. There are specialist dog tooth brushes and paste available along with several dog chew products. When offered to your dog regularly, can help prevent build-up.

A balanced diet
Just like you, your dog requires a healthy, balanced diet to stay feeling well. You should choose a dog food of good quality and, as long as it seems to agree with your dog, stick with it as dogs digestive systems seem to react best to familiar foods. Keep weight in check and do watch for any changes in your pet’s eating habits as this can be a first sign of health issues.

Enjoy exercise
Every dog needs plenty of exercise. Although different breeds require different levels of exercise, at least one hour a day is a good minimum to stick by. Pay attention to your dog’s needs while walking too. On hot days, be sure to carry water with you for long walks and avoid long walks in the midday sun. Keep an eye out for any signs of damage to your dog’s paws from rough ground to ensure no small cuts get infected.

Keep an eye open for warning signs
Your dog can’t tell you when he’s not feeling well so it’s your job to learn to pick up those early signs of trouble. Anything abnormal is worth a visit to the vet.

He may be a pet or a haustiere, but your dog is a valued part of your family and daily care can prevent serious illness. With easy steps your beloved pet will enjoy a fun, healthy life for years to come.

AUTHOR BIO : Julia Lobo is a former veterinary nurse and now writes for several blogs and websites.  Her favourite ‘haustiere’ is her wonderful German Schnauzer.

6 Practices That Could Negate The Fight Against Pest Infestation In The Home

People are always looking for ways to live in peace without interacting with pests, because pests tend to be a nuisance and a hazard that many homeowners wish they never had to deal with. Unknown to some, some home practices are actually the very ones responsible for the increased levels of home pest infestations. If people can become more aware of how their actions are actually responsible for their plight, they might experience relief from this situation sooner rather than later.

  1. Dumping sites in the home

In many homes, the idea of having a clean and hygienic environment is firmly upheld and respected. However, instead of guaranteeing the same standard to the entire house, attics and basements are converted into dumping sites, with people often leaving unnecessary material like old clothes, cartons and papers in these wet and dark places. Many exterminators will confirm that this is an open initiation to the pests.

chair

  1. A cluttered set up

Some homeowners prefer their homes having as many pieces of furniture and decorative ornaments as possible. They do not appreciate space as much as they do filling it. For others, they may be keen on space but often allow things to be out of place and damped all over the room, like dirty clothes, wet towels, smelly socks and waste paper. Over time, they can end up being the ideal spot for some pests to hide in. Another scenario is having dirty dishes left over a period in the kitchen. This becomes a preferred breeding ground for many of these vermin.

  1. Delayed repairs

Often times, people will allow repairs to go unattended. The presence of crevices, cracks and holes tend to be the places that the pests love to inhabit. Such openings need to be sealed as soon as they are spotted. If these areas are restored in good time, they will ensure that the infestations are kept at bay. Another element that is usually overlooked is leaking pipes, many of which run under the house and cause places like basements to be breeding sites for mosquitoes and rats. It is best to have this frequently looked into to ensure the problem does not get out of hand.

  1. Maintain the outdoors

For those who tend to have wood piled outside the home for use in the home at some point or another, ensure the wood gets treated before bringing them in and using them, particularly if they will be fitted into the home for repairs or furniture. Those that will be used for firewood need to be inspected as spiders tend to hide in them. Generally, keep the compound clear of shrubs and long grass, as they will attract vermin that will eventually find their way into the home.

  1. Poor lighting

Lighting is vital for both the outdoors and indoors. A well-lit environment will deter many pests, as they prefer dark areas. Some of the outdoor lights that are installed actually attract the pests. A better investment would be sodium lights. Another thing to consider is that the lights at times attract other insects that could be favoured as food by the pests. It is important to ensure that the installation of lights does not add to the pest infestation.

A lone green chair in a dark dirty room, a ray of sunlight shines through the window on the green chair

  1. Excessive cleaning practices

It is important to realise that some practices in the home could actually undo the effectiveness of others aimed at combating the infestation. Some of the techniques used in getting rid of the pests include spraying and fumigation. These sometimes require the chemicals to remain in the environment where they have been applied for a while to have them exert their pest deterrent properties fully.

However, when people quickly resort to cleaning their house completely to wash away the effect of the chemicals, it is likely that they allow only half of the work to be done and sooner rather than later, the infestations are back. Seek to restrict as much of the thorough cleaning as possible and use friendly or safe agents to get the job done.

It is important to consider not just how the pests can be eliminated but how future invasions can be prevented as well. It is prudent to call for professional exterminators and pest control experts on a regular basis to assess the home and the likely pests that it may be harbouring to have the problem nipped in the bud.

 

 

Byline

Jodie is a prominent blogger and likes to help her readers look for ways of dealing with pest invasions. She advises that fumigation techniques recommended by professionals such as Kyko Pest Control can work effectively against pests.

DIY Dog Grooming

puppy

Puppy!
If you leave your dog at a dog grooming facility, you can be confident that he will definitely be taken care of properly. However, many people wonder as to whether they will be able to groom their dogs on their own at home when they don’t have enough time to take their beloved pet to a professional facility. Of course, it is possible, but they need to put in some effort to learn as well as practice grooming. Here are some diy dog grooming tips that might help.

Gather information about different dog breeds. You can do this in three ways: look out for books on different breeds at your local library, search for information online or personally speak to a groomer or a vet (visit www.hopandscotch.com). When you are gathering information, you must importantly focus on understanding the temperament of different dog breeds, their shedding cycles and texture and length of their hair.

You can either buy or refer to various books on dog grooming. You may feel that grooming is a simple task, but there are a lot of things that groomers need to know before they attempt to make a dog look beautiful. For instance, it is very important that you brush the dog before giving him a bath in order to prevent hair-pulling and knots becoming worse when the fur dries.

It is also important to do some research to understand the different types of brushes and tools that you need to use on different kinds of fur such as shears or matt-splitters and which tool or brush has to be used on dogs that have matted fur or large knots. The use of the right kind of tool and brush are essential in order to get desired results.

You can watch video tutorials that provide detailed information as well as demonstrate as to how you can properly do dog grooming, especially for dogs having different hair lengths and textures.

One of the best ways to learn dog grooming is by taking up a job or do some volunteer work at a local pet grooming facility. As you may not have a certification or a degree in dog grooming, you will be allowed only to bathe dogs. The groomer will teach you to properly bathe dogs. You will also be able to see and understand as to how each breed of dog is being groomed or cared for. At the grooming facility, you will get to see anxious animals and learn as to how you should handle them.

After learning the art of pet grooming at the facility, practice what you learnt on your dog at home. If it so happens that you cut the dog’s hair too short or did something completely wrong, there is no need to panic because you can take him to a professional and find out as to where you have gone wrong. He/she will be able to explain to you as to what exactly you need to do and also show to you the proper use of tools to do a good job.