Handy Hints for Wednesday ~ 27
A couple of days with bright sunshine brings a warm glow to many a heart. On the off chance that it continues I’ll begin with a summer-time tip for days by the sea.
To soothe a jellyfish sting and relieve itching douse the area with vinegar.
Who asked about mosquito bites? To relieve the itch, apply hand soap to the area for instant relief.
Non gel toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns.
To prevent wicker furniture turning yellow, clean it by scrubbing with a stiff brush dipped in warm salt water. The salt will do the trick.
To remove food smells from plastic storage boxes, fill with warm water and add a little dry mustard. Let it soak for an hour or more and then wash as normal.
steph said,
May 13, 2009 at 8:42 am
I like these tips a lot, GM but I’m very worried…
What happens if I get all mixed up and put toothpaste on my jellyfish sting, vinegar on my mosquito bites and soap on my burns?
Grannymar said,
May 13, 2009 at 9:28 am
Steph, what a good idea! You give it a trial run and come back with the results.
elfinamsterdam said,
May 13, 2009 at 9:58 am
Mosquito Bites!
That was me!
I’ll try that when the feeding frenzy begins in a few weeks!
Thanks GM!
Grannymar said,
May 13, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Elf,
I thought it was you who asked about the mozzies!
Hails said,
May 13, 2009 at 12:26 pm
***takes note of hand soap tip before heading back to the mosquito-ridden wilderness that is… erm, mainland Europe***
If you have any more mosquito-related information, Grannymar, please feel free to share it. Before I get covered in all those bumps and lumps again and start feeling sick from whatever they’ve injected me with this time!
Grannymar said,
May 13, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Hails,
for more information have a look at this
wisewebwoman said,
May 13, 2009 at 3:30 pm
It’s the black flies that do me in, every June they come here and plague us and my body literally swells. Horrible things.
Anyone know of anything (I don’t like toxic chemicals)to fix those crucifiers?
XO
WWW
rummuser said,
May 13, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Grannymar, how on earth do the mosquitoes survive in your fair land? They normally go after people with good blood. From all that I can gather, there are only traces of blood in the alcohol system of the Irish!
Incidentally, it is only the pregnant female mosquito that draws blood from humans and animals. It is needed to produce larvae, I believe. Since pregnant women are treasured, we should not swat them, again, I am told by some serious people who should know!
Grannymar said,
May 13, 2009 at 5:03 pm
@WWW - In Ireland we are more troubled by flies and midges in warm weather. Some years ago following a ramble through a wooded area near a lake we returned to the car covered in midges & flies. My friend produced Lavender oil and dabbed it on pulse points. Almost immediately the uninvited winged guests moved to the windscreen in an attempt to escape. Opening a window they left us in peace.
@Ramana - With difficulty today since the temperature is 14°C with an easterly wind at 24 km/h. Both my friends above asking for advice are on Mainland Europe where the weather is warmer.
AnnB said,
May 13, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Well now I know what to pack next time I get the chance to sample the charms of warmer climes! Mozzies just love me - in fact as soon as I arrive in town there is a mozzie communication system meltdown as the network is bombarded with shouts of “She’s here that once in a life time O neg from Ireland, ladies, stingers at the ready!!” Then I lie in wait under netting drowning in Mozzie potions and lotions like a lamb to the slaughter!
Annb said,
May 13, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Hi GM my full name ended up there by mistake - can’t seem to delete it - I’d be really grateful if you could ammend it for me, I can’t seem to manage it from my end - I prefer to be just good old Annb if that’s ok with you. Apologies for inconvenience. Many thanks Ann
Grannymar said,
May 13, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Annb, Sorted!
Annb said,
May 13, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Much appreciated, many thanks.
Darlene said,
May 13, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Mosquitoes - arrrrgh! Why didn’t Noah swat them?
Magpie11 said,
May 13, 2009 at 9:05 pm
This talk of Mosquitoes reminds me of a story….
Th only thing that I know that really deters them is DEET… tho’ I could try lavender oil….rosemary too.
When Up in NWT, Canada I was a) warned not to wear any scented deodorant or cologne as it attracted the monsters..
b) given DEET cream and lotion and c) congratulated on being the first visitor from England not to complain about bugs…well why would I ? I expected them.
Baino said,
May 13, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Funny to think of mosquitos in Europe. Magpie’s right about DEET and Aerogard Tropical Strength but I don’t think you can buy Aerogard over there. It’s a household staple here! I don’t think hand soap would work on our monsters!
Brighid said,
May 14, 2009 at 7:28 am
WWW here is a bit of info, proably stuff you already know, take with a splash of Vinegar,
Avoidance:
Proper clothing offers good protection against black fly bites. Keep shirt sleeves and front closely fastened and tuck trousers inside socks or high boots. Zippered front shirts will keep flies out better than button shirts. Light colors such as orange, yellow and light blue are less attractive to black flies than dark ones such as green, brown and red. Shoulder-length head nets are sometimes useful.
Grannymar said,
May 14, 2009 at 9:13 am
@Darlene - There are a few species I wish Noah had left to the rains!
@Magpie - Perfumed cosmetics and Hair products are a draw to flies too.
@Baino - Would the soap not work short term?
@Brighid - Thanks for the information.
Grannymar » Small? said,
May 24, 2009 at 6:47 am
[...] we had a discussion about bugs, flies and mosquitoes. Several of you suggested solutions to deal with these little [...]