Tag Archives: pest control

Gadgets to Keep Your Backyard Pest Free

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Spring is making itself known with all the blooming trees, chirping birds and sunshine. But, like with most things, you have to take the good with the bad. In the case of spring, pests are the bad — especially in the garden. With that in mind, we put together a list of gadgets to keep your yard pest free.

patio-egg

Deter mosquitoes and other biting insects the easy and safe way with the ceramic Patio Egg Pest Diffuser. The egg uses a DEET-free formula of essential oils to keep bugs away. The fragrance diffuses through the porous egg into the surrounding area, darkening the egg as it absorbs oil. The pleasant floral scent will “hatch” within 24 hours and be effective continuously 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Protects up to 200 sq. ft. for up to 4 months. Hang it with the included plant-fiber net or set it on a flat surface.

solar-repellentThe cordless Mosquito Repellent Solar Light creates a mosquito-free zone. While most lights attract bugs, this weather-resistant Mosquito Repellant Solar Light repels them! Emitting sonic waves designed to repel bugs, this solar light also creates a warm, inviting glow on a porch, deck or patio. On/off switch. 4-1/2″ sq. x 3-1/4″H. Plastic and metal.

bug-zapperThe lantern-look Solar Bug Zapper attracts and kills mosquitoes and other insects. Held within the metal frame, the zapper is harmless to humans and pets. An integrated solar panel charges during the day to automatically activate the zapper at night. Hang it by the hook or simply stand it on your porch, patio or a table. Butterfly, 10″ x 4-1/2″ sq. Star, 10″ x 5-1/2″ x 4-3/4″. Both measurements include the 3-1/4″ handle.

wasp trapsEnjoy the outdoors without fear of wasps with this Set of 2 Wasp Traps. All you need is water and sugar, no dangerous chemicals involved. Each trap has 3 entry funnels that attract wasps from all directions. It lures the wasps in, but they can’t find the way out. Hang them up or set them on the table. The durable trap can be used again and again. 3-3/8″ dia. x 5-1/8″H, each. Polypropylene.

repellentKeep away bothersome mosquitoes without annoying smells with Mosquito-Ex Natural Repellent. This all-natural product is nontoxic and can safely be used around people and pets. The active ingredient is 100% lavender in a gel base. It’s so natural that you can use the residue cake as a lavender bar soap. The 8.8-oz. tub lasts for 4 to 6 weeks and protects up to 200 sq. ft.

Celebrate Fruitcake Toss Day with LTD

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There are many bizarre and unique holidays out there many of us never heard of. Some of these holidays are only celebrated in the hometowns where they originated from. Fruitcake Toss Day is just one of the many fun days to celebrate.

Fruitcake Toss Day started in Manitou Springs, Colorado in 1995. This event includes multiple divisions so the tossing athletes are competing equally with each other. Divisions include catapult, slingshot, or a fruitcake shooter. Objects of the game are for either distance or accuracy. The winners of these prestigious games received a prize within their tossing division. Due to the popularity of what became the fruitcake festival, January third was deemed Fruitcake Toss Day.

The fruitcake is a gift few want to receive and if you do happen to get one, what do you do with it? It has been rumored that some folks like to eat these dense fruit filled cakes but many shy away and look for alternative options. Don’t let your fruitcake take up space in your trash, instead toss that cake as far as you can!

If you don’t have catapults or sling shots don’t let that stop you! You can create your own version of the fruitcake toss and have a blast doing it. So gather up your friends and your fruitcakes for the toss of the year.

Here are some tips on planning your own fruitcake toss:

Right on Target
If you want to create a competition based on accuracy create targets to knock down. Find unused boxed to set up and set them up at different angles and distances. Have athletes knock down as many targets as they can. If you live in an area with snow, just stack a few snowballs up. Get your fruitcake and aim to knock them all down!

Long Distance
For those athletes with a throwing arm, this is the way to go. Simply step up to the line and hurl your fruitcake as far as you can. This version will rely on distance to determine a winner. It ensures the correct distance is recorded and feet are behind the line, we suggest nominating a referee to measure and to keep all fruitcake throwing fair.

Team or Individual Players
Depending on the ratio of fruitcakes to people you may want to consider if it would be better to create teams or have individual players. Playing as a team can add fun to the game by creating team name and logos.

This year we created our own fruitcake toss for distance. Our referee kept us on our toes as we went for the gold! Travis was our big winner with a phenomenal fruitcake toss of 95 ft. Second place tossed their cake a whopping 85 ft and Third place was gaining with 80 ft.

Take a look at our Fruitcake Toss Day that we did to spark ideas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZYntKz7ols&feature=youtu.be

Fruitcake Toss Day is just one holiday started by a town that was looking for a solution for those who receive fruitcakes. Do you know of another funky holiday? Let us know in the comments below.