Pests
Black flies are a common backyard pest that annoys everyone even our pets. If black flies are turning your backyard into their own, spread some undiluted vanilla extract over any of your exposed skin before you head outdoors.
You can also use apple cider vinegar on your skin. Flies are fussy eaters and they will not come after you if you are coated with these distinct smells. You can also make a homemade fly swatter that works just as well or even better than the store bought ones. Form a wire coat hanger into a long oval with the hook on one end. Widen the oval to the size of your fist. Wrap duct tape around the handle end and across the swatter end.
Skunks are another nuisance in your yard but you can get rid of them without a close encounter. Just leave a few pieces of chewable laxative in spots where the skunk is likely to find them. This will give the skunks a run for their money. Raccoons are another common problem.
The can open the lids of your trashcans and make quite a mess. One way to keep them out is if your trash cans have handles on the sides, use an old pair of panty hose to tie the lid down and alter those masked bandits. To keep squirrels from raiding your bird feeder, hand the feeder from the center of a length of heavy wire.
String empty spools of thread on the wire on both sides of the feeder and then hang the wire between two trees. Squirrels will not be able to pass the spinning spools without falling off the wire. If you ever find a tick or chigger on your skin and you cannot find the tweezers, grab some duct tape.
Put the sticky part over the tick, making sure the tape is in contact with the tick. Give the tape a quick yank and the tick should come off with it.
Protect your Driveways and Sidewalks
Shady areas of your walkways or driveways may be prone to grow moss, and moss is extremely slippery and can be a safety hazard. To get rid of moss, scrape it off with an old putty knife. To make sure that the moss does not return soak the area with a solution of equal parts water, bleach, and allow the solution to dry.
Repeat when needed. Just be sure to keep the bleach away from grass and plants. To get rid of those overwhelming weeds, boil some water and pour it over the weeds.
Immediately cover the treated area with an old blanket or other cloth to hold in the heat. Keep the covering in place as long as it is still warm to the touch. The heat will kill off the weeds. To get rid of weeds between cracks or stones is to use a letter opener or knitting needle.
Hit the Roof
If you have moss on roofing shingles, they can work the shingles loose and cause expensive problems. To get rid of the moss, pour two capsules of bleach into a gallon of water, dip a sponge in the mixture, and thoroughly douse the shingles.
Repeat when needed. When you are removing old shingles or roll roofing in preparation for installing a new roof, there is no better tool for the job than a garden pitchfork. They are good for sliding under the shingles and around the nails that attach them to the building, and for prying whole sections of shingles at a time, nails and all.
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