PurePest Organic Mosquito and Tick Solutions

It’s been a rough year for mosquitoes, probably due to the heavy rains in June.  I can barely last 10 minutes in the garden without getting eaten alive, much less have dinner outside which I love doing this time of year!  So, I was thrilled when PurePest contacted me about trying their organic mosquito and tick spray.

PurePest Organic Mosquito and Tick Solutions is a service company providing safe, non-toxic alternatives for mosquito and tick control using their product called Eco-Barrier, sourced from plant extracts and natural oils. Their proprietary blend consists of rosemary oil, peppermint oil and geraniol. This product has the ability to combat mosquitoes and ticks, killing the adults as well as the larvae and eggs, and has a residual to keep them from returning. Unlike pesticides, their eco-friendly applications will not harm you, your plants or beneficial insects like bees and earthworms.

PurePest starts with an evaluation of your property followed by a customized plan. Services are performed tri-weekly from early spring to late fall to the entire yard. The routine applications increase product effectiveness, providing 21-day coverage. You can hire also hire them for event sprays.

Two knowledgeable and impressive young men came to our property and did a thorough spray of the area around the house.  It was immediately evident to them where our mosquito problem stemmed from and they addressed the issue.  After the spray I noticed a very faint, pleasant minty smell.

How well did PurePest Organic Mosquito and Tick Solutions work?  I’d have to say quite well, especially considering how mosquito infested our property is. We were actually able to eat dinner outside with no problem!

Started by young entrepreneurial guys, PurePest Organic Mosquito and Tick Solutions’ timely and important service is doing the right thing by the earth.  They are somewhat pricey, as most organic products are, but with the prevalence of Lyme disease and other tick and mosquito borne diseases, it’s worth it. To help defray the cost, the company offers a referral incentive where you get one free spray for each customer you refer who signs up for the season.  They actually have customers who end up with free sprays for the entire season!

PurePest is located in Massachusetts, on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard, New Hampshire, Vermont, Tennessee, with plans for expansion.

Don’t let mosquitoes and ticks ruin your summer – give PurePest a call at (978) 579-0007 or visit www.purepestmanagement.com for safe and effective control.  Mention you heard about them from What’s Green With Betsy?!

 

Treat Your Pets With Organics!

We have the same concerns for our pets about good health, proper nutrition and chemical exposure as we do for ourselves;  they are vulnerable to many of the same illnesses such as cancer and diabetes. As with humans,there are now many organic products and accessories for pets, as well as alternative therapies like aromatherapy, homeopathy and botanical supplements.  For example, conventional flea control products contain pyrethroids and pesticides, which can cause health problems and cancer risks.  They also pose risks to humans who touch their pet after a treatment.  I sprinkle a yeast and garlic supplement on my dog’s food to repel fleas from the inside out which seems to work with no risk. (Don’t give your pet straight garlic however.)  Flea combs, non-toxic powders, organic sprays and shampoos also work.  Here is a natural, easy-to-do flea spray you can make yourself:

Natural Flea and Tick Repellant

6 drops lavender oil; 6 drops cedar oil; 6 drops peppermint oil; 1 cup witch hazel; Combine all the ingredients and place in a spray bottle. Shake until mixed thoroughly. Shake bottle before using. This does not need to be worked into the skin. The smell will repel fleas and ticks.

Conventional pet food has preservatives, additives with little nutritional benefit, substitutes for more expensive meats, artificial colors, thickeners and sweeteners.  Many of these fillers are contaminants and potentially carcinogenic, but you can find healthier alternatives at most pet stores and supermarkets.

Most dogs spend a lot of time outside on the lawn, rolling around, digging, and sniffing.  If you are not already doing so, consider switching to organic lawn care instead of conventional which uses unnecessary chemicals and nitrogen based fertilizers, many of which are known carcinogens linked to health problems in children, pets and adults.  Lawns actually use 20 times more pesticides per acre than farms.

Organic bedding, toys and clothing made using organic catnip and organic cotton help to keep your pets healthy and keep our planet free of pollutants.  Bark your dog (and cat) up the right tree!

HEALTHY ORGANIC FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATES FOR VALENTINE’S DAY!

Image by blueathena7 Flickr.com

Before you send your sweetheart a romantic bouquet of flowers, think about sending organic flowers instead.  Most flowers are grown with highly toxic chemicals. Even the floral foam used in floral arrangements contains toxic elements; there is an appalling lack of toxicity regulation in the flower industry.  Colombia, the world’s second largest flower exporter after the Netherlands, douses the plants in pesticides to prevent diseases and blemishes.  During peak season, the workers (many of whom are single mothers and even children) work long hours with low wages and a steady exposure to herbicides, pesticides and fungicides.  Many suffer work related health issues as a result.  The soil and the ground water are contaminated and the soil is depleted of biology. Flowers grown in the US are partially regulated by the EPA, mostly concerning the safety issues for the growers.  The possible dangers, including allergic reactions, from chemical residues on flowers passed onto consumers however, are not addressed.

The market is growing for organic flowers – the more the demand, of course the more available they will become.  With each purchase, you know you are helping the life of a floral farm worker.  Visit organicbouquet.com, which according to the Sierra Club, is a carbon-neutral company that not only sells pesticide-free flowers but also gives their workers in underdeveloped countries zero-interest loans, healthcare, and education.  Another option, if possible, buy seasonal flowers from a farmer’s market, pick them from your garden or consider a potted plant.  Potted orchids are a lovely Valentine’s Day gift.

My favorite Valentine’s gift is chocolate and happily the health benefits of dark chocolate are becoming well-known.  Besides tasting delicious, dark chocolate, which is at least 65% cocoa, contains a large number of antioxidants, nearly 8 times the number found in strawberries. The flavonoids help relax blood pressure, have been shown to lower cholesterol by up to 10%, may protect arteries from damage and fend off heart disease.  Dark chocolate stimulates endorphin production, or the feel good hormones, and contains serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant.  It may even help with tooth decay.   Like coffee, it contains caffeine, a natural stimulant.

This year, get your Valentines organic, fair trade chocolate… Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods carry lots of varieties, and I noticed CVS carries some too.  Dark chocolate still contains sugar and fat, so indulge moderately!  (Unfortunately, milk and white chocolate do not contain the same benefits.)  Yes, even Valentine’s Day can be green!

Image by sweet mustache Flickr.Com

Some information compiled from greenamerica.org and sierraclub.org

VALENTINE’S DAY QUOTE

Image by patrizia-ferri Flickr.com

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”

Charles M. Schulz, “Peanuts” cartoonist

This Valentine’s Day, indulge  ——– in a little chocolate, dark, organic, fair trade chocolate that’s actually good for you and good for the planet!  Click here to read more.

Happy Valentine’s Day!!!!!!♥♥♥