Dealing With Bug Bites When Bugging Out

 Dealing With Bug Bites When Bugging Out
Our summertime weather is now in full swing and numerous people will be practicing their bug out techniques. What this may encounter is taking off with the family to some desolate wooded area and pretending that this is going to be their new home for a short period of time. It doesn't really matter if you are using a tent, and RV or a pull behind camper those nasty biting bugs are sure to make your life miserable.

According to the section of the country where you are planning to hold your bug out will determine the types of bug population that exists. Some areas will feature an abundance of insects ranging from dangerous spiders to scorpions, many of which could cause some seriously painful reactions. In general bites and stings from insects can be dangerous but usually they are not fatal.

What makes a bug bite dangerous is the increased possibility of anaphylaxis. This condition represents an acute hypersensitive reaction which affects approximately 15 percent of the American population. Of this percentage only 1 percent will possibly dies from complications. This amounts to maybe 1500 deaths yearly.

It is the spider bites or scorpion stings which provide the most worries while in the wild. Scorpions are scary however in most cases they are not fatal. In Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and some parts of California one can find the Bark Scorpion which is particularly dangerous. These scorpion stings often cause numbness and associated tingling feeling around the tissue of the bite. If the bite displays these characteristics you should seek the services of a medical professional immediately.

When establishing your emergency retreat keep in mind that spiders prefers dark, damp areas so it would be wise of you to be cautious around wood piles or dead trees. Scorpions usually are rather active at night so be sure to inspect your bedding prior to use. Scorpions are known for their love of stowing away on anything they can. When I was in the wilds of New Mexico we had to shake our boots out every morning before putting them on as it was not unusual to find a scorpion or two had hidden inside during the night.

In North America we have two dangerous spiders to contend with. They are the brown recluse and the black widow. Unfortunately, most bites that people receive are actually from unidentified insects. As with any insect involvement there are specific procedures to follow in order to minimize the consequences of the bit. This is particularly of interest when it concerns the removal of ticks or dealing with bee stings.

While bugging out in the forest make certain you follow any kind of precaution and always wear protective equipment when it is called for. If you are stung by a bee you should follow the specific directions treating the bee sting.

First apply an ice pack directly onto the location of the sting. Alternate the ice pack on and off in order to minimize any tissue damage. Do this procedure for at least 20 minutes on then another 20 minutes off. If there are any kinds of symptoms as follow with the victim then you should consider the possibility of anaphylaxis:

* Dizziness
* Excessive itching
* Experiencing any shortness of breath
* General weakness
* Hives
* Increased swelling anywhere except where the bite has occurred
* Erratic heartbeat or palpitations
* Unusual chest pain
In the event that the victim is experiencing any sort of involuntary muscle movements you should seek emergency medical treatment immediately. If you are able to call 911 you should do so.

The doctor is going to want to know what kind of bug bite the victim so if you can identify it then that would be much better. If the bug is now dead you should place it in a container and take it to the emergency room with you. A word of caution here you should be very careful even with dead bugs as they can still generate a reaction to their venom.

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Demon Bound - A Paranormal Romance by Meljean Brook

 Demon Bound - A Paranormal Romance by Meljean Brook
"Demon Bound" by Meljean Brook, the seventh book in the Guardian series, is a paranormal romance. This time the focus is on the developing relationship between two mismatched characters. The world of Guardians and Demons is complex with a lot of back history. Readers will get a better understanding of the storyline by starting with book one.

After she died Alice Grey was resurrected by Michael, the leader of the Guardians, a group of beings who protect mankind from evil. Each Guardian has a supernatural gift. Alice is known as the Black Widow because of her ability to interact with spiders. Before she died, she was trapped into a bargain with the demon Teqon. One hundred years has passed and he has come to collect. If she doesn't deliver Michael's heart, she'll be damned for eternity. The bargain stands and although Alice hides behind a facade of aloofness, she is very frightened.

Novice Guardian Jake Hawkins is still trying to deal with his new abilities. He thinks Alice is creepy but as they work together and he finds out more about her, he's intrigued. He uses his gift of teleporting to help Alice, never expecting to fall in love with her. As they try to get out of her deal with the devil they discover a secret that may change their world forever.
Readers will be blown away by the Black Widow, a fascinating and unique heroine, with a tragic back story. Jake, the resurrected Vietnam soldier, is another great character, who grows and matures throughout the story. The developing relationship between this unlikely pair is complicated and incredibly well-done. The ending is satisfying but the twists and turns take things in a new direction.

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Importance of Keeping Your Home Pest Free

Importance of Keeping Your Home Pest Free
No one really wants common pests in their home, but many people may not be aware that these common household pests can actually pose a health risk in many cases. Ants, roaches and mice are also unsightly and can cause damage to your home or food supplies. If you have been, waffling on whether to hire a pest control service or not, you might want to consider the following.

Cockroaches
The dreaded cockroach, most people go into hyper cleaning mode the minute one of these insects are spotted. Notorious for breeding by the millions in the walls roaches are commonly associated with poverty and a dirty home. Unfortunately, this is a false association as anyone, despite the condition of their home, can get roaches and once you have them it is an all-out war to get rid of them!
Were you aware that roaches carry salmonella and E-coli on their bodies? Environmental studies have also concluded that one in five American children has a serious reaction to roach allergens.

Rodents
They chew, scamper, leave droppings and are most notoriously associated with the bubonic plague! (Of course, it is important to note that the plague was actually carried by the fleas on the mice) Rodents are no fun at all, no matter what you think of those cute little white varieties at the pet store. Mice and rodents can carry and distribute disease such as Hantavirus, salmonella and more.

Spiders
Spiders can actually be a beneficial addition to the home, however most people would prefer they reside elsewhere! As a general rule, there are no truly deadly spiders in the United States. That being said an allergic reaction to the brown recluse or black widow can result in fatality, though it is rare. The biggest reason most people use a pest control treatment for spiders is good old-fashioned fear.

Bed Bugs
Bed bugs have been the bane of human existence for thousands of years. In the 1940's these pests were nearly eradicated in the developed world but in the last couple of decades, they have reappeared on the scene. Reports are steadily rising of bed bug infestations leading individuals to consider either buying new furniture or hiring pest control services! This pest is not dangerous per se, but their presence can result in nasty rashes and some allergic reactions. An interesting side note: natural predators include ants, spiders and roaches other pests that people commonly attempt to eradicate.

Ants
Notorious for spoiling picnics but in truth a much bigger problem in the home. Ants are somewhat like roaches in that if you have seen one more are on the way! While ants do not pose a serious health risk, they too are annoying and some species can inflict a painful bite. Eradicating ants is a complicated process that requires removing the trail, killing those already in the home and decimating the nest to prevent returns. Pest control treatments are the best solution, though there are some home remedies you could try.

Conclusion
These are not the only household pests but merely the most common. Some of these pests are dangerous in their own right while others are carriers of disease and illness. Anyone can have problems with these pests and others such as fleas but thankfully, with the right pest control services you can get on with living in a pest free and safe environment.

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What Nature Offers Us In Writing And Business

What Nature Offers Us In Writing And Business
The morning I spot the spider web hanging by its threads between two damp-infused tree trunks is the same day the Internal Revenue Service wants all corporate tax returns submitted by late filers. A barbed wire fence and rows of lush green ferns separate me and the giant web. An iron gate ahead of me is open, and the cool gray driveway that meanders past the web begs me to come in and have a closer look. I remain on the outside of gate and fence and marvel at the stillness of the woods. Standing on a flat sidewalk with man-made cracks, I am caught in the gap between a blissful, natural peace and a burning responsibility to complete my morning run.

The jagged edges of dozens of nameless plants barely reach the outside row of the web designer's artistry. Leaves on trees extend themselves in the direction of this delicate yet firm-looking spider web, seeming to offer praise and worship since the web sparkles with pure water droplets in the early morning light.

A hot breeze fit for use by a Southern gentleman courting his soon-to-be lady blows through me and musters its way through the wooded clearing. The web dances lightly and then stops - perhaps much like business owners mustering their own way through the final touches on their tax returns before sending them off to Uncle Sam and with just as much heat.

I touch my lips with my right hand, partly to cover my mouth - and I do not know why - and partly to remind myself to exhale. A pickup truck backfires in the distance and I am thankful for exhaling at this moment.
Witnessing the lone spider web among a scattered collection of trees completes my morning run, although I have a quarter-mile to go. By stopping, I find freedom, much like what Uncle Sam, baseballs and apple pie represent to Americans.

A ferris wheel at a carnival is much like this spider web - and the business of writing, too. It goes round and round in smooth fashion, but with too much information and not enough time to stop and smell the proverbial roses, we are in a jail of practicality, only going in circles. And feeling nauseous.

In our offices, in front of our computers, our work and information we seek to inform us, arrives in droves whether we sign up for it or not. Mailbox. Email. Overnight packages. Texts. Phone calls. Voice mails. Skype sessions. Instant messaging. And more. We are caught in a web of overload and we seek - and need - clarity and calmness so we may get unstuck from where we are to release and deliver our creativity to our writing.
Writing about life outside our offices electrifies and awakens our human need for freedom. Even if your written work and message focus on your business and not a fiction story or the outdoors, writing in nature can inform you in a way that supports your success and long-term goals. Writing workshops are a wonderful way to support you.
Think of the spider web. When was the last time a business venture dazzled you, only to devour you, your energy and your budget, much like the black widow eats the insects she preys upon?

When was the last time you stole moments in your day or evening when you took your notebook and a pen and headed outdoors to seek the freedom you are looking for, but have yet to articulate from your lips on your book project that is burning to see the light of day?
Nature allows us to breathe in freedom in all facets of our lives. It gives us the natural opportunity to exhale our worries, the colleague comparisons and the mental noise that talks back to us in the morning mirror.

Nature is free and open 24/7. The books we want to write can be born simply by taking a walk... whenever you wish.
Can you describe the last time you spent in nature on your creative projects?

Christy Heady is a published author of several popular books, the most recentBuzz: How to Create it and Win With It (2007), co-authored with former New York City Mayor Edward I. Koch.

As a journalist, Heady's articles and television reports have appeared locally, nationally and internationally in print and broadcast outlets such as CNN-Chicago, Bankrate.com, America Online, The Los Angeles Times Syndicate, The Chicago Tribune, PAX-TV, Consumers Digest, The Christian Science Monitor, and Charleston Style and Design.

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Skin Rash Treatment - Rule of Thumb, Don't Be Dumb - Don't Scratch It!

Skin Rash Treatment - Rule of Thumb, Don't Be Dumb - Don't Scratch It!
When treating a skin rash first look for the obvious causes of the outbreak. Is the skin being chafed by an article of tight clothing? Check to see if there are any other conditions contributing to the outbreak. Is it in the groin area, with urine burning the skin? Is it in the vaginal area- is yeast infection a possibility? Could it be a spider bite? What about chemicals? Poison Ivy or Poison Oak? Think fast, chemicals and spider bites can produce long term problems.

Think about what you've been doing in the past 24 hours. Have you been in the woods-close to any plants like Poison Ivy or Poison Oak? Have you been around any caustic chemicals such as paint thinner, gasoline or lye? Even bleach or dish detergent can cause a reaction. This is very important in determining proper skin rash treatment.
Think about it while you're loosening the clothing and letting the skin breathe. Next, get a clean (sterile if possible) cloth with warm water and lightly begin to clean the rash. Do not wash outside the affected area to avoid spreading the rash. If it is just a rash caused by chafing, loosening the clothing and the application of a moisturizing lotion or ointment should take care of it. Use a lighter crème such as Noxzema or a baza crème which will allow the skin to breathe. Apply it liberally and often. If it is in the groin area, make sure that it's kept clean from urine and sweat. Medicated baby powder will help.

If chafing wasn't the cause and it's not caused by a chemical, look for signs of a spider bite. It can be a small reddish brown or white dot surrounded by a larger red, blotchy area. It may or may not itch, but don't scratch it! Most spider bites are not much more than a nuisance. However, if you think it could be from a poisonous spider such as a Brown Recluse or Black Widow, call your doctor. Bites from these are very rarely fatal and then only in infants or the elderly, but can produce long term neurological damage. Generally the symptoms are flu-like and pass within a day or two. Again, call your doctor to be on the safe side.

If you suspect it is only Poison Oak or Ivy, use Calamine lotion as recommended by your pharmacist. Wash all the clothing that was worn and clean anything that could have come in contact with the plants. This includes bicycles or tackle boxes. Take care and wear gloves and don't allow your skin to come in contact any place the plants may have been. I can't stress enough that you have to have a pretty good idea of what the cause is to determine the proper skin rash treatment.

If the Vaginal area is affected it, may be a yeast infection. The symptoms may be redness in the area and pain during urination or sex. There are over the counter remedies such as Monistat, but it is best to see a doctor. Over two-thirds of the medicine purchased over-the-counter for yeast infections do not help because the diagnosis was wrong. The over use of these substances can set you up for a real yeast infection because your body is building up a resistance to the drug.

First aid will work if the condition is not serious but you have to think fast. If it persists call a doctor or your local poison control center. Don't take chances. Make sure that you're using the proper skin rash treatment.

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Basement Basics - Basement Waterproofing and More

Basement Basics - Basement Waterproofing and More
Basements are complex, and sometimes difficult to maintain. Waterproof your basement walls, and then you've got to worry about leaking pipes. Fix the pipes, and then you discover a nest of baby spiders in the corner. It's enough to make you want to pull your hair out.
But if your basement is properly waterproofed, the rest is easy. It's simply a matter of maintaining a checklist of Basement Basics. Here's a quick list of regular tasks you should perform every month or so.

Keep the floors clean. Is your basement floor concrete? If so, you can keep it clean by sweeping with a broom, then scouring it with a mixture of bleach and water (a good ratio is a cup of bleach to about a gallon of water; if you're unsure, err on the side of adding less bleach). If you have finished or painted floors, use dish soap or floor cleaner instead of bleach. Mop it, then dry-mop it to soak up all the soap.

Brush for Pests. Most of the spiders that nest in basements are harmless, and can even help keep your home free of other pests. Two poisonous spiders, the brown recluse and the black widow, have bites that can seriously injure or kill -- but they're extremely rare in much of the northeastern United States, and not terribly common in the rest of the USA as well. Still, an ounce of prevention is a good idea here: Sweep your basement's corners regularly, and dust about once every two weeks or so.

Clean the window wells. If your basement windows have window wells on the outside of your home, you're probably a homeowner who takes basement waterproofing seriously. But keeping those wells clean and free of debris is just as important as installing them in the first place. Clean window wells resist corrosion, and are less likely to have cracked windows in them. They're also less likely to serve as homes for possums, skunks, or bugs.

Check the pipes and ducts. If pipes lose their insulation, they can "sweat" condensed water into your basement, damaging your wood and concrete surfaces and creating good conditions for black mold growth. Loose pipe fittings can do the same thing. Check all the insulated pipes and pipe fittings in your home at least once every three years or so. If your home is heated through forced air, you'll probably have ducts in your basement. Ducts with loose fittings can waste heat and raise your heating bill.

Check for radon. If there is uranium in the soil around your home, it can break down into radon, an invisible, carcinogenic, radioactive gas that you can't smell. Testing isn't hard, and it isn't expensive -- and it's easier and cheaper than getting radon poisoning. Buy a test kit at a hardware store, or have a testing pro come to your home to check it out.

D. Michael Kirby is a freelance writer. He writes about travel, technology, home improvement, and more. One of his clients, Right Way Waterproofing, is the premier basement waterproofing company in the Delaware Valley, also specializing in mold remediation and basement remodeling.

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Phobias Keep You Safe

Phobias Keep You Safe
A phobia is defined as an irrational fear. There are hundreds of them.
Arachnophobia - fear of spiders
Arachibutyrophobia - fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of the mouth
Caligynephobia - fear of beautiful women
Hippopotomonstrosesquippeddaliophobia - fear of long words
Ithyphallophobia - fear of seeing an erect penis
Placophobia - fear of tombstones
Trichopathophobia - fear of hair
Triskadekaphobia - fear of the number thirteen
Xerophobia - fear of dryness
Zemmiphobia - fear of the great mole rat

...to pick out just a handful of mostly little known phobias.
Phobias keep you safe. That's an odd claim to make. Anyone who suffers from a phobia of something they can't avoid knows how disabling phobias are. And experiencing a terror of an object or circumstance that others don't have any problem with is likely to make life uncomfortable at the very least. But let's have a look at this whole phobia issue.
Snakes, spiders, and needles are very common phobias. Even chimpanzees suffer from snake phobia. It keeps them safe. Snakes can be lethal. But chimpanzees even go ape at a piece of hosepipe that looks like a snake lying on the ground. So being frightened of snakes makes more sense than not being frightened of snakes. Spiders too can be poisonous, so it makes sense to give them a wide berth too. Needles hurt so why not want to avoid having someone stick one in you and either suck blood out, or pump something in.

Fear of the dark. Well you can't see if there's any danger in the dark and in the dark danger (bear, wolf, lion, hyena, plague infested rat) has a better chance of getting up close to you. So it makes sense to want to keep a light on (have a fire burning) all night.

So you can see already that some phobias might have origins in our evolutionary past. And panicking or screaming or generally making a fuss would be of benefit to the whole tribal group alerting them of danger in much the way that one or two individuals in a flock or a herd will give an alarm call when they spot a predator on the prowl.
The only problem is that with a phobia, the reaction has gotten a little out of hand. The scale of it has gone beyond what is necessary, that's all.
But then there are the agoraphobics and social phobics. Phobias like these actually make a person's world very small and very frightening. But if you feel uncertain of yourself and have low self-esteem then the phobia provides a legitimate reason to avoid being out and having to interact with others. So the phobia, uncomfortable though it is, actually has some benefits.

The problem is, benefits or not, that when you are confronted with the thing that terrifies you, when you have to go on holiday and spend several hours trapped in an aeroplane convinced you are going to die, and then spend a fortnight looking forward to the terror of the return, you experience a very real Hell. Whatever the phobia is, when it happens, all sense goes out of the window and life becomes something that you'd readily give up rather than face that thing that frightens you.
This is a serious problem. Anything that debilitating, anything that has that much power to destroy the rational intelligence of a healthy mind is something to be treated with respect and with all seriousness.

So what's the difference between a phobia and a fear. I've handled snakes and enjoyed it, they are amazing creatures. But hand me a cobra and I'd back away with some trepidation. I don't have a problem with harmless spiders crawling on me, but I'd be seriously panicked if a black widow was crawling up my arm. This is a normal healthy, sensible reaction. Panicking because you are told there is a snake in a bag in the next room isn't. Panicking because you bring an image of a spider into your mind is abnormal.
A phobia fills your mind and there is nothing there but a desire to be away from the source of the phobia. Thinking about the object of the phobia brings on symptoms almost identical to their actual physical presence. Often when phobias are treated the sufferer is asked to score the severity on a scale of 1 to 10, where ten is the highest level of terror they can imagine and 1 is feeling just ever so slightly uncomfortable. If the score isn't 8 or above, then there is a strong likelihood that there is no phobia. That doesn't mean there isn't a problem, but it does mean the treatment could be different. Most people can handle fears up to level 7, above that it takes over the mind completely.

But it is all in the mind.
That's why a phobia is one of the easiest problems for a hypnotherapist to fix. I'll tell you quickly one of the 'tricks' we use to scramble up a phobic image. It's generally known as the five-minute phobia cure. Let's say arachnophobia, a fear of spiders, is the problem. The sufferer is asked to picture a spider in their mind and then put a funny hat on it, say a clown's hat with a big bobble on the top. Then you could put bright yellow Wellington boots on each of its eight legs, and maybe give it a big red nose. And you play around with the image until you see a smile or a laugh. It's just a question of finding the right elements that trigger a humorous response. You can't laugh and be frightened simultaneously.
What this does is interfere with the thought pathways that lead to a fear response when an image of a spider is encountered (imagined or real), so the neurons that used to fire so readily on presentation of that image can't do so, or can't do so without other neurons also firing that lead to a relaxation response. The more scrambled and the more humorous you can make the image, the more powerful the 'cure'.

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Control Those Nasty Pests Lurking in Dark Corners

 Control Those Nasty Pests Lurking in Dark Corners

Tulsa, Oklahoma is located in the "Green Country" region of the state. It lies on the Arkansas River and faces extreme weather. It is a very populous city and area wise is second largest in Oklahoma. With the rise in population Tulsa has also seen an increase in pests, calling for serious pest control measures to be taken. Tulsa can be taken as a good example of how pests can infest and how residents are taking care of these problems.

Pest Problems In Tulsa
Tulsa residents have to face pest problems from spiders, mosquitoes and termites. The species of spiders include the hobo spider, the black widow and the brown recluse spider. These spiders are found hiding in closets, attics and dark storage areas. Spider stings can be painful and cause swelling and irritation. Mosquitoes can disturb sleep and cause diseases. Mosquitoes can detect their hosts from as far as 40 miles away. Other pests include ants, fleas, ticks, cockroaches, silverfish and termites.
Tulsa Pest Control Measures

• Vacuum clean dark corners and remove spider webs
• Eliminate or reduce bright lights at night that attract insects which are food for spiders
• Trim garden bushes and clean wood piles lying in the garden or lawn area
• Seal cracks and crevices in walls and around windows to prevent spiders and other pests from entering
• Ice may be applied to spider bite areas to reduce irritation and swelling. If swelling and irritation persists medical attention must be sought.
• Using nets and mosquito repellents help to remove the mosquito menace.

If you do have pests in your home, you need to make sure that they are taken care of immediately. If you don't get rid of them immediately, pests will also multiply and create havoc in your home. Professional pest exterminators are trained to handle any pests. Give them a call today, and let them handle any pests that you may have.

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Overcoming Fear - Five Techniques for Unlearning a Learned Fear

 Overcoming Fear - Five Techniques for Unlearning a Learned Fear
According to many psychologists, humans are only born with two innate fears-the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. Both of these fears are healthy and designed to keep us away from danger while young. But if they are right, it also means that we have learned any other fears we have. The good news is that what we have learned, we can also unlearn. Here are five techniques for unlearning your fears:

Accessing a worst-case scenario: In other words, ask yourself what's the worst that could happen. Often we can remind ourselves that the worst that could happen is that everything remains the same, so trying something new wouldn't hurt. Be sure to use vivid descriptions when you access your worst-case scenario. The more vividly we describe situations to ourselves, the more likely our emotions will help us into action.

Study whatever you fear: We are often most afraid of what we don't know. The more we study a subject the more we can learn to become less afraid. For example, I grew up in Hawaii, where there are no poisonous spiders. The thought of being afraid of spiders seemed silly, especially when they do such a good job controlling other insects. Then I moved to Southern California, a place known for two poisonous spiders-the Black Widow and the Gray Recluse. Suddenly, I was afraid of every spider I couldn't recognize, wondering if it was the infamous Gray Recluse. Not until I studied the spider, learned how to identify it and how to avoid it, was I able to overcome my fears once more.

Systematic desensitization: This technique requires that you expose yourself to what you fear in small manageable increments until you can manage the fear effectively. Usually when we are afraid, we receive an adrenalin rush that makes us feel disoriented. Our hearts pound, our fingers shake, and we lose all sense of proportion. However, if you can learn to become comfortable with the adrenaline rush, you can also learn to manage the fear. In this example, someone who is arachnophobia might force himself or herself to simply look at pictures of spiders until the pictures no longer cause panic. Next, they might visit the zoo and force to themselves to stand outside the spider exhibit, then in the entrance to the spider exhibit, then inside the spider exhibit until their fears become manageable. Believe it or not, courage is not the absence of fear, but learning to get comfortable with fear.

Creative visualization: This technique allows people to become comfortable with their fears within the safety of mental images. To be effective, visualizations need to incorporate all five of your senses. You don't just visualize the scene; you smell it, feel it, taste it, hear it and touch it, all within the safety of your mind. Psychologists are finding an amazing correlation between creative visualization and personal effectiveness. It seems that whatever we tell ourselves often enough, we eventually prove to ourselves. In creative visualization you imagine yourself in the situation you fear until you begin to feel comfortable feeling the fear. Once again, you should encounter what you fear in small manageable increments until each encounter no longer produces panic.

Conscious Mind Focus: In this technique, you use the power of your conscious focus to tell yourself that everything will be alright. As I said before, whatever we tell ourselves often enough, we eventually prove to ourselves. Usually whenever we see something that we fear, our brains immediately begin to remind us of all the reasons for our fears. In conscious mind focus, you take control of your thoughts using what I call the SPAR techniques. Spar stands for:
Stop: Tell yourself to stop everything; stop moving and stop thinking.
Physicalize: Give yourself a mental and physical shake; snap your fingers, shake your head, stand up. Do anything physical that will wake up your conscious mind.
Affirm: Give yourself a positive but realistic statement to say out loud; something like, "This spider is not going to leap across the room and attack my jugular; it is more afraid of me than I am of it."
Reward: Give yourself a reward for the more positive response, even if all you do is a little happy dance.

If you repeat this technique each time you face your fears, you will eventually be able to face your fears more easily. In fact, you will even begin to associate that old bothersome adrenaline rush with the reward that you give yourself.
So here's the bottom line on fear...
The emotion of fear has been traced to a chemical release of adrenaline. Anything new, unfamiliar, or unexpected-whether dangerous or not-causes an adrenaline rush. Thrill seekers and performers have actually become addicted to that chemical rush, but those same chemicals cause panic attacks in others.
The same cause, but a different effect. Why? Some psychologists believe that it's our expectation of, and attachment to, a perceived outcome that causes our different reactions to adrenaline. When people believe that others won't like them the way they are, they become afraid to be themselves. When people think that a situation will overpower them and leave them defenseless, then that situation often makes them incapable of action and causes panic.

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Quit Bugging US!

 Quit Bugging US!
If there is one thing that can be frustrating at times with cottage and chalet rentals, it would be the bug activity. I am often asked as part of the first 3-4 questions, "how are the bugs?" Truth be told, location, climate conditions, time of year, and environmental conditions, all play a significant role in bug activity and type of bugs.

If you are looking for a private, secluded destination, far deep in the bush, away from noise and any immediate neighbors, in the middle of acres and acres of forests all around, chances are you will be "bugged". Black flies and mosquitoes love the woods. It is their perfect breeding ground. So if cottage and chalet rentals in the deep woods are your thing, come fully prepared with enough bug repellent to deal with the annoying little critters.
Considerable amounts of precipitation, and pockets of still unmoving water pools, small ponds, rain barrels, bird baths, unused swimming pools, also offer the perfect conditions for the "larvae" to be laid and wait for the new life form as they come of age into their next form, mosquitoes or black flies. In your questions to your cottage rental proprietor, ask about still water spots. Inquire if they use B.T.I. Briquettes at all to deal with the problem.

 B.T.I. is safe to families, kids, animals and the environment in reducing the larvae levels in still water with no threat at all to the Ecosystem of lakes and rivers
Late May and most of June is the start of the "bug season" in most parts of Ontario, and dies down in August. Early morning to just before the sun rises will bring them out, as well as at dusk, you will also see them come out. And at times through-out the day, depending upon the temperature and moisture levels of the atmosphere, will also play a part on their activity in your immediate vicinity and how much you will be "bugged" by them. Wearing long sleeve clothing and pants, hoodies and bug jackets can help a lot to keep them from "bugging" you. Giving the sun the opportunity to set completely can also help in reducing the annoyances of bugs. But also, light colored apparel will also be helpful. White, ivory and light colors are in fact a deterrent. Bugs are attracted to dark colors as they are associated with deer, moose, bears and other forest creatures that are also dark in color.

Other types of bugs that are also a factor in cottage rentals are hornets and wasps, and in some instances can be fatal. If you know your child or family/friend member is allergic to hornet and wasp stings, you MUST have the appropriate medical treatment with you on your vacation at all times. In the woods, hornets, bees and wasps have much larger nests and are usually much more intense in size of numbers. If you spot a nest, report it immediately. DO NOT make any attempts to dismantle or hit the nest, especially in day light. There are products in cans that can be purchased from a local hardware store that contain the right poison to close the entrance to the next and kill the queen in the fold, without allowing the members to escape or enter. However, these products come with explicit instructions on how to use them, and in most cases recommend the use be during the night hours.

Another little insect that is a huge nuisance and also carries a bite is the carpenter ant. Although typically docile, they usually do not bite people, but can at times. The real threat they possess is what they do to wood and rotten wood. They nest and burrow in wood, hence the name, and can hollow out trees, stumps, decks and yes even the frame of an aging cottage and chalet. Boric acid (basically soap) is what is used to get rid of them, completely harmless. It's used in the treatment of the nests and surrounding colonies. The key is to find the nests and get rid of them first, before they enter the dwelling. Asking about carpenter ants in your cottage rental queries is not unusual. They were here long before we came and put a house on top of them. Best practice is to sweep up the floors and wipe down the counters after every meal in the cottage. The cleaner the surroundings are, the less food to tempt carpenter ants into coming indoors and into your food.

Spiders....creepy crawlers that can be more than poisonous when it comes to their bites are also something to keep an eye out for when you are vacationing at a cottage rental, resort or camping. One of the most dangerous would be the female Black Widow. Typically found around woodpiles or in rotting stumps, they are black with a very distinctive red hourglass marking on the shinny part of the abdomen. Their existence is rare in Ontario, due to climate, though have been found as recently as 2009 in Oakville, Bruce Peninsula, and some southern parts of Georgian Bay. More commonly found in cottage country are "Daddy Long Legs" and "Dock Spiders". Both of these types of spiders can become huge, and do inspire a huge reaction when seen. Both are not poisonous, though they can be aggressive if provoked, so it's best to just leave them alone if you seen them. Look out for webs inside the dwelling and take the appropriate measures to deal with them to avoid a future problem.

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