Things You Need to Know About Bug Spray

Photo courtesy of whattoexpect.com.

In summer, you’re living your best lake life. But then, after only five minutes outside, mosquitos start landing and biting. Ugh. Fortunately, you can deal with these pests by installing ceiling fans and screens. But when you’re away from your lake home, there’s one established method for keeping the bugs at bay — bug spray. It’s almost synonymous with the smell of summer. Despite its widespread use, there’s a lot of unanswered questions you may have about bug repellent. At Lake Homes Realty, we’re here to answer them.

Does Bug Spray Actually Work?

Photo courtesy of Gud Gear.

In short, yes! Bug spray works by repelling insects rather than killing them. Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide in our breath, sweat, and pores because it helps them find food (i.e., your blood). Mosquitos can detect carbon dioxide from up to 35 meters away! Essentially, bug spray works by disguising your scent. 

To achieve a scent that repels, most products use DEET — the most well known and widely tested active ingredient in bug spray. The U.S. Army first developed DEET in 1946, and it’s been in public use since 1957. Today, the U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved 120 DEET products. Natural plant-based mosquito repellents are popular as well, and plenty of natural ingredients repel mosquitos. However, according to the National Poison Control Center, they do not last as long as synthetic products. 

How Should I Apply Bug Spray?

Photo courtesy of Getty Images via Huffington Post.

Unlike sunscreen, more is not better when it comes to bug spray. Most repellents can be harmful in large quantities. Joseph Conlon, a technical advisor for the American Mosquito Control Association, instructs, “ALWAYS apply according to the label specifications. The label is a federal law. If you over-apply, you are violating federal law.” Instead, you should apply one smooth layer over the exposed skin, ideally from 4-8 inches away.

Because bug repellent contains pesticides, it’s important to avoid applying it to the face, hands, and open wounds. Also, please do not allow children to apply repellents to themselves. The risk of getting the spray in their eyes is too high. 

After applying, keep in mind that lotions take 20 minutes to set in, while sprays provide protection immediately.

Which Goes on First: Bug Spray or Sunscreen?

Photo courtesy of MrsFields.com.

Sunscreen first, then repellent. If you think it’d be simpler to combine them, don’t. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend lotions or spray products that mix sunscreen and repellent. When wearing both, keep their different application times in mind. While sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours (though this varies based on sweat, swimming, etc.) bug spray lasts at least four hours. 

Is it Ok to Sleep with Bug Spray On?

Photo courtesy of Caleigh Waldman via the New York Times.

Since most bug sprays are chemical, it’s good to wash it off when you go into your lake house. However, if you fall asleep after a long day in the sun, you’re probably fine. Joseph Conlon comments, “Repellents are generally quickly metabolized and excreted, so there is probably little harm as long as one is applying the proper amount.” Just be sure to never spray indoors, for risk of inhaling the fumes! 

Which is the Most Effective Bug Spray?

Photo courtesy of oars.com.

The first rule — always look for an EPA registration number. From there, it’s up to personal preference. REI has a comparison chart with the pros and cons of different brands. You can also use this search tool to identify EPA approved insect repellent. However, some products are ineffective. According to these mosquito repellent testers, you should skip the bracelets and citronella candles. For tried-and-true bug sprays, here are some products to try: 

What bug sprays work best for you?

Be a Friend to the Fish – Sink Your Christmas Tree

Lit Christmas tree in lake surrounded by snow capped mountains
Photo courtesy of Missoulian.

After all the hype of the holidays, one thing is for sure: our homes are overrun with mangled wrapping paper, boxes and our now-naked Christmas trees.

For some, their trees can simply be packed up and thrown in the attic until next year – the convenience of an artificial evergreen. But for many others, disposing of their living holiday decor can be challenging.

Luckily for those who love the lake, there is a simple solution: sink your old Christmas tree at your favorite fishing hole!

Benefits of Sinking

An approved disposal method by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and conservation biologists, sunken trees are great for creating natural fish habitats in your local ponds and lakes.

Once sunken, recycled Christmas trees become havens for a variety of freshwater wildlife, including small insects, snails and mussels.

These tiny organisms attract fish who feed on them, like minnows and craw fish, who in turn, attract such species as bass, blue gill and crappie.

One tree can become an entire ecosystem with an estimated lifespan of up to 10 years, which is not only great for lake life, but for fishing enthusiasts too.

Sinking Methods and Tips

Person disposing of Christmas tree in lake for fish habitat
Photo courtesy of St. Louis Public Radio.

Trees are naturally buoyant, so sinking one requires a little extra weight.

Most commonly, it’s best to remove a few limbs from the base of the tree, exposing enough of its trunk that it can be inserted into an empty 5-gallon paint bucket. Once fitted in the container, pour cement into the bucket and allow to set, effectively securing the tree to its weighted base.

Alternative methods include wiring cinder blocks to the base of the tree’s trunk and securing the tree to the cinder block with cement, similar to the paint bucket method.

For optimal fishing, anglers recommend removing several limbs to allow space for larger fish to swim through and inhabit. Spaces between six inches wide and eighteen inches wide yield the best variety of sizes.

Additionally, trees should be fully submerged year-round to ensure the habitat will remain viable for as many years as possible. Year-round submersion also helps to conceal your fishing hole’s location from other anglers.

Drop-Off Locations/Donation Centers

Christmas tree lake donation and drop off center
Photo courtesy of USACE.

Before sinking your Christmas tree, check with your local department of natural resources, lake management entity, or area conservation office to make sure Christmas tree recycling is permitted on your lake.

Many of these organizations can also tell you where you can find designated drop-off locations for anglers who don’t own boats or have a way to transport their trees to deep waters.

These areas include donation centers and parks and recreation offices, ranger stations and boat ramps. Lake lovers can also put their trees out by the road for pickup in many areas.

Self-sinkers are encouraged to dispose of their trees in areas near creek channels, ledges and drop off points, and should be sure to ask their overseeing organizations if GPS coordinates for their drop-off sites must be submitted for recording purposes.

For more tips for this holiday season, read “Tips for Celebrating Christmas on the Lake“.

Lake Home Essentials – Make Your Stay Convenient

Moving to your summer vacation lake home is easy if you have the essentials you need.

Be prepared and get organized to live conveniently at your lake home.

Kitchen

Spending quality time at your lake home means cooking utensils and supplies are necessities. Here are some things you will need in the kitchen to prepare food:

  • A can opener/bottle opener
  • Silverware, cooking knives, cutting board, wooden spoon, spatula and tongs
  • Oven mitts
  • Coffee and coffee maker
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Sponge and scrub brush
  • Dishes: bowls, plates, cups, pots, pans
  • Dish soap and detergent
  • Trashcan and kitchen bags
  • Corkscrew

Baking Items

If you enjoy baking, bring these items along for the pantry to save you a trip to the grocery store. You can cook quite a bit of food if you are well stocked with these items:

  • Recipe book
  • Glass cooking dishes and cookie sheetspie resting on chocolate decorated plate
  • Large mixing bowls, blender
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Flour
  • Butter
  • Shortening
  • Vegetable oil, olive oil
  • Chocolate bits

Bathroom

It is important to keep a clean and orderly bathroom at your lake home. Here is a list of the things you will need:

  • Plunger
  • Soap, shampoo/conditioner
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, comb and brush
  • Bath mat
  • Towels, washcloths and hand towels
  • Scale
  • Small trashcan
  • Shower curtain, liner, rings (if applicable)

Living room

Your personal taste will determine some of the things you will want to bring to your lake home. A few essentials for the living room are:

  • Coasters
  • Board games
  • Table lamps
  • TV, DVD player, DVDs
  • Furniture and preferred décorwood-paneled bedroom with large window

Bedroom

It is always important to get a good night’s rest. Here are things you will want to remember for lake home comfort:

  • Bed, bed sheets, pillows and pillow cases
  • Hamper
  • Hangers for the bedroom closet
  • Side table and lamp
  • Dresser and clothes. Don’t forget the bathing suits and beach towels.
  • Full length mirror

Laundry room

Where ever you spend time doing laundry, you will need these items:

  • Laundry detergent, bleach and dryer sheets
  • Laundry baskets
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Small trash can

Cleaning Closet

To keep your lake home clean, you will want to store these supplies in a closet or cabinet somewhere:

  • Toilet brush and bowl cleaner
  • Rubber gloves
  • All purpose cleaner for glass, tile and wood
  • Stove cleaner
  • Mop and bucket, broom and dustpan

General Items for Around the House and Garage

Here are some essential items you’ll also want:

  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Extra batteries (different sizes)
  • Duct tape, scotch tape, electrical tapetools resting on wood
  • Wood glue
  • First aid kit
  • Tool set which includes: hammer, phillips and flat head screwdrivers, mix of nails, screws, and hooks, wrenches. A saw and sawhorses would be ideal.
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Hose
  • Rakes and outdoor leaf bags
  • Shovel
  • Large trash barrel
  • Sweatshirt, light jacket/rain jacket for cool and wet days
  • Bug spray and Sun block

 

How to Store & Maintain Your Personal Flotation Devices

Life jackets laying on lake deck how to properly store personal flotation devices

One of the best safety measures that you can rely on while out on the water is the use of personal flotation devices (PFDs).

A personal flotation device, also referred to as a life jacket or life preserver, is a piece of equipment designed to assist a wearer, who may be either conscious or unconscious, to keep afloat.

In case you’re wondering, you can check your state’s PFD requirements here.

The bottom line is that PFD’s save lives. But, these devices will only work as they should if they are maintained and stored properly between uses.

Here are a few tips on how to store and maintain your personal flotation devices to be sure they’re always ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Cleaning Your Personal Flotation Device

Cleaning products
Photo courtesy of Pexels.

To keep PFDs clean, all you need to do is wipe them down with a solution of mild soap and warm water and then rinse thoroughly.  When cleaning stains from life jackets, use a stiff-bristled brush to gently scrub them away, but avoid using bleach, solvents, or other stain removers. The strong chemicals in these products can break down the materials PFDs are made from, thereby compromising their integrity. When exposed to saltwater, a quick rinse is needed to remove residue before allowing your device to dry.

After washing your PFD, hang it up in the open air away from direct sunlight and leave it there to dry thoroughly before storing it. Never place it in the dryer or near a heat source, as this could cause the vinyl or plastic components to warp or crack. Personal flotation devices should never be dry cleaned.

Inspecting Your Flotation Device

Kid inspecting life jacket
Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Flotation devices should be inspected on a regular basis, preferably before each use. Some of the things you should look for include:

  • Broken or damaged hardware
  • Ripped, torn, or missing webbing
  • Webbing that has become unattached
  • Mold or mildew
  • Rotted material
  • Large rips or tears
  • Oil spills, as this could affect buoyancy

Inflatable vests should also be inspected for:

  • Bobbins and pins that aren’t operating properly
  • Evidence of any corrosion on the CO2 cartridges
  • Nozzles that have not been punctured by the firing needle

It is also a good idea to manually inflate vests from time to time in order to check for leaks. Allow them to remain inflated overnight to be sure they are working properly, and repair or discard any that are not holding air as they should.

Storing PFDs

Storing lifejackets personal flotation device on boat
Photo courtesy of The Hull Truth.

Boating laws typically require that PFD’s are readily accessible to all passengers onboard a vessel.  Make sure that your PFDs are actually taken out of the plastic wrapper they came in prior to use. The U.S. Coast Guard does not consider these devices to be ‘readily accessible’ if they must be unwrapped first. In addition, you must generally carry a throwable device onboard all watercraft that is 16 feet in length or longer.

When you’re not on the water, you should store flotation devices in a cool dry area with adequate ventilation. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as UV rays could prove harmful to them. Hang them up whenever possible rather than placing them on a shelf or the bottom of a locker. If hanging them up isn’t possible, make sure heavy objects are not placed on top of them, as this can also cause damage.

Personal flotation devices play an important part in keeping you safe on the water. Although it might seem trivial, properly cleaning, inspecting, and storing your PFD’s will go a long way to make absolutely sure that they are functional and in good working order for when you need them.