Keep Flies Away With One Simple Trick…It Really Works!

Keep flies away the natural way…

  

I recently saw a post on facebook about this trick…and I never thought about blogging about it until now, since so many people had never heard of this, I thought it would be worth sharing.

My wife’s family has been doing this for many years to control flies the natural way. I was skeptical until we tried it ourselves. It really does work. We would just put in 1 penny and sometimes a crumbled up piece of aluminum foil in a bag, filled it with water and then hung it by a tree, under a patio umbrella or wherever pesky flies would be. It definitely works!

Below are comments on this fly control idea.

Zip-lock water bags: #1 Says: I tried the zip lock bag and pennies this weekend. I have a horse trailer. The flies were bad while I was camping. I put the baggies with pennies above the door of the LQ. NOT ONE FLY came in the trailer.The horse trailer part had many. Not sure why it works but it does!

#2 Says:Fill a zip lock bag with water and 5 or 6 pennies and hang it in the problem area. In my case it was a particular window in my home. It had a slight passage way for insects. Every since I have done that, it has kept flies and wasps away. Some say that wasps and flies mistake the bag for some other insect nest and are threatened.

#3 Says:I swear by the plastic bag of water trick. I have them on porch and basement. We saw these in Northeast Mo. at an Amish grocery store& have used them since. They say it works because a fly sees a reflection& won’t come around.

#4 Says:Regarding the science behind zip log bags of water? My research found that the millions of molecules of water presents its own prism effect and given that flies have a lot of eyes, to them it’s like a zillion disco balls reflecting light, colors and movement in a dizzying manner. When you figure that flies are prey for many other bugs, animals, birds, etc., they simply won’t take the risk of being around that much perceived action. We went from hundreds of flies to seeing the occasional one, but he didn’t hang around long.

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Surterre Properties

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 495-8600

Keep your Pets Safe and Cool in the Summertime

Five Ways to Keep Pets Cool
Water play, shade and tasty treats…

In the heat of the summer, you may be cranking up the air-conditioning to stay comfortable, but don’t forget about your four-legged pals — especially if they’re spending a lot of time outdoors. Consider these five fun and easy ways to keep them cool and happy.

H2O and treats

It may sound obvious, but your dog and other pets need access to plenty of fresh, cold water. On a really hot day, you might toss a few ice cubes in the bowl to keep the water even colder. There are also ice cream treats designed specifically for dogs, or you can find recipes online to make your own. Here’s one clever idea — fill an ice cube tray with chicken broth or beef broth and then toss your dog a “pop” once the individual squares are frozen.

Water play

Many dogs love to get wet, whether they are splashing in a stream, swimming in a lake or jumping into a kiddie pool in your backyard. You can also set up a sprinkler for them to run through.

Check out new products

There are always new products on the market to keep pets cool in the heat, such as cooling bandanas and collars, pet beds that can be filled with cool water, and a collapsible water dish that you can carry anywhere — from a hike to a car ride. Keep in mind that if you’re driving with your dog, do not leave him waiting in the car for you, even if you crack the windows. His body temperature can rise quickly in a hot car and prove fatal.

Limit activity in the middle of the day

If you’re heading out for a walk or involving your pet in other outdoor activities, make sure to plan your excursion during cooler parts of the day (morning and early evening). The middle of the day is usually the hottest, and too much activity during this time can lead to an overheated pet. Pay attention to your pet’s cues and seek the advice of a vet if she is exhibiting any health problems.

Provide shade

If your pet stays outdoors, make sure he has a shady place to retreat when the heat becomes too intense. If you don’t have any natural shade in your yard, consider getting a beach umbrella or invest in a doghouse.

With a little bit of thought and preparation, you can prevent your pets from suffering in the summer sun. And they’ll love you all the more for it.

This article is presented by M.Benz of Laguna Niguel, California

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Surterre Properties

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Caruso’s *CENTRAL* County OC Happenings

 

 

CENTRAL COUNTY

 

COSTA MESA

Coming up June 2-3, 2012 is the annual Lions Club Fish Fry. Held since 1945, the event features a parade, carnival, food and rides in Fairview Park. Event includes fish fry, raffle, baby contest carnival and rides. Fish Dinners $10. Also coming up June 9 & 10is the annual BBQ Cookoff and Family Festival. This event is benefitting Kristie’s Foundation, a non-profit that provides assistance, support and cherished moments to critically ill children and their families. Delicious BBQ – Classic Car Show (Saturday) – rib eating contest – beer & wine tasting – Great Kids Zone with activities & entertainment- Live Main Stage music & entertainment.

FOUNTAIN VALLEY

Coming up June 7-10, 2012 is the annual Summerfest. This 4-day celebration will include carnival rides, food and beverage booths, game booths, local entertainment, exhibitors, non-profit organizations, live music, beer/wine garden, Battle of the Bands on Sunday, Live Sports Tent, the Fountain Valley Classic Car & Truck Show, and the Dog Day Afternoon event.

HUNTINGTON BEACH

Coming up June 2-3, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. is the Huntington Beach Concours, a Classic Car & Motorcycle Show! The Huntington Beach Concours is a fun event where car lovers and enthusiasts can come to enjoy themselves, while knowing that they are also helping a worthy cause, The Huntington Beach Library Children’s Resource Center. It is rated # 1 in California, please help us keep it that way by attending this year’s event. ALSO coming up Saturday, June 16, 2012 is Chili at the Beach from 11 am – 6 pm. Chili Cook-Off as well as a Salsa Tasting Contest (New this year!) There will also be Dads Toys (Choppers  – Trikes), 2 stages of live music and plenty of Kids’ Activities. Benefiting Boys and Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley. For more information you can call (714) 536-8300. AND June 24, 2012 from 2:00pm – 6:00pm is Pups N Pinot. An afternoon of wine and food tasting, live entertainment, silent & live auction, “Pooch Pageant” at the Newland House. Raising money for A Leg Up Rescue and Waggin’ Trails – rescuing dogs (and other animals) from certain death in our shelters or bad living situations ensuring they get placed in a forever home. $35 pre-sale, $40 at the door. VIP $45, $50 at the door – vip begins at 1pm.

IRVINE

Coming up June 22-24, 2012 is the annual A Taste of Greece! This is a fun-filled Festival for the whole family! Pastries, dancing, full-Scale carnival, boutique & delicious Greek food including a wine taverna. There will also be cooking demonstrations, Greek folk dancing lessons, church tours and opportunity drawings Admission $3.00 Children under 10 FREE.

LOS ALAMITOS

Nothing to report

NEWPORT BEACH

Nothing to report

ORANGE

Coming up Saturday & Sunday, June 16 & 17 2012 is the Annual Irish Fair and Music Festival from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. The Great American Irish Fair and Music Festival is the largest festival of its kind in the Western United States. The Fair highlights 16 entertainment areas featuring the very best in the music, song, dance and sport of the Irish, along with over 100 Irish, Scottish and English import shops and arts and crafts vendors along with sheepherding shows, Irish horse shows, Irish dog shows and one of the largest Irish Step Dancing competitions in California. ALSO coming up Saturday, June 23, 2012 from 8 – 9:30 p.m. is Nature at Night – Dusk to Dark. Join inside the Outdoors on the first official Saturday evening of summer! Experience nature as the evening fades from twilight to starlight. With a Naturalist as your guide, discover night life out on the trail. Cost: $5 per person/ $25 per family. Advance registration required. For more information you can call (714) 708-3885.

 

 

SANTA ANA

Coming June 2, 2012 is the annual Heritage Music Festival. Bluegrass, Folk and Americana – live music, craft brew beer garden and great food! Plus a Native-American exhibit, a blacksmith demonstration, an adobe brick making workshop, mounted police, photographs in heritage costumes, docent-led tours of the historic Kellogg House, storytellers, student performances in the gazebo between main-stage acts, a popcorn cart, and lots more family fun! For more information you can call (714) 540-0404.

SEAL BEACH

Nothing to report

TUSTIN

Coming up Sunday, June 3, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. is the annual Tustin Street Fair & Cook-Off! The event features the Chili Cook-Off, craft booths, non-profit food vendors, entertainment, Watermelon Eating Contest, kid’s carnival, music and much more. Admission is free. For more information you can call (714) 573-3326.

VILLA PARK

Nothing to report

 

*As seen in the ocregister.com & orangecounty.net

 

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And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.     

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Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

 

Keeping Your Pets Safe this Valentines Day!

 

 

Valentines Day is right around the corner. And yes it may be fun for us, humans, but it can harmful to your pets, One big way to show love for your pets is by keeping them safe. Valentine’s Day is famous for chocolates, flowers, cocktails and candy – all things that can be particularly harmful to our four-legged loved ones. Here are some helpful tips I have gathered from various pet websites to keep them safe and avoid any emergency trips to the veterinarian!

Flowers: Lilies are potentially fatal to cats. As pretty as they are, make sure to have an arrangement without lilies. Thorns on roses or other flowers can be dangerous for dogs or other pets. Biting, stepping on or swallowing stems with thorns increases risk for a puncture, which can result in serious infections internally or externally.

Chocolate: Although a favorite gift to give our human loved ones, chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic, but dark, milk, semi-sweet and baker’s chocolates all can cause adverse reactions. Make sure to keep the chocolate where pets can’t reach it.

Cocktails: Simply put, they pose a threat to your pets. Because of a pet’s small size, even a tiny amount of alcohol can cause problems. Be sure to keep those libations out of reach!

Candles: If ingested, candle wax can cause choking, upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhea. Be sure to blow out any unattended candles when you leave the room, as cats are notorious for jumping up on counters and other high surfaces!

Toss the ribbon and string: Gifts are a nice surprise on Valentine’s Day, but make sure to throw away any pretty ribbons and string they’ve been tied with. “For some reason it’s very instinctive for cats to eat it,” warns Dr. Murray of ASPCA. “It gets caught in their intestines and can saw right through them and cause a perforation.”

Keep sugar-free foods out of your pet’s reach:Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many types of sugar-free candies and baked goods, is toxic to dogs and can cause liver failure, says Dr. Murray. It’s best to read the ingredients list on any sugar-free foods and keep any products containing Xylitol out of your pet’s reach.

 

 **Should your pet get into mischief on Valentine’s Day, the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year at (888) 426-4435. (A $65 consultation fee may apply.)

 

 

 

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.     

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

 

Caruso’s 12 Days of Christmas ~ Day 6

On the 6^th Day of Christmas, Caruso gave to me, 6 Holiday Tips for Keeping Your Pets Safe!

If your pets are anything like mine, the holidays are a festive time with a house full of goodies – from the edible to the not-so edible. To help keep your pets safe from holiday gremlins, I’ve put together some tips with help from the Humane Society of the U.S.

•Gate off the tree or arrange chewy stuff up high: Keep holiday decorations away from pets. Tinsel, bows, ribbons and wrapping paper can be tempting chew toys for pets but can damage their digestive systems. Remember to keep tree ornaments out of your pet’s reach.

•Create a safety zone: Provide your pet with a quiet, out-of-the-way room during holiday parties. Though some pets may enjoy socializing opportunities, others will be overwhelmed by the excitement of a party.

•Hide the candy: As you enjoy your See’s Candies and other holiday treats, avoid sharing them with the dog and cat. Chocolate can be hazardous, especially in smaller dogs with less body mass. Also watch out for Xylitol, a common sweetener. Individually-wrapped candies are double trouble as some pets might eat both the candy and the wrapper.

•What not to serve: Avoid the urge to give pets table scraps, especially bones. Cooked bones easily splinter and can cause serious health problems.

•To travel or stay? For trips to family and friends, be sure to contact them in advance to find out if your pet is welcome. To avoid stressful situations, consider hiring your pet’s favorite sitter while you’re making the holiday rounds.

•Fire, fire! Don’t leave candles unattended. Pets can accidentally knock them over, spill wax or start a fire.

In our household, the pets are always welcome to partake of the holiday festivities. We are quick, however, to use gates to keep the dogs from family and guests at the dinner table, and treats are given conservatively in the form of a piece of dry meat or raw carrots here and there. On Christmas morning there are gifts for every furry family member: catnip contraptions for the felines and new squeaky toys for the dogs. I especially love how the wrapping paper becomes the biggest hit of all. No matter how big or small your holiday festivities are this year, take a minute or two to consider the fate of your non-speaking family members. They can’t tell you they’re hurting, so get ahead of potential problems and avoid them from the start.