I thought of my sister (who is highly allergic) when I read this in the Wall Street Journal (sorry, no link):
Poison ivy...is getting worse. New research shows the rash-inducing plant appears to be growing faster and producing more potent oil compared with earlier decades. The reason? Rising ambient carbon-dioxide levels create ideal conditions for the plant, producing bigger leaves, faster growth, hardier plants and oil that's even more irritating.
The article advises removing clothes that have come in contact with the oil (called urushiol). The oil can penetrate rubber gloves and boots, so vinyl gloves are recommended. Immediately wash any body part that comes in contact with the poison ivy, but do it quickly. If more than 10 minutes have passed, soap and water removes only half of the oil.
The pest that bothers me even more than poison oak or ivy is the dreaded mosquito. I've heard that our very wet spring/early summer has resulted in an "explosion" of mosquitoes. Only the tiniest bit of water is needed to encourage mosquitoes. In some areas there's a fine if mosquitoes are found breeding on your property--in a birdbath, for example, or in any container that might have captured rain water. Best to go looking for any of those and empty the water. [By the way, this is National Mosquito Control Awareness Week. I knew you'd want to know.]
Has anyone tried the Off Mosquito Repellent Clip-on? I always look at the ingredients of any repellent to make sure it contains DEET--it's the most effective repellent available. I'd love to know if this clip-on is effective because I hate to use the spray.
According to an article in today's Dallas Morning News, one of my theories has been confirmed. I am definitely more susceptible to mosquitoes than some other people:
Mosquitoes home in on human prey by following the trail of carbon dioxide that we exhale. Under ideal conditions, we may attract mosquitoes from as far away as 40 yards. Once they're up close, they're drawn to human body odors and heat. Some people are simply more attractive to mosquitoes than are other people.
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