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Summer Solutions

by Dee Walmsley

Eunice, looks through her window as the neighbour’s dog begins to squat. She runs out into the yard hoping to divert its attention and forthcoming endeavours.

“Go home!” she shouts quickly followed by “Skunk!”

Alas, too late, the air is pungent with the scent of skunk and poor dog, sits perplexed and stinking.

I round the corner just as the harried skunk races across my path seeking shelter under our cabin. Diane, the dog’s owner emerges from her house, sizes up the situation and quickly scoops mud into an ice-cream bucket half filled with water and begins the chore of ‘mudding’ Shadow the agitated cocker spaniel. She assures me that when the mud dries and is peeled from the dog’s coat that most of the skunk’s spray will stay in the mud... and it works! Poor Shadow, is banished to the great outdoors for the remainder of the night.

Below is a much simpler and more effective solution to the skunk problem.

Mix up: 1-quart hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 teaspoon of any liquid dish soap

Either spray on dog or apply with a washcloth. The odor will disappear instantly. If your clothes are sprayed, soak the clothes in this solution then wash them. It's a wonderful recipe and your dog will ‘sparkle’.

This episode got me to thinking of other summer solutions like using Bounce or mint to ward off mosquito bites. Simply rub a sheet of the fabric softener on your skin or do the same with mint leaves. Avon Skin so Soft works too.

Keep ants out of pet dishes and hummingbird feeders by applying cooking oil or Vaseline to the receptacle. Placing a mixture of ½ Borax and ½ sugar around the ant’s nest will rid the area of these creepy crawlies. A line of chalk or talc will also divert them elsewhere. To keep them out of your sugar bowl, try placing a piece of lemon peel inside.

Bees do not like mint so place a bouquet on your picnic table or plant some in your yard. A word of caution, mint does spread so plant in pots rather than in the ground.

Got fleas in your carpet? Sprinkle salt throughout, leave for a week then vacuum thoroughly. Be sure to throw away the used vacuum bag. You can also try leaving a dish of ammonia on the carpet at night. The fleas seem drawn to the scent and drown. If all else fails remember to spray the perimeter of your room with a professional spray, treat the animal, and wash all its bedding.

Despite life’s little nuisances, summer is a great season. Remember to feed the birds, change their bath water daily, and take some time to enjoy the outdoors.