9 Ways To Make Sure No Spiders Enter Your Home

 Many people run a mile when they see a spider, and it’s quite a rational fear. Some spiders are poisonous while others just turn your home into a ghost house with their dusty cobwebs. Instead of having to combat them after they’ve already made themselves welcome in your home, take preemptive action and make sure they don’t get a chance to enter. Thankfully, you don’t need pesticide or mosquito nets to do this. Instead, here are 9 natural tips to keep those creepy crawlies away.

Repel spiders with scent 

1. Peppermint - Peppermint makes for a delicious tea or chewing gum flavor, but spiders don't think so. The sweet smell is repugnant to them. So spritzing a solution of water (and putting it in a standard spray bottle) with 15 drops of peppermint essential oil can effectively keep them away for quite some time. Spray this homemade solution in the corners and entrances of your home. An added benefit of this remedy is that it will make your home smell great. 

 

2. Citrus peels - Not everyone wants their home smelling like peppermint. But spiders don’t respond well to citrus smells either, so If you prefer citrus flavors, you can use the peel of lemons or oranges to keep your home spider-less. Rub the baseboards, bookshelves, and windowsills using a lemon or orange peel or rind, to ensure the spiders don’t infiltrate your living areas.

3. Cinnamon – 

Another smell spiders hate is cinnamon. Light cinnamon candles or burn cinnamon essential oil, or any other method that will flood your home with this fresh scent. It not only repels spiders but has been known to chase away other hazardous insects.

4. Tobacco – This option leaves your home free from a strong scent and will naturally drive the spiders away. You can either sprinkle chewing tobacco in the corners of your homes or concoct a water solution to spray the smell around your home. You will first need to soak the tobacco in water before this solution can effectively work. 

 

5. Vinegar - This common household ingredient can be used for many minor problems, but few know it’s another of the many smells spiders dislike. Combine with water in a spray bottle, and spritz to keep those spiders far from your humble habitation. If you find vinegar has a strong smell you don’t enjoy, add a few drops of your essential oil of choice to mask the scent. 

 

6. Essential oils – As you probably understand by now, spiders are very sensitive to smells, usually the ones that people enjoy. They don’t respond well to tea tree, neem or lavender. Burn these essential oil flavors with an oil burner, or combine a few drops of oil with lukewarm water in a spray bottle to spread the smell around your home quickly. This method is especially effective during winter when it is harder to get some fresh enough ingredients to keep spiders at bay. Make sure to spray near any door cracks and window frames, where spiders often creep through.

7. Cats - If you are thinking about getting a pet, consider a cat. You don’t have to buy pets many toys because they find their own amusements. Cats love to hunt and chase after spiders. They can help you find out where the spiders are coming from. With more practice, they get better at locating them. An added benefit is they usually like to dispose of them as well.

8. Weatherstrips and tight-fitting screens - Installing these in your house is a cost-effective way of keeping spiders away. They also ward off other bothersome creepy crawlers and insects like mosquitoes and ants. Make sure to install them over all the vents and windows around the house so that your home has no open entrances for any arachnids. 

 

9. Trees in the backyard - Some trees and plants naturally repel spiders and other insects from coming near your home. If you have a small yard or garden, add an extra barrier by planting a eucalyptus tree. This sturdy tree requires minimal maintenance and can offer you shade, fresh air, and a pleasant smell.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Drug that destroys coronavirus in cats could destroy Covid-19 in humans

A new study published in the journal Nature Communications suggested that prodrug GC376 which is used to treat coronavirus disease in feline can be effective against the widespread novel coronavirus.

Prodrugs are compounds that have to be metabolized inside the body before they become active. GC376 gets converted to GC373.

A group of researchers at the University of Alberta, Canada, noted in the study that the prodrug targets an enzyme called Mpro in the SARS-CoV-2 and is a strong drug candidate for the treatment of coronavirus disease since it is already shown to be effective in animals.

The research team is set to launch phase 1 clinical trials of the drug soon.

Feline coronavirus

Feline coronavirus FCoV is a common infection that infects around 25 to 40 per cent of domestic cats in the world.

The virus enters a cat’s body through the oral route (licking, for example) and multiplies in the intestines. The cat will expel the virus in its feces where the virus may survive for up to a few weeks. Disinfectants can quickly destroy the FCoV.

According to the study, most cats that get this infection are asymptomatic. However, they may develop a mild form of diarrhea or it could lead to a life-threatening condition called feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).

The latter only develops when the FCoV virus develops a mutant strain inside the intestinal tract of the cat that can infect macrophages (a type of immune system cell) and spread throughout the body.

Prodrug GC376

Mpro is a protease present in the SARS-CoV-2 virus that helps the virus replicate and make copies of itself.

Prodrug GC376 has been proposed to have broad specificity against the Mpro of the novel coronavirus previously. To study the effect of this drug against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the researchers exposed the virus to the drug in cell cultures.

It was found that GC376 when incubated with SARS-CoV-2 converts to GC373, which binds to the active site of Mpro protease, inhibiting the function of the protease. The active site of an enzyme is a pocket in the enzyme wherein the substrate (the compound an enzyme acts on) binds to it.

“We determined the three-dimensional shape of the protease with the drug in the active site pocket, showing the mechanism of inhibition. This will allow us to develop even more effective drugs," said Joanne Lemieux, the corresponding author of the study and a professor of biochemistry at the University of Alberta, Canada, as per the news release by the university.

Study finds that cats, ferrets can be infected by Coronavirus, WHO to look into transmission between pets and humans

Cats can become infected with the new coronavirus but dogs appear not to be vulnerable, according to a study published on Wednesday, prompting the WHO to say it will take a closer look at the transmission of the virus between humans and pets.

The study, published on the website of the journal Science, found that ferrets can also become infected with SARS-CoV-2, the scientific term for the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease.

Dogs, chickens, pigs and ducks are not likely to catch the virus, however, the researchers found.
The study was aimed at identifying which animals are vulnerable to the virus so they can be used to test experimental vaccines to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed more than 83,000 people worldwide since it emerged in China in December.

SARS-CoV-2 is believed to have spread from bats to humans. Except for a few reported infections in cats and dogs, there has not been strong evidence that pets can be carriers.

A tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York City who developed a dry cough and loss of appetite after contact with an infected zookeeper tested positive for the coronavirus on Sunday.

The study, based on research conducted in China in January and February, found cats and ferrets highly susceptible to the virus when researchers attempted to infect the animals by introducing viral particles via the nose.

They also found cats can infect each other via respiratory droplets. Infected cats had the virus in the mouth, nose and small intestine. Kittens exposed to the virus had massive lesions in their lungs, nose and throat.

“Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in cats should be considered as an adjunct to the elimination of COVID-19 in humans,” the authors wrote.

In ferrets, the virus was found in the upper respiratory tract but did not cause severe disease.

Antibody tests showed dogs were less likely to catch the virus, while inoculated pigs, chickens, and ducks were not found to have any strain of the virus.

“It’s both interesting and not terribly surprising in the sense that with the original SARS epidemic, civet cats were implicated as one of the vectors that may have transmitted virus to humans,” said Daniel Kuritzkes, head of infectious diseases at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

“What these data do provide is support for the recommendation that people who are with COVID-19 should be distancing themselves, not only from other household members but also from their household pets, so as not to transmit the virus to their pets, particularly to cats or other felines,” he said.

The World Health Organization said on Wednesday it is working with its partners to look more closely at the role of pets in the health crisis.

Based on the evidence so far, WHO epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove told a news conference: “We don’t believe that they are playing a role in transmission but we think that they may be able to be infected from an infected person.”

The WHO’s top emergencies expert Mike Ryan asked people not to retaliate against animals over the outbreak.

“They’re beings in their own right and they deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. They are victims like the rest of us,” he said.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
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Amazinf Uses Of Coffee

Coffee provides us with a quick boost of energy to start the day, or to stay up late at night. Most of us, however, discard old coffee grounds, but you may want to hold on to them after reading about their many practical uses here. There is also a bonus video at the end you won't want to miss. 

 

1. Exfoliate Your Pores with a Homemade Mocha Mask 

Here is the recipe for a homemade Mocha-Frappuccino Mask: 
What You Will Need: 

• 2 tbsp. of freshly ground coffee (use the finer grind if possible)
• 2 tbsp. of cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp. of whole milk, heavy cream, or yogurt
• 1 tbsp. of honey

Directions: 

1. Mix all the ingredients together.
2. Apply the mask to your face in the morning.
3. Allow it to dry for 15-20 minutes.
4. Wash the mask off in the shower, scrubbing very gently over the skin surface while rinsing.

2. Create an Aromatic Soap 

Here is the easy-to-make recipe for an aromatic bar of soap:
What You Will Need: 

• 8 ounces glycerin soap
• 1/4 cup used coffee grounds
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon powdered milk (optional)
• Small saucepan
• Small metal or glass bowl
• Muffin tin
• Ladle
• Butter knife

Directions: 

1. Gather all the ingredients together.
2. Fill a small saucepan with 1 cup of water, topping the metal or glass edges of the bowl to create a double boiler.
3. Place over medium heat.
4. Mix the soap into the bowl and let it melt completely with the aid of the steam from the boiling water below. This process should take you a few minutes
5. Lightly grease 4 rounds of a muffin tin while the soap is melting.
6. Pour a small spoonful of coffee grounds at the base of each muffin tin.
7. Turn off the heat as soon as the soap becomes liquid.
8. Add the vanilla, and add 1 teaspoon of the coffee grounds.
9. Stir in the powdered milk.
10. Carefully pour the soapy mixture into the muffin tin, filling each round to the top.
11. Allow it to cool for several hours, and then scoop them out with a butter knife.
12. Wrap in parchment paper and enjoy your wonderful-smelling soaps.

3. Homemade Coffee Salt Scrub

Here is the recipe for a homemade salt scrub: 
What You Will Need: 

• 1 cup coffee grounds (dried)
• 1 ½ cup coarse sea salt
• 1 cup oil (your preference)
• 5-15 drops of essential oils (your preference)

Directions: 

1. Fill a large bowl with 1 cup of coffee grounds and 1½ cups of coarse sea salt, and then stir.
2. Stir in the cup of oil and about 5-15 drops of essential oils into a bowl. You can use cinnamon, lemon or Eucalyptus for the essential oils. They all work very well. 
3. Store the mixture in an airtight jar, and use the scrub as needed. 

4. Keep Your Pots and Pans Sparkling Clean 

The high acidity level contained in coffee acts as a natural cleaning abrasive, ideal for scrubbing dirty pots and pans. A couple of teaspoons of coffee grounds and a rag is all it takes to eliminate the unwanted grease stains. 

5. Wash Your Hands After Chopping Onions and Garlic 

Use coffee grounds to wash your hands after you've been dicing up onions or chopping garlic cloves. The grounds absorb all the strong odors in no time at all. 

6. Give Your Dog a Flea Bath

Mix a tablespoon of used coffee grounds with your dog's shampoo during the bath. It will help keep those pesky little insects off your beloved pet. 

7. Coffee Ground Garbage Disposal Cleaners 

Here are the instructions for a coffee grounds garbage disposal cleaner: 
What You Will Need: 

• 1 cup dry used coffee grounds
• 1/2 cup Epsom salts
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 3 tbsp vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
• Small mixing bowl
• Rounded measuring spoon or small melon baller
• Sheet pan
• Parchment paper

Directions: 

1. Measure and add the coffee grounds, Epsom salts, and baking soda to the mixing bowl.
2. Slowly add the vinegar, which will bubble once it interacts with the baking soda.
3. Add a little bit at a time until the mixture resembles wet sand.
4. Add a little vanilla to the tiny garbage disposal cleaners for a pleasant smell.
5. Cover a sheet pan with parchment paper, and use a rounded measuring spoon or melon baller to create the cleaners.
6. Scoop the mixture and then press against the side of the bowl, packing the coffee ground filter together, and then tap onto the parchment-covered sheet pan. 
7. Let the cleaners dry overnight and then place in a coffee cup next to your sink.
8. Drop one down your drain, turn on your garbage disposal and then the faucet.  
9. You should have about 30 mini garbage disposal cleaners in total. 

8. Alter the Color of Your Hydrangeas

The pH balance of the soil can negatively affect your precious Hydrangeas. Not to worry, a few old coffee grounds should help do the trick. Coffee grounds reduce the pH balance of the soil and transform pink flowers into blue ones.

9. Snack on a Few Coffee Energy Bites

Snack on a few bite-sized coffee energy treats to give you a boost during the day. Peanut butter may be substituted for almond butter, but it must be the creamy variety. Here is the delicious recipe:

What You Will Need:

• 1 cup dry whole grain oatmeal
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
• 2 tbsp fresh ground unbrewed coffee beans 
• 1/2 cup creamy almond butter 
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Directions:

1. Stir the oatmeal, flaxseed, and coffee granules together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed.
2. Add the almond butter, honey, and vanilla.
3. Fold in the chocolate chips and cranberries once everything is combined, and stir well.  
4. Allow the mixture to chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.  
5. Roll them into tiny balls after they've finished chilling.
6. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than 1 week.

10. Enjoy a Coffee-Rubbed Pork Roast for Dinner 

Did you know that you can cook your favorite pork meal with coffee grounds? Here is the mouth-watering recipe:
What You Will Need: 

• 3.5 lbs. Boston Butt or Pork Shoulder 
• 1 oz. (approx 3 tbsp) coffee beans 
• ½ cup brown sugar 
• ½ tbsp. cayenne pepper 
• ½ tbsp. salt 
• 15-20 cranks cracked black pepper 
• 1 tsp. minced garlic 
• ½ tsp. smoked paprika  

Directions:

1. Begin by grinding the coffee beans to powder. Select the “espresso grind” if possible.
2. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
3. Gently pat the mixed dry rub on all sides of the pork roast.
4. Put the pork roast into a slow cooker, gather up any coffee grounds that might have fallen off, and sprinkle them into the slow cooker.
5. Set the heat to low, tighten the lid of the cooker, and let it cook for 8 hours.
6. The roast should be nice and tender afterward and should shred easily with a fork.
7. Use a bit of caution when lifting the roast out of the slow cooker and onto a serving platter. Enjoy your meal.  

11. Use Them to Make Homemade Coffee Candles

Here are the instructions on how to make a few wonderfully smelling homemade coffee candles:
What You Will Need: 

• Small paper coffee cup
• 1-2 tbsp. used coffee grounds
• Paper towel
• 1 cup wax candle remnants
• Candlewick
• Scissors
• Small saucepan
• Small metal or glass mixing bowl

Directions: 

1. In order to create the base of the candle, add 1 cup of wax candle remnants to a small metal or heat-safe glass bowl.
2. Place the remnants over the top of a small saucepan, and fill it halfway with water. This should give you a double boiler.
3. Allow the water to simmer and observe carefully until the wax has completely melted. The process should take about 5 minutes or so.
4. Clean the paper coffee cup thoroughly and wipe it down to make sure it's dry.
5. Place the coffee grounds in a paper towel, and squeeze to release any extra liquid.
6. Place the wick in the center of the cup, and sprinkle a layer of the coffee grounds at the base. 
7. Gently pour in half of the melted wax over the coffee grounds, while saving the rest of the wax for the top of the candle.
8. Allow the wax to harden for 20 minutes.
9. Add the cooled wax with extra spoonfuls of coffee grounds to create the second layer of the candle.
10. Reheat the wax in the double boiler, and top off the candle.
11. Allow the candle to cool off for about an hour.
12. Cut away to reveal the finished candle.
13. Smooth the edges with a paper towel if needed, and trim the end of the wick to fit the candle. Enjoy.

12. A Natural Way to Dye Fabrics 

Here is a simple step-by-step guide to dying out fabrics using old coffee grounds:

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry the fabric to remove any excess dirt and oil, which can keep the dye from penetrating evenly. This step is especially important on brand new fabrics that are coated with a finishing spray.
2. Place a large pot on your cooktop. You will need a pot that is large enough to submerge your fabric. A regular stockpot will do just fine.  
3. Prepare several pots of coffee and pour into a larger pot, one cup at a time. You will need a large amount of coffee to cover the fabric completely once it is placed in the pot. 
4. You can achieve darker color fabrics with a stronger coffee brew. 
5. If you plan on preparing several batches of coffee, you will need to fill the stockpot with water and allow the instant coffee to dissolve inside. 
6. Bring to a boil after pouring all of your freshly prepared coffee into the pot.
7. Turn the heat off once the coffee reaches a full boil.
8. Add the fabric to the stockpot.
9. Submerge the fabric into the stockpot after you've turned the heat off and the coffee has stopped bubbling.
10. Get rid of any air pockets by stirring the coffee grounds with a wooden spoon for a few seconds or so. 
11. Allow the fabric to steep for about a half hour, and longer if you desire a deeper tint. 
12. Rinse the dyed fabric under cold water in the sink. Once the water runs clear, the excess dye has been removed. 
13. Alternatively, if you still want the fabric to be a darker color after rinsing it, you can bring your coffee dye back to a boil and steep the fabric again. 
14. Beware, the coffee dye may stain your pot if you don't drain it and wash immediately after the dyeing process is finished.
15. Gently wash the fabric.
16. Wash the fabric infrequently and use a mild detergent such as Woolite to protect against fading. 

13. Get Rid of Foul Odors in Shoes 

Just put a few old coffee grounds into the shoes and allow them to work their magic. The unpleasant smell should leave right away. 

14. Polish Unfinished Wood Flooring  

Transform old unfinished wood with wet coffee grounds and steel wool. Here's how to do it:

What You Will Need:

• Steel wool 
• 1 tbsp. coffee grounds
• White vinegar
• A sealable container 

Directions: 

1. Place the steel wool and coffee grounds in the container, and fill it with the vinegar.
2. Allow it to sit for 24 hours. 
3. The vinegar should begin to dissolve the steel wool at this point.
4. The coffee grounds will give the stain a bit of a brownish color.
5. Take a plastic glove, and fish the steel wool out of the container.
6. Rub the steel wool all over the piece of wood, dipping it back into the container for more liquid as necessary.
7. Coffee grounds will be all over the floor but don't worry about the mess, you can just wipe it after it dries.
8. Allow the first coat to dry for about 1 hour and then do a second layer.

15. Cover Unwanted Scratches with Coffee Grounds

Use coffee grounds to cover up scratches or dark stains on wooden furniture. You can make a thick paste out of the coffee grounds and water and then rub the paste into the scratch. Your furniture should look brand new afterward.

16. Wash Your Hair with Coffee Grounds

You can add old coffee grounds to your shampoo or conditioner to get rid of oil and build-up. Beware that it turns light-colored hair darker. 

17. Create a Non-Toxic Playdough for Kids 

Here are the instructions for turning old coffee grounds into a mud-like, non-toxic Playdough for kids:
What You Will Need: 

• 2 cups of flour
• 1/2 cup of coffee grounds
• 1 tbsp of instant coffee (if it isn't dark enough)
• 1 cup of salt
• 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar 
• 1 cup of boiling water
• 2 tbsp of oil

Directions:

1. Add all the dry ingredients together, followed by 1 cup of boiling water, and stir.  
2. Allow the mixture to sit for a while so it thickens.
3. Stir some more, and presto, you now have a pleasant smelling, non-toxic Playdough substance.

18. They Can Be Used as a Fertilizer Mist for Your Garden 

Fill a spray bottle with half a cup of coffee grounds and warm water. Spray your flowers and plants with the mist to keep your garden chemical-free.  

19. Prevent Stray Cats from Entering Your Garden

Cats do not like the smell of coffee at all. Once they pick up the strong scent, they will leave the premises right away. You can sprinkle a few coffee grounds around your garden to keep cats from destroying your beautiful plants and flower beds. 

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement