In General While each tip presented has proven effective and safe in the past or for a particular reader and is carefully weighed for safety and effectiveness in light of the information known at the time of writing, no claim is made or shall be assumed that a particular tip and/or trick will prove effective in all circumstances and that harm will not occur. The Hillbilly Gardener, jerrysplantsonline.com, Po'Folks Ozark Mountain Enterprises, it's owners and advertisers take no responsibility for damages occurring from the use and/or misuse of any advice presented here. It shall be the sole responsibility of each reader to carefully weigh each tip and/or trick on its own merit and discern whether it is appropriate and applicable in their situation. At all times, good judgment and sound reasoning should be used. The tips and tricks provided on this website come from many sources and have proven effective in one or more instance or instances. The Hillbilly Gardener carefully weighs and considers each and every tip and/or trick presented and does not present any ideas and/or suggestion that poses or potentially poses undue risk and/or danger when normal precautions and good judgment are taken. If an element of risk appears possible with any tip or trick presented, a special warning and/or statement is given for that tip or omitted altogether . In all instances, the Hillbilly Gardener urges each reader to carefully weigh, consider and judge each tip carefully before using it. Whenever possible or applicable, discuss the control measures you are using, what you are using them for and why with a trained professional and/or those in and around the control area. This will help avoid suspicion, avoid potential misunderstandings and possibly help build better relationships. Many control measures are and can be considered relatively safe when used appropriately and as directed. However: Any control measure can become hazardous if misused. Even seemingly safe "organic" materials can be toxic if misused. ALWAYS read, understand and follow any instructions that come with or are provided for any product. Never misuse any control method, device and/or product. Only use the product for its intended purpose. Use good judgment, sound reasoning and/or common sense when using any control method, product and/or device. "If a little is good - a lot is better" is a foolish philosophy that can lead to danger, injury and in some cases death. It is a foolish, dangerous and irresponsible attitude to have. Never go there!
Regarding Chemicals, Sprays And Materials With any chemical, solution and/or material, regardless of how safe it may appear to be, the Hillbilly Gardener urges all readers to exercise caution. Always keep the material in a well labeled, sealed container and SAFELY AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND PETS! NEVER ASSUME that because any material is labeled as "safe" or "organic" that it is without risk or danger. Regardless of how safe any material may appear to be, always protect yourself by wearing protective clothing that should include eye, breathing and skin protection. Wear long sleeves and pants when working with any control material. Keep children and pets away from the area where control materials are being used. Always read, understand and follow any and all label instructions and cautions carefully. Always use any and all chemicals, organic and/or non-organic, in a safe and responsible manner. Organic does not necessarily mean that it poses not risk. Never apply any chemical on a windy day or when rains are forecast. Use caution when disposing of any chemical and never dump any chemical down the drain or into the environment unless local and federal laws have deemed it safe to do so. If and when any chemical solution is being used, always warn any neighbors so that children and/or pets can be kept clear of the area. Know the number for your local poison control center and keep it posted near the phone. Whenever possible or applicable, discuss the control measures you are using, what you are using them for and why with a trained professional and/or those in and around the control area. This will help avoid suspicion, avoid potential misunderstandings and possibly help build better relationships. Many control measures are and can be considered relatively safe when used appropriately and as directed. However: Any control measure can become hazardous if misused. Even seemingly safe "organic" materials can be toxic if misused. ALWAYS read, understand and follow any instructions that come with or are provided for any product. Never misuse any control method, device and/or product. Only use the product for its intended purpose. Use good judgment, sound reasoning and/or common sense when using any control method, product and/or device. "If a little is good - a lot is better" is a foolish philosophy that can lead to danger, injury and in some cases death. It is a foolish, dangerous and irresponsible attitude to have. Never go there!
Pyrethrum is the natural plant derivative of the Chrysanthemum coccineum plant flower that is grown as an ornamental. This product is safe when used as directed around humans, wildlife and beneficial insects. It can also be used in and around water for aquatic insect control with no harmful effects on fish when used as directed.
Pyrethin products are those made from a manmade, synthetic form of pyrethrum, known as "pyrethroids". These are much faster acting and much more effective than pyrethrum and are often sold and/or purchased as pyrethrum substitutes. However, pyrethrins are much more toxic than pyrethrum, can be harmful to humans and wildlife and are toxic to fish and other aquatic wildlife. Always treat any pyrethin containing product the same as any other chemical spray and avoid using them in or around water or foodstuffs. Tobacco Tea has been used for decades, if not longer as an insecticide and animal control. Tobacco tea is an extremely powerful "non-selective" insecticide that will kill all insects, can be toxic to humans and animals and is toxic to fish. Avoid getting it into ponds and areas where runoff may occur. Tobacco products can be harmful to some plants. Avoid allowing people and pets onto area where tobacco is applied until the area is thoroughly dry. Walnut Leaves contain "thujone", which is a powerful growth inhibitor to many plants. Keep it away from sensitive plants
Regarding Power And Power Tools When using any power tools that emit loud noise, always wear hearing protection and any protective clothing and/or apparel when appropriate. When using any power tools and/or cords, always use extreme caution. If using the tool and/or cord outside, always plug the cord into a GFCI protected circuit. Make sure the cords and lights are rated for "outdoor use". Protect your cords from damage. Protect the plugs from rain. Keep your cords out of the way and protect them from damage and/or becoming a trip hazard. Keep cords in good repair and discontinue using them is they become damaged. Always read, understand and follow all safety instructions that come with your power tools. Know how to use them properly and safely before use.
Regarding Animals And Other Critters NEVER attempt to domesticate or make pets out of any wild animal. Doing so is: Illegal in nearly every state in the U.S. and Canada. A wild animal is just that and they will always keep their wild tendencies. Many wild animals carry diseases that are harmful and sometimes deadly to humans and domesticated animals.
NEVER, NEVER approach any wild animal, especially if they appear sick, injured, listless or generally express no fear of your presence. These are signs that the animal may be sick. Contact your local animal control authority or wildlife specialist immediately. Additionally, wild animals that feel threatened or are cornered will generally put up a defense and may attack you in order to escape. Often resulting in injury or even death. This is especially true in the spring when young may be present. Use extreme caution when encountering any wild animal. Remember, these are wild animals and must be treated that way! In choosing a means of four-legged critter control, bear in mind that it is quite often the encroachment of humans into the habitat of animals that has brought about the problem in the first place. Is there a means to co-exist? The use of electric fences as a control method may sound or appear to some as being cruel. But, rest assured that no harm or injury is inflicted on the animals. Some animals can only be effectively controlled by behavior modification and since some animals have few natural enemies, small doses of non-lethal and non-injurious pain is often the only reliable means of control. The electric fence that the Hillbilly Gardener is suggesting is the battery or solar powered unit sold at "Farm Supply" and some "Home Centers" strictly for use as an electric fence unit. These are "non-lethal" control units strictly for the purpose of behavior modification and have appropriate safety measures built in. NEVER, NEVER connect household current to an electric fence. Injury and even death can occur. WARNING - Many local municipalities forbid the use of any type of electric fence or have strict regulations regarding electric fences. Always check for local laws and/or ordinances and/or regulations regarding the use of electric fences before installing one. Aluminum foil is often employed in controlling critters and can be an effective control element. However, some animals such as squirrels, mice and dogs have been reportedly injured and killed by chewing on aluminum foil. Trapping is always an option to be considered when dealing with nuisance animals. Here are some things that must be considered prior to trapping: Many states and/or municipalities have strict laws and guidelines regarding trapping. In some cases it may be illegal altogether. Always consult with your state and local wildlife authorities before trapping any animals. Relocating some animals is sometimes strictly regulated and sometimes forbidden. Always consult your state and local wildlife authority before trapping any animals. Whenever possible, NEVER use a jaw-type trap. Instead, use a box-type trap (sometimes called a "humane trap").
WARNING - Some animals such as muskrats in ponds can only be effectively trapped by the use of a jaw-type trap. This may be disturbing to some. However, failure to remove these animals can lead to the loss of a pond due to their burrowing. Traps are made somewhat selective by the type of bait used. However, be advised that any and all animals that will consume the type of bait used can find their way into your trap. The trapped animal may be quite upset and prone to attacking anything it can get hold of. Use extreme caution when removing the animal. NEVER set any trap unless you know what you will do with the animal caught BEFORE you have an animal in your trap. Never assume that you can call your local animal control authority to remove it. Always assume that YOU TRAPPED IT - NOW YOU DEAL WITH IT! Seek out the assistance and/or advice of someone who experience with trapping animals prior to setting any trap. Before setting a trap for the purpose of relocation of a particular animal pest, consider first if the destruction of the animal may be the inevitable end for that animal. Are you simply removing the burden of its destruction from your shoulders and placing it on someone else's?
While destruction of any animal is generally considered a last resort for many, if not most conscientious folks, and for some may not be an option at all, there are times when the destruction of a particular animal pest is the only viable solution. At these times, it is suggested that the reader put aside their personal feelings and carefully weigh the facts and options regarding the particular animal before you set a trap. Whenever possible or applicable, discuss the control measures you are using, what you are using them for and why with a trained professional and/or those in and around the control area. This will help avoid suspicion, avoid potential misunderstandings and possibly help build better relationships.
Regarding People And Pets If and when any chemical solution is being used, always warn any neighbors so that children and/or pets can be kept clear of the area. Regardless of how safe any product may appear to be, always keep ALL CHEMICALS (organic or non-organic) in sealed containers and safely away from children and pets. The best place to store any chemical is in its original container whenever possible. Teach your children the reasons for using any control methods, the potential dangers, when it is appropriate to use them and how to avoid them. It doesn't hurt to discus these matters with your neighbors as well. In controlling any pest, some people find lights and loud noises offensive and/or disturbing. Always exercise caution and consideration for close neighbors before using any form of noise and/or lights to control pests. Discuss your choices with them prior to use. Many organic products are derived from products that some people are sensitive to such as pyrethrum, which is made from a species of chrysanthemum. Always know the product and your sensitivities prior to using any product and take appropriate precautions. Plants are often planted as a means of critter control. However, many folks are sensitive to many of the plants commonly used, such as chrysanthemum. Know your sensitivities and use appropriate precautions if using these plants. Many control measures are and can be considered relatively safe when used appropriately and as directed. However: Any control measure can become hazardous if misused. Even seemingly safe "organic" materials can be toxic if misued. ALWAYS read, understand and follow any instructions that come with or are provided for any product. Never misuse any control method, device and/or product. Only use the product for its intended purpose. Use good judgment, sound reasoning and/or common sense when using any control method, product and/or device. "If a little is good - a lot is better" is a foolish philosophy that can lead to danger, injury and in some cases death. It is a foolish, dangerous and irresponsible attitude to have. Never go there!
Regarding Fires And Outdoor Cooking Always check for regulations, ordinances, laws and restrictions regarding any outdoor fire before striking a match! Never light any fire unless: A water source and/or fire extinguisher is present and handy. A CO2 extinguisher is a good choice for a grill. All flammable materials are safely away from the fire area. Wet down the area around outdoor fires prior to starting the fire. Children and pets are safely away from the fire area. A clear means of safe escape is present should an accident occur.
If using a propane or natural gas grill, check all fittings, hoses and controls for leaks with a soap solution and do this frequently. Inspect hoses frequently for cracks and deterioration and replace them immediately when found. NEVER use a lit match or other fire source to check for leaks! (Yes this has and continues to be done) NEVER use gasoline or flammable liquids to start any fire other than those specifically designed for starting fires. Always teach children the dangers of ANY fire. Keep emergency first-aid supplies handy and know how to properly use them. NEVER leave any fire unattended and make sure the fire is completely extinguished before going to bed or at at the end of its intended purpose.
Regarding Food Always keep all food refrigerated until it is time to cook it. Keep cold foods cold during the meal by keeping it on ice or in specially designed coolers. Place all foods in the refrigerator immediately after the meal. Keep all foods covered during the meal to prevent insects and other debris from getting into it. Cook ALL meats to their proper internal temperature before serving. - Hamburgers and other ground meats should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160° to 165° F.
- Fully-cooked hotdogs to 165° F.
- Chicken to 165° F.
- Medium rare steaks to 160° F.
- Well-done steaks to 170°
Fish to 160° F.
After cooking, keep hot foods at 140° F. or warmer to keep bacteria from taking up residence on your food. Keep all utensils and serving plates clean. Never place cooked foods onto the same plates that the raw foods were or use the same utensils on cooked foods that were used on raw foods. Use separate utensils, plates and cutting boards for vegetables and meats. Keep utensils and serving dishes used for chicken and foul separate from all others. Whenever possible, prevent meat fats from dripping directly onto the hot coals of a fire. There is a suggested possible link between burned animal fats and certain types of cancer.
Thank you for taking the time to read over these few cautionary items. It is our desire that the information you receive from us is as useful, safe and effective as possible. the "Hillbilly Gardener" Back To Top
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Created on - 04/08/2010 Last Updated On - 10/18/2010 This website and all content is the sole property of Po’Folks Ozark Mountain Enterprises, its advertisers and supporters. All rights are reserved. All logos, titles, banners and advertiser links are the sole property of our advertisers and may not be reproduced in manner. All information contained within this website is for informational, educational and/or entertainment purposes only and is not an endorsement or affirmation of any procedure, product and/or company except those expressly stated and/or displayed. The views and opinions expressed by the writers are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect those of Po’Folks Ozark Mountain Enterprises. Po’Folks Ozark Mountain Enterprises is not responsible for any damages incurred from the use or misuse of the material presented. No part or content may be printed, transmitted or reproduced without the express written consent of the owner. Po’Folks Ozark Mountain Enterprises, 503 N. Main Ave., Bolivar, MO 65613 |
