Glorified Rice
7 Mosquito-Repelling Gimmicks to Steer Clear Of
You’ve probably heard of—and perhaps even tried—more than a few questionable mosquito repellents.
Maybe you’ve rolled your eyes at home remedies but secretly wondered, do mouthwash, dryer sheets, and garlic really work? Or perhaps you’re considering ditching oily DEET spray in favor of a high-tech ultrasonic device or bug zapper.
But the question remains: Which methods are truly effective and which are supported only by flimsy marketing claims (or wishful thinking)?
The following gadgets are not recommended by experts and are unlikely to provide satisfactory protection against mosquitoes.
Ultrasonic repellents
These handheld electronic devices supposedly deter mosquitoes using high-frequency sounds, eliminating the need for chemical sprays. Some manufacturers claim that their gadgets mimic the wing beat frequency of male mosquitoes, driving away females that have already mated, while others claim the sound mimics predacious dragonflies.
But that’s not what the science says. Rutgers University reports that studies have repeatedly shown sonic repellents to be ineffective.
“I get a lot of questions about things like ultrasonic repellents,” says Scott Schell, UW Extension entomologist. “Many times these products are based on a grain of truth. Moths can hear bat calls and will take evasive action in flight when they hear bats doing echolocation. But mosquitoes don’t have that ability to hear. The idea that this sonic device is mimicking bats (or the wing frequency of dragonflies)—well, that’s not the case.”
The American Mosquito Society concludes that while marketing campaigns appealing to the public’s mistrust of chemical control have proved effective, sonic devices have no repellency value.
An electrocution device with a demonstrated ability to attract and kill thousands of insects in a 24-hour period? Surely this is the way to go.
But these devices may not be such a great solution after all. Studies have shown that while bug zappers do kill some mosquitoes, most insects wiped out by these devices aren’t pests. Scientists at the University of Notre Dame found no significant difference in the number of mosquitoes present in yards with bug zappers compared to those without.
Even worse, many of the non-pest insects killed by bug zappers prey on pest species. These beneficial insects also serve as important food sources for other organisms, such as songbirds.
Dryer sheets, mouthwash, and more
Forget all those fancy, highfalutin devices—what about going back to the basics? Some people swear by minty mouthwash, while others tout scented dryer sheets.
As with other mythical cures, these questionable tactics harbor a grain of truth. “Listerine would have some short-term repellency because menthol is one of many volatile chemicals that provide a powerful smell that masks your presence,” says Schell. “But most of these products are short lived. They don’t last long enough to provide you protection through an evening in your yard.”
Perfumed dryer sheets share a similar story. Their powerful fragrance may act as a short-term repellent, but doesn’t last for a meaningful period of time.
“Scented dryer sheets perfumed with linalool and/or citronella certainly made the old hat smell better and with one sheet over each ear and one in the back, they did protect the wearer’s head from mosquitoes while the fragrance was potent. However, the hat-deployed dryer sheets tested did not protect the arms or legs from the mosquitoes that inhabit the Laramie River Valley and were annoying when they started flapping in the breeze.”
Scott Schell, UW Extension Entomologist
Carbon dioxide traps
Mosquitoes are drawn to the carbon dioxide you exhale. When they come closer to investigate, they detect their next blood meal. So, what about using a trap that emits carbon dioxide?
A good idea in theory, but so far, these traps aren’t a reliable source of protection. While they do capture mosquitoes, studies indicate they don’t reduce the rates at which humans are bitten. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison also note that the traps they tested broke easily and some manufacturers made claims that couldn’t be verified.
Wristbands
Bracelets treated with insect repellent sound like a convenient option, especially when the alternative is spraying oily products onto your skin. But it turns out these devices aren’t very effective either.
Part of the problem is that wristbands provide only localized protection. While a bracelet may repel mosquitoes near your wrist or lower arm, it doesn’t offer full-body protection. A wristband containing DEET repellent, paired with other deterrents (like protective clothing and topical repellents) may provide some benefit, but is not recommended as a go-to option.
None of the three wristband products tested in a 2017 study published in the Journal of Insect Science resulted in a significant reduction of mosquito attraction. The researchers hypothesized that the concentrations emitted by those products were too low to provide measurable protection.
Citronella candles and natural repellents
Consumer Reports advises against relying on natural repellents (such as clove, lemongrass, and rosemary oils) and citronella candles. Their testers found that natural repellents did not last as long as other products.
They also point out that natural repellents are not subject to the same regulations and rigorous testing the Environmental Protection Agency requires for other products. Since the chemicals contained in natural repellents are deemed harmless, companies are not obligated to provide evidence of their efficacy.
Citronella candles were also deemed ineffective, a finding corroborated in the 2017 study published in the Journal of Insect Science. While citronella oil has mosquito-repelling properties, citronella candles do not tend to provide adequate protection.
“A citronella candle in calm conditions where you’re getting a lot of fragrance around you could probably provide some protection,” says Schell. “But they’re not considered highly effective.”
Fuel-powered mosquito repellent devices
These devices, touted for their ability to create mosquito-repelling zones, use a butane fuel cartridge to vaporize pyrethroid insecticides, such as allethrin. “It’s based on the idea that you’re surrounded by a cloud of allethrin vapors—and it works,” says Schell.
However, these gadgets aren’t a great choice at high elevation or in windy conditions (both of which tend to be common in Wyoming). “At our altitude [7220 feet] in Laramie, oxygen content is not very high. If you’re at low elevation (specifically, less than 4,000 feet according to a leading manufacturer) and it’s calm, these products provide some protection,” Schell explains.
Similar products that use electrical power (instead of fuel) to create a repellent vapor cloud are better suited to high-altitude use.
So, what does work?
Currently, DEET and picaridin are the two active ingredients most effective at repelling mosquitoes.
Despite common misconceptions, DEET products are used extensively with little risk to human health when applied appropriately and to label instructions.
Note that a higher concentration of DEET in a product means that the product will remain effective for a longer period of time. A higher concentration does not mean that the product is better at repelling mosquitoes.
If you’re going on an extended adventure in area with a lot of biting mosquitoes, Schell recommends purchasing an encapsulated DEET product. These repellents release DEET slowly over time rather than spiking and then dropping. These products also tend to have a lower DEET concentration, which can be more comfortable on the skin in hot, humid environments.
If you’re only going to be outside for four to six hours or so, repellent sprays containing 20 to 30 percent picaridin are another good option, says Schell. Picaridin is a synthetic chemical that mimics an insect-repellent compound present in some pepper plants.
Studies have shown that picaridin-based repellents provide similar protection to DEET-based repellents. Consumer Reports recommends picaridin pumps or sprays over lotions or wipes.
Your product selection will likely vary depending on activity type, duration, and location. “Try to consider products that match your needs,” Schell advises. “If you are only going to be out for a short time, maybe use some of those more pleasant, shorter-acting products. If you’re going on a long expedition in the Canadian bush, you’ll want the best, or it’s going to be a miserable trip.”
Finally, don’t forget to take susceptibility into account. Mosquitoes find some unfortunate humans more attractive than others. “You can have two people sitting out on a deck, one with no repellent on, and the other getting a bunch of bites even with repellent,” Schell notes. “Keep in mind there’s a lot of susceptibility differences.”
As reported in the High Plains Journal
Land Auction Confirms Solid Cropland Values Persist – Despite Unfavorable Conditions for Farmers in Northwest Oklahoma
By: Shane Terrel – Northwest OK – Alfalfa County – (August 11, 2023)
When Mark Twain said “Buy Land, They’re Not Making Anymore” the farmers in northwest Oklahoma took it to heart. Wednesday evening shortly after 5 p.m. the auctioneer dropped the hammer on 780 acres of cropland offered for sale in an online auction event. The sale consisted of six separate tracts of land located between the small towns of Ingersoll and Dacoma, Oklahoma. All six of the farms had been in the same family for decades, the majority of which were class-1 soil “blue ribbon farms”.
Farmers in northwest Oklahoma have seen their share of obstacles this past year. Most of the wheat crops in the area failed due to widespread drought over the previous crop cycle; followed by excessive rains over the past few months, restricting most of our conventional farming efforts. The lack of wheat pasture in the area eliminated winter grazing opportunities that many farmers depend on for cashflow. Interest rates have more than doubled over the past year, and almost all input costs of farming have increased drastically in the past 24 months. Yet there is still significant demand for quality cropland, regardless of the existing obstacles faced by farmers. Free advice at the coffee shop may be the only constant economic factor – it’s still free and still costs all it’s worth.
The metrics from this auction event included registered bidders from 12 states placing over 700 bids. Online views totaled over 6000 from visitors watching the event. Tract sizes ranging from 80 to 160 acres produced total contract prices just above $2 Million. Successful bids were confirmed on all six tracts to five different buyers rounding out a well-executed auction. In a venue where nearly every variable recognized and affecting the local bidders put them at a disadvantage, the farms in this sale managed to achieve prices ranging from 12% to 24% above estimated market value (based on an average of recent market comps); Notably, all six farms were purchased by local farmers, who managed to outbid the competition leveraged via registered bidders in 11 other states.
COMMENTS FROM THE AUCTIONEERS: A successful auction doesn’t just happen – it’s planned that way. The tough part is defining the term “successful”, and that requires establishing and understanding the seller’s goals. With more than 25 years’ experience in the real estate & auction business we know better than to assume what the seller’s goals are without first asking. Making sure the seller has realistic goals prior to committing to an auction is vital for success. A common difference between a successful auction and a failed one is a well-informed seller, and it’s the auctioneer’s job to inform them.
As the habits of buyers and sellers change, the industry evolves to accommodate those changes. We receive many questions and comments about our decisions to recommend online auctions. Some bidders tell us they would rather attend a live event where they can “look everyone in the eye” while bidding. We agree that a live auction event has always been our favorite choice, but that’s due to our own selfish reasons. When my brother and I entered the auction industry over 25 years ago, we developed a passion for live auction events. Being on the microphone and calling bids to a crowded room of competing bidders is one of the most exciting things for us. Gathering with the local farmers and having those endless conversations about the past is absolutely one of the best parts of this business.
Times may have changed, but maximizing the value of a farm continues to take precedence over our selfish desires. Another auctioneer recently asked me why we didn’t have what he referred to as “a normal auction” where everyone showed up at the same place at the same time. My response to him was “the same reason I farm with a tractor and not a mule”. We recognize the efficiencies and value created through technology often come at the cost of things we enjoy, but change is inevitable. Our sellers benefit as we are inclined to be the first movers on new strategies that are anticipated to become the norm in future years.
We remember years ago, when farms were sold on site, along a dirt road, regardless of the weather conditions. Over 20 years ago professional land auctions started to move indoors to air-conditioned buildings with big screen projection pictures, chairs & tables, and coffee & donuts. That move was for convenience, comfort, and accessibility to the buyers, as well as offsetting unfavorable weather conditions; and most importantly it added value to the sale, because it catered more professionally to a larger group of buyers that otherwise may not have participated in the auction.
Today’s professional auctioneers are utilizing technology that adds value to the auction much in the same way that moving indoors did 20 years ago. Online auctions can be perceived as a high-end concierge service accommodating professional buyers that are too busy to attend a live event. The online auction method offers more convenience, comfort, and accessibility to the buyers, which increases the number of buyers that are allowed to participate in the auction. The general theory is (more buyers + more bids = more money). I still miss the coffee & donuts from the live auction events but will admit it’s an acceptable trade for the innovations in technology.
I think most of us will agree that NONE OF US WANT TO PAY MORE THAN WE HAVE TO FOR ANYTHING. Regardless of how proud we are of our efforts and the results of our auctions; we cannot expect any reasonable person to thank us for costing them additional expenses. If you’re trying to buy a farm, we understand your struggle. We’ve bought our share of farms too and hold no ill will toward you for trying to shorten-up your expenses. We respect your position as a buyer and realize that you are as much a factor in the market as the seller. Please don’t forget to ask yourself who you would call if you wanted to maximize the value of your land, and what type of services you would expect to receive when selling your most valuable assets.
Emotions and psychology play a large role in the decisions of auction participants. Sellers have their own set of personalities and family dynamics. The same can be said for the emotions and personalities of the bidders, especially when they are neighboring farmers in a rural farm & ranch community. Understanding this psychology allows the auctioneer to add value to the sale and mitigate the risk of a failed auction.
The psychological effects and how they equate to the outcome of an auction cannot be measured down to an exact dollar amount; However, had we chosen to perform this auction as a live event, it is a common belief that the results would have produced noticeably less value and prevented all these farms from selling. Consequently, some of the most valuable benefits to our culture are often the same aspects that limit value in a live event auction.
Our area is fortunate to have many farmers that have earned the respect of their neighbors through thankless actions and years of assisting one another. We are grateful for these impressive individuals and think their efforts are a testament to the quality of our rural farm & ranch culture. Now, imagine the obstacles faced by the auctioneer when charged with the task of convincing these folks to openly compete at a live auction event. Many of them tell us they want to bid, but they don’t want to expose themselves to potential disparagement from other onlookers for bidding against the young farmer next door; or a family member of the seller; or the neighbor that called asking them not to bid.
I’m not sure if bidders realize when they ask their neighbors NOT to bid, it adversely affects their relationship with that neighbor and with the seller. I know this because that neighbor usually calls me shortly after being asked not to bid. The seller expects the auctioneer to offset this risk, which is often accomplished by inviting non-resident investment buyers to complete in the auction. Keep in mind that it’s tough to get bidders from multiple states to attend a live event auction, and in many cases, bidders are more likely to compete when given the opportunity to bid online.
In closing I’d like to thank our neighboring farmers – We understand that your farm is more than land and crops. It’s your family’s heritage. It takes a special kind of individual to partake in a lifestyle and occupation where Mother Nature and the markets often have more control over your business than your own efforts. To those that work in acres, not in hours, we thank you for what you do. Thank you to the Leamon/Mitchel Family for placing your trust in our company to market your family farms. Congratulations on your successful auction!
This auction event was performed as a co-marketing effort by Hunting Country Real Estate and United Country/Heritage Brokers & Auctioneers. The brokerages are led respectively by Shane & Mitchell Terrel at Hunting Country and Shawn & Lucinda Terrel at UC-Heritage Brokers & Auctioneers. The Terrel Family has collectively performed over 4,000 successful auctions, including live events, simulcast, and online-only events driven by the most up-to-date technology. The Terrels are also the founders and co-owners of the #1 Google ranked website MineralMarketing.Com, a national marketing platform for American oil & gas assets.
Respectfully,
Michael Shane Terrel – President/CEO
Hunting Country Real Estate LLC
Kansas Soybean Association announces ’23 yield, value contests
The Kansas Soybean Association is calling all soybean farmers in Kansas to enter their competitive soybean crop into the Kansas Soybean Yield Contest and Value Contest. Strong participation across the state provides a snapshot of growing conditions in each region and allows friendly competition among peers. Entries are due December 1.
Districts are determined by region, tillage method and irrigation status, with a total of 18 districts in consideration. No-till on the Plains supplies additional awards in the no-till categories. Farmers may enter multiple categories, but only one entry per field.
Eligible fields must consist of at least five contiguous acres as verified by the Farm Service Agency, GPS printout or manual measurement. A non-relative witness, either Kansas State Research and Extension personnel or a specified designee, must be present at harvest and should ensure that the combine grain hopper is empty prior to harvest. Official elevator-scale tickets with moisture percentage and foreign matter included must accompany entries to be considered.
The Kansas Soybean Commission sponsors a monetary prize for the top three finishers in each district, as well as an additional $1,000 for the overall dryland and irrigated winners and any who top the 114.3 bushel-per-acre record. The amounts per district are that first place receives $300, second receives $200, and third receives $100.
The statewide Kansas Soybean Value Contest that analyzes protein, oil and other soybean qualities is also open for entries. Entrants submit 20-ounce samples, which are evaluated by Ag Processing, Inc. to determine the value. Monetary awards are also given to the three highest-value entries. Farmers may enter both the yield and value contests.
Contest winners plus one randomly drawn entry earn a trip to Commodity Classic in March. All participants receive a T-shirt for entering. Results of the contests are to be shared January 10, 2024, at the Kansas Soybean Expo in Topeka.
A full guide of contest rules and regulations, as well as the digital entry form, are available at kansassoybeans.org/contests. Questions may be directed to the Kansas Soybean office by phone at 877-KS-SOYBEAN (877-577-6923) or to local KSRE offices.
August is time for cultivating cucumbers, time with family
August 15th—we are already halfway through August. Today is my oldest sibling’s birthday, sister Leah is 64. Happy birthday, dear sister, if you happen to read this. Although we are over a 100 miles apart my thoughts were with you this morning as you turn another year older. Leah was the oldest of eight children, and I was the third youngest. So I was one of the little squirts who would try to steal Leah’s cookies when she was baking them or mess up the house after she had done the cleaning. Ha-ha! Precious memories!
Baby Byron is doing good and so is Loretta. They came home last Thursday night. He is 8 days old now and weighs 6 pounds, 4 ounces. He was 6 pounds, 2 ounces when he left the hospital and 6 pounds, 7.8 ounces at birth. Today they took him for his one-week checkup. Daughter Verena has been helping Loretta with the two little boys while Dustin goes to work. Daughter Lovina will also help out when they need her. We are enjoying our new grandbaby. Right now he eats and sleeps but I’m sure that won’t last too long. Loretta is still on blood thinner so hopefully that will prevent her from having a blood clot like she did last year after having Denzel. Good health is so much to be thankful for!
Yesterday I did laundry and then helped sister Verena and daughter Lovina with the pickles. We canned 40 quarts of sweet dills and made 20 quarts into freezer pickles. They are still in the refrigerator and then tomorrow they will be ready to pack into containers for the freezer. A very easy way to put up pickles if you have freezer space. They taste very crisp.
Happy 8th anniversary to daughter Elizabeth and Tim on August 14. They have four beautiful children: Abigail, 6, Timothy (T.J.), 4, Allison, 3, and Andrea, 18 months. Andrea just discovered her shadow. She is so scared of it. She looks down and starts to cry because it follows her. It was so cute to us but she was seriously terrified of her shadow.
Sister Verena came here Saturday morning and went home Monday night. She was a good help with the pickles we canned. She sliced all the pickles with the vegetable slicer I have.
I have been enjoying my new bike that my husband Joe ordered for my birthday in May. We just got it and I haven’t biked in quite a few years. We used to always bike as a family but when we had a few children that couldn’t bike anymore I felt guilty to bike when they couldn’t. Now that they have mobility scooters they can use those. I decided I would bike again but I can tell I am older now and my muscles have to build up to these hills again. I put Denzel in a seat on my bike and gave him a ride. He really enjoys that. Hopefully I will be able to bike farther as I keep biking.
Wednesday night our family plans to attend the 6th annual fish fry at our neighbors’ Joas and Susan. This is always enjoyable to visit with the families from our church. They have this for our church district each year.
We are in the middle of canning season, and I want to help Loretta with her canning. Son Joseph and Joe dug up the potatoes from our garden. Also pulled the sweet corn and we are enjoying that. What we don’t use fresh I will freeze.
Daughter Susan and Ervin had a busy weekend. They had a garage sale to sell some of the extra things they accumulated. Putting two households in one doubled lots of things.
I will share my recipe for freezer pickles. It can also be found in my cookbook, The Essential Amish Cookbook. This cookbook and my other one, Amish Family Recipes, can be bought at your local bookstore, Amazon, or by calling 1-800-245-7894. God’s blessings!
Freezer Pickles
2 quarts fresh pickling cucumbers, unpeeled and sliced
1 large onion, sliced
2 tablespoons salt
1 3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup white vinegar
Put sliced cucumbers, onion, and salt in a large bowl and refrigerate for 24 hours. Drain after 24 hours. Whisk together sugar and vinegar and pour over cucumbers. Cover and refrigerate 24 more hours.
Pack pickles in freezer-safe containers. Pour pickle syrup over, leaving a little headspace in each container. Freeze. Will keep in freezer up to 6 months.
Lovina’s Amish Kitchen is written by Lovina Eicher, Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife, and mother of eight. Her newest cookbook, Amish Family Recipes, is available wherever books are sold. Readers can write to Eicher at Lovina’s Amish Kitchen, PO Box 234, Sturgis, MI 49091 (please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply); or email [email protected] and your message will be passed on to her to read. She does not personally respond to emails.






