Aphids are not only annoying but they can also be harmful to your plants.

They can cause all sorts of problems like spreading plant diseases, making flowers shrivel up and die, or even destroying fruit on trees.

Getting rid of them is a difficult task, but luckily there are several natural remedies you can try that won’t require you to use pesticides. If those don’t work, then you might want to consider using stronger chemicals on your plants.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about aphids – including how to get rid of them – so you can keep your plants healthy and aphid-free.

What are Aphids?

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants.

Image Credit: http://gardendesign.com

Image Credit: http://gardendesign.com

They come in many different colors, including red, green, black, and white, and can be found all over the world.

Aphids can cause a lot of damage to plants by sucking the sap out of them which can lead to problems like stunted growth, distorted leaves, and even death.

How do I get rid of aphids?

Similar togetting rid of flies, there are a few ways you can get rid of aphids naturally without using pesticides. Keeping them away in the first place is much easier than killing them.

Here are some things you can do to help your plants stay aphid-free:

One way is to use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Insecticidal soap is a soap that kills insects by attacking their outer shell. Water plants sparingly. A good way to do this is by using a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler, as they let the water go straight onto the soil and through to the roots where it’s needed most.Don’t overfeed your plants. Aphids thrive on excess nitrogen from fertilizers which causes fast growth in plants. So make sure you’re only feeding your plants as much as they need. If you’re not sure how much food to give them, use an organic fertilizer like worm castings or compost tea every few weeks during active growth (spring and summer). Make sure your plants get enough sunlight. Sunlight is a naturally effective aphid repellent, so it makes sense that plants that don’t get enough won’t be able to fight them off. This means not over-planting and making sure your plants aren’t overcrowded in their pot.Another natural way of getting rid of aphids is using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Insecticidal soap attacks their outer shell while neem oil suffocates them.Finally, you can use a garden hose sprayer to blast the aphids right off your plant’s leaves. Aphids are tiny and light so they’ll blow away in the wind when sprayed with water. Just make sure you’re using water that is warm enough to dissolve the soap or neem oil you want to use.

Going for stronger measures

If natural methods don’t work, you might want to consider using stronger chemicals on your plants.

Pesticides and systemic insecticides are two options that can be effective in getting rid of aphids, but you should only use them if you have a serious infestation.

Measure to take if using insecticides:

Remove any affected plants from the area and discard them in the trash.Put on protective clothing, including long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks, and chemical-resistant gloves.Make sure to cover your hair, too.Mix the insecticide according to the instructions on the label.Spray the insecticide directly onto the aphids using a handheld sprayer.Reapply as needed, but be careful not to overuse or you could damage your plants.

If you’re considering using a systemic insecticide, it’s important to read the label carefully first and follow all of the instructions. Systemic insecticides are absorbed by the plant’s roots and then move throughout the plant, killing any aphids that are feeding on it.

They are a more effective treatment than contact insecticides, but they also come with a higher risk of harming your plants. Make sure you only use them if you really need to and always test a small area first to make sure the insecticide won’t harm your plants.

Also, be sure to read the label carefully before applying any pesticides or insecticides to your plants.

Other considerations to get rid of aphids

When getting rid of aphids, you should also take into account the environment and other living creatures in your garden.

Many natural predators of aphids, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can help keep populations under control. You can encourage these predators by planting flowers that attract them, like yarrow, cosmos, or dill.

Image Credit: http://gardenersworld.com

You can also buy predatory insects from a garden center or online.

If you’re using a pesticide or systemic insecticide to get rid of aphids, make sure it won’t harm any of the predators in your garden.

And finally, always be careful when using any type of chemical in your garden. Follow all of the instructions carefully, wear protective clothing, and avoid getting the chemical on your skin or in your eyes.

How To Get Rid Of Aphids – FAQ

What are aphids?

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that typically measure 1/8 to 1/4 inch in length. They can be green, black, or red, and often have a pair of antennae protruding from their head. Aphids are sap-sucking pests that feed on the leaves of plants and can cause extensive damage to crops if left untreated.

What are some common methods for getting rid of aphids?

There are several different methods for getting rid of aphids, including physical removal, horticultural oil sprays, and insecticidal soap.

Physical removal is probably the simplest method for getting rid of aphids. This involves manually picking them off of the plants with your hands, or using a garden hose to spray them off.

Horticultural oil sprays are another option for getting rid of aphids. These sprays are made from plant-based oils and work by suffocating the insects. They can be used as a preventative measure or to treat an existing infestation.

Insecticidal soap is a chemical spray that is effective at killing aphids. It is made from potassium salts of fatty acids and works by breaking down the outer layer of the aphid’s exoskeleton. Insecticidal soap is safe to use on most plants, but should not be used on edible crops.

What if natural methods don’t work to get rid of aphids?

If you are unsuccessful at ridding your plants of aphids using these methods, there are a few other options available to you. One option is neem oil, which is an organic pesticide made from the seeds of the neem tree. This product is effective against aphids, but may not be safe for all types of plants or crops. 

Another option is the pyrethrum, which comes from chrysanthemums and kills aphids by disrupting their nervous system. Pyrethrum can be used on most plant varieties and crops, but it may need to be reapplied after heavy rainfall or watering of the plants. 

Finally, try an insecticidal soap spray with added rosemary oil; this may provide some extra protection against aphids, and rosemary oil has been shown to boost the effectiveness of insecticidal soap. It’s also good to know that these methods can be used toget rid of ants and other annoying creatures.

When is the best time to treat aphids?

There isn’t any one “best” time of year to treat for aphids; this will depend upon your climate, local plant species, and various other factors. One thing you can do is look at the plants that are infested with aphids (and plan on treating them), and see if they’ve ever been treated in the past. If they haven’t been treated before, then try treating them now while they are still small. That way, you have a better chance of successfully ridding them of their pesky invaders.

Final thoughts on how to get rid of aphids

Aphids can be a real nuisance in the garden, but there are many ways to get rid of them. Using natural methods, like providing enough sunlight and food, is often the best way to go. If those methods don’t work, you can try using insecticidal soap or neem oil. And if you need to, you can use a pesticide or systemic insecticide, but be careful to follow all of the instructions and take into consideration the environment and other living creatures in your garden. Happy gardening.

The post How To Get Rid Of Aphids appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.

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Mark James

www.centrecountyfood.org

For every person, tv is one of the things to buy for a new house no matter the size. But once you buy it, the main problem comes with the appropriate place to mount it for a perfect viewing experience. 

Mounting a TV above a fireplace is not something new. You can see lots of homeowners doing that in their homes and even offices. But have you ever thought about the possible implications of mounting your television set over an open fire? Mounting your TV above a fireplace is both bad and good. 

It’s good because it saves you space, but it can cause damage to your television set as well as health problems. If you’re thinking of mounting your TV above the fireplace, you should know that certain aspects need to be considered before doing so. Read below to understand.

Is it Okay to Mount a TV above a Fireplace?

Mounting a TV above a fireplace is more of a viewing experience and user comfort than with the damage to the electronics. In some cases, the fire might become hot enough and surpass the safe temperature range of your equipment’s internal electronics and the lower part of the casing.

Pros of Mounting a TV Over a Fireplace

Creates a complete Entertainment and Lounging Area

The main pro for mounting a TV above a fireplace is the all-in-one experience it provides. By mounting the TV directly above the fireplace, you are creating an entertainment and lounging area all in one. This can be great when you have guests over and want to create a space where they can gather and watch television together while enjoying the aesthetics of crackling fire.

Saves Space

Having television and fireplace streamlined in one place can also be great for tight space. Mounting the TV above the fireplace eliminates the need for a separate television stand, which can take up precious square footage in your home. 

Great Focal Point

When you mount your TV above the fireplace, it becomes the room’s main focal point. First and foremost, people will notice the fireplace; however, after spending time in your home, they’ll begin to appreciate all of the hard work that went into creating an entertaining space.

Cons of Mounting a TV Over a Fireplace

Uncomfortable Viewing Angle

You may need to adjust your viewing angle to see your screen if it’s not at eye level. Viewing distance will also be somewhat restricted. You don’t want to feel like you’re inside an interrogation room

TV May be at Risk of Irreparable Damage

If you cannot heat the fireplace properly, your television may be at risk of becoming damaged. The heat from the fireplace can cause the TV screen to warp over time, ruining the viewing experience.

It Might be Difficult to Hide Cords and Cables

Connecting your TV to a power supply or a media hub can become a challenge. You may need to build a custom wire-management system for your entertainment area to hide the cords and cables from view.

Why Mounting a TV Over a Fireplace is a Bad Idea

Heat is Not Great for Electronics

It’s advisable not to mount a TV above a fireplace because electronics and heat don’t mix. And the area above the fireplace is often larger than other wall surfaces in your home. When TVs and other devices are exposed to high temperatures, they become susceptible to mechanical failure, which can also sustain lasting damages to inner components. 

The damage looks much greater for TVs installed above wood-burning fireplaces. In this case, your TV could accumulate buildup from the particles distributed by the smoke emitted by the burning wood. Even if you store your TV inside an entertainment cabinet, a sooty film can build up on the screen over time.

For example, a gas fireplace can generate 20,000 to 35,000 British thermal heat units per hour. This means that it will take approximately 15,000 BTUs per hour to heat an entire 1,400 square foot house during winter. Excess heating can also lead to the development of phenols, pyroligneous acid, wood vinegar, and other caustic compounds due to the combustion of the shorting circuits.

You can Mount a TV above an Electric Fireplace

When it comes to electric fireplaces, you have a few different mounting options. Because they don’t produce any heat, you can mount your TV above them without worries. In fact, this is a popular way to set up electric fireplaces because it allows you to enjoy the flames without worrying about any safety hazards.

To ensure the wall above an electric fireplace is safe, perform a thermometer test to ensure your wall doesn’t get warm. Natural gas fireplaces are also cooler to the touch than wood-burning fireplaces. If you have a natural gas fireplace, you should use a mantel to hide the flames and make it look more like a traditional fireplace.

TV Height and Viewing Angles Can be Difficult to Get Right

The height of a fireplace mantel can interfere with your home entertainment setup and overall enjoyment. This is a primary concern you need to consider before installing a TV above your fireplace. If you’ve ever had to sit in the front row of a movie theater, then you are probably left with eye strain, neck pain, and even headaches from looking up at the screen. 

This same effect can occur if you’re watching a TV mounted above a fireplace. The most comfortable viewing of television should be when the bottom of the TV is at eye level. The best angle to watch TV is at the eye angle when you’re sitting down. This way, you can relax without having to strain your neck when looking up for an extended period.

How do you factor in the screen size equation? This depends on personal preference but makes sure the screen is in the correct position to help reduce eye strain and create a better viewing experience for your guests. A lack of focus on what you’re watching can also be a problem caused by being forced to look up when watching TV. 

While a full motion articulating wall mount can help to angle the screen downward, you’ll still be forced to tip your head back when watching TV.

Mounting and Wiring Might be a Challenge

If the screen is raised above the fireplace, that needs to be factored into the equation. A good rule of thumb for mounting a TV above a fireplace is that you want to have 12″ above your line of sight. This distance can vary based on eye level and the size of the TV. If increasing the height, make sure it’s done in proportion.

Also, if opting for a flat-screen TV above the mantel, make sure it’s at least 18″ away from the edge to avoid corner image distortion. If mounted too close, corners will appear smaller than the center of the screen, which can be annoying.

Dancing Flames May Distract from the Cinematic Experience

Despite the beautiful and gentle flames it can be, having a fireplace directly underneath your TV can be distracting for some viewers. This issue is debatable, but it all trickles down to your opinion.

Make sure you find a balance and identify what works best for you and your guests. Note that many people prefer quiet, romantic movies while flames dance beneath the screen as it can not only complement but enhance the cinematic experience. If you value premium picture quality, then a fireplace underneath the TV isn’t conducive for a cinematic experience.

When is Mounting a TV above a Fireplace Acceptable

While there are potential drawbacks of mounting a TV above a fireplace, if you follow the right recommendations and choose the right technology with proper installation conditions, you can enjoy the benefits of both entertainment features.

Make Sure Your Fireplace Has a Cool-Touch Feature

One of the key things to consider before mounting a TV above a fireplace is whether or not your fireplace has a cool-touch feature. If it doesn’t, you run the risk of the television overheating and potentially causing a fire.

Cables and Outlines are Already Available

Many homes already have wiring in place for this project. So if you have this set up in your space, it’s likely that all you’ll need is a new TV mount and some additional cables.

If You Have a Tight Space

When you’re looking to maximize your small living room and bring in as many functions as possible, mounting your TV above your fireplace is a great way to do it. This will free up fireplace wall space for other bookcases, furniture, and wall art. Just be sure to factor in the height of your fireplace when deciding where to mount your flat-screen TV. You don’t want it to be so high that the top of the screen is an eyesore.

Fireplace Spaces to Mount a TV

Mounting TV above Brick Fireplace

If your fireplace is made of brick, you’ll need a special type of mount that can accommodate the uneven surface. There are a number of these specialty mounts on the market, or you could hire a professional installer to help with the installation. Many homeowners are surprised by how easy it is to hide wiring when mounting a TV above a brick fireplace.

Image credit: https://blog.puls.com/

Mounting a TV on a Stone Fireplace

If you have that stunning stone fireplace, such as marble, you’ll need the amount that can be attached to the wall behind. You should choose a mount with enough flexibility to accommodate the spacing between stones and other irregularities on the surface.

Image credit: https://homeaffluence.com/

Mounting a TV Over a Wood Burning Fireplace

Wood fireplaces emit more smoke than any other alternative, so consider your mount options carefully. If your fireplace is open, you can use a traditional wall mount. If your fireplace is enclosed, you might need to use a special mount that hangs down from the ceiling and attaches to the back of the TV. If you’re concerned about your TV, move away from a traditional wood fireplace to a gas unit.

Image credit: https://thehometheaterdiy.com/

Mounting a TV above a Gas Fireplace

Mounting your TV above the gas fireplace seems more straightforward than other alternatives. There are many different design styles available to suit your tastes.

Image credit: https://southcharlotteservices.org/

Final Thought on Mounting a TV Above a Fireplace

So, should you mount a TV above a fireplace? Yes, with the right professional help and correct measurements, you can mount your TV above the fireplace. Also, think creatively when figuring out the right spot for your large screen TV, and make sure you have your TV mounted with a warranty to enjoy a dream fireplace.

The post Should You Mount a TV Above a Fireplace? appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.

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Mark James

www.centrecountyfood.org

Running out of gas can be a frustrating experience. If you’re stranded without any way to get to the nearest gas station, towing services can save the day. Towing companies are equipped with trained drivers that can deliver fuel to your vehicle, saving you the trouble of finding a convenient location to fuel up. Having a full tank of gas means a faster recovery time and less risk of a car accident.

With fuel delivery towing services, you don’t have to worry about getting out of your car and walking back to fill it up again. You can simply call a company to deliver the fuel you need and leave the rest to them. There’s no need to worry about finding a place to fill up your car yourself. These professionals are experienced and trained in bad weather and will handle your needs with courtesy and a smile.

Fuel delivery towing services also offer roadside assistance. When you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere, you can call a towing company for help. They have trained technicians that can handle any type of road conditions, and they’ll even drop off gallons of gasoline or diesel. You’ll never have to worry about leaving your car unattended. The towing company will take care of everything, so you can relax.

Fuel delivery towing services also offer free services, so you don’t have to worry about navigating your way back to your car. A towing company will come to your location to deliver fuel to your vehicle. They’ll handle everything else for you, including driving you home. The service is always available at an affordable rate, so you’ll never have to pay for their services again. And if you’re worried about putting it on the road, it’s not a problem to hire a company for fuel delivery.

Fuel delivery towing services also provide free services to their customers. Instead of walking back and forth to the nearest gas station, you can simply call a towing company to deliver fuel to your vehicle. They’ll even be able to deliver fuel to your home. So, you can have peace of mind. With the help of a towing company, you’ll never have to worry about a car. If you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere, there’s no need to wait.

A fuel delivery service is essential when you’ve run out of gas. The gauge on your car may have stopped working and your car is no longer moving. If you’re stranded in the middle of the road, a towing company will help you to safely and quickly access a gas station. It’s a great way to avoid the hassle of walking back to your vehicle. This service also includes gasoline and diesel gallons.

The towing company can also deliver fuel. If you’re in need of gas and need help towing your car, a fuel delivery service can save the day. Regardless of what kind of fuel you need, the towing company will be able to provide it. No more worrying about walking back to your car. The towing company will be able to deliver fuel to you quickly and efficiently. In addition to being a useful roadside service, they will also help you save money.

Fuel delivery towing is a great option for motorists who need fuel on the road. They will bring you the fuel you need without a hassle and will be able to provide you with roadside assistance and gallons of gas. They’ll even be able to provide you with fuel if your car’s gas gauge has malfunctioned. It’s a great way to ensure your safety while on the road.

Fuel delivery towing services can also provide fuel to your car when it’s stalled. They will provide regular or premium gas to you. These services are ideal for people who live far from the nearest gas stations. When you’re stranded in the middle of the road, it’s easy to feel helpless. When you’re stranded, you don’t have to worry about walking back to your car. With fuel delivery towing, you won’t have to worry about getting back and forth between your car and a gas station.

Bill Lester

www.centrecountyfood.org