Natural Fruit Fly Trap

So the little man came home the other day and left his lunchbox on the counter...with a half-open container of sweet, juicy watermelon. What was that kid thinking, not finishing the melon with his lunch? We had a busy night with baseball, homework, piano, Chick-Fil-A for a quick dinner (chicken strips, fruit, white milk), and the poor lunch box was forgotten. That is until we came down for breakfast the next morning and we were greeted by a bunch of these nasty things.

Easy-peasy solution. Place a small, shallow custard bowl or ramekin dish in the offending area, preferably under a light source. Fill almost to the brim with apple cider vinegar, a little sweet fruit juice, and a few drops of liquid dish soap. Even better if you've got a piece of fruit you can float in it (we used a piece of peach), barely sticking out above the liquid line. 24 hours later? At least 50 dead fruitflies in the bottom of the bowl. Works like a charm!

Bread and Milk Poultice for Tick Bites

Ticks are crazy here this season! Until now, my last bite was in 1999. Now I’ve had FOUR in just a couple of days-ugh! The latest left a large red lump on my hip that was painfully itchy and sore. When antibiotic ointment did not work, I tried a home remedy that a friend told me about…and it worked! Yes, it sounds insane, but I had almost instant pain/itch relief and now the swelling and redness have been reduced by at least 50%. I’m told this also draws out splinters.

Pour some milk (few Tbsps) into a saucer or cup and heat for 1 minute in microwave. Take piece of bread and soak in the hot milk. Remove, allow to cool more if needed. Place on bite and secure with large bandage. Allow to remain for 8-12 hours (best to do this at bedtime). I’m told this also works for skin infections.