How to Create a DIY Outdoor Sticky Fly Trap

Summer is here, and it’s horse fly, deer fly, moose fly and speckled wing fly season! Big time! If you live in a rural, wooded setting then you know every time you step out the door to take your daily walk or jog you are bombarded by these pesky, vicious, biting flies. For the entire walk you are constantly swatting at biting insects and trying to outrun the barrage. They seem to relish the flavor of most repellents. They can make your precious time outdoors just plain miserable. Want some relief? Try one of these DIY ideas and you’ll be amazed!

Get Relief By Creating A Sticky Situation

Take one of your old every day baseball caps and place two or three strips of wide, blue painter's tape on it, starting at the top of the cap and layering the strips down the back. Why use blue painter's tape? Researchers have discovered that flies are 3 times more attracted to the color blue than yellow. In fact, flies may even be repelled by the color yellow! A lot of fly and insect traps on the market are yellow in color, and this may be actually hindering your ability to attract and catch flies. Next,  use a paint brush to apply a liberal coating of Tanglefoot insect trap coating over the blue painters tape. Tanglefoot is a sticky insect trap coating that can be used in a variety of applications, is OMRI listed, and is long lasting and weather proof. 

Wear the cap on your walk or jog – the flies are attracted to the blue color, and are caught in the Tanglefoot insect trap coating, where they eventually die. Occasionally one will get caught in such a way that it can continue to flap its wings, and the buzzing is a tad irritating, but with a little patience or the light tap of a finger the buzzing soon ceases.

If you own an ATV, UTV, or even a bicycle, one variation on the “cap trap" is to use old coffee cans or plastic plant pots and either spray paint them blue or cover them with the blue painters tape, attach them in some creative way to your ATV, UTV, or bicycle, and then apply Tanglefoot insect trap coating.  Go for a ride down your favorite trail and let the traps collect all the nuisance flies!

 It doesn’t take many trips to significantly reduce the biting fly population in the target area to a point where your outdoor activities are enjoyable once again. You’ll need to go for a ride every few days to stay ahead of the pests, but going for a ride is a fun way to get outside and enjoy the summer while reducing the local fly population at the same time.

What do you think of our DIY Sticky Fly Traps? Let us know in the comments!

Composting Toilets 101: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Did you know that approximately 90 percent of what goes into your toilet is water based? You may think little about those bathroom deposits, but the rising popularity of the composting toilet may leave you wanting to know more. These compact toilets are popping up in many tiny houses and cottages, but you can also find larger units approved for heavier residential use. While they may look a little different than the toilet that you use every day, they offer an environmentally friendly alternative.

How Do Composting Toilets Work?

You sit on a composting toilet and work your magic just as you would with a standard toilet. Some models may have a small footstool on the front, which may make your sitting position more comfortable. The unit has a heater and fan that run continuously. The heater evaporates the liquid in your deposit and releases it from a vent in the back of the toilet. The solid matter is collected inside the toilet and allowed to decompose naturally.

The fan is designed to eliminate odor, so you won't have to endure a foul smell in your home when you purchase a quality toilet from a reputable brand. You have to watch the gauge on the toilet to determine when it's time to empty the solid matter. How often you have to complete this task will depend on the frequency of use.

How to Select the Best Composting Toilet

This isn't a product that you can walk into any local store and buy off the shelf on a whim. You need to do some research to compare your options so that your toilet fits your bathroom just as well as your lifestyle. Here are some factors to consider:

Size: Determine how you want to position the toilet in your bathroom and measure the available space. Make sure that you account for leg room when sitting on the toilet. Height: Some compact composting toilets are low-profile units. While this may help conserve wall space in a small bathroom, make sure that you're comfortable squatting down that low. Capacity: The smaller the toilet, the more often you can expect to empty the solid matter. While you may want something compact for a small bathroom, make sure that the size is appropriate for the number of people using the bathroom. Design: There are some advanced design features that you may want, including the ability to hide the back vent from view. The lines and shape of the toilet may concern you from an aesthetic viewpoint as well. Certification: The Sun-Mar Excel was the first composting toilet to receive certification from the National Sanitation Foundation, and it has received more testing than many competing brands on the market today. The reputation of the brand is essential because you want the most functional and efficient composting toilet available.

The good news is that there aren't so many composting toilets available that you will have trouble comparing their sizes and features. If you want the best of the best, go with the Sun-Mar brand. The Excel toilet was tested by the National Sanitation Foundation for six months, and it was proven an odorless and efficient toilet even when used at maximum capacity. It's approved for residential as well as cottage use.

If you need a smaller unit, look at the Compact Sun-Mar Composting Toilet. It's approved for light residential or cottage use and has a low-profile design that fits easily into smaller bathrooms. Just like the Excel, it has an emergency drain that allows you to remove liquid from the toilet if it's used when the power goes out. You can also use this emergency drain if the toilet is overused and needs emptied right away.

What About Installation?

While Sun-Mar composting toilets come with everything that you need for installation and clear instructions, it can take some time to get your toilet ready for use. The most challenging part is running PVC pipe through the roof to create the ventilation system. This is needed to control airflow to and from the toilet, allowing the decomposition process to work efficiently. Each toilet comes with enough pipe to accommodate most single-story structures, but you may need to purchase more if your home has multiple floors

Should You Take the Composting Toilet Plunge?

Composting toilets are a good option if you want the most environmentally friendly option for your home or you have a small bathroom that won't accommodate many other toilets well. This is also a perfect fit for rural homes without septic systems. A composting toilet is far more affordable than paying for a new septic system.

When determining whether to invest in this type of toilet, also consider the expected frequency of use. If you have a large family or expect heavy use of the toilet for other reasons, you may find that a larger composting system is required. You will also have to empty the tray more often, so make sure that you have a plan in place for that task.

Different Types of Bird Feeders and Bird Waterers

So you’ve decided to add a bird feeder or waterer to your home. That’s wonderful! Bird feeders and accessories make beautiful additions to any yard and can help families get in touch with nature. But how do you know which kind to buy? You might be inclined to think that all feeders are the same, but in actuality, they vary greatly when it comes to the types of birds they attract, their functionality and the features they offer.

With that in mind, here’s a list of the most common types of bird feeders and waterers to help you decide which one is right for your yard.

Bird Feeders

Nectar Feeders – For hummingbirds

Nectar feeders are generally used to feed hummingbirds because they are filled with the same sweet nectar that is usually provided from flowers. You can easily recreate the nectar by mixing water with sugar and adding it to the reservoir. The benefits of choosing a nectar feeder are that it is relatively inexpensive and won’t cause pesky intruders. However, make sure you diligently clean the feeder whenever it needs it, as drinking contaminated nectar can potentially hurt the hummingbirds. We recommend purchasing a red nectar feeder like our Dew Drop Hummingbird Feeder because hummingbirds are attracted to the color red!

Suet Feeders – For woodpeckers, chickadees, jays and starlings

Suet feeders are uniquely designed with a metal fencing around the seed, which attracts birds that normally eat by hanging on to trees. Suet cakes are placed inside the fencing, allowing easy access for birds while protecting it from rodents. Although some suet feeders are plain, you can find others that are beautifully decorated, such as the Single Leaf Suet Feeder. With this kind of feeder, you’ll get a lot of attention from woodpeckers, chickadees, jays and starlings.

Hopper Feeders – For finches, jays, cardinals, sparrows and more

Distinguished by their covered roofs, hopper feeders like the cute hopper bird feeder below look the most traditional compared to others and are very pleasant to look at. While this type of birdhouse can rejuvenate any yard, it is also one of the more difficult to maintain, so make sure you’re dedicated to the task before buying one. Most common birds will flock to this type of feeder, but because the food isn’t completely protected, birds have to be careful and keep an eye out for predators. You also have to make sure not to let the feeder get wet, as the seeds can create mold and harm birds if eaten. 

Tube Feeders – For sparrows, chickadees, finches, jays and more

Tube feeders are easily recognizable based on their cylindrical and narrow shape. Easy to clean and dry, this type is a popular choice among homeowners because many of them come with added security features to prevent squirrels from climbing up. For instance, the Yankee Flipper Seed Feeder, has a motorized perch ring that is specially designed to discharge squirrels, based on their weight. Small and large species are both attracted to this design, so you’ll have plenty of attention from your local birds!

Bird Waterers

Bird waterers continuously provide fresh water through shallow pools for birds to drink and bathe in. Unlike bird baths, bird waterers automatically replenish the water once it has been used through a reservoir at the top that you can fill with water every so often. Bird waterers are a great substitute for traditional bird baths because the water will constantly be refilled and therefore these waterers require less maintenance from you. Our Daisy Bird Bath and Waterer contains over 100 ounces of water that is released into four separate drinking pools along with plenty of space for your winged friends to hydrate. And cleanup is simple; all you have to do is rinse it with soapy water and hang it back up!

Now that you’ve learned about the most common types of bird feeders and waterers, you’re hopefully more prepared to decide what kind you want for your own yard. Remember that different feeders are meant for different types of birds and require various degrees of maintenance, so the time you’ll need to commit should be considered. Once you’ve figured out what you want, your neighborhood birds will be delighted – and you’ll have something beautiful to look at every time you step outside!

Hardware Replacement Supplies for Sliding Barn Doors

Summer is here and that means that the busy farming season is upon us. If you have a barn, it’s time to make sure everything is up to snuff in getting you through this busy time – the last thing you need is a barn door malfunction slowing you down. As the main point of entry, barn doors have an extremely important function, so it’s important they’re operating properly.

Part of conducting a thorough inspection is checking to see that you have all of the necessary barn hardware replacement supplies. Here, we offer a guide of barn door hardware and accessories covering the parts that tend to most often need replacing – so you can rest assured your barn door will hold up and go back to focusing on what’s important!

Rollers and Tracks

Rollers, which are also known as hangers, are located at the top and exterior of the barn door. Due to their location, usage frequency, and high exposure to climate changes, they tend to wear out easily. If malfunctioning, these may cause the doors to be heavier and more difficult to open, potentially delaying your production schedule. Many professionals will suggest using different types of oil lubrications. However, this solution is not always successful, in which case you could end up having to purchase a whole new set of rollers! If you do end up needing a full new track system, we recommend getting tracks that have a little bit more weight than your door for better support.
You can find an excellent variety of barn door hardware suitable for rollers and track replacements here. For smaller barn door hardware accessories, such as brackets and end caps, we offer a range of high quality supplies here.

Door Guides and Door Stops

Installing durable door guides and door stops are equally as important as having strong track systems. Door guides are a crucial component of barn doors, serving as a guide to slide the doors smoothly and facilitating entry by properly aligning them along the track system. Because they also receive a lot of exposure to damage, door guides tend to be another barn door hardware item that needs to be replaced relatively often.
Depending on your barn door, it might be difficult to find these barn hardware replacement supplies locally. If you’d like a great alternative, visit us here for all types of barn door guides and door stops, from stay rollers to rails.

Handles, Pulls & Latches

And lastly, handles, pulls and latches are also considered to be popular replacement supplies in barn hardware. Can you imagine not having proper handles installed on your barn doors? There is a tremendous risk to not having the right handles installed on your barn door, including the potential to get robbed or find that your livestock is running free on your property – or someone else’s! Handles are typically the first touch point for anyone who is trying to open barn doors and therefore must be replaced pretty frequently. With this in mind, make sure you have durable, high-quality, secure handles, pulls and latches. Also consider the placement of this hardware on your barn door – you don’t want to realize after installation that your latch is slightly too low or too high. Check out our selection of barn door handles and latches here.
However prominent our barn doors are across the face of a barn, it’s all too easy to look past them and focus more on what’s inside rather than the structure itself. What’s inside is usually more fun, anyway, right? But doing an annual check-in on your barn door hardware will save you headache and inconvenience in the future. Do yourself a favor and check up on your doors today. Come visit us here if you do need any replacement supplies, whatever kind of barn door you’ve got – and good luck in this busy season!

Finding the Right Grill for You

Grilling season is upon us (hurray!), and with it, the longtime debate ensues over what kind of grill is best. If you don’t already own a grill of your own, this may just be the year to invest in one – but which to choose? There’s tons of information out there: gas versus charcoal, wood pellet versus electric. Here, we’ll provide you with a simple rundown of the pros and cons of a few so you know which grill is for you!

Grills are used for three different types of cooking:

1) Indirect heat smoke roasting – For a flavorful smoky flavor, close the lid and cook your favorite meats or veggies with the warm convection airflow inside.
2) Indirect heat convection roasting – This also uses warm air circulating around the food with the lid closed, but here, the heat source is off to the side.
3) High heat direct radiation cooking – This involves placing the food directly above the heat source, usually without a lid.

Keep these cooking methods in mind as you read through the following grill rundowns.

Wood pellet grills

Pellets are compressed pieces of wood shavings and sawdust that are used to warm these grills. The pellets fill the grill’s “hopper” and are then fed into a burn pot based on the speed dictated by the grill’s thermostat. The smoke produced by the burning pellets cooks the food on the grill. These grills run on electricity, which is great for competitive grilling (if that’s your thing). The heat in wood pellet grills is indirect, so it’s better for cooking larger cuts or quantities of meat for long cook times at low temperatures.

Once everything is set up on your wood pellet grill, you won’t need to do much adjusting – it’ll maintain the heat and airflow over the cook time, providing predictable outcomes. These grills are also fuel efficient. If a smoky flavor is your thing, you probably won’t love what comes out of a wood pellet grill, as it doesn’t produce a strong smoke flavor, regardless of the pellets you use. While we’re talking about wood pellets for grills, you’ll find either hardwood pellets or fruitwood pellets. Although they’re both great options, hardwood pellets will burn for a longer amount of time and are less expensive.

One of the first companies to sell pellet smokers was Traeger – and you’ll find a great selection of its grills right here.

Gas grills

Gas grills are a convenient, controlled grill option. They start easily, heat up quickly (within just 10 or 15 minutes) and hold temperatures steadily. They’re also easy to clean, with no ashes to dispose of – plus, most drips are vaporized (although there can be carbon or grease buildups underneath the burners that must be scraped clean every so often). Many fine-dining steakhouses use gas for their meats to achieve a dark sear all over, but this does require extremely high temperatures that many grills won’t reach.

Although consistent, the temperature control on gas grills may vary slightly depending on the weather. On a cold, windy day, setting the temperature to 275° may actually be slightly cooler. Gas grills can also be expensive as well as complex to assemble with their many different parts. Also keep in mind that gas is explosive, so gas grills can be dangerous if, for instance, the flame goes out but the gas is still on. Always be cautious when working with a gas grill.

For a variety of the best gas grills on the market today, check out our selection here.

Outdoor electric grills

Outdoor electric grills may be the best option if you’re unsure of the investment you want to make and don’t know how much you’ll actually use your grill. That’s because this less expensive option is easy to use – you literally just plug it in and press the on button. These grills heat up in as little as one minute and are safe with no gas or flames. Since outdoor electric grills run on electricity, you also won’t have to worry about stocking up on wood, propane or any other fuel.

Of course, outdoor electric grills do have some downsides. They’re usually much smaller than other grills, meaning you won’t be able to grill large quantities of food. And there’s no competing with the flavor – you just won’t get that strong grilled taste with one of these. You’ll find our selection of outdoor electric grills here in case you’d like to have a look.

So now that you know your grills, you probably have a pretty good idea of which one might be best for you. In case you’d like to browse through our entire collection of grills plus some smokers and fireplaces too, check out our selection here. Fill that empty space on your deck or patio – invest in a grill of your own and make your garden the place to be this summer!

Pet Essentials as the Weather Warms Up

The weather is finally warming up out there, and we’re not the only ones who are excited to grab our sunglasses and bask in the sunshine. Our four-legged friends are also happily gallivanting around their spaces, enjoying their freedom. As the owner of animals, you may wonder what’s important to have around as the weather warms up. Here, we offer you a list of a few essentials for different types of animals: horses, dogs/cats, and also birds.

Horse Essentials in the Spring

1) Shampoo – spring cleaning doesn’t just apply to your home – spring is the time to bathe your horse, too, so make sure you’ve got what you need to do it. Pro tip: don’t bath them too often or you’ll dry out their skin.

2) Brush, Shedding Blade & Grooming Block – you’ll want to remove the dead hair from your horse’s winter coat, and then properly brush that hair once it’s been washed, so you’ll want to have the right horse grooming supplies for the job on hand.

3) Fly Spray – everyone wants to be outdoors in the springtime – including the flies. Keep your horse free of those pesky critters with some fly spray and your equine won’t have to deal with uncomfortable bites. Pro tip: test out your fly spray on just one small part of your horse before spraying their entire bodies, as some horses may experience allergic reactions to certain ingredients. Contact your veterinarian if this happens.

Spring Supplies for Dogs/Cats

1) Grooming tools – after building up their coats to keep warm all winter, your canines and felines will probably need to shed some of those extra layers, so why not give them a hand? Make sure you have adequate grooming supplies for this; depending on what kind of coat your pet has, you may need to do some serious brushing.

2) Shampoo – while you’re at it, it’s a good idea to bathe them as well. They’re already shedding those extra layers of hair or fur, so it’s the perfect time to get them fresh and clean for the coming season.

3) Tick & flea repellents – if your pet spends any time roaming through the outdoors, especially in any areas of high vegetation, you’re going to need a good tick and flea repellent. Whether it’s a collar or a squeeze-on liquid, protect your cat or dog against what can potentially be dangerous to both them and you. You can also find pet shampoos that include tick and flea treatment for cats and dogs, so check out those options as well.

4) Omega-3 Supplements – one unfortunate reality of spring is the prominence of pollen everywhere. You may notice it in your watery eyes or constant sneezing – and so might your pup. Giving your hound some omega-3 supplements like Salmon Oil is a great dog allergy treatment, and will also help to keep their coat healthy, immune system strong, and liver in working order.

What Birds Need in Spring

1) Bird feeders – if you don’t already have one, pick out a bird feeder for your yard. Depending on what kind of bird you want to attract, you can buy anything from a wire basket to a thistle feeder in a variety of variations and sizes. You’ll delight in the many types of different birds that come through your garden, with spring as the most active time for feeding. We offer some of the best bird feeders on the market today, so check out our selection here. Pro tip: make sure you give your bird feeders a good spring clean before the rush. For tube feeders, you can soak them in a mild bleach solution, then rinse thoroughly. Uncooked rice in a mixture of one part vinegar and four parts water can be used to clean those hard-to-reach corners.

2) Bird seed – it’s during the spring season that many birds return from their long migration journeys, so they need plenty of sustenance to maintain their energy. Seeds can also naturally be scarcer around this time of year, so your winged visitors will be especially appreciative of some bird seed right about now, if not already.

3) Nesting materials – many birds build their nests in the spring, so feel free to offer them bits of string or yarn, hair, or small strips of cloth to help them create their new abode.

Spring is an exciting time for many different kinds of animals. We hope you’ve found some tips here that you can use to help them adjust to the spring season’s changes. Let us know if you have anything to add, or would like to see more information about spring essentials for other animals, too.

Spring Fencing: Tips & Details

Whether you’ve got farm animals that have just given birth, newborn animals exploring their new world or livestock enjoying their release from several long winter months inside the barn, your four-legged friends are probably out and about, grazing and enjoying their freedom. That’s why, throughout this spring season, it’s critical to have a reliable, strong fence to keep them in the right areas – and everything else out. Here, we offer some tips and general information on farm fencing supplies that might help you decide what’s best for your property.

The winter months often bring some wear and tear on fencing, so be sure to walk your fence line once spring arrives to assess any damages. If you have an electric fence, do a test run on your energizer to make sure everything is working properly. You can also use a live fence indicator that permanently attaches to your fence line and flashes to show everything is working as it should be. The ground is softest and easiest to work with during springtime, so take advantage by doing any repairs or building now.

Barbed Wire vs. Electric Fencing

In today’s farming world, the choice between barbed wire and electric fencing is largely dependent on what its uses are going to be. For many farms with animals, electric fencing is the predominant choice. It’s cost effective, both in materials and in labor, and is usually the safer option. In addition, it’s more effective and versatile as well as easier to maintain and longer lasting than most barbed wire fencing. There are limits, such as the risk of dangerous shocks, damage from thunder and lightning storms and complications from heavy vegetation growth, however, in most cases, electric fencing will likely be your best bet.

Barbed wire fencing options may be best for keeping intruders out of large properties and can be relatively cheap – however, the increased risk of injury both to animals and humans often negates the initial cost savings.

Types of Electric Fencing

There are four main types of electric fencing available today:

• Electrified high-tensile wire fencing: The high carbon steel in this fence provides strong, long-lasting security and reduces elongation (sagging). In addition, it is resilient, versatile and low maintenance. This type of fencing requires fewer posts, making it less expensive than other types of electric fencing. This is the best option for installing a permanent fence over a large area. This fence option should be avoided, however, when containing fast-moving animals like horses, as running into it at full speed could cause serious injury.
• Electric poly rope fencing: This type of fencing is thick and reinforced with stainless steel, making it an effective conductor. It is good for areas with high winds and is rust-free.
• Electric poly tape fencing: This fencing option is a highly visible, strong, rust-free type of fence that is available in three widths: 12, 20 and 40mm. 
• Electric poly wire fencing: This type of fencing is available on a reel, making it convenient for temporary fencing needs like subdividing pastures. It is also highly visible for animals. 

If you decide on an electric fence for your fencing needs, you’ll need to consider the energizer you’re going to purchase. This depends, of course, on the type of electric fence you’re using, but a few considerations should be:

• The larger the area, the larger the energizer you’ll need
• The need for a permanent energizer versus a portable energizer
• The power source – 110 or 220-volt plug-in is usually best
• The joule rating – this measures the stored energy in an energizer; fences require 1 joule of output per mile of fencing

One of the most common issues electric fence owners have with their power fencing is inadequate grounding. Proper grounding is critical for the electric current to keep animals contained and predators out. A rule of thumb is to use three feet of grounding rods for every joule of energizer output. So for a 3-joule energizer, you’ll need nine feet of ground rods.

Fencing and Animal Safety

When thinking about your animals’ safety, fence construction is a very important consideration and one that you should look into based on the type of animal you need to contain and the fencing option you’re looking at. Electric fences are generally a safe option, as the pulse runs through the fence every second (or less) meaning that the animal has time to get away after it has been shocked.  

If you have a barbed wire fence, one thing to be aware of: Connecting a power fence energizer to it is not recommended. Barbed wire fences increase the chances of an animal getting tangled and stuck, and a power barbed wire fence would then lead to repeated shocks. Although it is unlikely that these repeated shocks would seriously injure or kill the animal, it would cause unnecessary stress and is best avoided entirely. 

Fencing is an important part of farm life, and one that requires careful consideration. Feel free to reach out to us at Paris Farmers Union with any questions you may have about what is best for your farm.