Fish tanks....bees

I can't help with the bees, but I sure do know fish! A good starter tank for any age is a ten gallon tank. Freshwater fish are easier to maintain than saltwater fish. I recommend guppies, swordtails, and platties for beginning fish enthusiasts. Be sure also to get a couple of live plants for your tank - any good fish store should be able to help with basic setup.

I can give you lots of details about setup, but I think you should reconsider introducing a fish tank this early in the child's room. Three is a bit young to understand not to tap or bang on the glass, which can injure the fish. Also, if your child is anything like mine were/are, giving them any amount of unsupervised access to that much water is potentially a major disaster. You may want to consider putting a tank in a community area of the house until your child is old enough to know how to handle it. Five or six is a good age for that.

Feel free to email with questions if you want to know more about tank setup and maintenance. Good luck, fish are great.

F.
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http://F..typepad.com

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Hi K.,
For a fish, the beta is probably the least maintenance. They can live in any size bowl and need little attention. My hubby changes the water every 7-10 days.

For mosquitos. I use Avon Skin So Soft. Its deet-free. A homemade item would be garlic.

For bees. We found their nest and drowned them with water.
M.

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I'm with everyone else who says 3 is too young for a fishtank in the room; there are shops around here(tidewater, va) that have decorative lights that look like a small aquarium. Real fish are just too much fun to feed and try to pet as they're swimming! I'm intrigued by the posts about Listerine for mosquitos; I've had good luck with the Avon Skin-So-Soft.
Re: bees, do you mean honeybees or bumblebees or wasps? Now wasps, you can kill those to your heart's content. But honeybees and bumbles pollinate food plants and should be protected. In our area there is a beekeeper group and one of them came to my house last year to gather a swarm that had landed in one of my bushes--it was pretty cool, actually, to see this hanging on a branch, all bees clinging together; the beekeeper was happy to get them. Try your local extension office/game control, they usually have a list of beekeepers if something like this happens. Don't call a pest control company, their goal is to kill them. Otherwise, keep the lawn mowed(no clover), watch where the kids are walking if they walk over dandelions or buttercups, and remember that bees are defensive, not offensive--if you see one, walk away.

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I received an e-mail last week touting the benefits of using good ol' fashioned Listerine to ward off mosquitoes. It certainly sounds more kid-safe and environmentally friendly if it works.

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K.,

For fish, I would recommend a small beta. It's easy maintenance and they don't require much except a feeding and maybe fresh water every now and then. Talk to your local pet store about it. Petsmart or Petco are the two places I know of.

For bees, find the nest and then either kill them with bug spray or if you're afraid of getting stung, have someone do it for you. I'm terrified of bees and I will run for the hills when they are around.

For bugs that bite, someone else already said it, but I'll post my 2 cents on it. Garlic is awesome. I gave some to my son and it worked for his tummy ache and bugs don't like it. You can mince it up and slip just a pinch of the garlic in with any of your child's food. Just don't put it in with something sweet or they will taste it. My kids didn't even notice it.

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I don't know about the fish tank or bees but I used the AVON skin so soft and it's a sunblock too. It seems to work well. I've used it on him since he was about 6 months old. They also have a insect repellant spray which I haven't tried but I'm sure is just as good. It has a nice fragrance too. Good luck.

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Goldfish and beta fish are inexpensive and easy to maintain. Beta fish need a very small bowl and goldfish are fine in a small tank without a filter. Talk to the clerk at the pet store and they will help you with the right size tank and food.

There is a machine that attracts mosquitos but I'm not sure if it attracts bees. My parents had one at their bay house and it worked great. Google "mosquito magnet" and you will get all kinds of contraptions.

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For the mosiquitos/bugs....I would HIGHLY recommend you getting a concentrated garlic spray. We used to live in the woods in northern NH, where bugs were unbelievable! The kids couldn't go out at all from the beginning of May to the middle of July. Then I found a concentrated garlic spray (I don't use any chemicals, for a multitude of reasons) that you spray around the perimeter of the yard. It needs to be done when there is no chance of rain for at least 24-48 hours, and there is a lingering garlic smell for a day or two, but bugs are pretty much gone! And better yet, no spraying your children! Go online and search...

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I recently received an email about spraying original listerine on the child and around the areas he or she will be playing. It is suppose to work. Let me know....

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FISH

I have a male Beta that I keep in a 1 Gallon sized triangle shaped tank. I got the tank at Wal-Mart and it also has a little air tube that creates bubbles so that the water doesn't become stagnant.

Although it is recommended to change the water once every 2 weeks, I change his water about once every 4-5 weeks and he's fine. Doing a complete 100% water change and rinsing off his marble stones takes a total of about 15-20 minutes. I just put him in a little bowl while I'm doing it. My husbands 30 gallon tank required only a half water change where he empties out half of the water and refills it the rest of the way...I think that it is in order to maintain the bacteria/algae levels.

We named our fish "Unico" which means "only one" in Spanish. Male Betas cannot be in the same tank as other fish because they are very territorial, so he is the "only one" in his tank.

BEES

Last summer I was concerned about my 3yr year old daughter getting so many bug bites. She must taste really good because she'll get them everywhere. I spoke to our local pharmacits about recommended bug repellants for toddlers and was told that I would not find any bug repellants on the market for children under the age of 10. She said that the DDT in bug repellants is not safe for younger children as it has been known to cause seizures.

I'm not sure if anyone else has heard differently but this is the information that was passed onto me. I was told that the only thing I can do is alleviate the itching and swelling. There are several things OTC that you can get for the itching but my mother passed on a great home remedy. I make a paste out of Adolf's Meat Tenderizer and a little water in the palm of my hand and apply it to the bite. It takes away the itching and swelling. I use this on myself as well. I love it.

Hope this helps!!!

1 mom found this helpful

Hi K.!
My best experience with fish as low as low maintenance is the Beta fish (fighting fish). They have tanks that are double but I don't know if you even want to call it a tank. I maybe holds about a gallon of water. It has a little divider (because the fighter fish will literally fight to the death) but if there's a divider, they look at each other & puff up (which is really pretty) no stress, you don't need a filter or air or anything. Just keep a gallon of water handy with the right PH, when the water looks a little dirty (maybe every week or week & half) pour out funky water & add good water. I have some at work. Makes it easy to clean. The are really pretty. Usually blue or red. You see them a lot at WalMarts or Petsmart type places. Not expensive. You can get a bowl for one but it's much more cool if they can see each other & react. NO GOLDFISH (stinky & dirty) I think I probably paid $30 total for food, fish & bowl.

As far as the bug thin, Avon makes a product called Skin So Soft that is a bug repellent that I use on my nieces (my son's 20 in May) & have not had any problems like when we go to see fireworks, cookouts, etc.

Good luck!!

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As far as the mosquito spraylotion for babies...I use Avon's skin so soft. My son and I are both allergic to cutter and deep woods off sw we've always used this brand. And it smells good and works great!

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Hi K.,
I just recieved an e-mail from my aunt and she uses listerine! Seriously she sprays the porch and the yard and presto the skito's and other bugs are gone! I thought she lost her mind so i tried it and yep it works! I just put some in a 4 ounce spray bottle and sprayed the back porch and the ground around the swing set and the kids didnt complain at all of being eatin' alive.Let me know if it helps you? we live in virginia and the skito's are ALWAYS ,ALWAYS out!! and the bee's and everything else that can fly or crawl! well i hope this helps and it is cheaper than the sprays that are 'suppose to be safe".take care,K.

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For a starter tank, I would suggest a 3-5 gallon one. They aren't too big and a little easier to maintain. Often you can find an "all-in-one" kit where you just add fish. Talk to someone at a pet store for more information.

Bees.... bees are attracted to the flowers and plants in your yard. To keep them away, you would have to remove or cut down the plants. Clovers, azealas, anything that blooms... the bees will be interested. This sounds trite, but if you leave them alone, the bees will leave you alone.

As far as dealing with mosquitos, be proactive and clear out any sources of stagnat or standing water (think flower pots, kids' toys, etc) to prevent them from breeding. You probably cannot do this in the woods, but around your home and yard, you can help prevent them. There are products on the market that claim to get rid of stinging and biting insects like Mosquito Magnet. I've never tried them, but they could be worth a look. If you want to use a lotion, check places that sell camping equipment. We've had good luck at Cabella's and other sporting goods stores.

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Hi K......

I've got someting I can highly recommend to use for your son and you, to not get eaten by mosquitos :)....

http://www.mexitanproducts.com/skedattle.html

...I don't want put stuff on my sons skin, that has chemicals in it. The products on this website are all natural and very good. I already used the Skedattle Insect Repellent and it works pretty good...I and my son seem to be mosquito magnets ;) and after I used this, the mosquitos didn't want us anymore :). I also use the sunscreen for us and it works perfect. I did a lot of reserch on the internet and this website and the products are the best I could find. Maybe a little bit more expensive, but my sons health is worth it. Maybe it works for you too.....

Hope this helps...

Greetings
A.

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This will sound so hokie, but if you can have animals, get a Guinea. They eat everything and are great protectors. The major drawback is that they are noisy but if you have them from a chick on, they're really good with kids. Its a type of bird, farms have them a lot and that's the main reason, they eat bugs for days and even with one, you notice a big difference. We had one named Miller growing up and our play area near the barn was bug free & it was a barn! They'll run off dogs, stray animals, they have no fear. If your geograpical setting & lifestyle allow, they are a great alternative to pesticides and things that are harmful to the environment and like you, I'm less than thrilled about loading my children down with chemicals even if they do produce the desired affects. There are also many plants that have the added effect of being both aesthically pleasing and being an insect repellent. Check with Lowes or Home Depot & online, you should turn up something. My kids are as pale as this typing block so they must look like lights to bugs & they get eaten up too so I sympathize. I hope it works out.

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Hi K.,

As for the fish tank, no clue! I'm sorry. But for the bugs, I see lots of responses for skin so soft, which is great. But I'm also trying something called Neem oil this year. It's supposed to be great for all sorts of bugs, including ticks which are a big worry for me. If you google it you get all sorts of positive responses. I defintely wanted to try something that is completely natural and Neem oil certainly is! Hopefully this helps give you another idea for research!

Good luck!

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Just a thought. My son, at 4, climbed up the stand and knocked over our fish tank. We was banged up a little but not hurt, Thankfully. He said he thought the fish were hungry and needed to eat and that was his adorable explaination. It was a huge mess and I was scared the broken glass had cut him but he was fine. He was more scared for the fish than himself. Although, it scared to bajeeezes out of me. Needless to say, this was our experience and I would not do that again. Please be carefull!!

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i just heard to try spraying mouthwash around the yard for mosquitoes. also i've heard of dryer sheets in pockets but i havent tried either so i dont know. as for a fish tank goldfish are the dirtiest fish so if you want it to stay clean longer try something like a neon fish. you can have more of them anyway sense they are smaller. they are very pretty too.

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Avon product "Skin So Soft" acts as an insect repellent. It works for some insects...I'm not sure about bees. AF

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Fish Tanks? Hmmm, how about one 10 gallon tank (small/easy to manage) with Gold Fish. My dad has had fish tanks off an on over the years and he set up one a year ago so that my eldest daughter could have a 'Nemo' and 'Dori'. I had to talk him down from doing a salt water tank because they are SOOOOO much work; she was happy with Angel fish & little Neon Tetra's. Goldfish are great because they are inexpensive as long as you don't go for fancy fan-tails and easily replaceable.

Mosquitos: Skin So Soft is great for kids. Also Geraniums are the best flower to put in your yard to help keep the mosquitos away. They don't like the smell and geraniums do great in pots or the ground. There is such a thing as geranium fragrance/perfume but its not for keeping mosquitos away per se.

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The product is called "Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Insect Repellent Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30". It works fine for a while but you have to apply it again and again. Off has a DEET free version, I used to use that, but I still got bitten. So, for my own use, it has to be something with DEET in it or I am Mosquito lunch. As for keeping those nasty things out of your yard, there is a thing called Mosquito Magnet. It is a mashine that attracks Mosquitos and kills them. Here is a link to the website with all kinds of into.
http://www.mosquitomagnet.com/

Please, don't kill bees. If anything have something in the yard to attrackt them. Bees are the most usefull insects we have and they are in danger. No bees no food.

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For mosquitos, I like the spray California Babies makes (love their sunscreen too):
http://www.californiababy.com/natural-bug-blend-bug-repel...
You can get it at Wegmans or Whole Foods.

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There are many bug sprays out there that are DEET FREE...they are safe for use on children. Another recommendation would be Vinegar. I know, it sounds weird, but its cheap and it works.

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K.,

My grandma used and still uses an old milk jug(plastic_ or an old soda bottle with a bit of sugar water in it set far away from the area of which she is wanting to work in the yard..
Hope this helps.
S.

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Hi, K., Are you familiar with Melaleuca products? Bugs hate Melaleuca oil! All Melaleuca products are manufactured with health, safety and prevention in mind, and there are a few that are excellent for repelling mosquitos. Good luck and have a great summer! N. B.

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Hi,
I don't have a comment about bees other than good luck. But I wanted to tell you what my family uses for mosquitos. My 3yr old daughter is allergic to Mosquitos. We use Avon's Skins so soft Bug Guard. EXCELLENT! The first time I tried it was several years ago before my daughter who is allergic was born. I had put it on my other kids before they went outside to play with the neighbors kids on the slip and slide water toy. This was in South Carolina. My kids were bite free while the other kids had bites all over them. It had me sold on the spot. Then when my youngest was born I found out she was allergic when she swelled up like a balloon from a couple bites. So we have used it on her ever since and as long as we don't forget or miss a spot she doesn't get bitten at all. I stand by the Bug Guard! Good luck with the bees and try the bug guard!

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I was told if you use the original Listerine this would help to keep the mosquitos away. You can spray the area or the body. I used it this pass weekend for a birthday party and I didn't get bit not once. I too would like to know what to do for bees. I have those huge black bumble bees who want to take over my yard. If someone has a remedy on the bees let me know too.

KaTrina R.

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In regards to the fish tank. You want a model that has an all built in filtration system in the top. If you want low maintenance then stick to freshwater. Salt water take much longer to set up and require a weekly water change. Good luck.

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Hi K.,

1) Your 3 year old does not need a fish tank in his room. If you want an aquarium, have it for the whole family to enjoy.

2) Have an exterminator spray your yard for bees, such as A1 Exterminator, or Orkin. That would be more helpful than trying to spray spots.

You can ask them about your child playing in the yard after spraying. Good luck. Hope this helps. D.

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For the fish tank a five gallon or smaller is a good starter and beta fish are very clean and low maintenance. As far as the insect problem moth balls around the yard will help and also in the summer I up the number of bounce dryer sheets i put in my kids laundry or put one in thier pocket for older kids it really does work. Hope this helps.

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Try Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard plus SPF 30 for kids or the Bug Guard Plus.
Hope it helps :)
C.

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I have heard that if you dilute Listerine with water and spray it around in your yard where you will be sitting that it keeps mosquitos away. I have not yet tried it but have heard that it really works.

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For the bee problem, I want to clarify if you are speaking about honeybees or just stinging insects in general. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANYONE DELIBERATELY KILL HONEYBEES!! If anyone has not heard or read in the news over the last few years, honeybee populations are in severe decline due to various parasitic mites, and fungus that are killing entire bee hives. Since honeybees are responsible for the vast majority of the food crop pollination that occurs in this country, not to mention many flowers and trees, honey production, etc., we will be in very serious trouble indeed if we can't stop the bees from dying. If you have a bee hive in your yard, simply call a local pest control company, and they should be able to direct you to someone who will most likely remove the hive for free. If anyone is allergic to bee stings, just keep a sharp eye out for them, and keep an Epipen to prevent anaphylactic shock. Otherwise, try home remedies to ease the pain of a sting such as ice, toothpaste, baking soda, etc., and teach children to avoid bees if possible.

There is indeed safe bug repellant to put on babies' skin. Avon Skin So Soft works so well for most folks that my husband even prefers it, as long and he is not going anywhere there are ticks. For ticks you have to have DEET since nothing else will work (not DDT...that is a banned chemical). There is also an Avon bug repellant that has the ingredient IR3535 that has worked beautifully for my son for all of his 5 years. You can also get it in a sunscreen/bug repellant combo for children older than 6 months-1 year.

For the fish tank, 3 is too young, unless the tank is in the living area, and too high for your child to get into.

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skin so soft is the best thing for keeping bugs away from babies and small children. If you know an avon dealer this would be what to get. Now the fish tanks for 3yr old. The 3yr old would not stay out of it. They think that they have to feed them all the time. So it would be in your own mental health not to start that at this age. Wait till there a little older and can learn to be responsiable for the tank and fish on there own. good luck. Hope this helps.

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Just a little more on the fish tank. When you're sure you're ready for one: Start with just 1 small fish and frequent (daily) water changes. After a couple weeks or so you can add more gradually. This is called "cycling" the tank and it is done so that the water can grow a population of nice bacteria that eat fish wastes. Too many fish too fast and they will poison themselves with their own pee.

A population rule of thumb: No more than one inch of fish including tails for each gallon of water. Goldfish need a little more, they are rather dirty fish.

After, be sure to change the water at least weekly (maybe 10-40 percent). The water will need to be dechlorinated (just letting water sit used to do that when water had chlorine in it because that would evaporate, but today most water systems use chlorammine which does not evaporate).

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