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Written by Guest Contributor on The Prepper Journal.

Editor’s note: Post by guest contributor Jenna King — Wild Bill

Traveling off the grid is an incredible way to enjoy nature. The sights and scents of native plants and wildflowers are hard to ignore. But those scents also attract nature’s worst. Whether you’re hiking through woodlands or relaxing in your backyard, there’s no escaping those darn mosquitoes. And unlike human intruders and squatters, it’s tough to fence out these critters.

Hey Mosquitos, Why Me?

There’s no denying mosquitoes prefer to bite some people rather than others. Scientists think genetics, the skin’s surface, and a person’s unique body chemistry make some people mosquito magnets. Mosquitoes have an excellent sense of smell and are attracted to carbon dioxide — especially to people who release large amounts of it. When you’re hiking, playing or walking outdoors, the heat, and humidity activates the sweat glands. The skeeters get a whiff and then chomp down! 

These bloodsuckers are annoying and sometimes deadly. Most cities rank them as the worst insect pestbecause they spread viruses and diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, West Nile Virus, and Zika. Many commercial bug repellents contain Deet, a chemical that’s effective at masking humans’ presence from mosquitoes. While the Environmental Protection Agency has found it poses no risk under normal use, it does recommend you wash it off as soon as you come indoors.

Permethrin is another common repellent. It kills the mosquitoes but is also toxic to bees and fish. Cats can also be susceptible to permethrin. The EPA has listed permethrin as a carcinogenic, meaning it can cause cancer — but only if you eat it.

Natural Mosquito Repellents

If you are considering natural mosquito repellents as an alternative to the chemicals, you have several options:

Cinnamon Oil. This oil acts as an agent to kill mosquito eggs. It’s also effective against adult insects. Mix ¼ teaspoon (24 drops) of cinnamon oil into 4 ounces of water for a diluted solution. Spread evenly when spraying the spicy water on your skin and clothes.

Citronella. Oil of citronella is made from a combination of citronella plants and herbs and sold in many forms. It works by masking the scents that attract mosquitoes and other insects. Citronella plants are also excellent for keeping mosquitoes at bay. Plant them around the perimeter of your patio for a pest-free zone. Keep in mind, citronella is a repellent, not a bug killer.

Geraniol. This alcohol-based substance comes from plant secretions like lemongrass, citronella, and rose. It only works for two to four hours, so it’s best applied just before a hike. Geraniol may cause skin or eye irritation.

Lavender. The sweet-smelling floral fragrance of crushed lavender can ward off adult mosquitos. It’s also soothing to the skin after the bugs bite. If you don’t want to search for a lavender-based product, try growing the flowers in containers or an outdoor garden. Crush the blooms and add to vitamin E oil.

Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Scientists found this oil is nearly as effective as Deet in repelling mosquitoes. It’s been used since the 1940s and is now on the list of ingredients approved by the CDC for ingredients to be used in bug repellents. – You can apply it every 3 hours, but oil of lemon eucalyptus is not recommended for children under 3. 

Neem oil. Generally used for protecting plants against munching pests, neem oil can be rough on sensitive skin. Studies show it might be effective for about three hours after application.

Thyme oil. It’s time to try thyme. Just toss the herb’s leaves into your campfire to help keep mosquitoes away. To mix up your own solution, add 4 drops of thyme oil to one teaspoon of base oil – olive or jojoba works well. Two drops of thyme oil with 2 ounces of water makes an effective spray.

The scent of these oils really bugs mosquitoes. Several plants will also keep the bugs at bay including peppermint, basil, catnip, and rosemary (Carry a pouch of catnip in your pocket and watch the mosquitoes head in the other direction.) The same spices you use in your meals could prevent you from becoming the next meal for a mosquito.So spice up your next hike with these natural ingredients, and watch the mosquitoes take a hike. While enjoying Mother Nature’s best, you’ll be able to avoid her worst outdoor pest and the deadliest creature on the planet.

Jenna King is a writer, avid hiker, and self-proclaimed survivalist. She spends most of her time backpacking and using organic elements within nature.

The post How to Deal with Mosquitoes Without Using Chemicals appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

from The Prepper Journal Don't forget to visit the store and pick up some gear at The COR Outfitters. How prepared are you for emergencies? #SurvivalFirestarter #SurvivalBugOutBackpack #PrepperSurvivalPack #SHTFGear #SHTFBag

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Written by Tim Weaver on The Prepper Journal.

Virginia Democrats: “We’re passing the most draconian anti-gun measures in the nation!”

Arizona Democrats: “Hold my beer!”

Well, the madness (and Bloomberg’s money) has come from the East coast to try and worm its way into Arizona.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen anti-gun legislation here in Arizona, and it certainly won’t be the last. But coming on the heels of Virginia, it appears Arizona anti-Constitutionalists were emboldened by Virginia’s ‘success’ at forwarding the anti-gun agenda.

The Fight is On!

At particular interest in Arizona are Senate Bills 1624, 1625 and 1626, which are written to require government intervention in private transactions (1624), ban pretty much any firearm with a magazine (1625), and emplace red flag laws that will be used by vindictive exes to strip the law-abiding of their property.

The Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL) has been working tirelessly for more than 15 years to stop bad gun laws and promote good gun laws…they’re the people who gave us in Arizona “Constitutional Carry”, reduced training requirements and burdens for CCW permits and permit renewals and strengthened our state preemption laws.

Track legislation

AzCDL tracks gun-related bills each session, and you can see the summaries and links to all the bills currently introduced in this legislative session.

Also, there will be a Second Amendment Rally at the Arizona Capitol on Saturday, 15 Feb, 2020, from 10am – 2pm. You can get more info at www.2ndAmendmentRallyAZ.com

Don’t let Arizona become California.

The post Arizona 2nd Amendment News appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

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Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

SCOTUS: Second Amendment is a right Virginia Legislature: Hold my beer. Looks like the legislature is demonstrating what potential tyranny looks like. Recent legislation in the form of House Bill 567 would probibit any indoor shooting range, by law, unless it was inside a building owned or leased by the state. Folks, this is what we’ve feared. Virginia is becoming the California of the East Coast in terms of trying to disarm the population. Unlike California, a number of county officials have stood up and declared they will not enforce unconstitutional laws. Read more about the proposal here. If you’re from Virginia, this upcoming election will be one of the most important you’ll participate in. If you’re not in Virginia, be vigilant, because if the state legislature in the Old Dominion is successful, it will be spread across the country. Ironic for a state whose motto is Sic Semper Tyrannis, “Thus always to Tyrants.” Let’s hope the good people of the state live up to the motto.

The post Virginia vows to shut down all gun ranges appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

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Written by Guest Contributor on The Prepper Journal.

Prepping can involve building things useful for survival or comfort during lean times. Here are the tools preppers should consider having to make the job easier.

Editor’s note: This prepping primer was written by guest contributor Brandon Smith.

Preppers are always ahead of the curve when it comes to being ready for any eventuality. If you don’t know all the basics around food, health and general survival preparedness for something like the recent COVID-19 outbreak then take a look through this guide.

Here, I’m going to take you through the best power tools for preppers.

Whenever we talk about having power tools, we usually mean hand power tools that are easy to use and get the job done. It’s important to have some manually powered tools to hand just in case the grid goes down, but power tools will make things easier.

Power tools can make life easier

Prepping is all about being prepared. If SHTF then there isn’t going to be any time to learn to build a log cabin in the woods and if the grid goes down, it will take you too long to build it using manual tools.

That’s why it makes sense to add a few power tools to your tool kit. Use them now to build any structures or defenses to help you through the tough times ahead.

The power tools that every prepper needs:

Cordless Drill

Circular Saw

Angle Grinder

Reciprocating Saw

Charger

Cordless Drill

This should be your first purchase if you don’t own any power tools. It’s versatile and can be used for jobs around the house like putting up shelves or fixing new cabinets. It will also be used for fence or gate repair and will be your go-to tool when boarding up windows.

The best type to buy is a hammer drill. It will do all the general jobs like acting as a screwdriver and drill holes in wood, plastic and metal, but it also works well on concrete and other harder surfaces.

It’s going to cost a little more than a standard drill/driver, but when you need to drill into masonry or other toughened material you’ll be glad you have it. Ensure it can handle 1,000lbs of torque, has a ratcheting chuck, has a side handle (to prevent kickback), and that you buy some masonry, Cobalt and titanium-coated drill bits.

Circular Saw

A circular saw is an important tool for a prepper to have. If you’re building any type of structure then this is what you will use to cut wood or metal. The decision over a cordless or powered one will depend on its use. If you’re building things and using it to prepare structures then a corded one is more powerful.

But, having a corded power tool when the power goes out isn’t much use. I’d suggest buying a cordless one with a larger battery by a professional brand. 

Angle Grinder

This is a powerful tool that has several functions. It can be used to grind and shape different material like stone, metal and concrete as long as the right blade is attached.

If you need to remove paint or rust from surfaces then this is the tool. They come in different sizes, so choosing the right size is important. Most preppers will find one that is 4 ½ inches suitable for most jobs.

Some attachments to purchasing are discs (different types for different materials), diamond-tipped discs (for granite and asphalt), sanding pads & discs (removing and finishing), and cut-off discs (similar to a Dremel but much more powerful).

Reciprocating Saw

This piece of kit, alongside a cordless drill, should be on every prepper’s “I have to buy this tomorrow” list. It’s versatile and if you select the right blade you can cut through almost any material.

You can cut wood, prune branches and bushes, and easily cut through thick wood and metal. This is the tool you see firefighters use when they remove car roofs to free a victim in a crash.

When you buy this piece of kit, get an assortment of blades too. You will then be able to cut through different types of material. Keep in mind that the blades won’t last forever, so having a stock of some regular ones you use is advisable. 

Charger

Lots of manufacturers sell chargers that can plug into the 12-volt power port in your car or van.  This works in a similar way to charging the tools when you plug them into the wall. It ensures you can charge your equipment should the power go out and expands your ability to keep the batteries charged.

Most of them have indicator lights to show you when the battery charge is full, and many have a sensor to shut off the charger when your vehicle’s battery level gets to a certain point.

Manual Tools

There are lots of manual tools that come in handy too. If you want some of the most popular ones to add to your tool shed then this tool kit page gives some great ideas.

Conclusion    

Having some power tools as a prepper will allow you to be self-reliant and build any structure you feel is necessary. Small jobs can be completed around the home and if things head downwards you can be confident you have the right tools for any eventuality.

Brandon Smith is an Editor at TheSawGuy.com – a woodworking & DIY resource for everything from comparing the best table saws and mitre saws, to home and garden projects.

The post Power Tools for Preppers appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

from The Prepper Journal Don't forget to visit the store and pick up some gear at The COR Outfitters. How prepared are you for emergencies? #SurvivalFirestarter #SurvivalBugOutBackpack #PrepperSurvivalPack #SHTFGear #SHTFBag

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People are tired of being shut-in. Protesters in some states are making that message clear, telling their governors that it’s time to open the doors of their businesses. from Survivopedia Don't forget to visit the store and pick up some gear at The COR Outfitters. How prepared are you for emergencies? #SurvivalFirestarter #SurvivalBugOutBackpack #PrepperSurvivalPack #SHTFGear #SHTFBag

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Written by Guest Contributor on The Prepper Journal.

4 Realistic Threats You Should Be Prepping For

Editor’s note: This prepping primer was written by guest contributor Mark Hedman.

Shows like National Geographic’s Doomsday Preppers have shone a spotlight on the prepping lifestyle, and people across the country have joined the movement. Families are stockpiling water, food, weapons, essential first aid supplies, and more. While many people associate preppers with crazy people preparing for a zombie apocalypse, there are some real threats that you should be prepping for. You may be surprised at which ones make the list.

Prepping for Losing a Primary Source of Income

Losing a main source of income can be a catastrophic event for any family. Today, you almost need two incomes to survive, so what happens if you lose one of those? Worse yet, what if you’re single with only one source of income and lose it? 

Most preppers don’t talk about losing income, but it’s an event to plan for. Here’s what you can do:

Stock your pantry – Stocking your pantry with items you use every day is smart. Think beyond food. Look for items such as shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, toilet paper, and other household items. You can add to your stockpile a little at a time by purchasing items when they’re on sale. If you or your spouse lose a job, at least you have some of the necessities. 

Save an emergency fund – Many financial experts say that you should save enough money to cover at least six-months-worth of expenses and household bills. This savings account will help you pay for unexpected bills such as car repairs or cover expenses if you lose your job.

Aim for self-reliance – The more self-reliant you can be, the better. You can even take steps to move off-grid and away from community resources. Making the shift to off-grid prepares you to live without community services such as water, trash pickup, electricity, etc.

Prepare for Floods

Don’t think you are safe from the dangers of flooding if you live outside of flood-prone areas. Think of Hurricane Harvey and the destruction it caused in Texas. That hurricane remained over Texas for six days, making landfall three times in September 2017. Approximately one-third of Houston, Texas was underwater. According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Harvey caused $125 billion in damage, and 88 Texans died, mostly from rain, floods, and wind.

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the U.S., per Ready.gov. Flash floods can occur with no warning. To prepare for a flood, first check FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to see if you live in a flood area. Then sign up for your community warning system. You can also get alerts from NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration, and EAS—The Emergency Alert System.

Research evacuation plans and practice drills with your family. You should prepare a bug-out bag with essential survival gear, medications, and other necessities for your family members. Don’t forget your pet’s needs. 

Civil Disturbance and Social Unrest

The way society is today, expect something disastrous to occur. Communities are divided, and it seems sensitivity is at an all-time high. Be prepared for riots, active shooter incidents, and other similar events. 

Learn what to do to survive a riot and teach your family how to respond if they’re caught in the middle of an active shooter incident. Always remain aware of your surroundings when you’re in public, as situational awareness can save your life. Learn how to defend yourself and carry a weapon or tool for protection. Be prepared for anything.

Terrorist Attacks

The United States has been attacked multiple times from 9-11 to the present. Thousands of terrorists live right here in the U.S., so the likelihood of another attack increases every day. 

The Red Cross says that you can prepare by developing a disaster plan. Create a plan for communication with other family members or friends that live out of the area. They should live far enough away that they would not be affected by the same incident as you if one occurred. 

You and the other family or household you pick should email or call if something happens. Make sure each of your immediate family members has the contact information for the other family or friend. Leave the information with each of your children’s schools, and the workplaces of you and your spouse. Those numbers serve as a backup should something happen to you. 

If you need to evacuate work or home and get separated from your family, you should establish a meeting place for your immediate family members. Make sure you keep a bug-out bag with supplies on hand for incidents like this. Keep copies of important documentation like marriage and birth certificates, power of attorney, insurance policies, and other essential paperwork in a safe deposit box at your bank or at a friend or another family member’s house. 

Make sure you know school emergency plans for each of your children. Leave updated contact information with the schools and designate and give permission for other trusted friends or family members who can pick up the kids from school if you or your spouse can’t. 

These attacks could include dirty bombs or biological agents, and these are real threats that you may face. 

Post-Disaster Aftermath

You don’t need to just survive the disaster; you need to survive the aftermath as well. There are many things that you need to worry about after a disaster. You may be without community resources and utilities for an extended period. You’ll need food, household supplies, water, first aid supplies, and more. You need to be able to cook your food without electricity or gas. 

Sanitation may also become a problem if the local infrastructure fails. Your local grocery store may be shut down for a long time. 

Make a plan that covers all these possible problems and teach your family how to implement it. 

These are just a few events that you need to prepare for. Flooding and natural disasters can occur at any time and are common occurrences. Other disasters such as civil disturbance and terrorist attacks are less likely but still a real possibility. Also, you can lose your job tomorrow.

As the old adage says, hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. If you prepare for any of these events, you’ll be miles ahead of other people and will fare much better during and after a disaster. 

Mark Hedman is the CEO of LA Police Gear, located in Valencia, CA.

The post Are You Prepared? appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

from The Prepper Journal Don't forget to visit the store and pick up some gear at The COR Outfitters. How prepared are you for emergencies? #SurvivalFirestarter #SurvivalBugOutBackpack #PrepperSurvivalPack #SHTFGear #SHTFBag

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You'll find the 5 blood pressure categories and their corresponding levels, established by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association. from Survivopedia Don't forget to visit the store and pick up some gear at The COR Outfitters. How prepared are you for emergencies? #SurvivalFirestarter #SurvivalBugOutBackpack #PrepperSurvivalPack #SHTFGear #SHTFBag

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From the pocket monocular to night vision and thermal imaging, optics give the survivalist an edge and the ability to avoid trouble. from Survivopedia Don't forget to visit the store and pick up some gear at The COR Outfitters. How prepared are you for emergencies? #SurvivalFirestarter #SurvivalBugOutBackpack #PrepperSurvivalPack #SHTFGear #SHTFBag

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If you have back pain for some reason, there is going to come a time when you will have to work the muscles in your back in order to achieve a full recovery. from Survivopedia Don't forget to visit the store and pick up some gear at The COR Outfitters. How prepared are you for emergencies? #SurvivalFirestarter #SurvivalBugOutBackpack #PrepperSurvivalPack #SHTFGear #SHTFBag

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We, gear junkies, tend to get excited when a new piece of gear comes out and can’t wait to get our hands on it. But there’s a problem with being a gear junkie… from Survivopedia Don't forget to visit the store and pick up some gear at The COR Outfitters. How prepared are you for emergencies? #SurvivalFirestarter #SurvivalBugOutBackpack #PrepperSurvivalPack #SHTFGear #SHTFBag

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We compiled a list of winter survival tips to lift your spirits and help you live life to the fullest until tulips and hyacinths start to come up. Ready? from Survivopedia Don't forget to visit the store and pick up some gear at The COR Outfitters. How prepared are you for emergencies? #SurvivalFirestarter #SurvivalBugOutBackpack #PrepperSurvivalPack #SHTFGear #SHTFBag

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Written by Guest Contributor on The Prepper Journal.

Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of articles by guest author Kyt Lyn Walken on tracking and its applicability to prepping. — Wild Bill

Tracking. Maybe you heard about it from your grandfather or father during hunting season. Or you noticed it in some scenes from The Walking Dead series. Perhaps you’re a fan of Westerns and are familiar with Indian scouts bent to the ground, analyzing the terrain to gather information.

“Learning to read signs enables everyone to choose a safe route in life, staying safe and avoiding danger.”

John “Lofty” Wiseman, author of “SAS Survival Handbook”

Tracking is the art and science of identifying, following and interpreting human and animal tracks and signs. Basically, it’s about studying and comprehending the reaction of each type of surface to the passage of men and animals.

Primitive art, modern skill

This primitive art, founded on a process which involves both observation and deduction, is still alive. In times of crises and catastrophes, tracking takes on a special value. Tracking has been (and continues to be) successfully employed in search and rescue, law enforcement, border operations, and forensic science. But tracking can be applied to civilian life, too.

“Learning to read signs enables everyone to choose a safe route in life, staying safe and avoiding danger.” This quote, from John “Lofty” Wiseman (former Special Air Service) seems to fit perfectly, even in 2020. A tracker is not necessarily a fan of old times, but rather lives in the present, putting situational awareness above all. Through the use of this art, a tracker is able to collect information and have a clear picture in mind.

Tracking isn’t a topic you can learn in one or two days but, once acquired, it will serve you faithfully all your life. And in emergency situation, it might even save your life.

Image courtesy of author

You cannot read one book, add ego, stir in some ignorance, and come up with a tracker.

A.B. Taylor

Observation means selection. If you know where to look and what to look for, you will become proficient in getting all the details you need to understand if anyone has come onto your property, as an example.

During hunting season, you will have a better chance of successfully tracking your prey. If you find yourself lost in the middle of a hike and your GPS batteries are dead, tracking can help you follow your own footprints and safely return to your car.

These are but a few examples. However, learning this art requires time, patience, passion and dedication. AB Taylor, a well-known tracker and former Border Patrol Agent, used to say: “You cannot read one book, add ego, stir in some ignorance, and come up with a tracker. No, this sounds more like the ingredients of an incident commander to me.”

Practice makes perfect

This is absolutely true. If you miss out, you mess up. That’s my personal consideration of it. The best teacher of learning how to read and follow tracks is experience, there is no other way around it. Practice, especially side-by-side with an expert tracker and in all kinds of weather conditions, will help you to gain more confidence in what you do.

Kyt Walken points out some sign

You may be surprised by how you will become even more selective and inquisitive in your everyday life. The tracker is, tout court, a detective. In a worst-case scenario, the new inclination of your modus operandi will play a big difference, not only in reading tracks, but also in understanding the personality of people, their habits, and learning to foretell their actions.

In upcoming articles we will look at the effective application of this art as applied to preparedness.

Kyt Lyn Walken

Kyt Lyn Walken is the official European representative and instructor for Hull’s Tracking School (Virginia, USA), and is a certified Conservation Ranger for C.R.O.W. (Conservation Rangers Operations Worldwide). She has been an outdoors and tracking enthisast since childhood. Kyt lives and works in Europe, and can be contacted at www.man-tracking.com

The post Tracking, a Valuable Skill for Preppers appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

from The Prepper Journal Don't forget to visit the store and pick up some gear at The COR Outfitters. How prepared are you for emergencies? #SurvivalFirestarter #SurvivalBugOutBackpack #PrepperSurvivalPack #SHTFGear #SHTFBag

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Pack all the essential items because anything could go wrong. Bring a pocket knife, GPS, blanket, map, compass, first aid kit, and enough water and food. from Survivopedia Don't forget to visit the store and pick up some gear at The COR Outfitters. How prepared are you for emergencies? #SurvivalFirestarter #SurvivalBugOutBackpack #PrepperSurvivalPack #SHTFGear #SHTFBag

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Without following a few simple but essential safety rules, your own lack of respect for firearms can cause injury or death to your or others around you. from Survivopedia Don't forget to visit the store and pick up some gear at The COR Outfitters. How prepared are you for emergencies? #SurvivalFirestarter #SurvivalBugOutBackpack #PrepperSurvivalPack #SHTFGear #SHTFBag