When writing supernatural fiction, I have always found it far more fascinating to focus on what people at one time actually believed, even when dealing with icons such as werewolves and vampires. The fact that these fantastic creatures were once held to be real is fascinating from a psychological perspective, but what if we decided instead to take them at face value? What if we, for the sake of a good story, asked ourselves how these creatures would be if they really existed?
The best approach, I think, is not to ask what these monsters represented--although that in itself is very interesting--but how would they be if they were real. Of course, since what fascinates me is what people actually believed, I am intrigued with what people feared. These legends, if that is what they are, did not originate from warm, compassionate feelings but as projections of fear. Although it would be enjoyable and intriguing to delve into what fears exactly these monsters were projecting, it is their physical reality as held by believers that interests me.
European history, and indeed world history, is replete with hysterical moments where vampires, werewolves, and witches were seen everywhere, causing mischief, bringing plagues, and essentially explaining every sort of calamity. These powerful psychological projections and personifications of fear and misfortune say a lot about the workings of the human mind and about the human condition, but, however fascinating this all may be, from a fiction perspective it is always--well, almost always--better to treat these fictional monsters or psychological projections as if they were real. What if, for example, these hysterical moments were not so hysterical? What if creatures from another dimension, a dark and sinister one, had been crossing into our world in small numbers throughout our history? When writing about a vampire, for instance, what is relevant for me is how would an undead creature actually look, smell, and feel.
Of course, since the foundation of my supernatural writings is based on what people actually believed in and feared, I tend to treat traditional monsters as being wicked, deformed, and extremely powerful. The modern treatment, for example, of the vampire as eternally young and beautiful is a creation of fiction, and it does tend to neuter the myth. When people actually believed in these things, they did not see them as seductive nor as attractive, but as corrupt reanimated corpses. However, I should say, the beauty of writing fiction is that we can create entire worlds from scratch, so that my preference and fascination with human beliefs is not the only way to write about the supernatural, just a way that works for me.
Thursday 4 April 2013
What Is Anthropology?
Anthropology is the study of human beings, having its origins in humanities and social science. It is a discourse on the evolution of Homo Sapiens, who were their ancestors, the variations and differences of humans, how certain groups of humans behave in the society and what is the function of these creatures in the society and culture. Anthropology is considered to be one of the most important sections in education- there are anthropological science or biological anthropology, social and cultural anthropology, archeology and anthropological linguistics.
Anthropology by Carol R. Ember and Melvin Ember is the most helpful handbook for getting a general idea on the recent trends of anthropological research and developments. It describes the history of anthropology as well as the variety of anthropological studies and their impact on our socio-cultural environment. There is a detailed introduction on anthropology, origin of human beings, development of society and culture and their gradual adaptation to the evolution of language and family systems. Art, culture, economy and politics became intertwined in the history of anthropology of human beings. Applied anthropology is also discussed in detail how to deal with global social problems.
Introduction to Physical Anthropology by Robert Jurmain is an introduction to the physical and biological field of anthropology, specially compiled for students as a textbook. This book renders knowledge on all the basic principles of the subject and the place of the humans in this biological world. All the recent explorations are also covered under the book like molecular biology, primatology, genomics and fossil discoveries. This one is a great collection of information for educational purposes.
Social Anthropology and Human Origins by Alan Barnard places social anthropology in the context of anthropological sciences. This book approves the idea that anthropological sciences cannot be complete without socio- cultural studies. The social and cultural aspects of the particular field help us in exact understanding of our evolution history and its relation to society, culture, language, family and relationships and also art and customs. The recent findings on archeology and primatology are also incorporated in the studies of social anthropology. This book delivers a new angle on this most important sub- field of anthropology.
Archaeology A Very Short Introduction by Bill Tidy and Paul Bahn is a very helpful short introduction on how this sub-field evolved, what is the connection between anthropology and archeology and its impact on our society. This is a short theoretical knowledge book that will help the readers in arriving at an average conclusion on the definite subject. Through the lucid style of writing, the author engages the readers to have full comprehension of the subject. An academic outlook is born through the gathered knowledge.
The Anthropology of Language by Harriet Joseph Ottenheimer is kind of textbook that may help the readers in getting an idea on the history of linguistics and also its applications in the contemporary life. The main areas discussed in this book are historical linguistics, structural linguistics and socio-linguistics. The book provides visuals on the actual techniques and tools to be used in skilled application of language. Examples from other languages help in avoiding miscommunication.
These are Top 5 Recommended Books in the Study of Anthropology. They focus on the human population with its history of evolution, research on society and culture, discussions on human material culture and the processes of verbal and non verbal human communications and their variations and also their applications.
Anthropology by Carol R. Ember and Melvin Ember is the most helpful handbook for getting a general idea on the recent trends of anthropological research and developments. It describes the history of anthropology as well as the variety of anthropological studies and their impact on our socio-cultural environment. There is a detailed introduction on anthropology, origin of human beings, development of society and culture and their gradual adaptation to the evolution of language and family systems. Art, culture, economy and politics became intertwined in the history of anthropology of human beings. Applied anthropology is also discussed in detail how to deal with global social problems.
Introduction to Physical Anthropology by Robert Jurmain is an introduction to the physical and biological field of anthropology, specially compiled for students as a textbook. This book renders knowledge on all the basic principles of the subject and the place of the humans in this biological world. All the recent explorations are also covered under the book like molecular biology, primatology, genomics and fossil discoveries. This one is a great collection of information for educational purposes.
Social Anthropology and Human Origins by Alan Barnard places social anthropology in the context of anthropological sciences. This book approves the idea that anthropological sciences cannot be complete without socio- cultural studies. The social and cultural aspects of the particular field help us in exact understanding of our evolution history and its relation to society, culture, language, family and relationships and also art and customs. The recent findings on archeology and primatology are also incorporated in the studies of social anthropology. This book delivers a new angle on this most important sub- field of anthropology.
Archaeology A Very Short Introduction by Bill Tidy and Paul Bahn is a very helpful short introduction on how this sub-field evolved, what is the connection between anthropology and archeology and its impact on our society. This is a short theoretical knowledge book that will help the readers in arriving at an average conclusion on the definite subject. Through the lucid style of writing, the author engages the readers to have full comprehension of the subject. An academic outlook is born through the gathered knowledge.
The Anthropology of Language by Harriet Joseph Ottenheimer is kind of textbook that may help the readers in getting an idea on the history of linguistics and also its applications in the contemporary life. The main areas discussed in this book are historical linguistics, structural linguistics and socio-linguistics. The book provides visuals on the actual techniques and tools to be used in skilled application of language. Examples from other languages help in avoiding miscommunication.
These are Top 5 Recommended Books in the Study of Anthropology. They focus on the human population with its history of evolution, research on society and culture, discussions on human material culture and the processes of verbal and non verbal human communications and their variations and also their applications.
Origins Of Agriculture: Anthropology Vs Mythology
Anthropology Vs Mythology
One of the bigger mysteries in modern anthropology is the transition from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles to agricultural-based settlements. This is known as the "Agricultural Revolution". There are as many ideas and theories for the independent and relatively sudden transition from hunter-gatherer to settlements dependent of farming, as there are anthropologists who have pondered the issue. There are proposals for external factors vs. internal (social, cultural, economic) factors; global conditions vs. local conditions; climate related vs. population related; or a combination of circumstances: maybe even just the "it's time" factor.
The issue is the transition all happening at roughly the same time - about 10,000 years ago, give or take, in Europe, Mesoamerica, the Andean cultures, Egypt, the Middle East, Asia, etc. especially in the Fertile Crescent, N.E. China and Central America. Only North America (with the exception of the eastern half of what would become the United States), Australia and the far northern regions, like Siberia, retained for the most part a nomadic lifestyle.
But the really anomalous thing is that ever since our ancestors came down out of the trees and started walking upright, for all those millions of years, until roughly 10,000 years ago, we were hunter-gatherers or nomads. Then all of a sudden, wham, we settle down and raise crops and become 'civilized' just about universally across the social, cultural and geographical board. No one really has solid evidence to explain why.
The only idea NOT given or advanced is in fact the very one which human culture's themselves give - in their global mythologies. Agriculture (including the domestication of various species of wildlife - cattle, sheep, goats, horses, etc.) was a gift from their gods. Human mythologies presumably written down and/or orally passed from one human generation to the next human generation, gives no credit to humans for the transition. Humans rarely pass up an opportunity to pat themselves of the back, but this is an exception to that generality.
Humans have certain basic needs: air, water, sleep, certain temperature range and food. We're instant experts at breathing (air) and sleeping. We don't need to seek out, grow or harvest these. We have some control over temperature, and water supplies are usually pretty constant - rivers, springs, lakes, ponds, etc. Food is the dicey item.
The hunter-gatherer method of finding food takes less effort than agricultural tilling-the-fields settlements, so why settlements and why the shift from hunter-gatherer to agriculture is relatively short time frames in diverse parts of the world. Well, what the gods want, the gods get. And if the gods give you a gift, by the gods you'd better make use of it!
These gods (a sampling) oversaw and gave the gift of agriculture to humans thus explaining our transition from hunter-gatherers to settlements and civilization.
* Ninurta was the god of agriculture in the ancient Near East who taught all about crop production.
* Kumarbi: The Hittites had Kumarbi, the father of the gods and a grain deity.
* Osiris (Ancient Egypt): Before being bumped off and dismembered by his brother Seth (Set), and reassembled and resurrected by his sister-wife Isis, and promoted to god of the underworld, he was the god of agriculture who taught men (and women) how to raise corn and vines. That's why ancient Egyptians depicted him with green skin.
* Ceres was the Roman goddess of grain and agricultural fertility (from which we get the term cereal).
* Demeter was the Greek goddess and counterpart to Ceres; she was the goddess of corn, crops and fruit groves as well as fertility of the fields who taught humans agriculture.
* Triptolemus, under the direction and guidance of Demeter, brought people the gift of wheat and who spread the benefits of agriculture around the world.
* Chaac was the Mayan god of rain, hence a patron of agriculture like maize and vegetables and hence fertility.
* Xipe Totec was the Aztec god of maize and vegetation.
* Viracocha was a top Inca god who walked among humans, and, among other subjects, instructed students on agriculture. Further, Viracocha fathered two deities, Inti and Mama Quilla, who in turn had an offspring Manco Capac, the first Inca ruler, who also taught agriculture to his human subjects. The odd thing about Viracocha, the highest god in the Inca pantheon, was that he was depicted as pale, bearded with Caucasian features and with green eyes. This is quite akin to the Aztec deity Quetzalcoatl (Kakalcan to the Mayan and otherwise known throughout Mesoamerica under various aliases).
They both, Viracocha and Quetzalcoatl departed their respective regions to head over and across the sea with an "I'll be back" promise. That the Aztecs mistook the Spaniard Cortes for the return of Quetzalcoatl# speaks volumes about what Quetzalcoatl looked like - white, bearded, with Caucasian features. Alas, the enigma here is that there never was any cultural contact between Mesoamerica and the Incas, so why the similarity between Viracocha and Quetzalcoatl? Some New Agers view these white bearded deities of the Americas, who mysteriously vanish, as Jesus in the flesh. That aside, the important point is that Viracocha was a travelling professor of agriculture.
* Shennong: In Chinese mythology there's Shennong, the farmer god who invented the plough and taught people how to farm.
* Inari was in Shinto Japanese mythology a rice and fertility god.
* Bulul was a Philippines rice god who looked over seeds and the harvest.
* Nummo or Nommo (hybrid creatures) of the African Dogon culture of Mali were teachers (from the star Sirius according to some) who taught farming to mankind.
Of course what our ancient ancestors viewed as supernatural gods and goddesses, we think of them today more akin to flesh-and-blood extraterrestrials ('ancient astronauts') who came to Earth long ago with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal humans of that era. The 'gods' would have conducted their worldwide agricultural tutorials at roughly the same time, say about 10,000 years ago. Being practical, they ignored regions impractical for low-tech sustainable agriculture like vast deserts, the tundra, tropical rain forests, etc.
Now the obvious question is why would the 'gods' want to give us the gift of agriculture in the first place? That can probably be summed up by the Biblical phrase "be fruitful and multiply". In a hunter-gatherer society, babies are a burden. They contribute no labour, consume resources, and divert time and energy required for their care away from the daily survival tasks at hand. Since you have to carry your newborn brat around, being a nomadic troop, it hinders your hunting-gathering, so it is best to keep your brats well spaced - every four or five years apart minimum, so one brat can start to contribute a bit to the greater good before your next one pops out into the world.
But once in a settlement scenario, with a reliable food supply, you can start dropping your little bundles of joy nearly every year. There will be the establishment of a sort of child care centre or facility where one person, unable for health or elderly reasons to work the fields can look after all the little darlings, leaving mum free to toil away in the rice paddies or whatever. Though infant mortality will take its toll in either a hunter-gatherer society or in a settlement community, the more frequently bundles are dropped, the faster the population will increase; more workers to produce new and widen fields already under cultivation; build buildings, etc. And of importance too, once you take up a settlement way of life, then you have a need to defend that territory since a lot of sweat and toil went into staking out the community's land claim and making it productive. A rapid population increase makes defending your turf easier.
But what's in it for the 'gods'? Two things - first mythologies around the world are full of references that the 'gods' created humans to do the hard work, just like the CEO and Board of Directors of a mining company hires the great unwashed to actually do the hard work - go down into the mines with picks and shovels, etc. while the CEO and company watches from on high: more population - more workers. That's probably the real reason Adam and Eve got booted out of Eden and directed to start the daily grind and toil of farming (Genesis 3:23). It was probably all a setup from the get-go.
Secondly, what do 'gods' want? Well, to be worshiped. Do you get a greater buzz out of a hundred people bowing and scraping down and building small monuments to you, or a thousand or a million doing the same and building great big monuments to your glory? No dictator ever wants to appear in public and not have anyone turn out to render a worshiping salute.
Having achieved their objective, well it's on to the next inhabited planet for another challenge in civilizing the great unwashed.
One of the bigger mysteries in modern anthropology is the transition from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles to agricultural-based settlements. This is known as the "Agricultural Revolution". There are as many ideas and theories for the independent and relatively sudden transition from hunter-gatherer to settlements dependent of farming, as there are anthropologists who have pondered the issue. There are proposals for external factors vs. internal (social, cultural, economic) factors; global conditions vs. local conditions; climate related vs. population related; or a combination of circumstances: maybe even just the "it's time" factor.
The issue is the transition all happening at roughly the same time - about 10,000 years ago, give or take, in Europe, Mesoamerica, the Andean cultures, Egypt, the Middle East, Asia, etc. especially in the Fertile Crescent, N.E. China and Central America. Only North America (with the exception of the eastern half of what would become the United States), Australia and the far northern regions, like Siberia, retained for the most part a nomadic lifestyle.
But the really anomalous thing is that ever since our ancestors came down out of the trees and started walking upright, for all those millions of years, until roughly 10,000 years ago, we were hunter-gatherers or nomads. Then all of a sudden, wham, we settle down and raise crops and become 'civilized' just about universally across the social, cultural and geographical board. No one really has solid evidence to explain why.
The only idea NOT given or advanced is in fact the very one which human culture's themselves give - in their global mythologies. Agriculture (including the domestication of various species of wildlife - cattle, sheep, goats, horses, etc.) was a gift from their gods. Human mythologies presumably written down and/or orally passed from one human generation to the next human generation, gives no credit to humans for the transition. Humans rarely pass up an opportunity to pat themselves of the back, but this is an exception to that generality.
Humans have certain basic needs: air, water, sleep, certain temperature range and food. We're instant experts at breathing (air) and sleeping. We don't need to seek out, grow or harvest these. We have some control over temperature, and water supplies are usually pretty constant - rivers, springs, lakes, ponds, etc. Food is the dicey item.
The hunter-gatherer method of finding food takes less effort than agricultural tilling-the-fields settlements, so why settlements and why the shift from hunter-gatherer to agriculture is relatively short time frames in diverse parts of the world. Well, what the gods want, the gods get. And if the gods give you a gift, by the gods you'd better make use of it!
These gods (a sampling) oversaw and gave the gift of agriculture to humans thus explaining our transition from hunter-gatherers to settlements and civilization.
* Ninurta was the god of agriculture in the ancient Near East who taught all about crop production.
* Kumarbi: The Hittites had Kumarbi, the father of the gods and a grain deity.
* Osiris (Ancient Egypt): Before being bumped off and dismembered by his brother Seth (Set), and reassembled and resurrected by his sister-wife Isis, and promoted to god of the underworld, he was the god of agriculture who taught men (and women) how to raise corn and vines. That's why ancient Egyptians depicted him with green skin.
* Ceres was the Roman goddess of grain and agricultural fertility (from which we get the term cereal).
* Demeter was the Greek goddess and counterpart to Ceres; she was the goddess of corn, crops and fruit groves as well as fertility of the fields who taught humans agriculture.
* Triptolemus, under the direction and guidance of Demeter, brought people the gift of wheat and who spread the benefits of agriculture around the world.
* Chaac was the Mayan god of rain, hence a patron of agriculture like maize and vegetables and hence fertility.
* Xipe Totec was the Aztec god of maize and vegetation.
* Viracocha was a top Inca god who walked among humans, and, among other subjects, instructed students on agriculture. Further, Viracocha fathered two deities, Inti and Mama Quilla, who in turn had an offspring Manco Capac, the first Inca ruler, who also taught agriculture to his human subjects. The odd thing about Viracocha, the highest god in the Inca pantheon, was that he was depicted as pale, bearded with Caucasian features and with green eyes. This is quite akin to the Aztec deity Quetzalcoatl (Kakalcan to the Mayan and otherwise known throughout Mesoamerica under various aliases).
They both, Viracocha and Quetzalcoatl departed their respective regions to head over and across the sea with an "I'll be back" promise. That the Aztecs mistook the Spaniard Cortes for the return of Quetzalcoatl# speaks volumes about what Quetzalcoatl looked like - white, bearded, with Caucasian features. Alas, the enigma here is that there never was any cultural contact between Mesoamerica and the Incas, so why the similarity between Viracocha and Quetzalcoatl? Some New Agers view these white bearded deities of the Americas, who mysteriously vanish, as Jesus in the flesh. That aside, the important point is that Viracocha was a travelling professor of agriculture.
* Shennong: In Chinese mythology there's Shennong, the farmer god who invented the plough and taught people how to farm.
* Inari was in Shinto Japanese mythology a rice and fertility god.
* Bulul was a Philippines rice god who looked over seeds and the harvest.
* Nummo or Nommo (hybrid creatures) of the African Dogon culture of Mali were teachers (from the star Sirius according to some) who taught farming to mankind.
Of course what our ancient ancestors viewed as supernatural gods and goddesses, we think of them today more akin to flesh-and-blood extraterrestrials ('ancient astronauts') who came to Earth long ago with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal humans of that era. The 'gods' would have conducted their worldwide agricultural tutorials at roughly the same time, say about 10,000 years ago. Being practical, they ignored regions impractical for low-tech sustainable agriculture like vast deserts, the tundra, tropical rain forests, etc.
Now the obvious question is why would the 'gods' want to give us the gift of agriculture in the first place? That can probably be summed up by the Biblical phrase "be fruitful and multiply". In a hunter-gatherer society, babies are a burden. They contribute no labour, consume resources, and divert time and energy required for their care away from the daily survival tasks at hand. Since you have to carry your newborn brat around, being a nomadic troop, it hinders your hunting-gathering, so it is best to keep your brats well spaced - every four or five years apart minimum, so one brat can start to contribute a bit to the greater good before your next one pops out into the world.
But once in a settlement scenario, with a reliable food supply, you can start dropping your little bundles of joy nearly every year. There will be the establishment of a sort of child care centre or facility where one person, unable for health or elderly reasons to work the fields can look after all the little darlings, leaving mum free to toil away in the rice paddies or whatever. Though infant mortality will take its toll in either a hunter-gatherer society or in a settlement community, the more frequently bundles are dropped, the faster the population will increase; more workers to produce new and widen fields already under cultivation; build buildings, etc. And of importance too, once you take up a settlement way of life, then you have a need to defend that territory since a lot of sweat and toil went into staking out the community's land claim and making it productive. A rapid population increase makes defending your turf easier.
But what's in it for the 'gods'? Two things - first mythologies around the world are full of references that the 'gods' created humans to do the hard work, just like the CEO and Board of Directors of a mining company hires the great unwashed to actually do the hard work - go down into the mines with picks and shovels, etc. while the CEO and company watches from on high: more population - more workers. That's probably the real reason Adam and Eve got booted out of Eden and directed to start the daily grind and toil of farming (Genesis 3:23). It was probably all a setup from the get-go.
Secondly, what do 'gods' want? Well, to be worshiped. Do you get a greater buzz out of a hundred people bowing and scraping down and building small monuments to you, or a thousand or a million doing the same and building great big monuments to your glory? No dictator ever wants to appear in public and not have anyone turn out to render a worshiping salute.
Having achieved their objective, well it's on to the next inhabited planet for another challenge in civilizing the great unwashed.
The Benefits Of Agricultural Biotechnology
Agricultural biotechnology is any technique in which living organisms, or parts of organisms are altered to make or modify agricultural products, to improve crops, or develop microbes for specific uses in agricultural processes. Simply put, when the tools of biotechnology are applied to agriculture, it is termed as "agricultural biotechnology". Genetic engineering is also a part of agricultural biotechnology in today's world. It is now possible to carry out genetic manipulation and transformation on almost all plant species, including all the world's major crops.
Plant transformation is one of the tools involved in agricultural biotechnology, in which genes are inserted into the genetic structure or genome of plants. The two most common methods of plant transformation are Agrobacterium Transformation - methods that use the naturally occurring bacterium; and Biolistic Transformation - involving the use of mechanical means. Using any of these methods the preferred gene is inserted into a plant genome and traditional breeding method followed to transfer the new trait into different varieties of crops.
Production of food crops has become much cheaper and convenient with the introduction of agricultural biotechnology. Specific herbicide tolerant crops have been engineered which makes weed control manageable and more efficient. Pest control has also become more reliable and effective, eliminating the need for synthetic pesticides as crops resistant to certain diseases and insect pests have also been engineered. Phytoremediation is the process in which plants detoxify pollutants in the soil, or absorb and accumulate polluting substances out of the soil. Several crops have now been genetically engineered for this purpose for safe harvest and disposal, and improvement of soil quality.
According to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)'s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), in reference to a section specific to the major biotechnology derived field crops, out of the whole crop plantings in the United States in 2004, biotechnology plantings accounted for about 46 percent for corn, 76 percent for cotton, and 85 percent for soybeans.
Modern agricultural biotechnology has now become a very well-developed science. The use of synthetic pesticides that may be harmful to man, and pollute groundwater and the environment, has been significantly lessened with the introduction of genetically engineered insect-resistant cotton. Herbicide-tolerant soybeans and corn have also enabled the use of reduced-risk herbicides that break down more quickly in soil. These are nontoxic to plants or animals, and herbicide-tolerant crops help preserve topsoil from erosion since they thrive better in no-till or reduced tillage agriculture systems. Papayas resistant to the ringspot virus were also developed through genetic engineering, which saved the U.S. papaya industry.
Agricultural biotechnology may also be helpful in improving and enhancing the nutritious quality of certain crops. For example, enhancing the levels of beta-carotene in canola, soybean, and corn improves oil compositions, and reduces vitamin A deficiencies in rice. There are also researches going on in the field of biotechnology to produce crops that will not be affected by harsh climates or environments and that will require less water, fertilizer, labor etc. This would greatly reduce the demands and pressures on land and wildlife.
Tuesday 2 April 2013
Termite Fumigation - How to Prepare Your Home
If you have ever experienced a termite infestation in your home or know somebody who has, you know how upsetting and stressful it can be. Not only do termites cause expensive damage, they are also expensive to get rid of. In fact, termites cost homeowners more than 5 billion dollars in treatment and repairs each year. There are two types of termites: subterranean and drywood. Drywood termites cause the most damage in the US and can only be eliminated by tent fumigation.
Why Choose Fumigation?
In some very mild cases, spot treatment can eliminate all drywood termites in a home. But in most cases, by the time termites have been detected, the infestation is full-blown. Tent fumigation is the only way to kill 100% of the termites in a home.
Yearly inspection by a pest control expert can prevent mass infestation.
About Fumigation
For over 50 years, Vikane gas fumigant (made by Dow AgroSciences) has proved to effectively eliminate drywood termites. This is the gas of choice for all termite fumigators in the US. Vikane gas is quick-acting and does not leave any residue. However, it is still a dangerous toxic gas and can cause death. Proper fumigation preparation will ensure that you and your family stay safe and that your belongings are protected. The fumigation process will take a few days, so you will need to make arrangements to stay elsewhere during the process.
CHEMICAL THAT STOP TERMITE FROM DESTROYING WOOD AND FARMING GOOD ROCKET, PERFECT KILLER, CHLORO ACTION E.T.C
Fumigation Preparation
Follow the instructions given to you by your fumigation company. Speak to your neighbors and inform them of your termite problem and your plans to fumigate as it could work to your advantage. Often, more than one home in an area will have a termite infestation. Some pest control companies will give a special discount to neighbors who fumigate at the same time.
Tip: Preparing your home for termite fumigation is time-consuming. Do not leave it to the last minute. Preparation involves lots of packing and sorting. Plan to start at least a few days before the fumigation date.
1. Call the Gas Company - In most cases, your fumigation company will call your local gas company to notify it of the turn-off time for the gas. Clarify with your fumigator whether you need to make the call or not.
2. Notify Your Neighbors - If you haven't done so already, notify your neighbors that you will be fumigating. Sometimes the fumigators need access to part of the neighbors property. This is common in areas where homes are built close together. When neighbors' consent is needed, they will have to issue official permission and a release.
Exterior Preparation
1. Clear the Perimeter - Clearing the perimeter of your property is a must so that the fumigators can secure the fumigation tent. Clear all items to at least 5' away from the structure.
2. Unlock Gates and Doors - On fumigation day, unlock any gates and sheds. Fumigators are legally required to check all rooms to ensure that nobody is there before sealing the tents.
3. Water the Ground - Water will act as a barrier to the fumigant and will prevent contamination and damage to your plants. Water all plants and grass. If possible, trim plants back to one foot away from your home's structure.
4. Remove Vehicles - All vehicles must be removed from attached and unattached garages.
Interior Preparation
Your fumigation company will provide you with special double bags called Nylofume bags. These will protect your food and medications. Unopened metal cans do not need to be bagged. All dry food products must be sealed in the bags, including:
� Food in plastic bags such as pretzels, macaroni, etc.
� All medications
� Soaps and shampoos
� Cosmetics
There is some dispute about whether cosmetics need to be placed in the bags. Some fumigators say there is no need while others have a more conservative outlook. There is a common saying among termite fumigators: "When in doubt, take it out." In other words, better safe than sorry.
1. Double check that all food and medications are properly sealed in Nylofume bags. Follow the specific instructions provided with the bags for how to properly seal in them.
2. Remove valuables. All of the drawers in your home will be opened during fumigation. Remove your valuables or store them in a safe.
3. Discard the ice from your ice maker and turn it off.
4. Remove plastic mattress covers, as they can trap the gas.
5. On fumigation day, remove plants and pets from your house, including fish.
Drywood Termite Facts:
� Appearance - Light brown, 6 legs, long, narrow, oval, 3/8" to 1 inch long
� Commonly infest homes in warm coastal regions. California, Florida, Texas and Hawaii have the highest rate of drywood termites in the US.
� Drywood termites create colonies and live in areas you cannot access or see. Common areas where termites live include the roof and eaves, and deep inside walls, attics and crawlspaces. They can form colonies of up to 2,500 members.
� Can survive without any source of moisture or contact with the soil
� Drywood termites generally live, feed and nest in healthy wood with a low moisture content.
� Can infest wood-framed or concrete homes. Termites can pass through small cracks in concrete, as small as 1/32″.
Termite Prevention:
Drywood termite infestations can be prevented by occasionally checking for termite activity around your home. Small piles of sawdust-looking material and termite wings could be a sign that termites are in your home but have not yet multiplied and infested the whole place. Additionally, making sure firewood and scrap wood is stored at least 20 feet from the home will prevent termites from being enticed to your home. Seal cracks and crevices throughout your home, as this will prevent termites from gaining access to wood through small holes.
Understand The Different Methods of Pest Control
What is Pest Control?
Pest control is the regulation of a set of species, also called pests, as these are regarded as destructive to the ecology and human health. There had always been a requirement to keep crops protected from pests and hence, controlling pests have existed ever since the beginning of agriculture. These protect the herbivores that compete with humans and other species of weeds that compete with crops. Let us have a comprehensive understanding about pest control.
What are the different methods of pest control?
The most effective way to control pests involves in various steps and is called pest management. The significant step is to identify the kind of pest for pests can also be useful.
The major types of controlling pest involve:
1. Chemical control
2. Non-chemical method
3. Biological method.
Biological Method: This method involves in using natural parasites and predators in water resources and is totally safe to drink.
Bait with Poison: Poisoned bait is a usual method used to control rats. But these are not effective in garbage. However, this is also used to control fruit flies, slugs, caterpillars, etc.
Burning Fields: This is a traditional method used to destroy insects and its eggs in the fields after completion of harvest.
Traps: As the name suggests, there are readymade traps that are used to trap mice and rats from home and storage areas. Different designs of traps serve different purpose.
Spray Method: This method involves in using poisonous sprays through handheld sprayers, and is one of the most common methods for mosquitoes and other crop pests.
Fumigation: This method of pest control is used for structured areas and involves in sealing the area airtight and inducing gas concentration to kill all kinds of pests.
Space Treatment: This method is also similar to the fumigation method, except for the fact that, here, misting or fogging applicators are used with liquid insecticides that are dispersed into the structures. The difference is, there is no sealing or closing required for the effect.
Destruction of Plants: At times, the infected trees and plants in the forests are destroyed to control the pests.
Sterilization: This method is not successful so far though the effective method of soil steaming or sterilization has been fairly successful.
Repellents: Non-toxic rat repellent such as Balsam fir oil obtained from the tree is one of the approved methods.
Pest control is the regulation of a set of species, also called pests, as these are regarded as destructive to the ecology and human health. There had always been a requirement to keep crops protected from pests and hence, controlling pests have existed ever since the beginning of agriculture. These protect the herbivores that compete with humans and other species of weeds that compete with crops. Let us have a comprehensive understanding about pest control.
What are the different methods of pest control?
The most effective way to control pests involves in various steps and is called pest management. The significant step is to identify the kind of pest for pests can also be useful.
The major types of controlling pest involve:
1. Chemical control
2. Non-chemical method
3. Biological method.
Biological Method: This method involves in using natural parasites and predators in water resources and is totally safe to drink.
Bait with Poison: Poisoned bait is a usual method used to control rats. But these are not effective in garbage. However, this is also used to control fruit flies, slugs, caterpillars, etc.
Burning Fields: This is a traditional method used to destroy insects and its eggs in the fields after completion of harvest.
Traps: As the name suggests, there are readymade traps that are used to trap mice and rats from home and storage areas. Different designs of traps serve different purpose.
Spray Method: This method involves in using poisonous sprays through handheld sprayers, and is one of the most common methods for mosquitoes and other crop pests.
Fumigation: This method of pest control is used for structured areas and involves in sealing the area airtight and inducing gas concentration to kill all kinds of pests.
Space Treatment: This method is also similar to the fumigation method, except for the fact that, here, misting or fogging applicators are used with liquid insecticides that are dispersed into the structures. The difference is, there is no sealing or closing required for the effect.
Destruction of Plants: At times, the infected trees and plants in the forests are destroyed to control the pests.
Sterilization: This method is not successful so far though the effective method of soil steaming or sterilization has been fairly successful.
Repellents: Non-toxic rat repellent such as Balsam fir oil obtained from the tree is one of the approved methods.
Pest Control Industry Wants to See New Pest Control Programs Created Soon
Apart from plans to force farmers to comply to new pesticide control, the pesticide industry is behind the move from potentially harmful chemicals to natural techniques in eradicating pests from crops along with other enemies such as some types of plants. Pest management, according to the National Agricultural Chemicals Association who create most of the pesticides that are found in the United States, could possibly be the best way to keep pests away from the crops and keep farmers in business.
In an interview the president of the association claims that whichever methods of controlling pests is best will be supported by the association, and the time has come for natural methods to take the limelight. There is no opposition from the pesticide industry against any method of pest control, in fact, they are willing to help design a pest control method that is good for the environment.
We do not believe that the regulatory processes are necessary to force pest control instructions to be put on labels. Much better than prior strategies which were employed, the demonstrative and educational methods are far better, experience has taught everyone. The term 'pests' does not just describe insects that can be harmful to plant life, it includes other plants such as weeds or diseases. Up to this point, most farmers use chemical pest control to keep their crops healthy and free from pests.
There are plenty of concerns however for the environment in relation to some of the most popular chemicals, therefore the government is currently cracking down on those chemicals that are seen to have the most potential for harm. There has been a great deal of research into these questionable pesticides, such as DDT and others. There is now a new more natural approach designed to manage pest control without relying upon chemicals. Improved cultural methods, biologic controls and other techniques are used for natural pest control, all designed to lesson the dependence on chemicals.
The association has released a position paper that there is a new danger creeping in of the government inserting itself into the proceedings as the new methods catch on, and they may attempt to clamp down on the use of certain pesticides that are necessary for food production. The main concern is whether or not the farmers will be able to decide if they want to use the natural pest control methods, or if the government will make the decision for them.
It suggested that one particular idea for hyper-regulating, which the government is contemplating, involves the newer method of making directions be used on the packaging of chemical pesticides. This would mean that such chemicals would only be allowed after natural methods had been exhausted and had not worked.
This means that the government wants to relegate the chemical pesticides to a role of last resort, only to be used if the natural methods are not working, but necessarily to be used if only crop loss is to be considered. On the other hand, a spokesperson from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that there has been no proposal made as of this moment about this subject.
In an interview the president of the association claims that whichever methods of controlling pests is best will be supported by the association, and the time has come for natural methods to take the limelight. There is no opposition from the pesticide industry against any method of pest control, in fact, they are willing to help design a pest control method that is good for the environment.
We do not believe that the regulatory processes are necessary to force pest control instructions to be put on labels. Much better than prior strategies which were employed, the demonstrative and educational methods are far better, experience has taught everyone. The term 'pests' does not just describe insects that can be harmful to plant life, it includes other plants such as weeds or diseases. Up to this point, most farmers use chemical pest control to keep their crops healthy and free from pests.
There are plenty of concerns however for the environment in relation to some of the most popular chemicals, therefore the government is currently cracking down on those chemicals that are seen to have the most potential for harm. There has been a great deal of research into these questionable pesticides, such as DDT and others. There is now a new more natural approach designed to manage pest control without relying upon chemicals. Improved cultural methods, biologic controls and other techniques are used for natural pest control, all designed to lesson the dependence on chemicals.
The association has released a position paper that there is a new danger creeping in of the government inserting itself into the proceedings as the new methods catch on, and they may attempt to clamp down on the use of certain pesticides that are necessary for food production. The main concern is whether or not the farmers will be able to decide if they want to use the natural pest control methods, or if the government will make the decision for them.
It suggested that one particular idea for hyper-regulating, which the government is contemplating, involves the newer method of making directions be used on the packaging of chemical pesticides. This would mean that such chemicals would only be allowed after natural methods had been exhausted and had not worked.
This means that the government wants to relegate the chemical pesticides to a role of last resort, only to be used if the natural methods are not working, but necessarily to be used if only crop loss is to be considered. On the other hand, a spokesperson from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that there has been no proposal made as of this moment about this subject.
Tomato Plant Pest Control Using Trap Crops
The use of trap crops around tomato plants is a very controversial subject. There are home gardeners who have had great success with this idea, but there are others who have not had much success at all, and in fact some have found that they have increased the pests near and on their tomato plants. Because these crops do attract similar pests as those that like the tomato plants it is understandable that the process could backfire on the gardener.
The idea is to lure certain pests away from the tomato plants and onto the trap crops which then need to be removed when they are infected or at least some sort of control of the pests on these crops is essential so that they are not actually 'growing' more pests that will go back to the tomato plants.
What to Plant With Tomato Plants.
I say 'may work' because for this system to work it still needs effort from the grower to get rid of the pests once they are on the trap crop.
1. Marigolds will deter beetles which can be a problem in some areas. They also deter nematodes which harm tomato plants.
2. Carrots are very good for the tomato plant but the carrots themselves might remain stunted. Carrots do actually need to flower to be of any use with their insect-attracting properties, so a grower may decide to plant carrots for this purpose only and not for consumption.
3. Dill and Lovage - these two herbs are popular with the hornworms so if you can get them to work for you then that would be fantastic as these worms are voracious eaters.
4. Allium family (onions, garlic, shallots, chives, leek etc.) - repel slugs, aphids.
5. Radishes help lure the flea beetle away from the tomato plant which can work well because otherwise the flea beetle is hard to control.
6. Squash and cucumber are popular as a trap crops for managing the whitefly and tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). Tropical and subtropical areas face whitefly as the major tomato growing problem.
7. Thrips are attracted very strongly to blue so using crops with a blue flower or suitable plants in blue pots could work well.
Where to Plant a Trap Crop.
Often a trap crop is planted around the outside of a tomato crop, but with a home garden situation the plants may just be planted nearby.
The advantage of using trap crops successfully is that they save on the amount of pesticides that need to be used which in turn reduces costs. Growers indicate that tomatoes plants produce better quality fruit when trap crops have been used.
Tomato Growing Tips on Crop Rotation and Pest Control
Crop rotation is what most gardeners think of when talking about improving the nutritional value of their soil through growing different crops each year. But crop rotation is also beneficial in breaking the cycle of pests and diseases. Many tomato gardeners are not aware of the benefits of this technique and it is a tomato growing tip that they should consider for better end results.
The old saying "the quality of the soil affects the quality of the plants growing above it" is so true.
Pest And Disease Control.
One downside of getting the right results of crop rotation is if the neighboring plots are not doing the same thing. It means that the diseases and pests will quite probably be prevalent in them and not help the situation at all.
Tomatoes are part of the nightshade family and for crop rotation to work properly plants of the same family should be avoided in the rotation as they will take the same nutrients from the soil and will attract the same pests. This means that plants like peppers, potatoes, tobacco and morning glory should be avoided. These members of the same family also deplete the soil of the same nutrients.
Similar Nutrients.
As mentioned earlier, when crop rotation is done correctly the soil is being replenished with nutrients from crops that are not using the same nutrients as the previous crop. Crop rotation may mean that a crop is planted that is purely and simply grown as fertilizer or mulch. Hairy vetch is such a crop that may be planted in the off year and is an excellent mulch crop for tomatoes, plus it adds nutrients to the soil.
Crop Rotation Cycle.
A home tomato gardener who is using organic compost in his soil on a regular basis could quite possibly find that he can get away with a two year rotation cycle, whereas a grower who is seeking high volume return crops would most likely need to have a three year rotation cycle. It is possible that they might get away with it the first time with a two year toation but after that the soil will deteriorate and it will be difficult to bring it back to quality soil again.
Even during the period of resting the soil it is best to feed it with organic matter. The more the soil is fed the better the harvest will be from it. It is better to be planting in a soil that has had plenty of organic matter worked through it over a longer period than have a whole heap of organic matter added just prior to planting.
One tomato growing tips is that to rotate crops it can mean that other vegetables are grown in the tomato plot such as carrots, lettuces, peas or vegetables of personal choice. It does need to be kept in mind though that for each new crop the soil nutrients will need to be adjusted to suit the crop being planted.
So what is organic matter? It is "plant and animal material in the process of decomposing." Sounds lovely doesn't it? Not! But it does do wonders for the soil and that is what we are about when planting tomato plants with the goal in mind of producing a good crop of fresh succulent tomatoes.
For novice gardeners this information on crop rotation will be invaluable because it is quite likely they have not thought about this in terms of how to produce better crops.
Monday 1 April 2013
Type Of Sprayer
A) Knapsac Sprayers:
Loaded on the back of worker during operations. Tanks may be plastic or metal. Common Knapsack sprayers are
i) Hydraulic
ii) Manual pneumatic and
iii) Motorized pneumatic.
i) Hydraulic Knapsac Sprayers:
Manually operated, tank capacity is
16 liters, mechanical or hydraulic agitation, worked with a hand lever
to maintain constant pressure, particularly used for spot treatment
small holding farmer and hand treatment. Equipped with a boom. It is
good for blanket application.
Pneumatic or compressed system Knapsack:
Do not require pumping during operation / spraying. The tank is pressurized after filling the liquid to 2/3rd capacity with a built in hand pump. Undesirable for weedicide spray pressure lower after some time spraying resulting into uneven spray. Tank cleaning is difficult. Used limited to spray on weeds in paddy and jute.
Motorised Pneumatic sprayers:
As a low volume sprayer suitable for
spraying concentrated spray liquid. A blast of air flows through
spraying jet of delivery hose and nozzle tube and ejects spray liquid
in this blast. Air blast atomizes spray liquid in to fine droplets. Air
acts as carrier. Faster the air is pressured, more the atomization.
These sprayers are also used as blowers. Mist blower cause considerable
loss of herbicide by winds. The main advantages of Knapsac blower are:
1. Low volume spray. Loss of time in refilling tanks.
2. Portable working.
3. Fast spraying. Suited to post emergence translocated type. Herbicides as low volume
Spraying is not so uniform with Knapsac blowers.
Liquid – 60 liters / ha swath 7 to 8 m.
1. Low volume spray. Loss of time in refilling tanks.
2. Portable working.
3. Fast spraying. Suited to post emergence translocated type. Herbicides as low volume
Spraying is not so uniform with Knapsac blowers.
Liquid – 60 liters / ha swath 7 to 8 m.
Foot Sprayer / Pedal Pump Sprayers:
Popularly applied for pesticide application operated with foot. It has provision of 1 – 2 long delivery hoses. Fitted with either lance or 2-6 nozzle booms. Its potential spray pressure is 17 to 21 kg / cm2 output with lance is 1 ha/day. It can spray high volume spray and covers more area.
Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Luck now has developed bullock drawn sprayer with size nozzle boom that of powered from the wheels of the frame. It is efficient, easy to operate and simple in its construction. It uses two pneumatic pumps and develops maximum pressure of 2-8 cm2 which his suited to minimize spray drift. Area covered 2-3 ha/day equipment.
Tractor mounted sprayers:
With spray pressure of 1.4 to 2.8 kg
cm2 and fitted with multi nozzle boom are very useful in herbicide
application for large holding of farmers. Tractor mounted sprayer
fitted with booms are used to spray road side vegetation. Tractor run
sprayers have.
1. High uniformity of sprayers.
2. High working efficiency.
3. Full utilization of tractor during idle time.
Herbicide application from air is limited to treat aquatic weeds like water hyacnth, paddy fields, large sugarcane plantation. Presence of obstacles like trees and diversified farming in India are bottle necks in its use.
CHEMICAL FOR HERBICIDE
How to Start Your Own Fumigation Service Business
You can start and run your own business, working for yourself, fumigating houses for money. You should find out all the applicable laws for your area, as fumigation is a serious business. Lots of homes are fumigated to kill termites, insects, and other pests. Usually if someone buys, or sells a home, it is tented up, which means, you cover the whole entire house with a canvas like material, and make sure no one is inside the home, no pets or humans, before you start to fumigate the house, that is the most important thing.
Usually a home or building it completely covered, and chemicals are set off inside the enclosed environment, just like a big circus tent, and the gases inside are supposed to kill anything inside, including humans and pets, so that is still the most important part of the job, making sure nobody is inside, when the gases go off.
You could contact pest control companies in your area that do not offer fumigation services. Offer them, and let them know you would give them a percentage of the invoice, for any jobs they turn your way, and you do.
You should have nice signs on your vehicle saying you are in the fumigation business. When you cover a house up, that is your best place to hang a nice big sign. Other home owners in the area will see the house that is being fumigated for sure, when it is covered up like a great big tent, and a sign there is your best exposure for other customers.
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