How to cure Mono!

Mononucleosis, sometimes referred to a "mono," is an acute infectious, viral disease usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or cytomegalovirus, both of which belong to the Herpes virus group. Mono is often also referred to as "sleeping sickness," or "kissing sickness," since it is very contagious and is mainly transferred from one person to the other, through saliva, Though kissing is one of the most common ways for the EBV to spread, it is not the only way. You could also be exposed to the mono-causing virus in case you share food or utensils with an infected person. Fortunately, mono is not as contagious as some of the other similar infections, which include the common cold. In fact, most adults have been exposed to the virus at some time or the other and have developed antibodies towards it. Mono affects the lymph tissue, the respiratory system, and sometimes other organs such as the liver, spleen, and, rarely, the heart and kidneys, and presents with an increase of white abnormal blood cells and development of persistent antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus and short-lived antibodies to beef, horse, and sheep red blood cells. It is quite unlikely for you to experience the symptoms of mono immediately after exposure to the virus, as an incubation period of between 4 to 8 weeks is normal. However, younger children may show the symptoms a bit faster as compared to adults. In fact, since young kids have symptoms that are less severe, this condition may go unnoticed in them. Symptoms of mono include severe fatigue, headache, alternating chills and a high fever, sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes, especially in the neck. Symptoms can vary and be confusing because the mono viruses can affect different organs such as the spleen, liver, eyelids, and sometimes the heart. Ten percent of people with mono also develop rashes and/or darkened bruises in the mouth. Mono typically occurs between the ages of 14 -18, and only in people who have never before had antibodies to the viruses that cause it. Note: Mono`s symptoms are very similar to the flu, which must be ruled out. Almost all cases improve without drugs within four to six weeks. Though antibiotics are often prescribed for mono, in actuality they are of little use unless there is an associated bacterial infection. In addition, the antibiotic ampicillin will often make mono worse and should be avoided. Also avoid aspirin as it can create further complications in rare cases. In most instances mononucleosis is not very severe and gets resolved on its own within a few weeks. However, it is possible to suffer from chronic mono, which lasts for more than two or three weeks. Although, it is possible for mono to be recurrent, which means that you may get a relapse, after the condition is cured. In case you have a weakened immune system because of any health condition then the illness could be a bit more serious. This is also applicable if you are on any drugs to suppress your immune system, after an organ transplant. It is very important for you to be careful of certain complications that can arise from mono, such as an enlarged spleen or liver problems. Some of the less severe complications that have also been known to arise from the EBV include anemia, thrombocytopenia, heart inflammation, encephalitis, meningitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome and swollen tonsils. Proper treatment in the early stages of mononucleosis must emphasize appropriate bed rest. If there is enlargement of the spleen or liver, the rest may need to be prolonged and strenuous exercise must be avoided until these organs return to normal size. There are natural cures for Mononucleosis that do not involve the use of pharmaceutical drugs. These alternatives to classic mononucleosis treatments involve restoring the biochemical balance of the body, and making dietary and lifestyle changes designed to improve one's general health. Symptoms of Mononucleosis Given below are some of the most common signs and symptoms for mononucleosis: Breathing difficulty Appearance of a rash on the skin Changes in the color of the skin, as it takes on a yellowish tint Extreme weakness and fatigue Intense headaches or body aches Lack of appetite, often accompanied by weight loss Malaise Moderate to high fever Night sweats Sore throat, which is quite severe and does not seem to get better in spite of using antibiotics Swollen lymph nodes, glands and tonsillitis Infants and toddlers can also suffer from mono, but in such cases the symptoms are a little more subtle. Apart from the more common symptoms, babies may also show increased irritability. Some of them may refuse to eat or drink milk as normal. Unfortunately, the symptoms for mononucleosis are not exclusive and can be observed in many other health conditions. This is probably why the condition is not easily detected in younger people. Some of the symptoms, like fever, sore throat and headaches last for a week or so, after which they abate or disappear completely. However, the signs like fatigue and swollen lymph nodes usually last a bit longer. It could be a few weeks before they finally disappear. A soft and swollen spleen could also be one of the symptoms of mononucleosis. This is usually characterized by soreness, pain and tenderness in the upper left part of your belly. Severe mono could cause your spleen to rupture or burst which is very dangerous and requires immediate medical attention. Therefore, you need to visit the emergency room in case you have mono accompanied by severe pain in the upper left part of the abdominal region. Causes of Mononucleosis The Epstein Barr Virus is what leads to mononucleosis and it can be found throughout the world. Although this virus can infect just about anyone, mono is more common in children, teenagers, adolescents and younger adults. Studies indicate that in the United States, around 95% of the adults between the ages of 35 and 40 have already developed antibodies against EBV. This means that most of us have been infected by the virus at some time or the other. It is also important to realize that once the virus enters your body, it will always stay there. However, it remains dormant for a majority of the time, but can get active once in a while. When it is active, it can be transmitted from one person to the other, causing mono to spread. There are many different factors that can cause the virus to spread. Mono gets transmitted through contact with infected saliva or, in some instances, tears too. Mucus from the throat or nose can also cause the virus to spread. Therefore, it is best to avoid kissing a person who has been infected. Sharing toothbrushes, eating utensils, glasses or linens with infected people should also strictly be avoided, as it could lead to mono. Remedies for Mononucleosis There is no specific medical treatment that is recommended for mono, as antibiotics do not really help in getting rid of a virus. Therefore, it is all about self-care and the use of home remedies that can alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms. Medical treatment is only provided to control symptoms if they are threatening or if there is a risk of complications developing. Given below are a few simple and natural home remedies for mononucleosis: Get an adequate amount of sleep and sufficient rest throughout the day. This will allow your body to recover at a faster pace. When it comes to treating mono, rest is one of the most important factors. Unfortunately, mono takes a couple of weeks to resolve completely and most individuals do not wait for the required period of time. Exerting yourself physically because of work or school can increase the risks of a relapse. A strep throat can easily lead to mono, which is why it should be treated as soon as possible. The best way to deal with a strep throat is by gargling with warm saltwater a couple of times a day. For best results, try to use an entire glass of warm water in one go. You can relieve some of the symptoms of mono by keeping your throat moist at all times. This also helps reduce throat irritation or inflammation to a great extent. You could suck on a piece of candy, some ice or a Popsicle for this purpose. Drink a lot of water during the course of the day, to flush any toxins from your body and strengthen the immune system. Warm liquids will also help alleviate the irritation in the throat and fever. In case you have the habit of smoking, you are strongly advised to quit smoking for a few weeks at least. Smoking can aggravate the symptoms of mono and therefore should be strictly avoided. Diet for Mononucleosis. Health care experts across the world stress the importance of a healthy diet for boosting the immune system and fighting off any virus. Switch to a mostly raw food diet over the course of the illness, to help build up your immune system. At least 50% of the foods you eat should be comprised of uncooked, unprocessed plant foods. Eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, seeds, whole grains and the like. Totally avoid white flour, sugar. fried foods, processed foods, sodas and coffee. Try spirulina, a blue-green algae discovered by ancient Mayans. Spirulina aids in enhancing immunity. It is relatively safe to take and has been found to have no drug interactions. You should, however, speak with your health care practitioner before taking spirulina, if you have phenylketonuria or are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is a must! Eat Organic - Fresh fruits like berries, apples, bananas, oranges and other citrus fruits. Vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, kale spinach and other varieties of leafy greens. Certain varieties of seafood that are high in Omega 3 fatty acids, like mackerels, tuna, haddock, salmon and other cold water fish. Cereals and whole grains, which include oats, brown rice, whole grain bread and wheat pasta, to name a few. Lean meat, like skinless chicken and turkey. Beans and legumes and Eggs . Increasing Fluid Intake: It is important to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day, especially when recovering from a viral illness. In addition to water, you could also make sure that you drink fluids like vegetable juice, fruit juice, herbal tea, barley water, coconut water or clear soup at regular intervals during the day. Eating Regularly: In case of a viral infection, it may be difficult for your body to process a large meal, which in turn, could lead to digestive problems. In order to avoid such problems, it is best to make sure that you eat around 5 to 6 small meals at regular intervals during the day to avoid putting your digestive system under any stress. Eliminating Unhealthy Foods: It is important to make sure that you avoid consuming unhealthy foods like junk food, fried food, sweets, fattening foods, foods with high sodium content, refined foods and prepackaged meals while recovering from mono. Other foods that should be strictly avoided include chocolate, alcohol, aerated drinks, coffee and tea. In case your diet does not provide your body with the adequate amount of nutrition, it may be best for you to add some vitamin and mineral supplements. Suggested supplements you should take are Vitamins A, C and E as well as zinc and selenium which will help strengthen your immune system and help your body treat your mononucleosis. But, make sure to consult a health care practitioner for daily recommended doses.. Herbal Allies for Prevention of Mononucleosis/EBV Infection The Author heartily recommends Astragulus root for preventing EBV infection. Astragulus is a powerful anti-viral that does particularly well up against a vast host of viruses. Astragulus tincture is the most effective form of this herb. Echinacea root is easily available in many forms to boost the immune system. Teas, tinctures, capsules and glycerites are just a few ways to get this herb. Lemon Balm leaf is an antiviral herb specifically suited to deal with the family of viruses known as Herpesviridae of which EBV is a member. Lemon Balm herb is not only effective but its lemony taste makes it one of the easiest herbal medicines to take in teas, tinctures or glycerites. Herbal Allies for Recovery from Mononucleosis/EBV Infection Goldenseal root and Oregon Grape root are very important tinctures to take during recovery from mono since secondary bacterial infections, such as ear infections, may occur. Glycerite versions of these herbs are available but should be reserved for the very stubborn patients since bacteria also feeds on the sugar in glycerites. Teas of Goldenseal and Oregon grape root generally taste terrible, and do not even try to give them to children unless the taste is heavily disguised with other herbs. Consider harvesting Oregon Grape berries for healthy jams and jellies or juice the berries and add this to homemade drinks. Remember that the flowers of Oregon Grape are edible too. Goldenseal Caution: Goldenseal, which contains a bacteria-killing compound known berberine, comes from a hairy-stemmed plant that is a member of the buttercup family. You can get goldenseal in capsule or tea form. Take, as directed by the individual product you get, but it should not be taken for more than a week. There are possible side-effects, including digestive problems, light-sensitivity and skin irritation. Should you begin experiencing any of these side-effects, stop taking goldenseal. You should not take goldenseal if you have high blood pressure or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Anyone taking prescription medications should talk to a health care practitioner before using goldenseal, to prevent the danger of drug interactions. One side effect of mono is a swollen liver. Dandelion root, greens or whole plant (without the flower and stem) and/or milk thistle does wonders for reducing stress on the liver but, milk thistle, contains the liver-protecting ingredient known as silymarin. You can get it in extract, capsule or tea form and should take it, according to the directions of the individual protect you are using. If you are allergic to plants that come from the Asteraceae family, using the herb milk thistle is inadvisable and you should not take it. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking prescription medications or being treated for a serious medical condition, you should speak to your health care practitioner before taking milk thistle. Fight infection with olive leaf extract. It is believed to have antiviral and antioxidant properties. Use as directed by the individual product you have chosen. There are no known interactions with prescription medications. If you are diabetic, pregnant or breastfeeding, however, you should not take olive leaf extract before consulting your health care practitioner. Garlic - never forget taking garlic! Try adding chopped dandelion greens to your patient's broth before straining and serving it. Warm vegetable broth feels comforting to patients recovering from mono and is a great way to get much needed nutrition that is easy for the body to digest. If you make your own broth from scratch, you can reduce the amount of salt that is normally available in store bought broths to a healthier level without losing the flavor. The Author also recommends the use of Apple Cider vinegar, Coconut oil and hydrogen peroxide to kill viruses - please read Chapter 46 on Inflammation at: http://www.stephentvedten.com/46_Inflammation.pdf But, by all means try the organic coconut oil!

Got worms?

The cure to virtually all internal parasites is simple, safe and effective - simply ingest food-grade DE/Garlic - The Center for Disease Control lists worm parasites as #1 human health risk. There have been numerous studies that show that nearly 85% of Americans have parasites in their bodies. The parasites may be found in uncooked foods, contaminated soil, vegetables, meat, feces, or the worm eggs may be in the wind. And while food-grade DE is highly deadly for insects and arachnids, it doesn’t do a bit of harm to us. Instead, DE can actually be beneficial both as a nutrient and as a way of ridding our bodies of internal parasites. The only way food-grade DE could ever harm humans or animals is if we breath in a great deal of it. So be careful not to breathe in too much of DE, and you should be fine. Some of the common worm types are Roundworms - also called Protozoa, flukes - may cause trichinosis leading to muscle damage and complications of the cardio and neuro systems. Hookworms - contagious intestinal parasites with the shape of an earthworm but of smaller size - may cause the soles of the feet to itch, and possibly bloody spit from the mouth, fever, rash, and loss of appetite. Pinworms - appear as short white threads of 1/3 inch length or shorter and are the most prevalent worm problem for young children - may cause sever anal itching, insomnia and restlessness. These worms tend to migrate out through the anus at night to lay eggs. Tapeworms - are from one inch to thirty feet in length and may live in the body for up to 25 years -may cause weight loss, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Threadworms - may cause coughing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, and itchy red abrasions on the anus. "In her book “The Cure for All Cancers”, Dr. Hulda Clark implicates parasites as the root cause for most of the diseases inflicting the human species. As long as they remain in the intestines our immune system can deal with them. When they are allowed to escape the intestines they settle in the most vulnerable parts of our body. Dr. Clark states that cancer can be cured, not just treated and after years of study, she discovered that many cancer patients have a certain parasite in their bodies. She experienced clinical studies that after removing this parasite, the cancer stopped immediately, and the tissue returned to normal again." DE has been used for many years to deworm pets and has been used more recently in humans. With the ingestion of Sushi and other raw types of seafood, or with eating undercooked meats or contaminated food products, there are more instances than ever before of worms in humans. Most people do not realize the amount of parasites that exist in their body but this website should help you understand that we are loaded with them. Diatomaceous earth is safe for humans and their intestines. Please read: http://www.stephentvedten.com/45_Organic_Pet_Care.pdf

How to safely control internal parasites

Killing Parasitic Eggs and Worms in the Yard - Clean any outdoor kennel area. Remove and properly dispose of fecal material daily. Clean the kennel's floor surfaces with a solution of Safe Solutions Tweetmint Enzyme Cleaner 1-2 ounces and 1/2 cup of borax per gallon of water.. Steam clean the floors to kill any remaining eggs. Remove all animal waste from the yard. Place animal waste in a garbage bag rather than tossing it on a compost pile, into shrubs or any other location. Prune back shade-giving structures such as trees or bushes in the yard. This will expose the yard to more direct sunlight. The direct sunlight is harmful to the worm eggs and will kill them over time. Finally. lightly spread diatomaceous earth in the yard. This substance contains organisms that may destroy the worm eggs and/or hatched worms may also eat it, killing them. But, it will also kill the fleas. Reports of safe and far more effective internal parasite elimination using food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) include: Tape worms, hook worms, whip worms, round worms, pinworms, lung worms and heart worms. Tapeworms live in the small intestines and vary from less than an inch to several feet in length. The head of the worm fastens to the wall of the gut by hooks and suckers. The body is composed of segments that contain the egg packets. To cure tapeworm infection, the head must be destroyed. If it is not, the worm will regenerate. The body segments containing the eggs are passed in the feces. Fresh, moist segments are about one-quarter inch (6 mm) long and are capable of moving. Occasionally you may see them crawling through the fur near your dog’s anus. When dry, they resemble kernels of rice. Some dogs experience anal itching from the segments. Tapeworms will drain nutrition from your dog but not to the extent that ascarids, hookworms, and whipworms will. The common tapeworm of dogs is Dipylidium caninum. Fleas and lice serve as intermediate hosts when they ingest the eggs. A dog must bite or swallow an infected flea or louse to acquire the parasite. A human could also acquire D. caninum if they accidentally swallow an infected flea. Several species of Taenia, another type of tapeworm, parasitize dogs. Taenia are acquired by eating infected rodents, rabbits, and sheep. Diphyllobothrium species are found encysted in the organs of fish. These tapeworms are found in the northern United States and Canada. Prevention: The common dog tapeworm can be controlled by eliminating fleas and lice from the environment. Dogs should be confined to prevent them from roaming and eating dead animals. Avoid feeding your dog uncooked meat and raw game. Public health considerations: Echinococcus granulosa and Echinococcus multiocularis are both significant public health problems. Dogs and humans can acquire the infection from eating contaminated uncooked meat, and, in the case of dogs, by feeding on the carcass of an infected animal. Humans can also acquire the disease by ingesting eggs passed in the feces of dogs. Since humans are not the definitive host, adult worms do not develop. Instead, the larvae produce large cysts in their liver, lungs, and brain. These cysts are called hydatids, and they can cause serious illness and even death in people. Echinococcus granulosus is found in the southern, western, and southwestern United States-areas where sheep and cattle are common. Although dog-to-human transmission is rare, a number of human cases (presumably from eating uncooked meat) are reported each year. If your dog runs free in a rural area where this tapeworm could be a problem, ask your veterinarian to check her stool for tapeworms twice a year. This species of tapeworm can be identified only after the head has been recovered by effective deworming. Until a definite diagnosis is made, a dog with a tapeworm that could be Echinococcus must be handled with extreme care to avoid fecal contamination of hands and food. The cure to virtually all internal parasites is simple, safe and effective - The governments of the United States and Canada both recognize that Food-grade Diatomaceous Earth is safe to use in animal foods. Diatomaceous Earth prevents "clumping" of feed particles by keeping them separate, so the surface area of feed exposed to the digestive processes - both bacterial and enzymatic - is increased and therefore more feed is actually digested and utilized. Diatomaceous Earth contains a small amount of 15 trace minerals. Thousands of animal owners and livestock breeders have discovered that adding Diatomaceous Earth to their animals' rations has produced a number of incredible benefits. Diatomaceous earth is a remarkable, all-natural product made from tiny fossilized water plants. Diatomaceous Earth is a naturally occurring siliceous sedimentary mineral compound from microscopic skeletal remains of unicellular algae-like plants called diatoms. These plants have been part of the earth's ecology since prehistoric times. It is believed that 30 million years ago the diatoms built up into deep, chalky deposits of diatomite. The diatoms are mined and ground up to render a powder that looks and feels like talcum powder to us. It is a mineral based pesticide. DE is approximately 3% magnesium, 33% silicon, 19% calcium, 5% sodium, 2% iron and many other trace minerals such as titanium, boron, manganese, copper and zirconium. Diatomaceous Earth is a natural (not calcined or flux calcined) compound. Diatomaceous Earth is a natural grade diatomite. However, the continual breathing of any dust should he absolutely avoided. You must wear a dust mask when applying it as it can irritate the mucous membranes in the nose and mouth. Once the DE dust has settled it won't bother you. Food grade diatomaceous earth has been used for many years as a natural wormer for livestock. Some believe diatomaceous earth scratches and dehydrates parasites. Other scientists believe that diatomaceous earth is a de-ionizer or de-energizer of worms or parasites. Regardless, people report definite control. Virtually all internal parasites can be controlled by giving Diatomaceous Earth internally. It is very important to note that it must be food grade – the earth used in gardens and pool filters can damage humans and animals. Diatomaceous Earth can usually eliminate roundworms, whipworms, pinworms, and hookworms within seven days of being fed daily. To be most effective, food grade diatomaceous earth must be fed long enough to catch all newly hatching eggs or cycling of the worms through the lungs and back to the stomach. A minimum of 60 days is suggested by many, 90 days is advised for lungworms. Food grade diatomaceous earth works in a purely physical/mechanical manner, not chemical and thus has no chemical toxicity. Best yet, parasites will not build up a tolerance/immunity to its chemical reaction, so rotation of wormers is unnecessary. The earth is also effective on fleas, ticks, lice. and other insects and can be applied to sleeping areas and rubbed into a pet's fur to prevent the fleas that carry tapeworm eggs. A mixture of feed incorporating 2% diatomaceous earth was sent to three zoos for evaluation. John Ball Park of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Brookfield Zoo of Chicago Illinois; and Buffalo Zoo of Buffalo, New York. John Ball and Buffalo Zoos reported that their black bears on the special feed showed a better coat and clearer eyes. The primates fed at the Brookfield Zoo displayed a pronounced improvement in both appearance and behavior. Stool samples taken at all three zoos showed an absence of any internal parasites - adult or egg. Parasites in these animals were present prior to using the diatomaceous earth food mixture. A Bison rancher in Alberta conducted fecal test samples to check for parasites after using diatomaceous earth for several weeks. His tests came out negative. Neither he nor his vet believed it, so they took more samples from different Bison, from different herds, which had been fed diatomaceous earth - negative. Not only did he solve his parasite problem with a non-toxic, natural product, but he found that the coats and overall appearance of his bison had improved. Another benefit is that some diatomaceous earth remains in the manure, preventing the eggs of flies and parasites from hatching out, thereby, breaking the cycle of reinfestation." CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS OF FEEDING CODEX FOOD GRADE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH TO DOGS, O.C. Collins, DVM, Midland Animal Clinic And Hospital, Midland, TX: “In clinical observations of feeding dogs over 35 lbs. 1 tbsp./day and under 35 lbs. 1 tsp./day of DE, within seven days all ova disappeared from stools. DE controlled Ascardis (Toxacara canids), Hookworms (Anclyostoma caninum), and Whipworms (Trichuris vulipis).” Diatomaceous Earth not only works to control external and internal bugs and parasites in animals but food grade Diatomaceous Earth also works in people. The Center for Disease Control lists worm parasites as #1 human health risk. There have been numerous studies that show that nearly 85% of Americans have parasites in their bodies. The parasites may be found in uncooked foods, contaminated soil, vegetables, meat, feces, or the worm eggs may be in the wind. And while DE is highly deadly for insects and arachnids, it doesn't do a bit of harm to us. Instead, DE can actually be beneficial both as a nutrient and as a way of ridding our bodies of internal parasites. The only way DE could ever harm humans or animals is if we breath in a great deal of it. So be careful not to breathe in too much of DE, and you should be fine. Some of the common worm types are Roundworms - also called Protozoa, flukes - may cause trichinosis leading to muscle damage and complications of the cardio and neuro systems. Hookworms - contagious intestinal parasites with the shape of an earthworm but of smaller size - may cause the soles of the feet to itch, and possibly bloody spit from the mouth, fever, rash, and loss of appetite. Pinworms - appear as short white threads of 1/3 inch length or shorter and are the most prevalent worm problem for young children - may cause sever anal itching, insomnia and restlessness. These worms tend to migrate out through the anus at night to lay eggs. Tapeworms - are from one inch to thirty feet in length and may live in the body for up to 25 years -may cause weight loss, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Threadworms - may cause coughing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, and itchy red abrasions on the anus. "In her book “The Cure for All Cancers”, Dr. Hulda Clark implicates parasites as the root cause for most of the diseases inflicting the human species. As long as they remain in the intestines our immune system can deal with them. When they are allowed to escape the intestines they settle in the most vulnerable parts of our body. Dr. Clark states that cancer can be cured, not just treated and after years of study, she discovered that many cancer patients have a certain parasite in their bodies. She experienced clinical studies that after removing this parasite, the cancer stopped immediately, and the tissue returned to normal again." DE has been used for many years to deworm pets and has been used more recently in humans. With the ingestion of Sushi and other raw types of seafood, or with eating undercooked meats or contaminated food products, there are more instances than ever before of worms in humans. Most people do not realize the amount of parasites that exist in their body but this website should help you understand that we are loaded with them. Diatomaceous earth is safe for humans and their intestines. Another natural wormer that most people have in their homes is garlic. Although garlic doesn't kill the worms, it makes the digestive tract inhospitable for them and allows the pet's natural defenses to get rid of parasites. To use garlic as a wormer, add 1/2 clove of garlic to your cat's food at each meal. Be careful not to use too much, however, as excessive amounts can lead to anemia.

Genetically-modified insects: under whose control?

Genetically-modified insects: under whose control? This paper examines the plans to commercialize GM insects, including agricultural pests. Such plans would result in many millions of GM insects being released in fields of crops, including olives, tomatoes, citrus fruits, cabbages and cotton. Many millions of GM mosquitoes have already been released in experiments intended to reduce transmission of dengue fever. Releases of GM insects are covered by laws and regulations that cover the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and by general requirements for environmental and health protection. However, the paper raises concerns that the regulatory process on GM insects are being unduly influenced by companies seeking to commercialize GM insects. The full paper is available at: http://www.testbiotech.de/node/729 Alternative controls at: http://www.thebestcontrol2.com

EPA Releases Integrated Pest Management Plan for Schools

EPA Releases Integrated Pest Management Plan for Schools The EPA is releasing its Strategic and Implementation Plan for School Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The plan sets forth the EPA's approach and activities for implementing the School IPM Initiative announced by EPA in 2010. Protecting children’s health is a top priority for the EPA. Children in the United States continue to face risks arising from exposure to pests and pesticides in school settings. IPM is an approach to managing pests that schools can use to reduce pest and pesticide risk for students and staff. The Strategic and Implementation Plans for School IPM demonstrate how the EPA will promote the goal that all of the nation’s children be covered by a verifiable and ongoing school IPM program. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/pestwise/ipminschools/strategicplan.pdf For all of the safe and far more effective alternatives click on: http://www.thebestcontrol2.com

How to make an attractive Toxic Sugar Mosquito Bait

How to make an attractive Toxic Sugar Mosquito Bait To lay eggs, females do need blood for its iron and protein. But usually mosquitoes subsist on modest sips of nectar from flowers or from ripe or rotting fruit. And that, according to scientists from Hebrew University in Jerusalem, is an ... Achilles' proboscis - through which the pests can also be poisoned... That's how we came up with fruit juice...Attractive Toxic Sugar Baits." “You can’t move flowering trees around,” said Yosef Schlein, a parasitologist at the university’s medical school. “So you have to use movable bait. That’s how we came up with fruit juice.” Supported by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Schlein and his research partner Günter C. Müller concocted an array of nectar poisons known as Attractive Toxic Sugar Baits that are easy to make, environmentally friendly and inexpensive. In tests in Israel and in West Africa, the baits knocked down mosquito populations by 90 percent. Even better, they nearly eliminated older females, the most dangerous mosquitoes. (Only females bite humans, and only mosquitoes that have already picked up malaria, dengue or another disease from one human can inject it with their saliva into another human.) Dr. Müller and Dr. Schlein tested their idea five years ago at a desert oasis near the Red Sea. Putting out vases of flowering tree branches, they learned that acacias — the thorn trees common in Africa — attracted the most mosquitoes. They sprayed branches with a mixture of sugar water and Spinosad, a bacterial insecticide considered harmless to humans and most beneficial insects. The mosquitoes feeding on them died. Their next test was in a Greek Orthodox monastery in the Judean hills where mosquitoes laid their eggs in underground rainwater storage cisterns. They filled old soda bottles with a solution of brown sugar, the juice of rotting nectarines, Spinosad and a dye. They put each in a sock with a wick that helped keep the sock soaked with the colorful fatal elixir. They suspended a bait at the opening of each cistern. Trapping later showed that up to 97 percent of all mosquitoes in the area were marked with the dye, meaning they had landed on a toxic sock at least once. Within a week, the female population had crashed to near zero; it stayed there for a month. The toxic sugar bait developed by scientists at Hebrew University Medical Center in Jerusalem is made with a combination of fruit juice essences, which are attractive to mosquitoes, and boric acid - a mild, inorganic powder that kills insects when they ingest it. In experiments in a semi-arid region of Mali, in West Africa, the bait - in this case a blend of boric acid with guava and honey-melon fragrances - was applied using a hand sprayer on the vegetation near a cluster of man-made ponds. These ponds are important dry-season water supplies for local villagers and their livestock. They are also breeding grounds for Anopheles gambiae, the mosquito that carries the most deadly form of malaria. For comparison, investigators sprayed grasses and leaves near other ponds with a solution of sweet fragrances only. Both baits contained a dye that marked any mosquito making contact, so scientists could count how many had actually fed on the lure. Josef Schlein, a medical entomologist who led the study, says the results after 38 days showed the bait containing both sweet fragrances and boric acid proved to be very effective at killing mosquitoes."In Mali, we got down by some 80 percent, the females, and 90 percent of the males," he said. "But the area is full of little ponds in there, so it is impossible to stop mosquitoes from flying from an untreated pond to a treated pond." At the control sites that were treated with fragrances only, Schlein says upwards of 75 percent of mosquitoes fed on the fake bait. Their most recent study, published in Malaria Journal, was done in West Africa, where malaria is a major killer, especially of young children. The scientists chose a rural road in Mali running past ponds where two aggressive mosquito species breed — Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles arabiensis. They sprayed weeds there with a solution of the fermented juice of local guavas and melons mixed with dye and boric acid. Within a few days, they saw 90 percent die off. Boric acid is much less expensive than Spinosad. It is also about as harmless to humans as table salt is. It is a chief ingredient in Silly Putty. Dr. Schlein said he had heard that some Malians sampled the alcoholic bait brew, with no ill effects. But it kills insects that eat it. It is common in cockroach control; when a thin layer is spread on floors, cockroaches take it in when they preen their feet. “You can buy it by the truckload,” Dr. Christensen said. “And it kills in so many ways that there’s never been resistance to it. Some authorities think there never will be.” http://www.malariajournal.com/content/9/1/210 Schlein explains most people don’t realize that female mosquitoes typically feed on sweet plant nectars to survive. Their more familiar blood meals, when mosquitoes bite people, are part of the reproductive cycle. The researchers’ goal now is to make a lure that’s even more irresistible to mosquitoes. Research leader Josef Schlein notes that boric acid poses little risk to humans and other mammals, so it’s possible a mosquito lure could be developed for use indoors. Given the non-toxic simplicity of this new bait, the Hebrew University entomologist says it’s a marvel that other scientists didn't think of it sooner.