| How to Make a Bee Hotel Posted: 28 Sep 2021 01:00 AM PDT Bee hotels, also known as trap nests or Fabre's hives, are human-made nesting substrates that can be used as supplementary habitats for solitary bees. It's estimated that there are over 20,000 bee species worldwide and most of these are solitary species. These bees are different to the European honeybee, which is a social species; or bumblebees, which are semi-social. Most species of solitary bees can nest below ground in the soil or aboveground in cavities. Some species are opportunistic in that they make use of pre-existing burrows or cavities, others excavate their own. A good bee hotel uses a variety of materials to accommodate bees with different nesting requirements. [Edit]Fill an open container with reeds and stems - Gather your materials:
- Cylindrical, waterproof housing, at least 10cm deep (e.g. PVC pipe, tin can, terracotta garden pot, ceramic cup/mug with handle, plastic bottle trimmed to a cylinder)
- Tubes (e.g. dried bamboo reeds, rolled newspaper or paper straws)
- Stems (e.g. dried pithy stems such as from trimming hedges or removing weedy shrubs like Lantana spp.)
- Fastening (e.g. string, wool or cable ties)
- Something to cut your tubes (e.g. scissors or secateurs)
- Make a small hole at the end of your housing and thread some fastening through it so that you can hang up your hotel later. Cups and mugs already have a handle so don't need this step. Tie the string together in a loose bow until you're ready to use it.
- Take a tube/stem and place it inside, then cut it so that it's just a little shorter than the length of the housing. It's important to leave a gap between the entrance and your tubes/stems to protect them from rain. Use this first cut tube/stem as a template for cutting the remaining tubes/stems. You can make your own tubes from newspaper and glue by cutting strips of newspaper about the width of a ruler, gluing a thin line down one length, then rolling from one corner to the other on an angle using a long paintbrush or pencil.
- Make sure to pack the housing tight with enough tubes/stems so that they don't fall out.
- Optional: Cover the entrance with wire mesh small enough to hold the tubes/stems in place but large enough to let bees in.
- Fasten the hotel, as level as you can, one to two metres above the ground in a sheltered area (e.g. under a tree) with lots of flowering plants. Face the hotel entrance to the north-east so it gets morning sun.
[Edit]Drill holes in untreated timber - Gather your materials:
- Untreated timber or logs (at least 12 cm long and 3.5 cm wide/high)
- Electric drill
- Drill bit (6mm and/or 8mm) long enough to make cavities 10mm deep
- Safety goggles and mask
- Hammer, nail, pencil and ruler (to make starter holes, for safety)
- Sandpaper
- Fastening (e.g. string, wire, cable ties, bracket and screws)
- Optional: Round wood file
- Secure your piece of timber, face up, so that it does not move when drilling holes (e.g. with a vice to a carpentry bench).
- Mark each position where you will drill your cavities with a pencil. Leave enough room between cavities (twice the width of your drill bit) to reduce the risk of your timber cracking.
- Hammer in the nails. Holding the nail carefully, gently hammer it a short depth into each pencil mark, then remove.
- Drill the cavities. Wearing your safety goggles and mask, align your drill bit with a starter hole and carefully begin to drill one of your cavities straight down into your timber. You may need to stop (turning off the drill) every now and then and tap any sawdust out of the cavity-in-progress to aid in drilling.
- Repeat this process for each marked cavity.
- Remove your timber from the vice and tap it upside down to dislodge any sawdust. Use a round wood file and sandpaper to remove any splinters from cavity entrances.
- Fasten the hotel, as level as you can, one to two metres above the ground in a sheltered area (e.g. under a tree) with lots of flowering plants. Face the hotel entrance to the north-east so it gets morning sun.
[Edit]Build a cob block - Gather your materials:
- Rectangular, waterproof housing, at least 12 cm deep (e.g. PVC pipe, recycled milk carton, terracotta pot, besser block)
- Filling (sandy loam and white ball clay)
- Water
- Cup or container for measuring
- In a bucket or large container, mix 4 parts sand with 1 part clay until you have enough mixture to fill your housing. For a 1L milk carton, which makes two hotels when cut in half, you will need 4 cups of sand and 1 cup of clay. For a pot or a besser block, you will need more.
- Add a little bit of water at a time while mixing, until it the mixture is wet enough to hold together when made into a ball. Usually no more than 1 cup.
- Pack the mixture into your housing (standing upright), leaving a small gap between the entrance and filling to protect the nest from rain.
- Make two shallow indents with your finger, a pencil or a paintbrush to act as starter holes for your bees.
- Wait for the mixture to dry (a few hours or days, weather depending).
- Place your bee hotel in a sheltered area with lots of flowering plants. Place it on top of something else to lift it off the ground a little, like a brick or stack of timber or tiles, so it doesn't get too damp. Finally, turn the hotel to the north-east so it gets the morning sun.
- Maintain the hotel by clearing away cobwebs and replacing tubes/timber/cob after each flying season.
- Position your hotels so that they are in contact with warm morning sun, but not afternoon sun if you live in a hot area. This promotes bee activity as some smaller species can't fly if it's too cold.
- Try to use non-spray methods of pest and weed control in the surrounding area.
- Solitary bees tend to emerge in the spring and summer months, or the wet season in the tropics. Deploy your bee hotel just before this time so that it is vacant and ready for new adult solitary bees looking to make a nest.
- Remember, the best habitat for bees is their natural habitat. Keep hollow trees, old logs and sheltered patches of bare ground on your property to provide natural habitats for native bees. Lobby governments and businesses to conserve forests and other natural lands that provide forage and nesting habitat for bees and other animals. Join a local revegetation group and sow a variety of plants in your garden so that something is always flowering and providing pollen or nectar for bees and other animals.
[Edit]Warnings - Do not let children operate the drill
- Always follow safety instructions supplied by manufacturers of any tools used
- Do not move occupied bee hotels from one region to another. Species that are native to one region may become invasive in others or be unable to survive.
- Distance your hotels to reduce the spread of bee pests and pathogens
[Edit]References
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| How to Be More Emotional in a Relationship Posted: 27 Sep 2021 05:00 PM PDT Expressing yourself emotionally in a relationship can be hard if you're not usually a very emotional person. Relationships aren't always like the fairytale we see in movies. They're complex and confusing sometimes, and it can be hard to know how to express yourself to your partner no matter how much you care about them. This article is here to help you open up and be vulnerable with your partner so that you can strengthen your emotional connection. [Edit]Be open about your feelings and secrets. - Do this even if it feels a little scary or unnatural at first. As you get to know your partner, open up to them about your past experiences, share the hopes and dreams you've been nervous to admit to others, and tell them how much you care about them (despite your fear of rejection). Be open about the deep, hidden feelings you don't often share with others. It may be hard at first, but you may grow to appreciate having someone to tell these things.[1]
- This helps your partner feel more comfortable around you, too. Since a relationship is reciprocal, you might have to take turns being the first to share or admit something to your partner.
- Never feel pressure to reveal something you're not comfortable talking about just yet. Just don't hide things from your partner out of fear that they'll reject you or won't understand.
[Edit]Share good and bad news with your partner. - Keep them aware and updated on what's going on in your life. Whether it's good news or bad, new life events are great opportunities to be more emotionally vulnerable with your partner. Tell them about that promotion you just got or that new project you're super excited to have been assigned at work. If you get bad news, open up about the situation to your partner. This can heighten your emotional connection, and your partner can even help you process it.[2]
- Maybe you were recently laid off, but you're afraid to tell your partner. Rather than hiding this from them, share what happened and even admit your fears or frustration about the situation.
- Part of being in an emotionally intimate relationship is supporting each other through good times and bad. Your partner will be there to help you through it.
[Edit]Ask your partner how they're feeling. - This helps you show your sensitivity to their emotions. Ask your partner specific questions, like how an experience made them feel or what's been going through their head lately. Though your partner may tell you how they feel sometimes, asking them shows that you care and are willing to engage with them on an emotional level.[3]
- Let's say your partner just got home from work and they seem really frazzled. Rather than just noticing their changed mood, ask them, "How was work today? Is everything alright?"
- Maybe your partner just got off the phone with their mom and they have a contentious relationship. Check up on them with questions like, "How are you doing? Did the conversation go alright?"
[Edit]Be a good listener. - This helps you be more attuned to your partner's true feelings. Practice active listening strategies so that you can really focus on what your partner has to say. In conversation with your partner, rephrase what they said in your own words to make sure you understood them correctly, use empathetic language like "I completely understand where you're coming from" or "It totally makes sense that you would feel that way," and make direct eye contact when they speak to you.[4]
- Avoid multi-tasking when your partner talks to you, especially when they're speaking about something serious. Put your phone away, close your laptop, and pause your video game (even if you're about to beat the whole game).
[Edit]Respect your partner's feelings. - Do this even if you don't always see eye to eye. Part of being in an emotionally intimate relationship is appreciating your partner's point of view, even when it differs from your own. Make an effort to put yourself in your partner's shoes, ask questions to better understand their perspective, and avoid judging or belittling their opinions.[5]
- Affirm your partner's perspective to show your emotional sensitivity. Let's say you're having a political debate. Say something like, "Wow, I never thought about it that way. I always appreciate your perspective on things."
- If your partner expresses discomfort or insecurity about their opinion, encourage them. Say, "I always want to hear what you have to say. You never have to feel embarrassed around me!"
[Edit]Use your sense of humor in awkward moments. - Especially at first, expressing your emotions can be uncomfortable. Don't sweat the small stuff if you don't phrase your words exactly as you wished you had. A great way to practice self-compassion when you flub your words or feel uncomfortable is to have a sense of humor about it. Laugh at yourself if things aren't coming out the way you'd planned. Don't be afraid to smile or even joke about how you're a little nervous when you're opening up to your partner.[6]
- This can really help your partner feel more comfortable, too, and it'll really ease the tension during deep discussions.
- Do read the room, though. If your partner just opened up to you about something really serious in their past, for example, save the jokes until the subject has come to its natural conclusion.
[Edit]Try new things with your partner. - Break up your routine to get to know each other on a deeper level. Learn new things together and be open to different experiences. Avoid getting so used to your partner that you don't make an effort to make your time together special or keep your emotional connection alive. Keep putting in the effort to change things up so your relationship doesn't become stagnant and monotonous.[7]
- Take a class with your partner in something that you don't know anything about, like dance or improv. Plan a weekend trip to a city you've both never visited before. Plan special dates as if you just started dating.
- Even if you've been dating for 10 years, there's always new things and experiences you can share with your partner, and these are necessary to deepen your emotional connection.
[Edit]Give your partner genuine, loving compliments. - Always tell your partner how much you care about them, and be specific. Share what you find so special about your partner, whether it be their sense of humor, their beautiful smile, or their positive outlook on life. Make a habit of complimenting them often so that you never take their presence for granted or make them feel unappreciated. Regular compliments are a great way to be attentive and caring with your partner.[8]
- Next time you greet your partner, compliment how amazing they look. Say something like, "Don't you look beautiful today!"
- If you're not sure what to say, try writing out your feelings instead. Write them a little note about all the reasons you love your partner, and stick it in their laptop case or lunch bag before they leave for work.[9]
[Edit]Reflect on your emotions to become more emotionally aware. - Understand how you feel so you can express it to your partner.[10] To do this, write out your emotions on the page. Use a pen and paper or start a daily journaling practice. Be honest with yourself about what you're feeling when you write things down and reread old entries to understand your thought patterns.[11]
- Maybe you're feeling sad, but you don't understand why. Brainstorm what could be causing these emotions in a journal, then reread what you wrote.
- If you're upset or confused by something your partner did, write out your feelings in a journal before expressing them. Some extra time to reflect helps you avoid lashing out at your partner or emotionally shutting down.
[Edit]Admit when you've made a mistake. - Everyone messes up sometimes in relationships. It can be tempting to pretend like you're perfect, but that won't help your relationship or yourself in the long run. If you snapped at your partner or forgot to do something you promised them, own up to your mistake and apologize. Being vulnerable like this is an important part of being emotionally available in a relationship.[12]
- When you apologize, make a promise to change your actions and commit to following through with it.
- Say something like, "I'm so sorry I was distracted when we were talking this morning. I always want to know what you have to say, and I need to work on being more attentive."
[Edit]References |
| How to Clean Old Rubber Posted: 27 Sep 2021 09:00 AM PDT Rubber is durable and can handle the elements pretty well, but it's still bound to get dirty from time to time. While you can usually get away with a light surface cleaning for most pieces of rubber, you may need to resort to some stronger cleaners if there are stains or stuck-on residue. Even though a lot of things are made from rubber, you can use many of the same cleaning methods no matter what's dirty. We'll walk you through some of the most common ways to clean and give you some helpful tips to make your rubber look like new! [Edit]Dry Cleaning - Run a duster over the surface to pick up surface dirt. Use a feather duster or a soft lint-free cloth without any spray or cleaning chemicals. Gently wipe the rubber's surface with your duster to pick up any loose particles that are stuck to it. Pay close attention to any cracks or crevices where dirt may gather.[1]
- Dusters work well on any small piece of rubber, such as on keyboards or appliances.
- Spray compressed air to clear dust in hard-to-reach spots. Pick up a can of compressed air from your local convenience or office supply store. Hold the can upright and aim the nozzle at the piece you're cleaning. Press the button down in short bursts until you don't see any more dust left on the surface.[2]
- Compressed air works best for cleaning rubber gaskets, seals, and keyboards.
- Avoid holding the can of compressed air upside-down since it could cause liquid to spill out.
- Vacuum the rubber to remove the most dirt and dust. Turn your vacuum to the medium setting and use a rolling beater-brush attachment if you have one. Run the vacuum over the surface a few times to pick up all of the dirt that's still stuck on the rubber.[3]
- Sweeping doesn't work very well on rubber floors since the dirt and residue might stick to it.[4]
- Avoid using a canister vacuum where the head drags on the floor since it could leave marks and cause wear and tear.[5]
- Stick to dry cleaning methods for any antique or vintage rubber. If the rubber is old or damaged, water could make it worse if you clean with it. If you're not sure about the age of the rubber or if it's safe to get wet, only use a duster, soft brush, or vacuum when you're cleaning.[6]
[Edit]Light Cleaning with Soap and Water - Try using only water at first. If you're working with old rubber, like on classic bike or car tires, cleaners could be too abrasive. Rinse the piece of rubber with warm water and work it gently onto the surface by hand rather than using a brush since you could damage the rubber and cause it to deteriorate.[7]
- Mix liquid dish soap or laundry detergent with warm water. You'll need enough water to either wipe the entire surface or submerge the piece completely. Fill a container with water and add a squirt of any type of liquid dish soap or dish detergent. Stir the soap into the water thoroughly until it starts to form a thin layer of suds.[8]
- Soak the rubber for about 15 minutes in the water if possible. Set the rubber in the soapy water so it's completely submerged. Let the soap loosen any stains or residue that are still on the surface so they're easier to scrub off later on.[9]
- This works especially well for cleaning rubber soles on shoes and rubber bath toys.
- If you can't submerge the piece of rubber, gently wipe the soapy water onto the surface with a lint-free cloth.
- Brush the rubber with a microfiber cloth or soft-bristle brush. Gently work the soapy solution into the rubber using a dedicated cleaning brush or an old toothbrush. Focus on any areas that still have stains or residue caked on the rubber's surface. Work the bristles into any nooks and crannies to ensure you get all of the dirt.[10]
- This works well for rubber car mats, camper tops, or shoe soles.
- If you're cleaning a rubber floor, use a soft sponge mop to scrub the surface.[11]
- Scrub baking soda into the rubber to lift stains and remove odors. While the piece of rubber is still wet, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda onto the surface and leave it to dry for 5 minutes. Then, use your cleaning brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the baking soda off of the rubber. If there were any stains or odors, they should be less noticeable![12]
- Baking soda works really well for rubber sandals.
- Let the rubber dry completely. If water was able to get inside the piece of rubber, squeeze out as much as you can. Set the piece in a cool, dry area that gets a lot of air flow so the water evaporates and doesn't cause any mold or mildew to form.[13] If you need to speed up the drying process, try placing the rubber in front of a fan or AC vent.[14]
- For example, if you were cleaning rubber floor mats, let them dry out completely before putting them back in your vehicle.
[Edit]Deep Cleaning - Spray the rubber with a hose or pressure washer to break apart gunk. Turn your hose onto a medium or strong setting and spray your piece of rubber with water. Try to remove as much of the loose dirt and dust particles as you can.[15]
- If you don't have a hose at home, go to a self-service car wash and see if they have a pressure washer available to use.
- Scrub an ammonia solution on the rubber to lift up dirt and grime. In a large bucket, add of warm water, of liquid dish soap, and of ammonia and mix it together. Use a mop or a scrub brush to apply your cleaner to the rubber and leave it to sit for 10 minutes. After that, scrub the rubber with a soft-bristle brush to lift up any stains or grime. Finish off by rinsing the rubber with clean water.[16]
- Test the cleaning solution on a small portion of the rubber before using it. If the area appears chalky after a few minutes, the cleaner may be breaking the rubber down. Add more water to dilute it before trying again.
- Apply a hydrogen peroxide solution to brighten stains. Combine of warm water, of liquid dish soap, and of hydrogen peroxide. Spread the solution over the rubber's surface with a mop or cloth and leave it to soak for 10 minutes. Work the cleaner into the surface with a soft-bristled brush before rinsing away the stains and residue.[17]
- If you want to lighten the rubber even more or if it wasn't effective, try applying the cleaner a second time.
- Use a commercial degreaser for stubborn residue. Get a commercial rubber degreaser from an automotive supply store and spray it generously on the pieces of rubber you're cleaning. Let the degreaser sit on the rubber for a few minutes before scrubbing it gently with a stiff-bristled brush. Rinse the rubber off with clean water from a hose or pressure washer to remove any leftover residue.[18]
- This method works well for rubber vehicle mats.
- Remove sticky residue by applying acetone. Dip the corner of a lint-free cloth in a little bit of acetone and gently work it into the surface. Coat the entire area that feels sticky to the touch and carefully wipe the residue away with the cloth. The acetone will evaporate right off of the rubber so it will dry on its own pretty fast.[19]
- Acetone is very flammable and may cause eye irritation, so be cautious when you use it.[20]
- Use acetone on things like rubber phone cases or shoe soles.
- Buff with a rubber conditioner to make it shine. Look for a high-quality rubber conditioner or lubricant at your local big box store. You can buff by hand or use a buffing machine if the piece of rubber is large enough. Apply the conditioner to the buffing pad and work it into the piece of rubber to keep it shiny and in good condition.[21]
- If you use a buffing machine, make sure it runs at less than 350 RPM, or else it could damage rubber floors.
- If you don't have a rubber conditioner, mix of fabric softener with of water.
- Give your rubber a quick dust or vacuum every day so they don't develop a lot of build-up.[22]
- Try deep cleaning with soap and water at least every 3 days.[23]
- Rubber gets pretty slippery when it's wet, so break the area down into 4 or 5 smaller sections and work on one area at a time.[24]
- Wipe down the entire piece of rubber down with silicone lubricant so it's less likely to dry out and crack.[25]
- Try cleaning rubber stamps with alcohol-free baby wipes so you don't use harsh abrasives on the delicate pieces.[26]
- Rubber can get hard and brittle over time, but glycerin can help rejuvenate it. Place the stamp so the rubber is face-up and wipe on a thin layer of glycerin on the surface. Leave the glycerin to sit overnight and then wipe it off with a damp towel the next day.[27]
[Edit]Warnings - Avoid using paint thinner, WD-40, or any other solvent based cleaners since they're more likely to damage the rubber.[28]
- Bleach, acidic detergents, and turpentine could leave stains on rubber, so avoid cleaning with them.[29]
[Edit]References |
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