Reviewing The Benefits Of A Home Hygrometer to Monitor Humidity

 

 What Is a Hygrometer?

A hygrometer is a small device, they vary in size, but for many  maybe a bit larger than a credit card in most cases, that measures the amount of moisture or humidity in the air. They can hang on a wall or be placed on a surface, some are even magnetic. 

They are available in both digital and analogue types. There is a  wide range of options to choose, from the most basic to the most advanced depending on your needs. For example some digital options offer temperature readings, clear low, comfort and high indicators and humidity ranges over 24 hours

Why Use A Hygrometer?

We bought a few hygrometers as we realised our home was showing some signs of high humidity  and wanted to know what we were dealing with. We already had a dehumidifier but it didn't show humidity readings. Some dehumidifiers do. 

I didn't realise at that stage that high humidity in a house can cause long term issues if not addressed for our health and the house. When we got our hydrometer, It felt good to know which rooms needed attention and where to target our efforts and now we are in control of the humidity in the house. I will warn you though it can become a slight obsession knowing what the humidity is everywhere ! 

A home that has humidity too high can become an uncomfortable and even an unhealthy environment. A hygrometer is a good aid to easily monitor humidity before the various unwelcome visitors like mould, mildew, dust mites, bacteria, moisture loving pests like slugs, and even silverfish become a problem. 

These are some of the main effects a house and the people who live there can experience if humidity is not tracked and regulated. Our house is an older property built of very thick solid brick and is susceptible to high humidity, especially now it is all double glazed. 

Mould and Mildew

I hate to see mould anywhere but it is common in bathrooms and kitchens especially. Ours gets very humid after showing and cooking even with keeping windows open. High humidity of around 70% creates ideal conditions for the growth of mould. If we can get humidity to  50-60% conditions are less favourable but mould can still survive especially in corners, behind furniture and in poorly ventilated areas. 

We could aim for a home humidity of between 30 to 50% which makes it much harder for mould to grow and thrive. At below 30% the air is far too dry for mould to grow, however it is also not healthy for us.

 A humidity level of between 40-50% is about ideal for our health and the house health.  So monitoring our kitchen and bathroom is a good thing for us to do to check humidity is not going too high. We must expect spikes in humidity after showers and cooking but the aim is that it goes back down.  

Dust Mites

These are tiny creatures, invisible to the human eye who live in our homes. Out in nature they do a good job of breaking down matter and eating it. However in our homes they are not so valuable. They prefer to set up home in mattresses, clothing, carpets and rugs, heavy curtains, cushions and sofas and in particular they love humid environments. 

Dust mites are not necessarily harmful directly and do not live on people, but they feed on our discarded skin cells. We shed a surprising amount of skin every day and night so they will generally have plenty to live on ! They also love our pets dead skin cells and dander.

Most of us don't know they are even there, we cannot see them and will not suffer any ill effects from them or their droppings, but if anyone in the household is allergic to them the symptoms can be uncomfortable, even debilitating. These vary from coughing, sneezing, runny sore eyes and even skin rashes.

I have to say I was not all that aware of them until my husband developed an allergy to them and now we make major efforts to keep numbers as low as possible. Now I know a lot more about dust mites, I also personally do not like the thought of them in my mattress and sofas and am now a little obsessed with keeping their numbers down!  

Dust mites especially love humidity around 70% or above, it is perfect for their needs and breeding capabilities. However they can still survive at around 40 to 50% humidity, although breeding rates do slow down. It takes humidity below 40% for a prolonged length of time to kill off or seriously reduce their populations. We aim for our home to be just around 40 to 50% which is a reasonable balance for health and house health and along with other anti dust mite measures is acceptable for control.

Some dust mites may still survive deep inside mattresses or sofas, where if the humidity rises again they can start a new population, they are very adaptable and amazingly resistant mites! I do admire them, even if I don't really want to share my bed and sofas with them!  

So Ideally to heavily reduce dust mite populations, a range of 30 to 50% humidity is good. However it is not healthy for us or our homes to have humidity too low and certainly not below 30% for any length of time. So a hygrometer will help us to know if we live in an environment suitable for sustaining dust mites or not. 

Health Issues

If our homes are too humid it is not only dust mites that are the issue for our health as overly humid air can make asthma worse and exacerbate any existing allergies. 

On the other hand air that is too dry is just as bad as it can irritate the respiratory system and can cause dry itchy skin and eyes which is very unpleasant and uncomfortable.

So in these cases tracking to keep humidity at around 40 to 50% is much more comfortable for most people. A home with a balanced and more stable humidity, especially in bedrooms, will help to contribute to a healthier more comfortable sleeping environment as well. 

Items In The Home.

We work hard for our things and want to keep them in good condition. It is heart breaking if treasured, useful, beautiful or sentimental items become damaged.

Wooden furniture, books, special year diaries, musical instruments, and electronics and some artwork and photographs are all sensitive and reactive  to excess moisture which can cause warping, decay and corrosion if humidity is too high. Wallpaper can peel away and Clothes can also smell musty and become damp in a too humid atmosphere. 

So knowing the humidity in your home and keeping it balanced helps to keep all these precious items in a good state at a stable level.

Plant Care In Homes And Greenhouses

Of course I had to mention my beloved plants! Those kept inside are always in an artificial environment and we control their food, water and humidity needs. 

For houseplants to thrive we need to understand and replicate as much as possible their native conditions. So once we know our indoor plants needs, a hygrometer will assist us to know what the levels are and if they need increasing or decreasing ensuring the best conditions for plants to thrive in our homes, conservatories, orangeries  or greenhouses.

The Main Points to Consider When Choosing a Hygrometer

Display Screen?

Decide if you would like smaller or bigger numbers to read. Some have larger, clearer  displays than others. Some also use smiley faces to sad faces  or coloured bands, often in red, green and blue, to show low humidity, comfort and high humidity or dew drops to show different levels of humidity which can be useful. 

Humidity And Temperature Monitoring? 

Hygrometers measure humidity but many also can measure temperature. I think this is useful to give an overall picture of your home environment. Some also display the humidity range and/or temperature range that the house or room has gone through in a 24 hour period which is useful to know.

How To Display In The Home?

Would you like to wall mount, use its own stand, have magnetic capability or have two or three of these features for flexibility? 

Accuracy? 

Ideally the Accuracy range should be within plus 2 to minus 3 to give a reasonable picture.

Simple device or smart features?

Some are simple open the box and ready to go, others have app integration and alerts for high or low humidity which can be useful in humidity sensitive environments or if you enjoy more advanced technology.  

Battery or Power sources?

Consider if you would like batteries and what type is used and how easy they are to replace. Do you need or would like a low battery indicator? Also consider if USB rechargeable is a feature you need or would like. 

Where do you need it? 

Do you need just indoor hygrometers for your home, or might you want to use it in a greenhouse, garage or outside room

Price Points

Prices vary a lot from very reasonable for very basic models to more expensive for those with lots of smart features. Build quality and longevity are also factors to look for. I look for long lasting durability.  

Here Are A Selection Of Hygrometers

 6-Pack Mini Hygrometer Indoor Humidity MeterCheck Price SECRUI Hygrometer ThermometerCheck Price Indoor Outdoor Thermometer Wireless with 3 SensorsCheck Price Digital Hygrometer with Max and Min RecordsCheck Price

6 Pack Mini Hygrometer 

SECRUI hygrometer temperature

Indoor/Outdoor Thermoneter hygrometer

Digital Hygrometer Max min

Hygrometers - Easy and Quick Way To Measure Humidity

So for a small price a hygrometer can tell you quickly and easily what the humidity levels are in each of your rooms and in any greenhouses you may have. 

Knowing your humidity levels is the first step to managing humidity to take care of your health and your home. If you are getting readings of 40-50% you are doing well.

Thank you for reading. In my next article I will discuss what to do if your humidity levels are too high.

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Reviewing The Benefits Of A Home Hygrometer to Monitor Humidity by Raintree Annie

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Reviewing Benefits And Uses Of Neem Oil For The Garden

 

I love gardening and like pretty much all aspects of it. However what I do not like is when various pests and diseases attack my plants. It is a conflicted point for me however as I do like to garden organically with nature and not generally use pesticides. Many of them will hurt beneficial insects as well somewhere down the line and as I am allergic to many things I have to be careful too.

Nature usually has a way of balancing things out and every pest has a predator and they need the other insects so I prefer to leave the garden to sort itself out and use nothing. 

However, I see my beautiful plants this year in our very hot,  humid summer with little rain really stressing the plants and leaving them vulnerable to disease. Some have suffered and are covered in fungal diseases and attacked by aphids and red spider mite and other creatures that I know will eventually kill the plants. 

Then I know that I have a choice...

Either allow nature to fully take its course and risk the loss of plants that are dear to me, some given by my late parents, or take some action that has the least environmental effect.

So I researched that Neem oil can be a good solution if used safely and with some caveats.

It is antibacterial and antifungal so that will help with the fungal diseases. It also has insecticidal properties which disrupt the feeding and breeding cycles of some insects. I tried it this year for both issues and I have had some very good success!

How To use Neem Oil In The Garden 

If it is used specifically and correctly Neem oil is not toxic to wildlife and pets, but you need to use it properly and carefully.

There are two ways to use Neem oil and I would suggest that you use them both if facing a fungal or insect attack that nature is not solving by herself. 

Never use it in the daytime or in sunlight, this is bad for the plant and bad for the beneficial insects and predators in the garden. 

1. For Drenching The Soil.

First of all give the plant a good soaking of water until it runs out of the base.  The reason you water before hand is so that the soil gets wet, if you pour it on very dry soil it will just run straight through and you will waste the mixture. Then mix about two tablespoons of Neem oil with about a gallon of water and a small amount of mild liquid soap or washing up liquid. Shake it all up, then pour it around the base of the soil. If you don't need that much just adjust the ratios accordingly, it does not have to be too precise. 

2. Spray Leaves

Then next you need to spray the leaves with the same mixture but in a spray bottle. Any spray bottle will do but it must be clean and not contaminated with any other chemicals. It is best to buy a new clear spray bottle and clearly label it. Spray the neem mix on the stems of the plant and both the top side and underside of the leaves. You can spray any left over on the soil around  the plant.  

The mixture needs to be applied about once a week. However if it rains then you need to reapply as soon is convenient once it has stopped raining. Watch for any signs for the disease or attack returning. When you think it is all clear then stop the applications. I have found I need to do it about three times before I can be fairly certain of success. 

You can use pure Neem oil and do the mix yourself, which is what I usually do, or for convenience you can buy a ready made Spray. I have listed both options in this article. 

Neem Oil as Organic Insecticide

Neem oil disrupts the feeding and breeding cycles of many insects. I am always a bit conflicted as I dislike interfering with natures processes, but there are times when I do take the decision to use this more organic method.  I only use it against those that are overwhelming the plant and causing significant damage or will kill the plant.

If they are just a nuisance but do not cause any real damage I leave it. If it is just the temporary look of the plant that is affected I leave it to nature to sort it out.  I prefer to leave natures predators to it. 

If I have to intervene to save the plant, it is said to be effective against many insects considered pests. My main experience with neem oil is with aphids. Neem oil is in my experience most effective against Aphids which this year attacked my Lupins while I was away and came back to an almost decimated plant.

It is best if you first cut away the affected leaves and stems and dispose of them.

 I sprayed with the neem mix three times over 3 weeks and while the older leaves and stems died,  the younger and new growth came through healthy. 

It is also in my experience effective against Whiteflies and spider mites. It acts on their hormones preventing them from laying eggs. I found for me the magic number is to apply neem oil mix three times about a week apart,     both to the leaves and the soil.

Neem Oil As A Fungicide

Neem oil helps with fungal diseases including powdery mildew, rust and black spot.

It assists to prevent fungal spores from germinating and spreading which is especially helpful if you grow plants closer together to help prevent widespread infections. It also usefully provides a protective layer or barrier on the sprayed leaves.

I am happy to use Neem oil under safe conditions for this purpose. In my experience within two or three weeks the situation is under control. 

 Best Naturals 100% Pure Neem Oil, 100% Cold Pressed and Unrefined - 16 OZ (1 Bottle)Check Price Monterey Neem Oil Spray for Plants Ready to Use - for Use on Roses, Flowers, Houseplants, and Vegetables - 32 ozCheck Price

 

How To Use Neem Oil Safely And What To Avoid.

For Plants

• Some plants are very sensitive to Neem oil. It particularly affects those with delicate leaves and is best to avoid. If you do use it on these plants, use a significantly diluted mixture, do a small patch test and watch for a few days.

• Prevention is always better. Ideally, and this goes for all plants really, before any issues arise,  try companion planting with plants that are highly scented and more resistant to the bugs that like to attack. So try Lavender, Garlic, Onions, perhaps Rosemary as companion plants to those you find are vulnerable to pests.

• Never apply in the daytime as it can and will burn and scorch the plant. Wait until dusk. 

• Check over the plant for any beneficial insects before you spray, particularly ladybirds or lady bugs or hoverflies might be on an infested plant. They are predators and do an excellent job of eating pests, so if there are a lot of ladybirds and hoverflies on the plant they may well do the job for you. In that case I would personally leave them to it.

•  However if there is just one ladybird or the plant is clearly overwhelmed with pests, simply remove the one or few ladybirds first. It is another good reason for not spraying in the daytime, wait until the beneficial predators and bees and butterflies are have left or are much less active. 

For Humans 

While generally not harmful to humans there are some important caveats.

• Store it out of reach of children or pets in a safe place.

• Do not have any contact with Neem oil if pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Always wear gloves and protective glasses when preparing and spraying the mix as it is irritating to skin and eyes. As I have extremely sensitive skin, I cover up all my skin when using it and wear sunglasses or protective glasses that wraparound. 

• Do not use or prepare the neem pure or mixture near young children or pets, as it is possible they may inhale, lick or eat some of it when it is still wet, which is not advised. 

For Nature And Animals 

• While pretty much non toxic to much of nature like birds, bees and mammals once dry, it is somewhat toxic to fish and aquatic life. So we must never spray near a pond, stream, water barrel or other water source. However Neem oil is not known to contaminate ground water or run off and is biodegradable.  

•  Do not use neem oil during the day as this is when pollinators and many predators are around on your plants. Bees and butterflies and other beneficial insects are at danger when it is still wet. Bees can carry it back to a nest and it could cause harm. Once it is dry the risk is no longer present.  Hence the need to use only at dawn or dusk when they are much less likely to be around.

•  Personally I only use at dusk because you must use it so that it dries before any beneficial insects and pollinators are active. Most of my issues happen in the summer and as it is light so early the bees are often up before I am! Once it dries, in about an hour, it is then harmless to bees, butterflies etc.

Storing and Using Neem Oil

It must be stored in a dark, cool and safe place as if it is exposed to sunshine or bright light and heat it will go off. 

If you are mixing it yourself only make the amount you need to use on that day, as the home mix goes off quite quickly once made up.  

So while I do not really like to use anything on my garden I will sometimes use a Neem oil mixture. I have worked hard to get a good balance and usually have plenty of predators to balance out the pests. Most of the time I allow nature to take its course with predators and prey in the garden and using companion planting.

However, if one of my treasured or sentimental plants is suffering an infestation or disease and the natural predators and processes cannot get it under control, I very carefully use Neem oil in moderation and as little as possible. In my experience it is an effective and economical product

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Reviewing Benefits And Uses Of Neem Oil For The Garden by Raintree Annie

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Deterrents For Raccoons Reviewed

When Raccoons Get On Your Last Nerve

Raccoon Image From Pixabay.com

Let's review some deterrents for raccoons, today. Shall we? One might look at the image to the left and think that a raccoon is such a cute little critter. Well, I guess there is a cuteness about that face but there is a reason they have that little bandit mask over those eyes! As cute as they might be, you do want to discourage them from visiting your yard and garden as much as possible. 

Currently, my husband and I have been battling with a mother raccoon and her ingenuous ways of finding food to eat in our backyard. It isn't the first year but we are hoping that it will be the last. I understand that she probably has young ones to feed but she needs to find her meals somewhere else. It was one thing when she or one of her friends came and robbed the bird feeders of the seeds. It is totally another thing when she discovered my hummingbird feeders and figured out how to shimmy up the skinny little pole and tip the feeder over for the sweet drink inside. What a mess! Not to mention she leaves nothing for the hummingbirds to drink. The ants love her antics because they can come swarm the sugar water that spilled on the ground. Enough, I say, enough!

In the past, I tried an ammonia deterrent. It was simple but honestly not that effective. The premise for it is that you soak a rag in ammonia, place it in a coffee can that you have punched holes in and sit it where you want to keep the raccoons away. It worked for about 2 days and then no matter how often I replaced the ammonia soaked rag; Ms. Raccoon was up to her antics again. 

I have read that raccoons do not like hot peppers. So, I have considered leaving some hot pepper suet at the base of my hummingbird feeder. I worry that this deterrent might harm other creatures that may visit the yard, though. It isn't supposed to harm birds but what about cats or dogs who might get into it? 

I also saw that they make raccoon baffles that sort of work like a squirrel deterrent. That might work except those darn raccoons are pretty smart and I worry that they might figure out how to get around the baffle by jumping above it. 

Raccoon Deterrent

The premise of the baffle for raccoons is that it fits at the base of your feeder. I don't know if it works or not. I can see it would be difficult to get onto my pole but maybe not all poles. It would certainly be worth a try for many people.

So, you may be wondering what is my plan for this year? It turned out to be pretty simple, actually. Each evening around dusk I plan to just bring my feeder into the house. Ms. Raccoon can't get into it if it is inside the house. Her babies won't bother it nor will any of her friends. Raccoons are pretty clever but there isn't any way that they can figure out how to open a locked door and I seriously doubt that they would break the glass so I think I have come up with the best deterrent of all. If there is nothing out there for her to get into, she will finally decide to move on to the next victims.

I wish Ms. Raccoon, her babies and her friends no harm. I just do not want her or any of them coming to my yard to drink the sweet nectar left for the hummingbirds or anything else for that matter. Since I am pretty sure that Ms. Raccoon can't read, instead of a sign saying that she is not welcome; I just will not put out anything that she can feed on at night. A silent message, if you will, to go away.

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