5 Ways to Remedy the Itch of Poison Ivy and its Evil Cousins

The itchy rash that is left behind as evidence of exposure to poison ivy, sumac or oak is an extremely unpleasant experience. Scratching the itchy spots can cause them to rupture, and this will help the rash spread to other areas of your body. Therefore, you need to take immediate action to remedy the situation. What follows are 5 ways to remedy the itch of poison ivy and its evil cousins, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac.

How to Build Your Own DIY Beer Bottle Citronella Torches [VIDEO]

Independence Day may have come and gone… but the war for your independence from backyard bugs still rages on. And nobody wants to go to war without some seriously effective weapons. That’s why we’re sharing these instructions. So you can turn your backyard into a no-fly zone for annoying mosquitos. You only need a few simple items and about 20 minutes to complete this project. If you’re anything like us, you have an ample supply of empty beer and wine bottle handy, so why not turn out a full 6-pack of these citronella torches assembly line style?

How to Build a $50 DIY Off-the-Grid Air Conditioner [VIDEO]

As the summer temperatures start to spike, so do those electric bills… unless you’re living in a tent of course. Get this: Whether you’re spending your time in a tent or a modern family home, this little DIY project could make your home base a whole lot cooler, both literally and figuratively. That’s because this little homemade air-conditioner can pump out some seriously cold air… and of course it’s built inside an actual cooler (pun intended). And unlike running a compressor, this design is WAY cheaper than running a typical air-conditioner. In fact, you can design this to run entirely […]

The Easiest Way to Soothe Annoying Chigger Bites [VIDEO]

Chiggers are commonly found in tall grasses, and their bite can lead to the most intense itching experience of your entire life! These pests are most active during the afternoon, and the temperature needs to be above 60 degrees Fahrenheit for them to remain active. Unlike ticks, chiggers are way too small for most people to see them without the assistance of a magnifying glass. However, just like ticks, chiggers can stay attached to your skin for an extended period of time. Chiggers are most attracted to wrists, armpits, ankles, behind the knees and the groin region. You can minimize […]

How to Build a $20 File Cabinet Smoker [Step-by-Step]

When it comes to backyard BBQs, a great smoker can make feeding a crowd a real pleasure. While a sub-par smoker can leave you with post BBQ stress disorder.  Any experienced smoker knows that control is everything. While there are some very nice vertical smokers on the market, the good ones will cost you dearly. And if you cheap out, you risk Post BBQ Stress Disorder. Luckily, you can remedy this situation AND build a unique, one-of-a-kind redneck smoker for just a few bucks by… (drumroll please) converting an old file cabinet. Click Through for Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Build a Hidden Wall Safe for $3 [PICS]

When it comes to storing valuables, the trusty old reinforced metal safe is the obvious choice — obvious to you and obvious to burglars. If you’ve ever watch one of the many “safe-cracking” videos on YouTube, then you know just how difficult opening a safe ISN’T for a career criminal with the right tools. That’s not to say that your safe is useless. However, it’s important to rein in our sense of security every once in a while, in order to keep us on our toes. That’s why we’re always looking for ways to combine security and deception in order […]

10 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Pesky Bugs

The study of entomology can be fascinating, but the last thing that you want to deal with in your home or garden is a bug problem. However, using pesticides can be dangerous, and recent studies have linked the dwindling bee population to the presence of neonicotinoids. To help avoid these issues, you can take advantage of numerous natural solutions that can repel or even kill the pests that strive to destroy your gardening and food storage efforts.

How to Make a DIY Hidden Book Compartment: Step-by-Step

Cutting a secret compartment into an old hard cover is a method old as time… You might say it’s the oldest trick in the book. However, let me ask you this: If a burglar were to break into your home while you’re away, do you think your bookcase would be the first place they’d look? Or the last? I doubt you’d find a single career thief who would admit to going straight to the bookcase. Desk drawers, safes, and jewelry boxes are simply miles above hard cover books on the list of targets. What’s more, “Book Safes” are incredibly easy […]

9 Easiest Veggies for Beginners

x Getting off the grid isn’t just about electricity. If you truly want to be self-sufficient, you have to get off the “food grid.” Shopping at your local farmers market is not enough… The local farmer’s market is a very good resource, however, because it helps you learn about what kinds of veggies are grown on local farms. It also puts you in contact with others who can help give you guidance as your start planting your own survival garden. Gardening is a learning process, to say the least. You’ll never know it all, but you want to avoid getting […]

Top 7 Food Hoarding Blunders

x Q: What’s better than a survival food cache?  A: A survival food cache that you can actually use in a crisis… You might think I’m being disingenuous, but I’m really not. Creating a survival food cache takes a lot more effort than just piling up some canned goods in the hall closet. And believing you have a comprehensive food cache when you really don’t can be more dangerous than not having one at all. Not only should you spend some time thinking about nutritional needs and how your store foods can be used to make actual meals… there are countless other considerations that […]