Practical Prepping Podcast

Practical Prepping Podcast Episode # 76

Please share this episode with friends. Here is the direct link: https://practicalpreppingpodcast.buzzsprout.com

In this episode we discuss the creepy topic of "Spiders."

There are over 46,000 different species of spiders in the world, with around 30 of those species being dangerous to humans. A handful of these spiders have venom so potent that a single bite can kill a human if untreated.

This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but here are eleven of the most dangerous arachnids to humans:

Brazilian Wandering Spider

• Said to have the worlds most toxic spider venom

Six-eyed Sand Spider

• Lives in the desert
• Buries itself or covers itself in sand

Australian funnel-web or Sydney funnel-web spider

• Untreated bites kill in one hour to three days

Australian mouse spider

• It is red and blue, soft and furry, but is not a pet! Avoid!

Redback spider

• Found in Austraila, New Zealand, and parts of Southeast Asia.
• Until anti-venom was introduced in the 50s, deaths from Redback spiders were regularly recorded

Katipo spider

• Found on the south island and southern half of north island of New Zealand, it's listed as an endangered species, and is very dangerous.

Black Widow

• Found in the US, Canada, Latin America, and in our backyard, the venom is 15 times more powerful than the rattlesnake. ApproxImately 2500 bites are treated each year in the US, and there is a five percent fatality rate.

Red widow

• Found in Central and Southern Florida, the venom very similar to the black widow. Bite results in death without anti-venom treatment.

• Brown Widow
• Originally native to Africa, it has found its way to most continents.
• Not an aggressive spider, but the venom is twice as potent as black widow!

Brown recluse or "fiddle back" spider

• Identified by an area of the back that looks like a fiddle or violin. It is found in warmer parts of southern US, in basements, garages, attics, walls, caves, rodent burrows.
• Bites lead to deep sores, often resulting in skin grafts, and even amputations

Hobo spider

• Found in North America and Europe. 
• It's an aggressive spider, with a bite much like the brown recluse.

Call to action:

• Don't put any part of your body where your eyes have not been!
• Check you property for dangerous spiders.
• Use pest control measures, including spraying and removing their environment whenever possible.

Seek immediate emergency medical treatment if you suspect you have been bitten by one of these spiders, regardless of symptoms!

These are not ALL of the dangerous spiders in the world, but just a few of the more dangerous.

Research the venomous spiders in your area and practice appropriate safeguards.

Please consider supporting the podcast by buying us a cup of coffe. You can do that by going to www.buymeacoffee.com/practicalprep

We invite you to drop us an email at [email protected]

Visit our website at www.practicalprepping.info

Join us on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for more episodes of Practical Prepping Podcast.

Practical Prepping Podcast Episode #75

Please share this episode with friends. Here is the direct link: https://practicalpreppingpodcast.buzzsprout.com

In this episode we discuss: Money Saving Ideas

Dump cable or satellite TV

• Use a smart TV like a Roku Tv and a streaming service.
• Prices vary greatly, so do your research.
• Antenna TV is an option as well, and is necessary for local events and weather coverage.

Eliminate that daily $5 cup of coffee
Saves money & tastes better

Buying in bulk
At wholesale clubs and by sharing with family

Shopping at Dollar Stores
Name brands are the same
Store brands have significantly lower prices

In the grocery store
Using coupons
BOGO deals
Divide larger quantities for later use.

Buy generic medications when possible
Especially pain relievers and stomach medications

Combine car trips
Save gas by doing multiple errands in one trip.

Do regular maintenance on vehicles
Vehicles will last longer, and you'll get better fuel mileage

Use cloths rather than paper towels
"Bar mops"  are bulk towels, usually a 12-14 inch square of white terry cloth save a lot of money compared to paper towels.

Eat at/from home
Eating out can get expensive
Meal preps for the week are very popular

Utilize Ebay, Craigs List, FB market Place and thrift stores
Here are some good sites: 

• Shopgoodwill.com
• REI.com
• Lowergear.com -
• Outdoorsgeek.com
• All of these sites offer used gear.

Do online price comparisonsl & shop locally
You can see prices, compare, and call for availability.

Online shopping

• Compare prices, not all sites prices the same.
• Compare exact models, features.
• Read reviews.
• Utilize free shipping.

Utilize free cancellations for travel or subscription-based services
Plans/needs can change-don't get stuck

Please consider supporting the podcast by buying us a cup of coffe. You can do that by going to www.buymeacoffee.com/practicalprep

We invite you to drop us an email at [email protected]

Visit our website at www.practicalprepping.info

Join us on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for more episodes of Practical Prepping Podcast.

Practical Prepping Podcast Episode # 74

Please share this episode with friends. Here is the direct link: https://practicalpreppingpodcast.buzzsprout.com

In this episode we discuss: "Ten essential categories of items to put in a bug-out-bag or a get-home-bag."

Many new people have come into prepping after the year we've had, stocking up on food, water, toilet paper, and paper towels. Thats a good start.

(If you are just getting started, let me suggest you listen to episode #52 on getting started, and episode #1, where we tell our story and how we prep. Let me also encourage you to not get overwhelmed. You can't do it all at one time.)

Maybe you've decided you need to take it a step farther and build Bug-Out-Bag or Get-Home-Bag. We'll explain the difference between them.

Here are the ten essential catagories we cover:

• Water
• Food
• Knives
• Fire
• Medical/First aid kit
• Hygiene
• Communications
• Shelter
• Navigation
• Security

Drop us an email of find us on facebook and let us know what else you plan carry in your bag.

Please consider supporting the podcast by buying us a cup of coffe. You can do that by going to www.buymeacoffee.com/practicalprep

We invite you to drop us an email at [email protected]

Visit our website at www.practicalprepping.info

Join us on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for more episodes of Practical Prepping Podcast.

Practical Prepping Podcast Episode # 73, " Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, And Other Slithering Critters."

Please share this episode with friends. Here is the direct link: https://practicalpreppingpodcast.buzzsprout.com

In this episode we discuss: Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, And Other Slithering Critters, and how to keep them away from your property, and though not medical advice, we discuss the treatment of snakebites.

We've are having more reported snake sightings, and in unexpected areas. They are moving into urban areas becaus of drought in some western states and reduction of their natural habitat. Snakes are attracted by food, water, and cover. If we deal with food and cover, we can deter their staying in unwanted areas. Occassionally they are found on porches, in yards, in wood piles, near pools, under play equipment, in potted plants, in flower beds, and under lawncare equipment.

Keeping them out of your environment

• Keep grass cut short
• Helps you see them
• They feel vulnerable to hawks & owls
• Build a perch pole for hawks and owls
• Clean up debris
• Piles of wood, lumber, limbs, leaves give snakes cover.
• Keep stacks of firewood away from the house
• Control rodents
• (Snakes feed on mice, chipmunks, squirrels)
• Feed pets inside, or don't leave petfood outside
• Keep birdfeed inaccessible to rodents
• Rodents can chew through plastic, cardboard, even wood
• Store birdseed in metal container / tight fitting lid
• Keep feeders well away from the house
• Consider snake fencing if appropriate
• Use Snake Repellents
• Commercially available, but many toxic to pets and children
• Clove oil, cinnamon, and ammonia can help
• Moth balls has mixed reviews, but I personally used it in daughter's yard, in an area prone to copperheads, and no snakes were found in her yard. 
• Spread them around the exterior of the perimeter fence
• Yard/Barn Cats will help control rodents, which takes away a food source for snakes
• Cats will kill snakes, or alert you to their presence
• We tell the story of our son-in-law being alerted by their cats to the presence of a rather large rattlesnake just a few feet from the yard. Yep, he dealt with it to protect the family.

Treating Rattlesnake Bites

• Get away from the snake
• Stay calm
• Seek emergency medical treatment
• Stay immobile if possible
• Keep the bite well below the level of the heart
• Remove any jewelry or clothing near the bite
• May constrict blood flow from swelling
• Remove shoe or boot on affected leg in case of swelling.
• Let the wound bleed for a bit, which may drain out some of the venom.
• DO NOT cut the fang wounds
• DO NOT "suck the poison out" with your mouth
• Use a suction device if available
• DO NOT apply a tourniquet, as it often does more harm than good
• Place a clean bandage on the wound
• Do not drink alcohol or caffeine, as it can speed absorption of the venom.

Positive identification of the species of the biting snake should be made, if if is safe to do so. If the snake cannot be positively be identified, but the snake can be killed and taken to the emergency room for positive identication, but NEVER  TAKE A LIVE SNAKE TO THE ER. (Yes, it has happened).

Please consider supporting the podcast by buying us a cup of coffee. You can do that by going to www.buymeacoffee.com/practicalprep

Drop us an email at [email protected]

Visit our website at www.practicalprepping.info

Practical Prepping Podcast Episode # 72, "Taking The Buzz Out Of Mosquitos"

Please share this episode with friends. Here is the direct link: https://practicalpreppingpodcast.buzzsprout.com

In this episode we discuss:

Controlling mosquitoes

We Can Kill Them

• With electronic zappers
• By feeding them to the birds
• Build Purple Martin houses--they eat not only mosquitoes, but also carpenter bees, wasps, flies and some other prsky insects

Eliminate Their Breeding Areas

• Larvae grow in standing water
• In old tires, buckets, tubs, pots, low spots in your landscape holding water

Treat Standing Water

• Areas that cannot be kept dry
• Some essential oils are --lavender, peppermint
• Scatter coffee grounds on standing water
• Few drops of heavy oil, such as motor oil floats on the water, creating a barrier, and cutting off the larvae's access to air

Repelling Mosquitoes

• Commercial DEET repellent
• Lemon eucalyptus oil
• Lavender oil
• Cinnamon oil mix--
• 1/4 tsp oil, 4 ounces of water
• Spray on clothing and skin
• Thyme oil
• Burning thyme leaves in a campfire provides about 85% protection for 60-90 minutes
• Burning citronella candles keeps them away
• Some plants repel mosquitoes
• Basil, Bee Balm, Catnip, Citronella (Available As Geraniums Now), Garlic, Lavender, Lemongrass, Marigold, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Mint, Thyme, Chysanthemums, Tansy
• Consider Planting a herb garden near porches & patio areas.

Treating Mosquito Bites

• Natural treatments
• Apple cider vinegar
• Slice of raw onion
• Freshly cut garlic
• (also wards off vampires)
• OTC treatments
• Calamine lotion
• Hydrocortisone cream
• "Sting Kill" ampules or "Bite Stick" (Good to carry in bags)

Our Plan Of Attack To Take The Buzz Out Of Mosquitoes...

• Check the area for mosquito breeding opportunities.
• Plant herbs and foliage which naturally repel mosquitoes.
• Place spray repellent in BOBs, on the porch, with camping gear, and in vehicles.

Please consider supporting the podcast by buying us a cup of coffee. You can do that by going to www.buymeacoffee.com/practicalprep

We invite you to drop us an email at [email protected]

Visit our website at www.practicalprepping.info

Join us on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for more episodes of Practical Prepping Podcast.

Practical Prepping Podcast Episode # 71
Please share this episode with friends. Here is the direct link: https://practicalpreppingpodcast.buzzsprout.com

In this episode we discuss building radio "go boxes."
These can be built for HAM radio, CB radio, GMRS, FRS, Marine radio, or any radio service you use.

They are used for

• Deployments
• Search and rescue
• Bugging out
• Exercises like field day

It's about having everything in one place and ready to go

In this epiode, we are not covering every possibility of "go box," specifically not covering digital modes which require computers for operation.

There are two kinds of go boxes:

(1) Self contained, radio, & power source

Housed in ammo cans, hard plastic waterproof cases, or custom built cases,  these "go boxes" are basically plug and play ready.

They often contain only 2 meter/440 mHz radios for local use.

(2) Equipment box containing items needed for operation, as well as items for soldering, building antennas, and making repairs

Contained in sturdy weather resistant cases or totes, these boxes include items such as HTs, multi meters, soldering irons, electrical tape, heat shrink, coax, connectors, adaptors, wire antennas, rolled J-pole, paracord, twine, and tools.

We discuss Power Sources suitable for emergency use, including 

•  Batteries - Deep cycle
• Car batteries
• Jump box
• We are presently testing a new lawn tractor battery for possible use.

Finally, we list our "grab & go" Items including:

• (2) radios
• (2) HTs & chargers
• Tripod, & paint roller extension pole
• B Square dual band J-pole
• Yellow Extension pole (former hot stick
• Magnetic mount 2m/440
• Magnetic mount antenna,  3 5" magnetic mount  and band specific HF antennas
• Go boxes are all about having things all together, and being able to deploy without having to round up everything. 

If you are into radio of any kind, look into the possibility of building a go box dding to your radio capabilities.

Please consider supporting the podcast by buying us a cup of coffe. You can do that by going to www.buymeacoffee.com/practicalprep

We invite you to drop us an email at [email protected]

Visit our website at www.practicalprepping.info

Join us on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for more episodes of Practical Prepping Podcast.

Practical Prepping Podcast Episode # 70
Please share this episode with friends. Here is the direct link: https://practicalpreppingpodcast.buzzsprout.com

In response to several who have asked, this is a list of things for when getting started prepping, and a reminder list for the rest of us. It is certainly not an exhaustive list for prepping, but is a good working list for building our preps.

A List Of Things To Prep...... For Beginners And Established Practical Preppers:

• Case of bottled water
• Multiple manual can openers
• Start with what you can, add 2 items per grocery trip
• Foods you regularly eat
• Long shelf life canned goods
• Canned vegetables, canned meats, canned soups, canned pastas, 
• One pound bags of rice & beans
• Dry soup mixes
• Makes 8 cups
• Spices
• Salt (reg, kosher, sea, pink), black pepper, sugar, cooking spices, 
• Garlic powder, oregano, rosemary, cinnamon, chili powder, cumin, thyme, sage, basil, bay leaves, onion powder
• Condiments
• Hot sauce, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, 
  •  white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, honey, molasses, chili sauce, bbq sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce
• Plastic utensils
• Aluminum cooking pans for grill or oven
• Metal utensils for cooking--spatulas, whisks, etc
• Melamine dinnerware--easy clean, reusable
• Paper towels
• Toilet tissue
• Baby wipes
• Over The Counter medications
• First aid supplies

Hopefully this list gives you some ideas, even if you have been prepping for a while.

If you think we have missed any necessities, please drop us an email.

Please consider supporting the podcast by buying us a cup of coffe. You can do that by going to www.buymeacoffee.com/practicalprep

We invite you to drop us an email at [email protected]

Visit our website at www.practicalprepping.info

Join us on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for more episodes of Practical Prepping Podcast.

Practical Prepping Podcast Episode # 69

Please share this episode with friends. Here is the direct link: https://practicalpreppingpodcast.buzzsprout.com

We have seen many asking about what items should be stored for barter. In this episode we discus many of items good for not only barter but for our use during SHTF.

A List Of Items To Store For Barter, And Use, In SHTF, in no particular order:

• Lighters, matches, fire starters
• Manual can openers, 
• rubbing & drinking alcohol, 
• Hydrogen peroxide
• First aid & medical supplies, 
• Baby supplies
• Chapstick
• fixed blade knives, sharpeners
• Hygiene items
• Feminine products
• Toothpaste
• Soap, shampoo
• Personal water filters
• Coffee/Tea
• Smokeless tobacco
• Stores longr than cigarettes
• Tobacco will be a premium barter item
• Cleaning products
• Bleach, peroxide, lysol, wipes
• Candles, flashlights, batteries

Keep a supply of some of these items and you'll be in position to barter after the SHTF.

Please consider supporting the podcast by buying us a cup of coffe. You can do that by going to www.buymeacoffee.com/practicalprep

We invite you to drop us an email at [email protected]

Visit our website at www.practicalprepping.info

You are invited to the annual ARRL HAM Radio Field Day, this weekend, June 26 & 27, at a location near you.

This is a 24 hour emergency communications preparedness exercise and you can participate, even without having a ham radio license!

It's an opportunity to learn about ham radio and experience it first hand. We'll help you make your first contact!

Join us at a location near you, and you may hear us on the air.