Question from Jeff

I have a question that I’m hoping you can help me with.

Recently, I was told that the brown (dead) patches in my lawn (in Florida) are caused by “cinch bugs” . And that the cinch bugs will eventually kill the whole lawn if I don’t eradicate them with toxic pesticides. I would like to do something about this, but I don’t want to poison everything in sight(including myself). Do you have any experience with this? Are there safer alternatives than pesticides.

Also, I’ve been advised to use Miracle-Gro fertilizer (with a dispenser that attachs to a garden hose)3-4 times a week for one month on some new plantings of shrubs to get them growing more quickly. Does anyone know about the safety of Miracle-Gro or a safer substitute.

Thanks, Jeff

Debra’s Answer

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Question from Dana

We just moved into a new area and it feels as if we’re experiencing a plague of spiders(inside), crickets (inside) and grasshoppers (outside, sometimes inside!). Ok, an overexageration but I am seeking advice on ridding our lives of these small but destructive creatures! Our spider plague includes black widows. At night, the place comes alive! Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Debra’s Answer

I’ve listed quite a few links to websites for organizations that specialize in nontoxic and natural pest controls on Pest Control page of Debra’s List. That’s a good place to start. And I’m sure you’ll get some comments from readers, too!

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Question from Mike George

As someone with minor to medium chemical sensitivities, I have been diligent about my avoidance of certain chmicals. However, a party guest that stayed over had a late-evening accident with red wine while we were asleep. The guest found a bottle of carpet cleaner stuck away and unwittingly used almost the entire contents to clean the stain.

Initially the exposure didn’t bother me, but after I closed the house windows for a day to turn on the A/C I started to get symptoms. That night I slept in the house and got severe insomnia as the chemical evaporated and spread through the house.

Now I am making a renewed committment to become truly chemical free. My questions surround what to do with the carpet, offending stain, and chemical. I have put baking soda on the affected area to try and absorb the chemical but I was hoping I could get some advice on any carpet cleaning services that are MCS friendly.

Removing the carpet entirely may be in the cards, but I have found that I can eliminate 90-95% of my symptoms simply by avoiding a few offending products so want to not jump into any major renovations just yet. My goal is to get the carpets, and duct work cleaned, and remove any obvious offending chemicals before going too crazy.

Any advice on my situation, or other persons experiences would be helpful.

Debra’s Answer

First, I suggest that you remove ANY offending chemicals from your home, don’t just tuck them away.

The best recommendation I can give you is to remove the carpet. To simply remove it doesn’t require any major renovations.

I don’t have any first-hand experience with carpet mishaps since I haven’t had a carpet in over 25 years.

Readers, your advice?

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Question from kw

We are looking for alternatives to stop brain tumor growth- specifically oligastrocytoma or mixed glioma tumor. Have heard of omega-3s and acupunture. Any other suggestions? How do we go about finding a legitimate naturopath?

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Question from Kay

I’ve been using a 1 to 1 mix of borax & washing soda in our dishwasher, my husband is concerned that it might eat the seals in the washer. Is there any info. about this? I’d appreciate any info. Also does using this mixture void warranties ?

Debra’s Answer

I think it would be fine and don’t know about warranties. Readers, anyone have experience with this?

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Update February, 2020: Is There Lead In Glassware?

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Question from Kerri

Since I have been reading so much on how great vinegar is for laundry for a variety of different reasons, I have been using vinegar in my rinse dispenser and in my bleach dispenser. I use no more then a cup. Sometimes I just use half a cup in the rinse dispenser. Do you think this can be causing pilling on my clothes? The longest I have my clothes in the dryer,on delicate, is 3 minutes to get the dog hair off my clothes and then I air dry, so I do not think it is from the dryer? I wash my clothes in cold water only and on a delicate cycle. I also use seventh generation soap and use very little, like maybe only 1/8 of a cup. I’m ready to go crazy because my clothes are getting ruined and I am having to get rid of them. If you have any ideas regarding this I would greatly appreciate your advice.

Also I have read some of what others are saying about laundry soaps etc. but I get overwhelmed because there are so many different opinions and advice. Do you recommend a book or something that pretty much just states the facts on non-toxic cleaning products or ones that you can make on your own?

Thanks for your help!

K, Illinois

Debra’s Answer

Yes! See the Cleaning page of Debra’s Bookstore.

And I don’t think vinegar is causing pilling, but, readers, has anyone else had this experience?

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Question from Carol

My dad was recently diagnosed as being in the beginning stages of dementia. He is 83. His doctor prescribed Aricept but I took my dad off it because I noticed that it made him extremely tired all the time. Does anyone know of any natural remedy/food/vitamin that helps or cures dementia?

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Question from cp

is there somewhere to buy organic dry baking ingredients? I am looking for flour, baking soda, spices, etc…

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