Ten Tips to Help You Prepare for a Road Trip

The end of summer is near and the kids will be heading to school soon enough. But if you are planning one last road trip with the family here are ten tips that will help you stay safe on the road. 

1. Plan your route well in advance and obtain necessary maps, or use a GPS system for your vehicle. 

It's probably not the best idea to hop in the car without any sort of plan. Especially when you are traveling in unknown areas. If you have AAA, they offer "Trip Picks", which include maps, a travel book, and your highlighted route. If you don't have AAA, but are traveling with someone who does, you can ask them to obtain this information for you. For any long trips you plan on taking, a GPS is probably your best bet.

2. Prepare your vehicle for the trip
It is important to make sure that your vehicle is ready for the trip. Make sure you check fluid levels, change the oil, and check tire pressure. Emergency equipment such as jumper cables and flares are especially important to keep handy in the back of your vehicle.

We suggest: Mighty Jump Emergency Jump Starter:
The Mighty Jump is an emergency jump-starter that allows you to jump-start a vehicle without leaving the driver's seat. When the Mighty Jump is plugged into the dashboard cigarette lighter, it transfers power from itself to the car battery using the internal wiring of the vehicle.

Additional Features of the Mighty Jump: 

• Small enough to store almost anywhere
• No more confusing jumper cables that rely on a jump-start from an other car
• Charges car battery when adapter is plugged into a standard car cigarette lighter
• Takes only ten minutes to charge a car battery enough to start the engine.
• Multiple uses 

3. Plan carefully what  you will take with you

How many people are going with you? How much space do you have in your vehicle? These are important questions to ask yourself! You don't want to be crammed and uncomfortable throughout the duration of your trip. 

4. Plan your stops along the way:

While you can't control everything about your trip, especially unexpected restroom stops, it is a good idea to plan for food, drink, and restroom breaks. Breaks to visit certain destinations are also encouraged! Don't forget to have fun! 

5. Have a passenger confirm hotel reservations or other lodging plans as you are traveling:

Nothing is worse than arriving at a hotel and discovering a problem with your room especially if you are tired and in need of desperate sleep! It is also good to have at least one other adult passenger so if need be, they can go ahead and make hotel reservations, or navigate if you become lost. 

6. Provide people who are staying at home with your itinerary and ensure that they have your cell phone number.

God forbid something happens on the road, make sure that at least one person knows your itinerary and destination. Make sure to carry your cell phone and bring a cell phone charger that can be plugged into your car should you have an emergency. 

7. Bring a cooler with drinks and snacks, especially if you are traveling with small children. 

Save time and money by bringing a small cooler with refreshments and snacks. 

8. Clean out the vehicle each evening once you arrive at your hotel or destination. 

Take a few moments each night to clean out your car. Over the course of the day you might have accumulated snack wrappers, empty drink bottles, or fast food bags. 

9. Use your traveling time to confirm your itinerary and play games.

Play games to cure those inevitable boredom blues. 

10. Take turns driving. 

This is another reason why it is important to bring another adult with you. Long periods of driving can become tiresome! Change it up! 

Source: Ten Tips for Preparing for a Road Trip

Effective Ways to Keep Pests Out of Your Garden

While it may be first instinct, getting your BB gun to shoot pests away from your garden is not the best approach. According to Kathy LaLiberte, a writer for gardeners.com, these are some of the most effective ways to keep pests out of your garden this summer:

1. Identify the Creature*
Once you identify the creature, try to learn a little about the creature and the habitat of the animal. Kathy writes that "this knowledge is essential for putting together an effective solution." Please reference the chart below. 

2. Try to make your garden less appealing by:

• Eliminating hiding or nesting areas. Animals are attracted to brush piles and tall grass. 
• Seal off access to crawl spaces beneath your porch or deck 
• Minimize food sources. For example, raccoons are less likely to avoid your compost pile if you keep it covered. Furthermore, cleaning up excess birdseed will keep squirrels away. 

3. Use one of the following control methods:

A. Repellents:

According to Kathy, "visual and auditory scare devices can be used to repel animals. These include ultrasonic repellers, motion-activated water sprayers, noise makers, and visual scare devices such as reflective tape and faux predators."

We suggest: The Outdoor Animal Repeller

The Outdoor Animal Repeller works on a variety of pests including raccoons, rodents, armadillos, bats, cats, dogs, and deer. It can also keep farm animals, such as cows, from wandering and feeding in areas where they are not wanted. The Outdoor Animal Repeller is ultrasonic and cannot be heard by humans. Great for keeping animals out of: gardens, trash cans, nesting areas, flower beds, garages, attics, cellars, basements, storage sheds, and anywhere pests are defacing property. 

B. Pets

Believe it or not, pets can deter certain pests from your garden. For example, cats are great at catching voles and gophers, while dogs can be good at scaring away small pests that may be lurking in your garden. 

C. Live Traps

While this works as an effective method to trap pests in your garden, some may not have the heart to trap a live animal or better yet, know what to do with the animal after it's caught. Kathy advises in her article that some states prohibit the relocation of wildlife. 

D. Fences 

Regardless of whether it is temporary or permanent, putting up a fence is an effective, long-term solution. For bigger pests such as woodchucks, deer, or rabbits, electric fencing is best, but can be time consuming and costly.

Cute, but can wreck havoc on your garden. 

Common Animal Pests: (*Click on pest to learn what to do when they approach your garden)

Small Mammals:

Chipmunks

Gophers

Mice

Moles

Opossums

Rabbits

Raccoons

Rats

Skunks

Squirrels

Voles

Woodchucks 

Large Mammals

Bear

Deer

Other

Dogs & Cats

Birds 

Snakes

Source:

Keeping Animal Pests Out of Your Garden

Perfect Summer Legs with the Pearl Hair Remover

The Pearl Hair Remover answers the demand for easy, safe, and painless hair removal at home. By utilizing revolutionary technology to remove unwanted hair from the body, the Pearl Hair Remover truly eliminates the need for harsh chemicals, sticky messes, and expensive office visits. Professional quality results can be achieved on all hair types and skin color in the comfort of the home at a fraction of the price.

The Pearl Hair Remover can be used on face, legs, bikini line and more. Specialized attachments like the Maxi Guide, perfect for arms and legs, and the Micro Guide, great for sensitive areas, give it a clear advantage over "one size fits all" treatment methods. What's more, a lightweight portable design and rechargeable battery makes it ideal for travel.

As the Pearl glides across the skin, thermotransmitters radiate heat down in the hair follicle, removing the hair. Continuous slowing of hair growth promotes longer lasting results and does not irritate the skin. Unlike waxing that tears off the first layer of the epidermis, the Pearl gently glides across skin and removes hair painlessly and effortlessly. Using the built-in bi-directional optical sensor, the Pearl removes hair in two directions instead of one.

For smoother, healthier looking skin, we recommend applying the Pearl Smoothing Serum or a gentle moisturizer after each treatment.

Consumers called for a truly safe, easy and pain-free way to deal with unwanted hair in the privacy and comfort of their own home. The Pearl Hair Remover does exactly that and costs a fraction of the price charged in salons and clinics.

Pearl Features:

• No need for harsh chemicals
• No need for expensive office visits
• Great for all skin types
• Can be used on face, legs, bikini line, arms, and anywhere else. 

https://www.buypearlhairremover.com/PEARL/2.0000/Index.dtm

Tips on How to Stay Cool in a Summer Heat Wave

According to recent reports, 22 states in the United States have heat advisories and/or excessive heat warnings. Although cooler temperatures are expected to bring relief soon, the National Weather Service says that "most of the mid-Atlantic remains under a Heat Advisory as the heat wave is expected to last until at least Friday. The heat index could reach 100 degrees on Thursday."

So how do you stay cool in excessive heat? 

Watch you diet:

For starters, Madelyn Fernstrom, TODAY's Diet and Nutrition editor, "keeping hydrated is key." While drinking plenty of water will keep you hydrated there are many other ways you can do so as well. She suggests eating foods with high water content such as: large green salads with lots of veggies and fresh fruit such as watermelon. For a quick pick me up snack, she suggests eating frozen fruits such as pineapple or grapes. Avoid eating meals that are spicy, which will only warm you up and meals that are high in fat.

Cool Down your Core Temperature:

Senior Editor of Men's Health Magazine, Clint Carter suggest taking ice cub-sized hand coolers and apply them to pulse points (behind your elbow, back of your neck, or knees. This helps cool down your core temperature.

Tired of hot, sleepless nights? 
Who doesn't love the cool side of the pillow? Try putting your bed sheets or pillow in the refrigerator for a half hour if you don't have air conditioning.

Avoid Exercising Outdoors
Or if you have to, workout in the morning or evening hours.

If you know you are going to be outdoors, bring a personal fan
Melissa Conrad Stoppler, MD, and medical author on Medicinenet.com, says that "some people swear by small, portable, battery-powered fans."

If you are in the market for a portable, personal fan, we suggest our newest line of Breezie Fans. Stay cool with the Viatek Breezie Handheld Bladeless Fan. Take it to your favorite sporting event, to the beach, the park, and even to the office. Sleek and stylish, it features the latest in bladeless fan technology, delivering a cool, smooth stream of air without the unpleasant buffeting sound associated with fan blades. Completely cordless, it runs on just 3 AA batteries and only uses half the energy of a conventional fan.

In a building or home without air conditioning? Try the Breezie Tabletop Bladeless Fan. The Breezie Bladeless Tabletop can be powered by either battery or USB connection. To use USB power, simply plug the included cord into the side of the fan. With an adjustable angle back, you can direct the Breezie fan in any direction.

The Breezie Tabletop fan also has a "Cool Breeze Feature". Simply dampen the sponge with water and freeze in a shape that fits the fan properly. Once the sponge is frozen, place it in the back of the fan.

Visit a cooling center
If you do not have an air conditioner, several cities are settting up cooling centers where you can go and cool off. You can also try going to the mall, or other areas where you know there is air conditioning.

How are you staying cool in this heat wave? 

Image Credit

Sources:
Today Health

Deadly Heat Wave Sweeps Nation 

15 Ways To Keep Cool When it's Hot

Gardening Essentials

Firemen's Hose Nozzles

Firemen's Hose Nozzles are modeled after hoses used by professional firefighters and can deliver everything from a fine mist to a powerful stream. With numerous settings, you'll be able to simply twist the nozzle to adjust and use it to power clean household siding, dirty vehicles or driveways. Twist the nozzle again to water garden bushes or mist flower beds! It's rugged design provides long lasting durability, and the ergonomic shape allows you to use it longer without fatigue. 

Additional Features:

• Fits standard 5/8" hoses
• Five spray settings
• Ergonomic handle
• High-grade stainless steel
• Aircraft-grade aluminum
• Reinforced nylon and soft rubber

Keep pests away from newly planted flowers with the Outdoor Animal Repeller

Keep pests away from newly planted flowers! The Outdoor Animal Repeller works on a variety of pests, including raccoons, rodents, armadillos, bats, cats, dogs, and deer. It can also keep farm animals, such as cows, from wandering and feeding in areas where they are not wanted. The PIR motion sensor can view up to 110 degrees with a radius of 25-30 feet.  

The Outdoor Animal Repeller is great for keeping animals out of gardens, trash cans, nesting areas, flower beds, garages, attics, cellars, basements, storage shed, and anywhere else pests are defacing property. 

Color Changing Sprinkler

The Viatek Color Changing Sprinkler uses 30% less water than other sprinklers. Water running through the sprinkler creates hydraulic power, activating the lights that shine through the misty spray, creating a brilliant, colorful nighttime fountain that sprays 6.5 feet in the air. 

Color Changing Sprinkler Features:

• No wires or batteries to worry about
• Save water and money
• Fits any standard garden hose
• Mist drizzles softly and gently, won't damage delicate plants. 
• Hydraulic power turns on the light that changes through a spectrum of colors. 

For even more great outdoor products, check out www.viatekproducts.com 

The Best Way to Clean Up After that Summer Party

Let's face it, life can get rather messy. (Especially if you have kids or four-legged family members). 

If you think about it, there are plenty of things that require heavy-duty cleaning materials. But instead of wasting money on paper towel that simply rip and tear, try replacing your paper towels with eco-friendly microKLen towels that can be washed and re-used! Not only will you save money, you will be joining the worldwide effort to reduce waste. Nearly 3,000 tons of paper towels are dumped into landfills everyday. 

MicroKLeN Towels 

• Are strong enough to tackle tough messes yet gentle enough to polish precious metals and gemstones. 
• Ultra-soft, wrinkle and stain-resistant, and super strong. 
• Cleans both smooth and textures surfaces with ease, indoors and out. 
• Trimmed dyed-to-match edging to resist fraying and loss of shape with repeated use. 
• Made from a blend of polyester and nylon; microfibers trap dust and dirt in angular star-shaped grooves. 
• Colors include: sea-foam teal, deep pink, sunshine yellow, brilliant green, and rosy magenta. 

Get them HERE

Stay Cool This Summer: Personal Bladeless Fans

Stay cool with the Viatek Handheld Bladeless Fan. Take it to your favorite sporting event, to the beach, the park, and even to the office. Sleek and stylish, it features the latest in bladeless fan technology, delivering a cool, smooth stream of air without the unpleasant buffeting sound associated with fan blades. Give yourself peace of mind knowing it's kid-friendly and safe for use around pets. No blades to catch tiny fingers or wagging tails! Completely cordless, it runs on just 3 AA batteries and uses only half the energy of a conventional fan.

Additional Features & Benefits

• Handheld personal fan 
• Creates a cool breeze
• Ultra portable and lightweight
• Handstrap for easy use and transport
• Uses 3 AA batteries
• Dimensions 8"x3"x2" 

Available in a variety of colors including blue, pink, purple, silver. 

Stay cool in the office:

The Bladeless Tabletop Fan can be powered either by battery or USB connection. To use USB powers, simply plug the included cord into the side of the fan. You may plug the USB end of the cord into a desktop computer, laptop, or any other USB outlet to power the fan. The Bladeless Tabletop fan also has an adjustable angle back that can be used to direct the breeze. 

The cooling sponge can be used to activate the Tabletop Bladeless Fan's cool breeze feature. Simply dampen the sponge with water and freeze in a shape that fits the fan properly. Once the sponge is frozen, place it in the back of the fan. You may also apply fragrance to the cooling sponge to act as an air freshener, but it is recommended that a modest amount of fragrance is used the first time so that you can better gauge how strong you would like the scent in the future. 

For more information please click here

Effective Ways to Protect Your Skin This Summer

While laying by the pool or the beach sounds wonderful, harmful UV Rays can have a negative effect on your skin. So how do you protect your skin in warm weather and sunshine? 

Tip #1: Avoid excessive exposure to the sun! 

Harmful UV rays can not only lead to skin cancer but can lead to premature aging. Did you know that up to 90% of the visible changes attributed to aging are caused by the sun? (Source) But if that is not enough to scare you, consider these facts:

• Each year, more cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S than new cases of breast, lung, and colon cancer combined. 
• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. 
• One American dies from skin cancer every hour. 

Melanoma, one of the most serious forms of skin cancer, affects adolescents and young adults ages 15-29. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, "UV exposure and sunburns, particularly during childhood, are risk factors for the disease." 

So how do you protect yourself? 

Solutions:

Protect your skin by using sun block with SPF protection: 

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) refers to the products ability to screen or block out the sun's harmful rays. 

To read more about SPF protection and guidelines and the best SPF protection for you, click here. 

Cover Up:

It almost seems self explanatory, but if you want to protect yourself from the sun, cover it up! Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing that will help you keep cool and help prevent sunburn. 

If you must have a tan, protect your skin by using a selfless tanner:

We recommend trying the IBOD Airbrush Tanning System:

With the IBOD Tanning System, you can get the perfect tan in the comfort of your own home. Featuring an "Even Tan Guidance Light", the IBOD Tanning System is the easiest way to get a gorgeous tan (without worrying about harmful UV Rays)

The IBOD Airbrush Tanning System Benefits & Features:

• IBOD Airbrush tan lasts 7-10 days
• IBOD Airbrush liquid solution lasts 3-4 months (which is about 16 applications) 
• No tan lines, no sunburns, no harmful UV rays to worry about
• No fake dyes that wash off
• IBOD tan develops in 4-5 hours
• Battery operated (requires 4 'AA' batteries) 

For more information on the IBOD Tanning System, please visit our website. 

4th of July & Summer Essentials

4th of July & Summer Essentials Sale

Save up to 20% on Your Entire Order With COUPON CODE: 4THOFJULY

Featured Product:

Mini Search Lights

Mini Search Lights are perfect for fishing, camping, car maintenance, power outages or any other instance where a bright light is needed. This efficient product is ready to go when you are. 

Additional Product Features:

Product encased in plastic and rubber material 

Perfect for outdoors

Lightweight design

Sturdy handle on top-perfect for hands-free working environments. 

Available in 3 C O L O R S 

Black

Red

Blue

Shop Now at www.viatekproducts.com

Beach Ready Legs: Pearl Hair Remover

Don't get caught with unwanted hair this summer with the Pearl Hair Remover. Eliminate hair from legs, arms, bikini line, and more in one simple step!

The Pearl Hair Remover answers the demand for easy, safe, and painless hair removal from the comfort of your home. It's lightweight portable design makes it ideal for travel and can be used moments before you hit the beach! By utilizing revolutionary technology to remove unwanted hair from the body, the Pearl Hair Remover truly eliminates the need for harsh chemicals, sticky messes, and expensive office visits.  

Say goodbye to unsightly razor bumps and cuts. The Pearl eliminates hair by utilizing revolutionary thermotransmitters that radiate heat down into the hair follicle, removing the hair. Continuous slowing of hair growth promotes longer lasting results and does not irritate the skin. Unlike waxing that tears off the first layer of the epidermis, the Pearl gently glides across skin and removes hair painlessly and effortlessly. 

Features & Benefits:

No more painful shaving, waxing, tweezing 

Can be used on all skin tones, colors, and types

Rechargeable, no batteries are required

No need for expensive office visits. 

buypearlhairremover.com

To Do This Summer With The Kids: Cool Off with the Color Changing Sprinkler!

The summer heat is readily upon us! 

How are you going to keep your family cool and have fun at the same time? 

The Viatek Color Changing Sprinkler uses 30% less water than other sprinklers. Water running through the sprinkler creates hydraulic power, activating the lights that shine through the misty spray, creating a brilliant, colorful nighttime fountain that sprays 6.5 feet in the air! 

Color Changing Sprinkler Features:

• No wires or batteries to worry about
• Save water and money
• Fits any standard garden hose
• Mist drizzles softly and gently, won't damage delicate plants
• Hydraulic power turns on the light that changes through a spectrum of colors. 

Was: $19.99

Now: $9.99

New Product: Fireman's Hose Nozzle With Comfort Grip

Fireman's Hose Nozzles are modeled after hoses used by professional firefighters and can deliver anything from a fine mist to a powerful stream. With numerous settings, you'll be able to simply twist the nozzle to adjust and use it for power cleaning household siding, dirty vehicles, or driveways. Twist the nozzle again to water garden bushes or mist flower beds! Its rugged design provides long lasting durability and the ergonomic shape allows you to use it longer without fatigue. 

Additional Features: 

• Fits standard 5/8" hoses
• Five spray settings
• Ergonomic handle
• High-grade stainless steel
• Aircraft-grade aluminum 
• Reinforced nylon and soft rubber

For more information, please click HERE

How To Get Your Feet Flip Flop Ready With the PediSpa

Sandals, flip-flops, and bare feet are a summertime staple. But how do you keep your feet looking smooth, healthy, and perfect in your new pair of strappy sandals? 

Follow these simple tips:

Keep Your Feet Neat and Clean.

It sounds like a no-brainer, but its important to keep your feet clean with daily washing! According to beautyandfashiotech.com, "feet sweat more during the summer months, and keeping them clean and dry can prevent moisture-loving bacteria from growing." To keep feet dry in hot summer months, try wearing shoes or sandals with adequate airflow or applying a scented foot powder to soak up excess moisture.

Smooth Calluses
Spend a lot of time in the summer barefoot? This leaves your feet prone to blisters and calluses. To smooth away rough skin or calluses try using the PediSpa Electronic Rotary Pedicure.  The PediSpa Home Pedicure System gives you a professional at-home pedicure. The PediSpa has a battery powered stainless steel rotary blade that gently and easily remotes callused skin from your feet, leaving your feet looking and feeling softer than eve. PediSpa can be used safely on toes, heels, sides and balls of the feet.

PediSpa Pedicure System Features:

• Stainless steel rotary blade
• Ergonomic design
• Requires 4 AA batteries
• Smooth finishing rotating emery board
• Easy cleaning tray
• 20,000 RPM's
• SUS304 Stainless Steel

Use Foot Refreshing Lotions and Gels

I run a lot in the summertime and I am often plagued with tired, sore, achy feet. To solve this problem, beautyandfashiontech.com recommends refreshing feet by using peppermint-based lotions and gels. 

Summer Essentials: Camping

Now that school is almost over, it's time to start unpacking the summer gear for travel. But in case you need a few supplies check out our "Camping Summer Essentials".

1. Portable Search Lights

Don't find yourself in the dark during and emergency. Banish shadows with a few minutes cranking of the handle. It's perfect for the home, car, boat, or campground, and features versatile search light and lantern settings. 

Additional Features:

• Use at home, in the car, boat or while camping
• 1 minute of cranking yields 30 minutes of light
• No power source is needed
• Use as a tabletop or hanging lantern
• Can be used as a search light
• Encased in plastic and rubber material for reliable use even in inclement weather. 
• Lightweight and easy to carry. 

2. Multi-Tool Flashlight

Do more with less thanks to this pocket-sized wonder. It's perfect for use around the home, in the car, or on your next camping or fishing trip. Make it your go-to tool for emergencies and away from home repairs and odd jobs. 

16-in-1 Multi-Tool

Provides 16 Unique Features

Blade Screwdriver

5MM Wrench

6MM Wrench

Medium Blade Screwdriver

File

Can Opener

Bottle Opener

Small Blade Screwdriver

Knife

Saw

Small Phillips Screwdriver

Scissors

Fish Hook Remover

Fish Scaler

Flashlight

Red Signal Flasher

Purchase Here

3. Viatek Dynamo Crank Weather Band Radio Flashlight 
The Viatek Dynamo Crank Weather Band Radio Flashlight never needs batteries! This product features the latest technology in batteryless hand cranking flashlights. Just crank the handle for one minute and get up to 2 hours of light. This compact, water resistant flashlight has four super bright LEDs and a built-in weather band radio.

Additional Features:

• Useful in emergencies
• Rechargeable LIR2032 Lithium Internal Battery: 3.6V, 35mA
• Wrist strap
• Weather resistant
• No batteries or bulbs to replace ever. 

Viatek Pet Products

Your dog keeping you up at night because he won't stop barking? Perhaps the neighbors dog? Viatek has developed a line of products that can help train your dog to stop barking or stop jumping all over furniture. 

Super Bark Stop: 

The Super Bark Stop is barking deterrent system that uses an ultrasonic tone to teach your dog or your neighbors dog to bark incessantly When the Super Bark Stop senses your dog bark, it emits an irritating sound that your dog will hear up to 35 feet away. Your pet will quickly learn that his bark triggers this noise and will stop barking without provocation. 

The Super Bark Stop Features

• Superior high power speaker; one of the highest in the industry
• Audible and ultrasonic frequency settings
• Integrated microphone is sensitive up to 35 feet. Microphone will hear the dogs bark and activate the high powered speaker
• Built-in audible test button, volume slid switch, sensitivity slide level
• Battery operated, 4 D batteries required
• New Feature: control panel cover on side to prevent water leakage into unit
• New Feature: Activation and power LEDs are on top instead of front
• New Feature: Speaker is recessed in product
• New Feature: Product is truly water resistant for outdoor use
• Additional adjustable bark settings

Silence Bark Stop

The Silence Bark Stop uses the latest ultrasonic and sonic bark stop technology. This bark stop produces a discomforting but not harmful, high frequency sound, audible to dogs. With the Silence Bark Stop you can silence disruptive dog barking up to 50 feet away. 

Silence Bark Stop Features:

• Multiple settings: high, medium, low
• Handheld or mountable
• Targets up to 50 feet away
• LED status indicator
• Weather resistant

Portable Bark Stop Trainer

The Portable Bark Stop Trainer is a complete training and personal siren system. This easy to use hand-held unit not only coaches your dog but is equipped with a loud siren to use for personal protection. At the push of a button the Portable Bark Stop transmit a silent ultrasonic sound that only dogs can hear. Another feature is a personal siren, which sets off a high decibel sound allowing joggers, walkers, mailmen, delivery people, and outdoor enthusiasts a sense of safety. 

For additional help training your dog, the Portable Bark Stop Trainer has an ultrasonic button that helps train your dog to control their barking, jumping on visitors or furniture. 

Portable Bark Stop Features

• Fits comfortably in palm of your hand
• Includes a handy built-in flashlight
• High decibel tone
• Battery operated
• comfortable sport design
• Targets up to 50 feet away
• Easy operation
• Weather resistant

For our complete line of Pet Products click HERE 

Products That Will Keep Your Yard PEST-FREE This Summer

Don't want pests crashing your next family barbeque or get-together? Try these wonderful products from Viatek Conusmer Products Group's Pest Control Line! 

Indoors: 

Ultrasonic Pest Repeller

PR30

The Pest Free Plug-in Ultrasonic Pest Repeller by Viatek uses ultrasonic frequency sound waves to create an unpleasant environment for rodents and arthropod pests like fleas, cockroaches, etc. The Pest Free Pest Repeller emits an alternating ultrasonic sound that ranges in higher and lower frequencies. The alternating frequency allows the Plug-in Ultrasonic Pest Repeller to target different pests. The constantly changing environment will cause pests to leave the area. 

Additional features:

Ultrasonic Technology

Plugs directly into the wall, no cords 

Won't harm your pets

LEDs provide up to 100,000 hours of use

No bulbs to replace ever

Uses 7.5 watts of electricity

Learn More...

Outdoors:

Outdoor Animal Repeller

The Outdoor Animal Repeller works on a variety of pests including raccoons, rodents, armadillos, bats, cats, dogs, and deer. It can also keep farm animals, such as cows from wandering and feeding in areas where they are not wanted. The PIR motion sensor can view up to 110 degrees with a radius of 25-30 feet (7-9 meters). Sound frequency ranges from 21kzh-45khz. 

The Outdoor Animal Repeller is ultrasonic and cannot be heard by humans. Unit operates on 4 AA batteries (not included) and covers a 30 foot radius. 

Great for keeping animals out of: 

Gardens, Trash Cans, Nesting Areas, Flower Beds, Garages, Attics, Cellars, Basements, Storage Sheds, Anywhere pests are defacing property. 

Learn more...

Mosquito Patio Trap

The Mosquito Patio Trap is a Mosquito assassin. This silent but deadly trap lures disease-carrying mosquitoes and sucks them into a chamber of doom! Protect your family from deadly diseases while enjoying the great outdoors! You're going to love how this chemical-free trap keeps your campsite, deck, or patio mosquito free. The state-of-the-art design uses acclaimed UV and carbon dioxide generation to attract pesky mosquitoes. 

Once inside the trap, bugs fall into a deadly collection chamber never to be seen again. Features portable go-anywhere design, easy-to-empty collection chamber and a clean killing system that has no exploding or popping insects. 

Learn more...

6 Ways to Ward off Mosquitoes

After reading an article on Yahoo Health, we discovered that one of the best ways to ward off annoying insects is to use a mosquito trap! But before we get to that, let me highlight five other ways to keep mosquitoes away this summer according to Joe Conlon, the technical adviser to the Mosquito Control Association. 

1. Time it right

Avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk. 

2. Use a fan

If you are outside on your porch bring a fan with you! Believe it or not, mosquitoes are weak fliers. 

3. Use Bug Lights

Yellow bug light do not attract mosquitoes like incandescent lights according to Conlon. 

4. Dress in loose fitting, light colored clothing

If you are wearing dark colors, mosquitoes are more likely to bite you. 

5. Although it is frowned upon, use deet

Conlon recommends Cutter Advanced 

6. Use a mosquito trap

These devices will trap and kill measurable numbers of mosquitoes. 

We recommend trying the Viatek Mosquito Patio Trap! This silent but deadly trap lures disease carrying mosquitoes and sucks them into a chamber of doom. You're going to love how this chemical free trap keeps your campsite, deck, or patio mosquito free! 

The state of the art design uses acclaimed UV and carbon dioxide generation technologies to attract annoying mosquitoes. 

Once inside the trap they fall into a deadly collection chamber never to be seen again. Features portable go-anywhere design, easy-to-empty collection chamber and a clean killing system that doesn't pop or explode insects! 

For more information on the Mosquito Patio Trap visit our website!

Weekend How-To: Floral Hanging Baskets

Summer is finally around the corner!

If you are anything like me, you have been diligently working in the yard, tending to your garden, or mowing. But have you thought about enhancing the decor of your porch or outside living areas with floral baskets?

If you haven't, you should! Arranging your own floral or herbal basket can instantly brighten the areas you spend most of your time outdoors.

Get some extra time this weekend? Follow this quick how-to guide!

How to Prepare Your Floral Hanging Baskets:

Step One: Select a Basket

When choosing a basket its important to keep a few things in mind:

1. Size: what is the size of the plant you want to plant?

2. What kind of material? Some examples of baskets include: stout wire, solid plastic, ceramic, or plastic mesh.

Consider Using: Viatek's Ultimate Hanging Flower Baskets:

These hanging baskets accommodate flowers, herbs, greenery and more.  They are equipped with removable side panels, which make them easy to use! Simply remove lattice work side gates and pop in your plants. 

Other Characteristics:

1. Great for planting established flowers, herbs, greenery, and more. 

2. Provides an immediate full, lush look

3. Accommodates approx/ 17 plants up to 4" H. 

4. 12 side openings w/lattice work-gate secure plants in place. 

5. Gates pop out easily for inserting plants

6. 1" built-in reservoir for optimal water retention 

7. Comes with hook and chain for easy hanging. 

Step Two: Line the Basket

Lining the basket helps keep soil in place and reduces the need for watering. 

Some common liners include: 

Sphagnum moss & polythene linings 

*These can be purchased at Lowes (HERE)

Step Three:  Choose Your Soil

Choose a soil of good quality. Your flowers will stay fuller and brighter longer. 

Step Four: Select Your Flowers

It is important to choose appropriate flowers to arrange in your hanging basket. 

Viatek Tip: The best plants to use are plants that are either flowering or close to flowering

1. Arrange large plants first and tuck smaller plants around the larger plants. 

Ideal Plants:

Geraniums, Verbena, Fuschias, Begonias, Pansies (To name a few)

Step Five: Hang in a sturdy area that will support the weight of basket (soil & water)

Step Six: Place in area of good position where it can get adequate sunlight

Step Seven: make sure you water your plants! 

Gardening Tips to Implement This Weekend!

As the snow starts to melt in New England, I know one thing for certain; my mother's favorite season is finally here. The moment she is able to start gardening, a light, that was not present within her during the winter months, shines though. She seeks solace in planting perennials, fresh herbs and vegetables despite being covered in dirt and mosquito bites. Although I don't understand why she enjoys the activity so much, I know that many people share her similar passion for gardening and/or landscaping.

As I was browsing Pinterest, particularly HGTV's profile page, I discovered some simple gardening tips that not only my mother would love, but you guys would love as well! 

Tip #1: Water your Garden!

Generally speaking, water is the single most important nutrient that your garden needs to thrive. But a question that many people run into is: How often should I water my garden? According to eHow, how often you water your garden depends on the soil type (clay, sand, or loam mix), what kind of plants you have, and the amount of rainfall you receive. Use this in conjunction with the dryness of the top 1/2 to 2 inches of soil, to determine when you should water. (Source: eHow)

As a general rule, flowering plants need about 1 inch of water a week (which includes the amount of rain you are receiving as well. 

Need a new water hose and nozzle for the summer? We recommend trying one of Viatek's newest products that comes in a convenient 2 pack: Adjustable Fireman Style Super Nozzles. Modeled after the hoses that professional firefighters use, these nozzles deliver anything from a fine mist to a powerful stream. Ideal for watering bushes in your garden as well as flower beds. 

Tip #2: Rid your fingernails of dirt BEFORE you head outdoors. 

I discovered this tip on HGTV.com and was floored! To prevent accumulating dirt under your fingernails while you work in the garden, simply run your fingernails across a bar of soap. This action will effectively seal the undersides of your nails so dirt can't collect beneath them. 

Tip #3: It's all about the details....

A few little embellishments in your garden can go a long way. 

According to to HGTV, a decorative water feature provides a strong visual accent as well as a pleasing sound. 

Vertically mounted flower pots create more space for gardening and add a unique flare to your outdoor living space. 

Create your very own herb garden in a mason jar! This again, adds a unique flair to your garden and outdoor living space.