In June 2015 on this blog site, an article was published, How to Live a Naturally Pest-Free Summer. Yet, summer is not the only time of year when pests are present. Winter, and even late autumn and early spring, have a pest called ice.
Ice covers sidewalks, steps, car widows, the windows of your house and clogs locks. This makes walking treacherous, getting in a vehicle or home difficult, and destroys seals and window frames.
However, there are ways to minimize the risks involved with such a pest.
The Dollar Strechter.com suggests using an old sheet or thin tarp to cover the windshield before an ice storm. Keep it in place by tucking it into the car door. To keep your windshield wipers and home door handles ice-free, place old socks over them.
They also offer a homemade spray-on mixture to help prevent build up, and another to help de-ice.
Prevention Mixture
3 parts vinegar
1 part water
Mix in a spray bottle and spray on windows and mirrors to prevent ice from forming.
De-Ice Mixture
Isopropyl Alcohol
A few drops dish liquid
Mix in a spray bottle, spray liberally, and let set for a few minutes. This also works for frozen locks.
Thriftyfun.com has some other ideas offered by readers for helping with sidewalks and driveways.
Ice Melt Mixture
1 part Epsom Salts
1 part sugar
Mix and spread like sidewalk salt. It is reported to be safer on plants and animals than regular sidewalk salt.
To add grip and tread to already icy areas, use birdseed instead of kitty litter. It is less messy, and it offers food for birds during the winter months.
