02 Aug
Blog

Check out other Fine Hawaiian Products Made in Hawaii

  1. Maui Soap Company – Known for its handmade soaps and skincare products, using natural ingredients inspired by the Hawaiian Islands. https://www.mauibath.com
  2. Big Island Bees – Produces raw, organic honey sourced from their own bee farms on the Big Island of Hawaii. https://bigislandbees.com
  3. Island Essence – Offers a range of natural bath and body products, including lotions, oils, and soaps, inspired by the scents of Hawaii. https://www.islandessence.com
  4. Wai Meli – Specializes in organic, raw honey products derived from various floral sources across Hawaii. https://waimeli.com
  5. Hawaii Coffee Company – Produces 100% Hawaiian coffee sourced from local farms and estates throughout the Hawaiian Islands. https://www.hawaiicoffeecompany.com
  6. Mamalani – Creates natural, organic skincare products inspired by traditional Hawaiian healing practices. https://www.mamalani.com
  7. Hawaiian Springs – Bottles and distributes natural spring water sourced from the island of Oahu. https://www.hawaiianspringswater.com
  8. Honey Girl Organics – Offers organic skincare products made with honey and other natural ingredients, sourced from Hawaii. https://honeygirlorganics.com/collections/facial-products
  9. Ola Brew Co. – A brewery that produces craft beer infused with natural Hawaiian flavors and ingredients. https://www.olabrewco.com
  10. Hamakua Mushrooms – Cultivates gourmet mushrooms using sustainable farming practices on the Big Island of Hawaii. https://youtu.be/Azes6S3oSV4
02 Aug
Blog

Quit breeding Mosquitoes.. Effective Ways to Keep Them at Bay!

Ah, summertime! The season of picnics, barbecues, and outdoor adventures. Unfortunately, it’s also the time when those pesky mosquitoes come out to play. Their itchy bites and potential health risks can put a damper on your enjoyment. But fear not! In this blog, we’ll explore some effective and natural ways to get rid of mosquitoes, ensuring a comfortable and bug-free summer for you and your loved ones.

  1. Eliminate Standing Water

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so it’s crucial to remove or regularly change any standing water sources around your home. Check for clogged gutters, empty flowerpots, birdbaths, and pet water dishes. If you have a water feature like a pond, consider using mosquito dunks containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) to kill mosquito larvae without harming other wildlife.

  1. Use Mosquito Repellents

Repellents are an essential tool in your arsenal against mosquitoes. Look for products containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Apply these on exposed skin and clothing to create a barrier that deters mosquitoes from landing on you.

  1. Employ Natural Repellents

If you prefer a more natural approach, there are several plant-based repellents worth trying. Essential oils like citronella, lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass can be effective in keeping mosquitoes at bay. You can diffuse these oils or mix them with a carrier oil and apply them to your skin.

  1. Invest in Screen Doors and Windows

Installing screen doors and windows can provide an effective barrier against mosquitoes while still allowing fresh air to circulate in your home. Ensure there are no tears or holes in the screens that mosquitoes could sneak through.

  1. Use Mosquito Nets

For a peaceful night’s sleep without mosquito bites, consider using mosquito nets over your bed. They are especially handy in areas where mosquitoes are rampant and can provide a safe haven during the night.

  1. Maintain Your Garden

Regularly trim the vegetation in your garden and keep the grass short. Mosquitoes like to hide in dense foliage, so keeping things tidy will discourage them from making your yard their home.

  1. Encourage Natural Predators

Introducing natural predators can be an eco-friendly way to control mosquito populations. Consider attracting birds, bats, dragonflies, and frogs to your yard, as they all enjoy feasting on mosquitoes.

  1. Opt for Yellow or Green Lights

Mosquitoes are attracted to white and blue lights, so switch to yellow or green LED bulbs for your outdoor lighting. These colors are less appealing to mosquitoes and can help reduce their presence around your home.

  1. Time Your Outdoor Activities Wisely

Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk, so try to plan your outdoor activities during other times of the day to minimize your exposure to these pesky insects.

  1. Consider Mosquito Traps

There are various commercially available mosquito traps that use attractants to lure and trap mosquitoes. These traps can be effective in reducing mosquito populations in specific areas.

You can significantly reduce the mosquito population around your home and enjoy a mosquito-free summer. Remember, it’s essential to be consistent and proactive in your approach to keep these tiny bloodsuckers at bay. Whether you choose chemical repellents, natural remedies, or a combination of both, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the great outdoors without the constant annoyance of mosquitoes. Happy mosquito-free summer!

02 Aug
Blog

Mosquitoes Killing Native birds

Nature’s balance is delicate, and every creature has a role to play in maintaining it. However, there is a silent threat lurking in our midst that poses a significant danger to our native bird populations – mosquitoes. These seemingly harmless insects can carry deadly diseases that, when transmitted to birds, wreak havoc on their populations. In this blog, we will explore the alarming impact of mosquitoes on our beloved native birds and what we can do to protect them.

  1. The Mosquito-Bird Connection: Mosquitoes are known carriers of various diseases, such as avian malaria and avian pox, which can be fatal to birds. As they feed on the blood of infected birds, they become carriers of these diseases and inadvertently spread them to healthy birds during subsequent feedings. Native birds, often not adapted to such diseases, lack immunity, making them vulnerable to infections. The transmission cycle continues, leading to a decline in bird populations, and, in some cases, even extinction.
  2. Vulnerable Species: Numerous native bird species are at risk due to mosquito-borne diseases. Endemic birds found in isolated island environments are particularly susceptible as they lack exposure to such diseases and have not developed natural immunity. Iconic bird species like the Hawaiian honeycreepers, the Galapagos finches, and the kiwi in New Zealand are among those facing a dire threat from mosquito-borne diseases.
  3. Habitat Destruction and Climate Change: Habitat destruction and climate change further exacerbate the mosquito-bird problem. Deforestation and urbanization disrupt natural ecosystems, creating more breeding sites for mosquitoes. Additionally, climate change leads to warmer temperatures, providing ideal conditions for mosquitoes to thrive and spread to new regions, putting even more bird species at risk.
  4. The Domino Effect on Ecosystems: The decline in native bird populations can set off a chain reaction throughout the ecosystem. Birds play crucial roles in pollination, seed dispersal, and insect control. With fewer birds, plants may struggle to reproduce, and certain insect populations may surge, causing imbalances in the food chain. This, in turn, affects other animal species and overall ecosystem health.
  5. Protecting Our Native Birds: Conservation efforts are essential in safeguarding our native bird populations from the threat of mosquitoes. Here are some ways we can contribute to their protection:

a. Habitat Restoration: Supporting initiatives to restore and preserve natural habitats will not only benefit the birds but also help control mosquito populations.

b. Disease Monitoring and Research: Investing in research to understand the spread and impact of mosquito-borne diseases on native birds is crucial for developing effective strategies for prevention and control.

c. Mosquito Control: Implementing targeted mosquito control measures in areas with vulnerable bird populations can reduce disease transmission.

d. Public Awareness: Raising awareness about the significance of native birds and the threats they face from mosquitoes can garner support for conservation efforts.

Mosquitoes might be tiny, but their impact on native bird populations is significant. It is our responsibility as stewards of the environment to take action and protect these avian treasures. By supporting conservation efforts, engaging in habitat restoration, and raising public awareness, we can ensure a future where our native birds can thrive without the fear of deadly mosquito-borne diseases. Let us work together to preserve the balance of nature and protect the unique beauty of our native bird species.

Eliminate standing water around your living area, as it serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

01 Jun
Blog

Colors that repel mosquitoes and keep them away

14
Cynthia Lawrence
·3 min read
A mosquito sitting on a leaf of a plant
A mosquito sitting on a leaf of a plant

With the weather warming up, there’s nothing more frustrating than mosquitoes buzzing around your home or yard.

Not only can these pesky insects invade our space, but they leave itchy and swollen marks on our skin if you’re unlucky enough to get bitten. In worse cases, certain species can transmit deadly diseases, like malaria and dengue fever. That’s why it’s important to know how to get rid of mosquitoes fast. And if you’ve tried every repellent, and deterring plant going, you’ll be surprised to learn there’s another way to repel mosquitoes — colors.

According to scientists from the University of Washington, there are certain colors that repel mosquitoes and others that attract them. Their study published in Nature Communications revealed that the mosquito’s sense of smell (olfaction), influences how it responds to visual cues/colors. However, this color preference only occurs in the presence of carbon dioxide (CO2), which we exhale when we breathe.

read more

It is always Bloc Friday.. get your survival kit

01 Jun
Blog

Record Rain fall in California means more mosquitoes

The Bay Area’s epic winter rainfall means that a certain pesky, blood-sucking summertime pest is having the time of its short life. (For males, that’s about a week — and that’s if they aren’t swatted sooner!)

“This year you’re going to see some pretty bad mosquito conditions — good conditions if you’re a mosquito, bad conditions if you’re a human being,” said Kaitlyn Trudeau, senior research associate at Climate Central. “Mosquitos are awful. I’m not a fan.”

In the short term, lots of rain and snow means plentiful puddles, marshes, ponds and other opportunities for mosquitoes to lay their eggs and reproduce rapidly.

But there’s a long-term trend playing out, and it has to do with warming temperatures — and it’s bad news for any San Franciscan with bare ankles and plans for an outdoor picnic.

Trudeau and her research colleagues looked closely at mosquito activity trends between 1979 and 2022 at 242 locations across the U.S. They found that rising summertime temperatures are affecting mosquitoes all over the place.

read more

Black and white spotted mosquito on the surface of liquid.

Bloc the bite

Value sizes

bloc natural mosquito repellent 12 oz value size

28 Mar
Blog

Planning on visiting Hawaii-Your mainland sunscreen might be banned.

Due to chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate in popular  sunscreen has leaked into the Ocean’s coral reef killing them.  Yes may people from the Mainland are no aware of their toxic sunscreens.

So when traveling to Hawaii please purchase mineral base sunscreen.  That is sunscreen with Zinc Oxide.  It has to be Big Nano Zinc so it does not get into the coral reefs.

Love Hawaii Sunscreen is Made for Hawaii. Is made for safe reefs.  It has no chemicals, just 4 natural ingredients, Shea butter, coconut oil, Hawaiian bees wax and natural glycerin.

  1. shea butter is loaded with vitamin E good for the skin
  2. Coconut oil is widely known for moisturizing your skin and hair
  3. Hawaii bees wax is an intoxicant, with waterproof protection
  4. Glycerin found in popular cosmetic products for a silky touch

 

19 Sep
Blog

Bloc is effective against No See ums

Many of our customers in Florida say that they have had success using Bloc against No-see-ums. The coconut oil provides a layer of protection.
What are no-see-ums: Size: No-see-ums, also called biting midges, are small flies (Order Diptera) and adults are only about 1/8 inch in length.

Color: These insects are gray, and their wings are covered with small hairs producing patterns that allow entomologists to identify different species. Larvae may resemble small, whitish worms or caterpillars. As the nickname “no-see-um” implies, they may be difficult to see with the naked eye, especially when they have not fed.

Behavior: Just like mosquitoes the Female No-see-ums bites you for the ferritization of her egg. No-see-ums usually bite during the hours of dusk and dawn and rarely bite during daytime hours. Females primarily blood feed on mammals, but they may also blood feed on other animals such as birds, amphibians and reptiles.
No-see-ums are usually a pest of campers, gardeners, fishermen, hunters, hikers and others who spend time outdoors, especially near water. Immature stages of these insects are aquatic or semi-aquatic and lay their eggs in moist substrates in swamps, salt marshes, and agricultural areas with moist soil high in organic content, such as manure. Habitat preference depends on the species of no-see-um.
To prevent No-see-um bite use Bloc Mosquito Spray.
For relieve from the No-see-ums bite try Bloc After Bite all natural ingredients.
Bloc after bite

23 Aug
Blog

California Mosquito Season

Mosquitoes season in California starts in May and goes through September.   Even in October the mosquitoes can be active.

Mosquitoes are small, blood-sucking insects.

Sometimes mosquitoes carry germs like viruses that can spread to a person when a mosquito bites. After feeding on blood, a female mosquito will lay eggs on or near water. The young stages of a mosquito grow in standing water.

The best way to prevent diseases that are spread by mosquitoes is to protect yourself from mosquito bites: use Bloc all natural on exposed skin when going outdoors (especially at dawn and dusk), and wear long sleeves and pants for extra protection. You can also keep mosquitoes from breeding and biting by draining standing water around your home.

California Mosquito season

16 Aug
Blog

love the Old formula

Many loyal customer who were with us from the beginning.  Notice a change 2 years ago.  The change was using lemongrass and peppermint for protection.   The old formula had lavender and no lemongrass in it.

If you prefer the old formula,  we will custom make it for you.  In the 3.3 oz or the 12 oz size.

Just order online as in comments  put old formula.

or email at this link  Contact us   scroll to the bottom of the page for Contact us.

You still get 2-3 days free shipping.

Mahalo

Tom

15 Aug
Blog

What is Lemongrass

lemongrass in pot

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tall, perennial grass in a class of about 45 species of grasses native to the tropical and sub-tropical climates of Asia, Australia and Africa. India is the highest producer of lemongrass (producing over 2 million pounds per year), where it is cultivated along the mountain range of the Western Ghats and beside the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim in the Himalayan mountains.

Benefits of Lemongrass

Lemongrass might help prevent the growth of some bacteria and yeast. Lemongrass also contains substances that are thought to relieve pain and swelling, reduce fever, improve levels of sugar and cholesterol in the blood, stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow, and have antioxidant properties.

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