Greenheads and Gardens

Published: Thu, 07/22/21

Greetings!

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer. This e-letter is a teenie-tiny-itsy-bitsy-edition.

I primarily wanted to thank everyone for their kind words, get well wishes, emails and cards. I am grateful for the support and love. This healing process has been a learning experience and a reminder to Never EVER take your health for granted! Please stay safe, responsible and stay healthy. (Personally, we are still wearing masks and avoiding crowds even though we have been vaccinated. The new Delta variant scares the bageebies out of me. Better safe than sorry.)

A longer e-letter is in progress for August. Meanwhile enjoy the tour of our Enchanted Garden and the warning about the infamous Greenhead Biting Flies!

Have a lovely rest of July,

jeanie mossa MS. L.Ac.

Four Paws Acupuncture

Laughing Wu Media

Please note our Google Voice number (978) 219-6703 has been deleted due to the amount of spam and annoying calls. If you need to contact us please email 4pawsacupuncture@gmail.com.

The Greenheads Are Back!

Hide your children. Run!

This photo was taken at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge entry gate on Plum Island, Newbury MA.

What are Greenheads?

Greenhead flies are insects related to horseflies that live here in Essex County of MA. They have large green iridescent eyes and live in the coastal marshes and beaches. They are real and terrifying! Norm and I had never heard nor encountered them until visiting Crane Beach in Ipswich mid-July of 2002. (I think we still need therapy after that day.)

They swarm in large numbers and the females attack during the day. Yes, they bite and draw blood. It sounds like a horror movie. I am surprised that it has not been made as one yet. They do not transmit disease, however some people are allergic to their bites. (And some may need therapy.)

These nasty creatures appear from about June to September. The last two weeks of July through the first week of August is when they are most prevalent.

Below are a few tips if you dare to visit the beaches or wetlands in this area in the next few weeks.

This photo was taken at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge entry gate on Plum Island, Newbury MA.

These tips were taken from: https://www.nemassmosquito.org/north-shore-greenhead-fly-program/pages/greenhead-fly-faq

What are some of the things a person can do to reduce fly nuisance?

Biting flies prefer dark over light objects. Wear appropriate apparel with this in mind.
Dry off after being in water
Wear long sleeved shirt for protection
Timing – female flies are most active from 10:00am to dusk.
Screen in pools, porches, patios, etc.
Keep windows on cars closed. If some flied enter, brush them out – do not take a chance, the distraction could cause you an accident.
Remember – sprays, perfumes, and increased metabolic activity serve to attract the biting female.

Our Enchanted Driveway Garden

We live in a small house in Salem MA which does not have a yard. Fortunately we do have a driveway (which is considered a luxury here in Salem.) Last year, Norm built a 6 foot grass plot for Quan Yin to use so she would not have to walk down to the bike trail on hot days to do her business. She passed about a month afterwards.

This spring we converted her space into a garden. To allow for more privacy and space for plants, we added five greenhouses and hung forest themed shower curtains along the fence. I planted a mix of flowers that would attract birds, bees and butterflies. There are two solar powered fountains and hundreds of solar powered twinkle lights, lanterns and gnomes to give it a magical feel at night. It has been our haven while hiding from humanity.

I highly recommend gardening for anyone who is stressed or in need of emotional healing.

Our Driveway Enchanted Garden Tour

Four Paws Acupuncture is still closed. However we do post on Facebook on a regular basis about pet food recalls, holistic tips for pets and any updates.

Click Here for 4 Paws Acupuncture on Facebook

Click here for books and online classes for animal lovers

A reminder from Luna miso-Poosie and Nubi juan Kenobi to take some time to nap in the sunshine.