Frequently Asked Questions
You may have many questions regarding matters that we at the MSU Extension have answers for.
Below are several questions and answers regarding everything from 4H to Gypsy Moths.
If you can't find an answer here, call us! 517-546-3950. Topics
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| Topic: Home Economics Question: Is it necessary to add lemon juice or vinegar to my home preserved tomatoes? ANSWER: Yes, because of variations of acidity in tomatoes, the USDA recommends the addition of acid ot insure a safe product. Two Tablespoons "bottled" lemon juice per quart, 1 tablespoons per pint, 4 Tablespoons vinegar per quart, 2 Tbls vinegar per pint. |
| Topic: Home Economics Question: Is it safe to make up my own recipe for home preserving? ANSWER: No, without scientific testing, you will not know how long the product needs to be processed to be safe. |
| Topic: Home Economics Question: What is the "danger zone" for foods to spoil? ANSWER: Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40 degrees F and 140 degrees F. To keep food out of this "danger zone", keep cold food cold and hot food hot. Store food in refrigerator 40 degrees F or below or freezer 0 degrees F. |
| Topic: Horses Question: How often do I need to have a vet come out to see my horses? ANSWER: You should have a vet come out in the spring to give them their spring shots and look them over for general condition, and again in the late summer or fall for any boosters such as the West Nile immunization booster. |
| Topic: West Nile Virus Question: I found a dead bird on my property. What do I do with it to see if it has West Nile Virus? ANSWER: Call this hotline number 1-888-668-0869, or go to the Livingston County Health Department Website. |
| Topic: Wildlife Question: I have bats at my house, should I get rid of them? I heard that they eat a lot of harmful insects. ANSWER: You're right, bats are great mosquito eaters. There are a few problems with bats that may outweigh this benefit in your opinion however. If you have bats in your house bat droppings or guano can be a problem. This has an unpleasant odor and can be an airborne health hazard. Bat urine crystallizes at room temperature, appearing white and powdery where it has accumulated. Bats can urinate and defecate in flight, causing spotting and staining of objects near their entrances. If the bats are in your barn or other outbuilding this might not bother you. Rabies is the most important public health hazard associated with bats because it can be fatal if not treated within the incubation period (2 weeks to several months). Humans may be infected if they are bitten or handle the infected bats. This can be avoided by just not handling bats. For more information click here. |
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MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. |
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MSU Extension - Livingston County
2300 E. Grand River Ave., Suite 111, Howell MI 48843
Phone 517.546.3950 Fax 517.546.5154
Email: MSU Extension
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Last updated: Friday, October 16, 2009 Updated by: L. Lalewicz