In anticipation of moving to a remote area, I am trying to compile a little reference book for myself on how to do useful things with minimal supplies. Like, recently I read a short article on several ways to kill roaches. Other useful things are making home-made wine, or a sourdough bread starter, or sew-your-own re-useable mentral pads. I’m looking for the sorts of things that would be useful if civilation collapsed, and while you had food and water taken care of, you’d like to have a few extras to make life more comfortable.
Anyone have any good DIY secrets to share?
More information. What is the area like? I can tell you how to live near a river or swamp or even near the ocean. I no nothing about the desert or mountains.
If you run into pests of the small, furry variety, you can build your own (humane) trap based on the diagram from this site: http://www.smithsax.btinternet.co.uk/products.htm
For mice, all you need is a cookie tray, a casserole dish, a bent coat hanger (which works better than the shish-kebab skewer/cocktail stick shown on the site), and peanut butter for bait.
For bigger animals, you need to improvise, but the basic design concept is always the same.
I can confirm from experience that it works very well. The only downside is that you have to go out of your way to release the critter (at least a mile from your home so it doesn’t find its way back).
Or, if food starts running low, you can simply cook and eat whatever you catch.