8 fragrant plants that repel ticks

8 fragrant plants that repel ticks
Tick infestation is a grave concern that endangers humans and their furry companions. A single tick in one’s home could signal the beginning of a severe infestation. While commercial sprays and chemicals effectively keep ticks at bay and prevent an infestation, natural and eco-friendly alternatives exist. One of the most efficient natural solutions is cultivating specific fragrant plants that naturally repel these pests. Here are some that stand out as effective tick repellents. Lavender Lavender is a plant that is aesthetically pleasing and has a sweet, soothing fragrance. However, ticks do not particularly love this fragrance, which keeps them away, as the scent of lavender is a natural repellent. One can grow lavender in their garden or indoors in a pot. While lavender thrives in hot and dry climates, it can grow in slightly low temperatures. Along with cultivating lavender plants, one can also use lavender essential oil for repelling ticks. Mint Mint is an herb widely loved for its fragrance and aroma. Owing to its strong aroma, it is popularly used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages and for making essential oils. However, ticks despise this strong scent and prefer staying away. Mint is relatively easy to grow in pots and open gardens.

6 ways to get rid of mosquitoes in the lawn or yard

6 ways to get rid of mosquitoes in the lawn or yard
One’s outdoor space, whether a backyard or a simple garden, offers a delightful setting for relaxation and communing with nature. But this experience can take a nosedive if mosquitoes invade the area. The constant buzzing and bites can quickly spoil any outdoor gathering. While applying mosquito repellent to one’s skin can provide temporary relief, it’s wiser to address the root cause. Here are some things to avoid and strategies to implement to control mosquitoes. Things to avoid to repel mosquitoes Letting the water stagnate Mosquitoes are notorious for breeding in areas where water remains stagnant or still. These potential breeding grounds include ponds, puddles, clogged gutters, rainwater-filled buckets, waterlogged potted plants, pet bowls, or swimming pools. The problem can worsen if there are algae on these water bodies. So, one should remove stagnant water from one’s garden or yard. It’s important to note that mosquitoes cannot lay their eggs in flowing water. So, if one is looking to have water outdoors and also maintain a mosquito-free environment, a fountain or other water features with continuous water movement are relatively safe options. Blocking the sunlight In addition to dampness, mosquitoes thrive in areas that are cool and dark. So, it’s advisable to trim one’s overgrown bushes or shrubs and allow sunlight to penetrate the foliage.

7 common gardening mistakes to avoid

7 common gardening mistakes to avoid
Gardening is just as nourishing for the mind as it is for one’s body. The use of gardening as a workout session is well-known. Gardening requires very specific knowledge regarding plants, seeds, climate conditions, soil conditions, and fertilizers. The lack of this all-important know-how can undermine the quality of plants and fruits one grows in their garden. With that in mind, here are some common gardening mistakes one should avoid: Planting too close together Overcrowding is a problem that affects plants’ health in a garden. This is why botanical experts always advise first-time gardeners to maintain enough space between plants to make the most of their efforts. Not keeping enough space hampers the growth of plants. Additionally, overcrowding also leads to fungal diseases in plants and an infestation of pests. Also, unlike what many people think, overcrowding does not give the garden a lush and pleasant look either. Whenever plants are placed together, the trapped moisture between them can lead to undesirable wet soil and fungal growth. Moreover, it may also lead to many plants not receiving essential sunlight. To avoid all such and many more problems, one needs to leave at least two to three feet of gap between each plant to let them breathe and grow.

Top 9 household items that are linked with cancer

Top 9 household items that are linked with cancer
The increasing number of people falling prey to cancer is rising, and ensuring that every home remains safe has become more important. Unbeknownst to many of us, numerous products we bring into our homes repeatedly contribute to the increased cancer risk. From everyday products found in kitchens to unsuspecting items in bathrooms and beyond, we can make changes that can create healthier environments and help prioritize our well-being. Let’s learn which household items to avoid. Cleaning products Most conventional cleaning products are being flagged for being harmful to health. They contain chemicals that make these products endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and in some cases, respiratory irritants. Various ingredients, including ammonia, formaldehyde, and phthalates, have been researched to be associated with different types of cancer. To avoid the risk of the disease, adopting eco-friendly alternatives with natural compounds is suggested. You can also use kitchen ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon to make your cleaners at home. Personal care products We are constantly bombarded with a range of personal care products that pop up in the market every day. And this drives our curiosity to try and test various products that claim to have so many benefits. However, some personal care products like soaps, shampoos, deodorants, and others can contain harmful ingredients.

6 yard maintenance hacks that are not effective

6 yard maintenance hacks that are not effective
Lawn and yard maintenance is a hands-on task. You must tend to the plants and ensure essential tasks like mowing, weed removal, and trimming are done regularly. That’s one of the reasons why homeowners are always looking for hacks and tips to save money and effort. But, some gardening hacks found on popular social media platforms claiming to be the best for lawn maintenance are the ones to avoid. Here are six such examples. Using eggshell as a plant base It’s vital to be conscious of environmental issues and find ways to repurpose waste material that accumulates in the kitchen. Eggshells, for example, are the most commonly thrown-out trash items. And there is a good chance you’ve already come across this gardening tip to use empty eggshells as a base for your new plant saplings. Rumor has it that the egg will provide all the necessary nutrition for the saplings to quickly sprout and break through the shell once it starts growing. However, the roots of the saplings mature even before they can break through the eggshell. So essentially, using the eggshell means you’ve restricted its growth and will have a decomposed sapling that’s been deprived of ground nutrition. The hack only works to stabilize the roots, but it certainly does not work when it comes to the sapling actually maturing into a full-size plant.

5 scents that can prevent mosquito bites

5 scents that can prevent mosquito bites
About 200 types of mosquitoes are commonly present in the country, and only 12 of them spread germs. Everyone must take preventive steps to protect themselves and their family from the bites of these mosquito types. Mosquitoes have a strong sense of smell, and therefore, they get sensitive to certain scents. Synthetic and chemical repellents and fragrances act as irritants. You can use the following five natural scents to keep mosquitoes at bay: Peppermint Peppermint is a potent insecticide; its oil can kill mosquito larvae within a day. Peppermint plants in your garden and yard can keep adult mosquitoes at bay, and its oil prevents mosquito bites. The impact of the oil lasts for about three hours. How to use: Mix 10-15 drops of good quality and pure peppermint essential oil in a spray bottle with two cups of water. Identify the spots that a mosquito may gain entry into or hide. Spray this essential oil solution in door frames, window sills, furniture, laundry area, curtains, exhaust fans, and air vents. Alternatively, add one or two drops of peppermint oil into pieces of cotton and place them around the house. Combine five to six drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply the mixture to your body.

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6 Safest SUVs to Consider Buying in 2023

6 Safest SUVs to Consider Buying in 2023

Are you looking for a safe, reliable SUV for your family? Look no further. Some of the best SUVs for 2023 come with advanced technology, superior driver assistance features, and safety equipment. They can protect the driver and occupants in a collision and lower the impact of the crash. From luxury to budget-friendly options, there is something for everyone. So here are the safest SUVs you can find this year: Dodge Hornet The 2023 Dodge Hornet is a compact crossover SUV that prioritizes safety and reliability. The Hornet has advanced safety features such as forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The interior of the Hornet has premium materials and plenty of space for passengers and cargo. You also get an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Hornet is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 268-hp engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The SUV strikes a balance between power and efficiency and delivers good performance. You can look up “Local Dodge dealers near me” and find dealerships that sell the Hornet. You will be able to find great deals on new and used models at a local dealership.
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Top 7 beauty and fashion trends

Top 7 beauty and fashion trends

Fashion trends are dynamic and go through constant change and innovation. While some styles have remained timeless for decades, some trends fail to impress and disappear without making an impact. The approach to beauty today focuses on sustainability, minimalism, inclusion, and no cruelty. The trends in beauty and fashion quite naturally follow similar lines. Based on these factors, some of the top beauty and fashion trends in the coming year are as follows: Skincare The buzzword in the last couple of years has been minimalism, especially for skin care. Women prefer to use lesser products for their skincare routines. Utilizing a bevy of cosmetics for everyday skin nourishment and enhancement is time-consuming, overwhelming, and may affect the skin negatively. Skincare trends focus on improving skin health and reducing the negative impact of long-term use of skin-related products. This move hopes to reduce the overuse of skincare and control the damage caused by chemical products. Microbiome skincare is a new trend, featuring prebiotic and probiotic components that nourish the skin. Hybrid beauty Hybrid cosmetics combine multiple active ingredients that now work both as skin care products and as cosmetics. It reduces the time one spends on beauty routine and the number of products one needs to buy, saving money, effort, and time.
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