These Insanely Helpful Garden Plants Keep the Mosquitoes Away
Say goodbye to the outdoor pests. Bugs come with the territory when you’re outdoors, but some are more tolerable than others. If it feels like mosquitoes are invading your yard, it’s understandable to want to do what you can to get rid of them. Enter mosquito repellent plants. Here’s the thing: Experts say that the best way to keep mosquitoes at bay is to use personal repellents recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But if you want to go a more natural route, you may be interested in selecting certain plants—they’re just not necessarily guaranteed to work as well as a spray. “The idea that planting certain plants around your home will successfully repel mosquitoes is only supported by anecdotal evidence and not empirical evidence,” says Eva Buckner, Ph.D., assistant professor and state extension specialist at the University of Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory. It’s important to note, though, that there is some evidence that certain plants may help discourage certain mosquitoes from setting up camp in your yard—they just don’t work as well as a chemical or spray. If it feels like your outdoor space is a haven to mosquitoes, it’s a good idea to “eliminate mosquito breeding grounds on and around your property by draining standing water from flowerpots, birdbaths, grill covers, baby pools, and other sources,” says Jim Fredericks, Ph.D., board-certified entomologist and senior vice president of public affairs at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Using a small fan outside may also help keep mosquitoes away since “they are not strong flyers,” Fredericks says. But if you like the look and smell of certain plants and want to see if they keep the mosquitoes away, too, there’s no reason not to try them. These are the plants fans swear are most likely to help get rid of mosquitoes. Snap up one or a few to enhance your outdoor space.
2023-06-26T20:04:01Z
Understanding Qi (chi), and how to boost yours naturally
Qi (or chi) is the energy of the universe, according to Chinese culture. That sense of vitality you feel flowing through yourself moves through all living beings, and is what is considered to connect us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. If you feel low, unmotivated, or a lack of energy, it can mean there is a blockage somewhere in the body. Our chi is our "essence," and when it cannot flow freely, we feel the lack of an animating force in our life. You may become stagnant or sluggish, and find normal activities more difficult. But fear not: there are ways to boost your chi naturally, so you can enjoy movement in your life again! Intrigued? Click on to learn about this fascinating concept.
2024-02-28T14:10:32Z
The most expensive dog breeds in the world
Since they were domesticated between 19,000 and 32,000 years ago, dogs have become man's best friend. Today, they're a huge part of our lives. However, dogs will cost you a lot with vet care, food, toys, treats, and grooming. Of course, there’s also the initial cost of purchasing the dog too, unless you adopt. And depending on the breed, they can be super expensive. Several factors influence the high price tag, but it's often their popularity and the rarity of the breed that dictate the sum. Check out the following gallery to discover the most expensive dog breeds in the world. All prices are in USD.
2023-12-29T18:39:54Z
Minimalist hacks to declutter your life
There's a reason that changing seasons always seem to be accompanied by donation bags—we have too much stuff! Shows like 'Tidying Up with Marie Kondo' gained attention worldwide because this is a common problem that both unites and buries us. Whether it's one too many stops for retail therapy, the inability to give anything up due to sentimentality, or simply not enough time to go through it all, many of us struggle with household clutter in our day-to-day lives. However, did you know that owning less can actually improve your quality of life? In 1978, researcher Phillip Brickman from Northwestern University conducted a study to see if wealth truly brought happiness. He found that the happiness of those who had won the lottery was no higher than the control group who only met their basic physical needs. Yet another psychological study was done by LN Chaplin and DR John, which found a strong link between materialism and low self-esteem among young people. Not only has it been shown that clutter detracts from our mental health, it's also been suggested that our mental well-being actually benefits when our houses aren't cluttered with things. According to Psychology Today, clearing our closets of possessions that we don't absolutely love can reduce stress and foster peace of mind. In an added benefit, spending less on material things also cuts back on financial stress, as well as taking away the pressure of always having to earn and buy more. While buying your favorite pair of pants in three colors may feel right in the moment, this doesn't ultimately lead to long-term happiness. By embracing a minimalist lifestyle, you can make your life less complicated and stressful—all while saving money. Perhaps less really is more! While this is all great to talk about, it's another thing entirely to actually get down to business and clear the clutter to make way for minimalism. But never fear! These minimalist hacks will make your life a whole lot easier. In honor of Use Less Stuff Day, click through this gallery and start maximizing your life today!
2024-03-05T11:40:51Z
The true benefits and drawbacks of eating eggs
Eggs have been used in cuisines around the world for many years because of their incredible versatility. You can have them sweet in a custard, or salty in a fried rice dish; you can have them boiled, scrambled, poached, sunny-side up, baked in a cake, whipped in a cocktail, and so on. It’s very possible to have eggs at every meal of the day. But how healthy is it, really? There are numerous benefits to eating eggs, but there are also many drawbacks, and that goes beyond just its effects on the body. Intrigued? Click through to see if your egg habits are more healthy or harmful.
2023-10-13T12:57:55Z