insect repellent

Orange peels offer a sustainable solution for gardeners. They can be composted to enrich soil with essential nutrients. A natural insect repellent can be made from dried peels. Orange peels also serve as biodegradable seed starters. A spray made from peels effectively combats aphids. These simple uses reduce household waste and promote healthier plants naturally.

Ovalekar Wadi Butterfly Garden offers Mumbaikars a tranquil escape, fostering a reconnection with nature. Guided by a seventh-generation custodian, visitors learn about ecology firsthand, spotting diverse butterfly species. This immersive experience provides a rare sense of calm and a break from urban disconnect.

As summer arrives, lizards often become unwelcome visitors. Fortunately, common household plants offer a natural solution to deter these reptiles. Aromatic herbs like peppermint, lemongrass, and tulsi, along with pungent vegetables such as garlic and onion, create a scent barrier that lizards find unpleasant, keeping your home pest-free and pleasant.

Nitin Gupta, an IIT-JEE topper, diverged from a typical engineering path to explore the brain's mechanics. Now an Associate Professor at IIT Kanpur, he integrates neuroscience and computation to understand how sensory signals, like smell, translate into behaviour, with implications for both fundamental brain science and public health.

Burning camphor and cloves in Indian households serves as a natural air purifier, repelling pests and offering respiratory relief. This ancient practice also psychologically shifts the home's energy, promoting relaxation and a sense of sanctity. The combination effectively clears the air and creates a peaceful environment.

New parents navigating summer heat with newborns can find relief in these expert tips. Focus on light, breathable cotton clothing and avoid over-swaddling. Ensure proper ventilation indoors, maintaining a comfortable ambient temperature. Breastfeeding mothers should stay hydrated, as breast milk adequately quenches baby's thirst. Gentle skin care and prompt attention to danger signs are crucial for your little one's well-being.

Mums-to-be who are exposed to insect repellent in the earliest phase of pregnancy are likely to give birth to boys with hypospadias in penises, say researchers.

Compounds derived from coconut oil are better than DEET at preventing disease transmission and discomfort associated with insect bites, according to a study. For over 60 years, DEET has been considered the gold standard in insect repellents — the most effective and long-lasting available commercially, said researchers from US Department of Agriculture.

Insects like ants, fruit flies, and cockroaches can invade kitchens during summers. Natural remedies like vinegar, essential oils, and citrus peels can repel them. Additionally, coffee pouches can help shoo away mosquitoes.