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. If planting it in an open garden, it is better to grow it in areas with partial shade or full sunlight.

Pennyroyal
For those looking for a natural way to repel ticks and mosquitoes, one might want to consider Pennyroyal, a member of the mint family. This plant emits a refreshing, minty scent that ticks and mosquitoes cannot stand, making it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want to avoid these pesky insects. Pennyroyal is also incredibly easy to grow, making it an ideal choice for novice gardeners. Whether one plants it in the garden or indoors in pots, Pennyroyal will grow rapidly and provide a steady supply of natural insect repellent.

Garlic
When it comes to cooking, garlic is a staple ingredient in most kitchens. Its robust flavor, pungent aroma, and versatility make it a go-to spice for many home cooks. But did you know that garlic also offers numerous health benefits? One of them is its effectiveness in repelling ticks. Garlic contains powerful compounds that produce a strong scent that ticks loathe.
Moreover, when humans consume garlic, it alters their body odor, which ticks abhor, keeping them at bay. Hence, growing garlic in outdoor spaces can also aid in tick prevention. To grow garlic, one can plant cloves in well-drained soil during the fall season and enjoy its many benefits.

Rosemary
Rosemary contains aromatic oils that are effective in repelling ticks. The scent of that plant creates an unwelcoming environment for ticks, which keeps them away. So, planting rosemary in the garden or outside the living area can contribute to a tick-repelling environment. Moreover, rosemary also makes the garden aesthetically pleasing. Rosemary is adaptable to various climates but flourishes in hot and dry weather conditions.

Lemongrass
Lemongrass, which is loved for its refreshing flavor, is a versatile ingredient in various foods and beverages, from teas and soups to curries. It also has various health benefits for humans. Along with that, lemongrass is effective in repelling ticks. Due to its citrusy fragrance and its citronella content, it keeps away insects and ticks. One can plant lemongrass in well-drained soil with ample sunlight, as it thrives in warm and tropical climates. One can also plant them in pots so they can keep them indoors during colder seasons.

Sage
Sage is renowned for its robust scent, a natural deterrent against ticks. The strong smell of sage keeps ticks away, as they cannot stand it. To cultivate sage effectively, one must choose well-drained soil and an area with ample sunlight. Sage flourishes in moderate weather, especially during spring and early fall.

Catnip
Catnip is a plant in the mint family known for its strong fragrance, which effectively keeps ticks at bay. The plant’s oil has been found to ward off ticks and mites. Some studies even indicate that catnip oils repel house flies. So, those thinking of planting catnip in the garden must ensure the soil is well-drained, and the area gets plenty of sunlight. These plants thrive in moderate temperatures and may not do well in extremely hot or humid conditions.

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5 golfing mistakes every beginner should avoid

Golf is a challenging sport to master. Sure, you won’t hear enthusiastic commentary or witness nail-biting running across the field; but if you understand the sport, it can be just as exciting despite the slow pace. That said, it takes practice and patience to get good at golf. As a beginner, it is next to impossible to avoid mistakes, but the learning curve is lots of fun if you are willing and eager. 5 golfing mistakes every beginner should avoid Choosing the wrong equipment A common golf swing mistake arises from picking the wrong equipment. Choosing the right club takes time and can be difficult because of the sheer amount of options available. An important tip to remember is that choosing the right club is more important than choosing the expensive one. It is not advisable to go out and buy a custom set of golf clubs on a whim. Instead, practice your swing with some clubs and take a few test swings, before buying one. This will help you avoid common swing mistakes on your golfing journey. Skipping through warm-up While slow-paced, golf requires as much warming up as in other sports. If you don’t believe us, jog your memory back to your first few days of swinging around that golf club. Now, do you remember the agony your muscles went through? You can dial down that pain by putting aside some time for warm-up and regular exercise. Plus, warm-ups are a great way of avoiding injuries and improving performance. Try gentler swings before going all in on days you just cannot bring yourself to warm up. It will keep you from pulling your muscles and messing up your swing. Not guarding your grip Beginning your golfing journey can be a gratifying experience, but it can lead to disappointment more often than not. It can be a hard feat to find the right grip, especially for beginners. Note that finding the right grip will take time and lots of practice. A tight grip leads to a compromised swing, resulting in a compromised aim and fluidity. Not to forget, having a loose grip on the club will have it flying off when you swing. Therefore, not guarding and perfecting your grip is one of the most common golf swing mistakes most beginners need to get a handle on. Practicing inefficiently Your practice would not amount to much if you are doing it without proper structure and goal. While it is important to be consistent with your practice, you won’t achieve your goals by consistency alone. Aiming for the right hole and delivering on those aims is just as important. It is vital to practice on the golf course and stimulate the environment of the real game. It will help you improve your shots and make it easier for you to identify your shortcomings. Ignoring the basics Being a beginner means seeking out expert tips from those who know their trade. However, it is misleading to tout any swing tactic as the only right one. That is because what worked for them might end up ruining your swing. The three basics of getting your swing right are alignment, grip, and posture. Imagine having a perfect grip and the wrong swing, no matter how well you try to implement the “expert advice” would you make the hole?

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Typical And Unusual Causes Of Excessive Sweating

The health and wellness industry continues to see technological advancements that help professionals offer personalized care with the help of round-the-clock health monitoring. This is where wearable medical devices come in. Devices such as smartwatches can keep track of personal health data, including body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate, and sometimes detect health risks. However, to make the most of wearable healthcare tech, it is important to choose the right device.  1. Not identifying health needs Before buying a wearable device to monitor health, one must determine their precise needs. For instance, one may require a wearable device that could monitor their heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure. However, some smartwatches might not track all kinds of health data. So, one must ensure that the wearable device they are considering offers the features one needs.  2. Choosing price over quality Today, one may come across all kinds of wearable health-tracking devices at varying price points. They may also be tempted to buy a cheaper device that seems to offer certain key features one expects in a wearable medical device. However, one should note that cheap wearables might not meet the required safety and performance standards, which may make them unable to track health data accurately. Also, cheap wearables might be made using inferior quality materials, speeding up the wear and tear of the device. Prioritizing quality when choosing such a gadget can help one get a durable device that offers accurate data. 3. Overspending Although going with a cheap product might be a mistake, choosing a device just because it is expensive is also an error one must avoid. Getting the most expensive wearable device without enough research can cause one to overspend and bring home something that they do not need. One should first examine the features a wearable device offers. Then, one must see if most of the device’s features seem unnecessary, then maybe it is not the right device. For instance, for basic health data tracking, one may not need a color screen, speaker, or calling features in their wearable device. So, they could save money by picking a more affordable option that does the job. The goal should be to get a value-for-money device. 4. Ignoring battery life Wearable health-tracking devices run on a rechargeable battery, so they will eventually run out of power and have to be charged to be used again. This is why it is important to consider the battery life of a wearable. Ignoring this key aspect could lead to buyer’s remorse. Also, choosing a device with a long battery life should be a higher priority for those who travel a lot rather than those who don’t, considering the former would frequently have access to a charging point. Certain premium devices can last 45 days on a single charge, while other, more cost-effective options may last less than a week on a single charge.  5. Neglecting comfort If one buys a wearable device that is not comfortable, then they might wear it less than they should. This would make them unable to consistently track health data. So, not testing the device for comfort is a mistake to avoid. To avoid this, one should try wearing the medical device for 15 to 20 minutes and looking for redness, irritation, allergic reactions, or any discomfort before making a purchase. 6. Not considering device compatibility A wearable gadget that is compatible with most of the devices one currently uses can help one seamlessly access health data on the device of their choice and avoid losing valuable information if the wearable malfunctions. However, one may overlook device compatibility and end up buying a device that does not sync with their phone or computer.  So, one should choose a device that can easily connect to their existing devices. 7. Overlooking ease of use While a smart wearable device might come with all the necessary features and advanced data tracking tech, it might be too complicated to use. Things like a cluttered display or slow interface can make it difficult for one to get the most out of the device. These things also make accessing healthcare data quite time-consuming. So, it is important to assess the device by testing it in person before making a purchase decision. Key things to look for are a clean and intuitive interface and easy-to-navigate menu. 

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6 of the most recognized running shoe brands

6 of the most recognized running shoe brands

If you want to invest in a pair of good-quality running shoes, choose one from a brand that specializes in making them for professional and casual runners. Look for a manufacturer that offers good arch and pronation support that matches the shape and size of your feet. Generally, a pair of running shoes cost between $110 and $150, while some iconic and popular shoes may cost higher. To help you choose from the top brands, here are the leading running shoe brands that are popular among runners: Brooks Brooks is originally from Canada and operates in the U.S. The brand has been making shoes since 1914 and started making running shoes after the Olympics in 1972. The collaboration of Jerry Turner from Brooks, David Schwaber of a rubber company, and Marty Liquori, a long-distance runner, created a cushiony midsole material from ethylene vinyl acetate. Using this, they introduced the Brooks Villanova in 1975. Their pioneering innovation then became the norm for other brands making sneakers. Some of its other innovations of Brooks include a removable sock line, silicone fluid, GORE-TEX, diagonal rollbar, use of pods on the outsole, and use of flexible material under the ball of the foot. Some of the most well-known running shoes from Brooks include the MOGO series, Green Silence, PureProject, Transcend, and the DNA series.
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4 timeless jewelry pieces every woman must own

Every woman, irrespective of age, uniquely expresses her fashion style. And accessories play an important role in the manner of expression. If you think that classic metal or gemstone jewelry is expensive or unsuitable for everyday use, it’s time to change your opinion. Some must-own timeless jewelry pieces can never go out of style. They instantly amp up your look no matter the outfit and garner eyeballs wherever you go. Make these exquisite jewelry options yours now.  Stud earrings Stud earrings are dainty yet elegant pieces of jewelry. They fit quite well on the top of your ear, emitting the right amount of sheen. It has a singular point with a post that passes through the pierced ear, connected through a backing or a clutch behind the ear. The stud, the main part of the earning, can be made of bare metal like gold, silver, or platinum and/or hold a gemstone like a diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, coral, or pearl. The size of the stud and the type of stone could determine the price of the pair of earrings. While stud earrings made with precious stones can be expensive, you can opt for those affordable options with semiprecious stones like turquoise, rose quartz, or garnets.
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Sports utility vehicles, or SUVs, have come a long way from being mere large-family vehicles to one of the most versatile and in-demand passenger cars. They are safe, well-designed, spacious, and fun to drive. The large-SUV market segment’s revenue is estimated to reach $148.60 billion in 2022. With increasing interest and demand, many new or redesigned models have entered the market. Here are a few leading SUVs to look for: Hyundai Tucson Hyundai has redesigned the Tucson completely. The 2022 version has multiple trim levels, including a sporty N Line model and a rugged XRT model. It also has three different powertrain options: hybrid, gasoline, and plug-in hybrid. Further, the 2022 Tucson has upgraded infotainment systems, multiple rear USB ports, Wi-Fi hotspot, top-class safety features, and driver-assistance technologies like cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance systems, and driver attention warning. The price of the 2022 Tucson starts at around $25,350. Jeep Grand Cherokee Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-sized SUV. The 2022 variant, redesigned to offer a smoother ride, can accommodate five passengers in its top-class interiors with comfortable and supportive seats. The car has three powertrains: the existing V-6 and V-9 and a 4xe plug-in for the hybrid variant. Rear-wheel drive is standard in all models with V-6.
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The sale of plug-in electric vehicles is expected to rise to 20.6 million in 2025, making up 23% of new passenger car sales. Battery, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid are the three main types of electric vehicles currently being rolled out. You can choose one from either of these car types on the basis of your driving requirement and budget. Here are some of the top suggestions for electric cars to consider this year: Kia EV6 The EV6 has a stylish exterior and classy interior with hi-tech features like smart parking and vehicle loading capabilities. This five-seater offers 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space even when the seats are not folded. The car’s engine has a 77.4 kWh all-wheel-drive powertrain, 321 bhp, 605Nm of torque from twin motors through a single-speed automatic transmission, and a range of 310 miles. It is quick to power up as a 350kW charger can charge the car from 10%-80% within 18 minutes. The driver assistance feature includes an augmented reality head-up display and remote smart park assist, which helps you park into a narrow space and pull out again when you are back by pressing a few buttons. Nissan Leaf Nissan’s Leaf is one of the cheapest electric cars in the market, costing under $20,000 after taking the tax credit of $7,500.
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3 important factors to consider before buying new tires

New all-season tires last for about six to seven years with minimal use and about three to five years if you drive about 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that worn-out tires cause 11,000 accidents every year. To ensure your safety and others on the road, you must change your tires as and when required. Before you buy them, keep the following points in mind: Know to read the tire codes Learn about the tire code to know the right tire for your automobile. If you look carefully, you will notice a code with letters and numbers on the sidewall of your tire. Knowing the tire codes is important to buy similar or better tires that fit your wheel. Some of the relevant codes you need to know when you buy a new tire are: Tire type – the first alphabets indicate the tire type P for passenger cars LT for light truck tires ST stands for special trailer tires T for temporary or spare tires Tread width The three-digit number represents the tread width, the distance between sidewall edges in millimeters, followed by a slash and a ratio. Aspect ratio A two-digit number follows the slash and indicates the tire height from bead to tread.
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4 hair styling tools that give a salon-like look

4 hair styling tools that give a salon-like look

If you like to style your hair frequently without having to spend money at salons, you can invest in some basic hair styling tools. These tools can create beach waves or curls or even straighten them out. There are many hair styling tools that are versatile, easy to use, and do little or no damage to your hair. If you want to invest in hair styling tools, here are a few tools to check out: Hair straightener and curler Combining a hair straightener and curler that is suitable for all hair types allows you the freedom to try out trending hairstyles. Look for a professional straightener or curler with a ceramic or copper flat iron. Choose a flat iron that allows you to control the temperature so that you don’t damage your hair. Experts claim that setting the straightener or curler to temperatures as high as 455 degrees can help straighten the most challenging and rigid curls. The copper ceramic tools also ensure that the hair doesn’t break while you are straightening, leaving your hair straight and smooth once you are done. You can also choose regular and smart Bluetooth straighteners to help you choose the best temperature and care settings every time you use the tool.
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