Bellows from the Insect World
Traditionally used as a form of alternative medicine, the neem tree is known for treating multiple conditions, even before written records became available. In the same breath, a derivative of the neem tree—neem oil—has found its way into many households as a pesticide for several insects and bugs. The sulfuric-smelling…
Camphor is an aromatic phytochemical found in various essential oils. The camphor laurel tree (Cinnamomum camphora) is a prime candidate for extracting the chemical. It’s also a derivative of several other plants in small traces, like rosemary leaves (Rosmarinus officinalis or Salvia rosmarinus). The constituent camphor may exist in liquid…
As a backyard and container gardener, I’ve always contended with aphids. Some months they back off and give me a well-needed break, but on other occasions, the onslaught is full-on and menacing. I find aphids especially problematic at the start of spring and onward. To be honest, most insects come…
If you’ve been listening to the summer orchestra all evening and staying awake the whole night due to constant buzzing, whirring, and chirping, remember that you aren’t alone. We’ve all encountered such incidents when all we wanted was to enjoy the pleasant summer weather outdoors, only to realize that summer…
Tired of watching those intrusive, disrespectful tiny insects stream into your home as if they own the place? It’s a common sighting for ants to take over, especially during spring and summer. They forage for food, shelter, and water during warmer months, and will find their way inside. If indoors,…
