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Some of the smells we love are, thankfully, pretty putrid for mosquitoes. A few essential oils that might have them swarming in the other direction include:

• Lavender

• Citronella

• Eucalyptus

• Cinnamon

• Thyme

Be careful how and where you apply essential oils around pets and children, and top them off regularly so they stay effective.

When woodpeckers start banging on your walls or roof, they are probably looking for insects to eat, storing nuts for winter, drilling a hole to make a nest, or communicating with other birds to establish territory or find a mate.

The size of the hole can help determine the reason for the pecking. Small irregular holes are a result of insect hunts. Acorn holes are more consistently sized and often fitted with a nut in the middle. Nest holes are large and have rounded edges. If the bird is pecking to mark its territory or attract a mate, it may leave dents rather than holes, and the noise will stop when the mating season starts in spring.

The houseplants that are prone to spider mites include English ivy, palms, philodendrons, calathea, and alocasia. Although spider mites can infest any indoor plant, they are more commonly drawn to the types listed above. If you have these in your home, pay special attention to them to help catch signs of infestation early.

Several skin conditions and insect bites can be mistaken for a tick bite, including mosquito bites, spider bites, chigger bites, and even allergic reactions. Tick bites often start as small red bumps, which may develop into a bullseye-shaped rash if Lyme disease is transmitted. However, similar-looking rashes can result from conditions like eczema, ringworm, or hives. Without a visible tick, it can be hard to confirm the source, so it’s best to monitor the area for changes and consult a doctor if symptoms like fever, fatigue, or worsening redness occur.