There’s nothing quite like summer. Backyard barbecues, evening hikes, and late-night stargazing. All of it is magical — until bugs crash the party. Mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks don’t need an invite, and before you know it, you're scratching your ankles and swatting at the air. But you don’t have to douse yourself in strong sprays and chemicals to keep them away. Here are five natural ways to repel bugs this summer — no chemicals required. CHOOSE LOOSE CLOTHING Believe it or not, your outfit can make a big difference. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes and helps prevent them from biting through fabric. Covering up exposed skin is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself. It’s specifically helpful to wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn, when bugs are most active. USE NATURAL AROMAS Many bugs have super-sensitive noses, and certain scents repel them. Essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass are natural bug repellents. You can make your own spray by mixing a few drops of any of these scents with water and a carrier oil (like witch hazel or coconut oil), then spritzing it on your skin or clothes. Just make sure you’re cautious with essential oils around pets and kids. SMOKE THEM OUT Burning herbs like sage or rosemary in your campfire or fire pit not only smells amazing but also helps keep mosquitoes and gnats at bay. Bugs hate the smoke from these plants, and it’s an easy, low-effort way to keep them off your picnic table. WATCH YOUR SCENTS Surprisingly, it’s not just about what repels bugs — it’s also about avoiding what attracts them. Fragranced lotions, perfumes, and even certain soaps can lure bugs to you. In summer, it's smart to go unscented when heading outdoors. KEEP YOUR SPACE CLEAN If you have standing water on your property, it’s a mosquito’s favorite breeding ground. Make sure you dump water from flower pots, birdbaths, or kiddie pools regularly. And if you're entertaining outside, clean up food scraps and trash — flies and ants will sniff that out fast. Nature vs. Nature HOW TO USE PLANTS AND SCENTS TO REPEL INSECTS
Michael Lovecchio 23 Years of Steady, Reliable Representation
It’s been 23 years since Michael Lovecchio joined Cellino Law, and for him, not much about the job has changed. That’s a good thing. He handles a steady stream of personal injury cases — mostly car accidents, along with construction injuries, slip-and-falls, and dog bites. “I’ve been doing the same type of work since I started,” he says. “Throughout the years, the clients may change, but the focus stays the same.”
One case that recently stood out involved a 37-year-old construction worker who fell at a job site in Manhattan. Multiple surgeries left him unable to return to the field. The case lasted several years and resulted in a substantial settlement. For Michael, what made it memorable wasn’t just the outcome but the impact it had on his client’s life. He was married with children, including one with a disability, and the result helped secure them long-term financial stability. Seeing that kind of change is what makes legal work rewarding for him. Cases like that aren’t uncommon. When there are major injuries, ongoing surgeries, or large insurance policies involved, resolution can take years. Michael says the waiting is often the hardest part for clients. “They’re not working, there’s no money coming in, and it gets frustrating for them.” He’s learned that being patient, communicative, and consistent with clients during those long stretches is one of the most important parts of the job. After more than two decades in the field, staying steady in the moments when his clients need him most is second nature. What keeps him going? “You’re helping people who have been wronged. That’s the greatest reward of being a personal injury attorney,” he says. “A lot of clients also appreciate what you do, and that’s a good feeling.” He’s found perspective in the day-to- day as well. Michael says he’s still learning all the time, but when younger attorneys come by and ask questions, it reminds him how far he’s come. Outside the office, Michael keeps busy with his wife Katrina, their two teenagers, and their goldendoodle, Hunter. Family life is full these days, but that’s just the way he likes it. His plan moving forward is simple: Keep doing the work, keep learning, and keep showing up for the people who need him.
2 Legal disclaimer. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney advertising.
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