How to Use Plants and Scents to Repel Insects Nature vs. Nature
There’s nothing quite like summer. Backyard barbecues, evening hikes, and late-night
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 those out fast.
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
Justice Unleashed DOG-BITE SURVIVOR SCORES 6-FIGURE WIN IN LAWSUIT
Few incidents are more terrifying than being attacked by a pair of vicious dogs. One of our clients experienced such an attack while trying to visit her father’s apartment west of Kansas City. This woman sustained severe bite injuries to her legs, hips, and buttocks that required surgery. Unfortunately, the injuries became infected, sending her back to the hospital for further treatment. A person who lived nearby owned the dogs. They were known to have attacked other visitors and reportedly had even killed another dog. We filed a lawsuit on the woman’s behalf, and after a court hearing, the dogs’ owner was required to pay more than half a million dollars to compensate our client for medical bills, pain, and suffering — more than five times the amount of her bills.
An estimated 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year nationwide, and 800,000 of them require medical attention, according to the American Veterinary Industry Association. Half of the victims are children. Insurers paid $1.12 billion in claims related to dog attacks and bites in 2023. Kansas law holds dog owners liable for dog bite injuries only if they knew, or should have known, their pets were dangerous, which was clearly the case in this dog attack. Kansas dog owners also can be held liable for negligence in overseeing their animal. Missouri law offers a slightly wider window for dog-bite victims, entitling them to compensation for injuries from any dog bite, either on public property or while lawfully present on private property, as long as the victim did not provoke the attack.
To avoid becoming a dog-bite statistic yourself, avoid eye contact with unfamiliar dogs and don’t approach them directly. Stay calm and move slowly around unfamiliar canines. Also, remain still and silent if a dog approaches you to sniff you, and wait for them to back off once they determine you are not a threat. None of these behaviors, of course, can protect you against a vicious, attack-trained dog. If you have been injured by someone’s pet, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We will be glad to help you gain the compensation you deserve.
KevinMcManusLaw.com • (816) 837-4433
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