Health and Fitness

These Insanely Helpful Garden Plants Keep the Mosquitoes Away

Say goodbye to the outdoor pests. Bugs come with the territory when you’re outdoors, but some are more tolerable than others. If it feels like mosquitoes are invading your yard, it’s understandable to want to do what you can to get rid of them. Enter mosquito repellent plants. Here’s the thing: Experts say that the best way to keep mosquitoes at bay is to use personal repellents recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But if you want to go a more natural route, you may be interested in selecting certain plants—they’re just not necessarily guaranteed to work as well as a spray. “The idea that planting certain plants around your home will successfully repel mosquitoes is only supported by anecdotal evidence and not empirical evidence,” says Eva Buckner, Ph.D., assistant professor and state extension specialist at the University of Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory. It’s important to note, though, that there is some evidence that certain plants may help discourage certain mosquitoes from setting up camp in your yard—they just don’t work as well as a chemical or spray. If it feels like your outdoor space is a haven to mosquitoes, it’s a good idea to “eliminate mosquito breeding grounds on and around your property by draining standing water from flowerpots, birdbaths, grill covers, baby pools, and other sources,” says Jim Fredericks, Ph.D., board-certified entomologist and senior vice president of public affairs at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Using a small fan outside may also help keep mosquitoes away since “they are not strong flyers,” Fredericks says. But if you like the look and smell of certain plants and want to see if they keep the mosquitoes away, too, there’s no reason not to try them. These are the plants fans swear are most likely to help get rid of mosquitoes. Snap up one or a few to enhance your outdoor space.

Royal style: Meghan Markle outfits you can easily copy

Even before Meghan Markle married into the royal family, she was already considered a fashion icon. But there is no denying that since becoming official royalty, her fashion game has certainly stepped up a notch or two. Her timeless style is slightly more conservative, but she remains classy and as elegant as ever. Meghan's pieces can be considered style staples for any modern woman's wardrobe. Click through this gallery and use the following images as a guide and inspiration for your own closet.

Things to do in the UAE this week, from an 'honesty menu' to Abu Dhabi Comedy Week

Foodies, fitness buffs and comedy fans are well served in Abu Dhabi and Dubai this week. One emirate brings a star-studded line-up of comedians as part of Abu Dhabi Comedy Week, while the other welcomes international chefs and wellness experts. Here, The National rounds up seven things to do around the Emirates, from May 20 to 26. Monday, May 20 St...

8 Foods With a Surprisingly Short Life, Even in the Refrigerator

You shouldn't wait to eat any of these items.

10 Genius Ways To Use Up All That Produce In Your Fridge

These meals take mere minutes.

160,000 Qatari Riyals Up for Grabs at Doha Book Fair

Hey book lovers! The 33rd Doha International Book Fair (DIBF) took place from May 9 to May 18, 2024, at the Doha Exhibition & Convention Center. This year, the Ministry of Culture brought an exciting competition for publishers and writers, with categories like Outstanding Publisher (Lo

7 Bizarre But Delicious Fruit Smoothie Combinations You Have to Try

Rise and shine with these wonderfully weird smoothies.

Easy DIY natural scents to keep your home smelling fresh

Can you guess the richest female celebrities?

Find Inspiration and Closure in These 50 Moving On Quotes

These sayings will encourage you let go of the past and pursue the future.

13 magical tiny homes that are straight out of a fairytale

These whimsical small dwellings appear to have been plucked straight from the pages of your favourite fairytales.

Antiques Roadshow guest stunned by five-figure price of painting

A guest on Antiques Roadshow became speechless as she was told her family-owned painting was worth around $25,000.

Queen Mary leaves Norway alone after 'working through' anniversary

Queen Mary and King Frederik celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in Norway last week - but you wouldn't have known it.

Ask A Nutrition Professional: What Is The Different Between Sweet Potato And Potato?

Expert opinion from Cassia D Muller Bechelor in Nutrition · 2 years of experience · Brazil Sweet potatoes, in addition to containing more vitamins and fibers, have a lower glycemic index than English potatoes, which causes a difference in how this food is absorbed by the body, making the sweet potato carbohydrate take longer to enter the blood flow...

Alcove: New book on modernist Arab artists reveals the hidden context behind their work

Academic and curatorial interest around Arab modernism is increasing at a rapid pace. Much of the new scholarship focuses on national groups, but a recently published book, Alcove, sheds light on the artists as well as the world around them. Sitting midway between memoir and art-historical documentation, this beautiful volume shows the artists as h...

Aaj Ka Panchang 20 May 2024: Check Today’s Sunrise, Moonrise Timings, Shubh Muhurat Rahu Kaal, And More

Aaj Ka Panchang 20 May 2024: The Hindu Panchang originates in Vedic astrology. In addition to offering astrological advice, the Panchang forecasts favourable and unfavourable times of the day. According to the Panchang, on 20th May 2024, Rahu Kaal will take place from 07:10 AM to 08:53 AM. Significant tasks can be accomplished between Abhijit Muhurat, Amrit Kaal and Vijaya Muhurat. The Disha Shool for today is East, hence, it is not advised to...

Qatar Foundation Students Learn Life Skills During Educational Camp

Doha, Qatar, 19 May 2024: Thirty students from Qatar Foundation schools participated in an enriching educational camp called ‘Discovery and Challenge’ that focused on developing essential life skills, fostering cultural awareness, and enhancing teamwork through a variety of activities.The camp, which took place over three weeks from 3-17 May, was a collaborative effort between Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Pre-University Education (PUE), the Internal...

A Look Back at ’90s Red Carpet Style

We’re revisiting the looks and the icons from the end of the 20th century.

11 Ways to Make Hair Grow Faster, According to Experts

Plus ways to speed up hair growth naturally.

Today's best photos: Gina Rinehart portrait to a power nap competition

The National picks the most striking images from around the world

40 Iconic Couples From the '70s

You probably forgot about some of these duos.

Ask A Nutrition Professional: How Much Sugar Is In Rum?

Expert opinion from Leticia Soares Postgraduate Degree in Public and Family Health/Bachelor Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics · 5 years of experience · Brazil Rum is made from boiled sugarcane juice, the molasses, through a process of fermentation and distillation. Fermentation will result in the transformation of existing sugars in the juice into ...

I've Eaten At Nearly Every Single Chain Restaurant—These Are The Best Menu Items

Two years later and 20 restaurants down, this is our official list. People always ask: What are the *best* chain restaurant menu items? Honestly, I've tried too many to count; they've all become a massive blur in my memory. So, to make your lives easier (and, selfishly, mine), I've made the official ranking of the best menu items at each restaurant I've visited. Buckle up y'all.

I built a privacy fence.. and I DIDN'T need planning permission

Homeowner Beth Jamison, from the UK, has taken a unique approach to reclaiming privacy in her garden - and has shared her 'low maintenance' solution that requires 'no planning permission.'

Saudi Arabia, UK Sign MoU to Enhance Cooperation in Cultural and Architectural Design

The Saudi Architecture and Design Commission has said that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Royal College of Art in the United Kingdom.The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday at the King Abdullah Financial District during the "Great Futures" Initiative conference. The Architecture and Design Commission was represented by the CEO, Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman, while the Royal College of Art in the UK was represented by the College...

Your Health Horoscope for May 19, 2024

Each zodiac sign is linked to a part of our body and can reveal valuable information about how celestial forces influence our well-being. Discover your daily health horoscope based on your zodiac sign.Read More: Where Your Next Vacation Should Be Based on Your Zodiac Sign Read More: Health Horoscope

11 Tips for Making At-Home Cooking Even Healthier

Cooking healthy at home does not have to be a chore.

Here Are the Best Dog Running Leashes to Keep Up With Your Pup

Choose from our list of the best picks for dog walkers and runners alike!

Design doubles: The box bag

Femail has gathered two different pink box bags. One is a budget price at £79 and the other one is more expensive at almost £3,000. Can you tell the difference?

How Bridgerton gardens are taking over the Chelsea Flower Show

Penelope Featherington, played by Nicola Coughlan, is the muse behind a Bridgerton-themed garden at this week's Chelsea Flower Show.

Everything You Need to Know About Cooking Oils

There’s a specific type for all kinds of cooking.

10 Restaurant Chains That Make the Best Smash Burgers

Craving a flavorful, juicy burger with crispy edges? These restaurant chains serve up some tantalizing smash burgers you'll want to order.

Why these have been named the comfiest sheets in Australia

The brand behind the 'country's comfiest' robes has released a super soft bedding collection - and shoppers are snapping up the addictively cosy buys at a record pace.

UAE: Beat the heat at these water parks

Brace yourself for a summer of memorable moments at these water parks around the country

Exhibition at Buckingham Palace traces the evolution of royal portraits

An exhibition at the Buckingham Palace is tracing “the evolution of royal portraits”, presenting photographs that have been taken since the 1920s. Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography opened at the King’s Gallery on Friday. More than 150 photographic prints and documents have been sourced from the the Royal Collection and the Royal Archives. W...

These Korean Skin Care Brands Will Give You Glass Skin

Inspo for your next K-beauty haul.

Meghan Markle will take low popularity in UK with 'pinch of salt'

A PR expert claims the Duchess is likely to dust off the results of a survey that suggests she's not well liked in the UK, reports the Mirror.

Queen Camilla's Reading Room podcast to return for season two

The podcast was launched at the start of this year and is an audio version of Her Majesty's popular online bookclub, which has 172,000 followers on Instagram.

Inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week wraps up in style

The first Red Sea Fashion Week has come to an end. And despite some blustery weather, has been an overwhelming success. As the first such event staged at the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, among the guests were Burak Cakmak, the chief executive officer of the Fashion Commission of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture, as well as Brenda Bellei Bizzi, the ch...

Spanish royals share sweet family photos

In the intimate new family portraits, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia smile alongside their two daughters Princess Leonor, 18, and Princess Sofia, 17, to mark the special occasion.

South Korea's Power Nap competition - in pictures

A sleeping contest aimed at raising awareness on the importance of rest

Celebrities Who Prove What a Difference a Center Part Can Make

Which way do you like Selena's hair best?

10 Iron-Rich Foods You Need to Add to Your Diet

Chocolate included!

Salon owners share the 7 red flags to look for when getting a pedicure

From jacuzzi tubs with jets to uncovered chairs, these are the signs it may be time to get a pedicure at a new salon, according to salon owners.

Facialist reveals all the reasons why your skin looks older

DONNA TAIT: I've spent all my working life in the professional beauty industry. I've seen endless self-inflicted skin damage and it's turned me into a very frank facialist.

Dermatologists Say These Hair Oils Promote Long, Thick, Healthy Hair

Say goodbye to dry, thinning hair and hello to shiny, healthy strands.

Tasty Comfort Food That’s Still Good For You

Because comfort food can still be delicious and nutritious.

Mom issues stark warning about bunk beds after her son breaks his neck

Amanda Navarro Naz, 31, based in Chicago, Illinois, has made it her mission to spread awareness about the dangers of bunk beds after she went through a traumatic experience with her two-year-old son Ezra.

Hollywood women you didn’t realize are so tall

There are certain famous faces you just expect to be tall. Then there are those celebrities who we are always surprised to learn are of above-average height. Just take Nicole Kidman or Zendaya, who, even without heels, are both of impressive stature. So, who are Hollywood's tallest women, and how tall are they really? Check out the following gallery and see how you measure up against your favorite female personality.

Amazon Has Tons of Viral TikTok Items on Sale RN and We Found Them All

#TikTokMadeMeBuyIt and I'm not too proud to admit it!