Latest news with #peppermint
The Sun
09-08-2025
- General
- The Sun
Spider season is about to begin, but you can keep them out of your home for good with B&Q's ‘powerful' £8 buy
KEEP your home pest free for less than £10 with B&Q's powerful spider repellent spray. As spider season approaches, B&Q has the perfect solution to keep your house creepy crawly free for just £7.99. Keep pests out the house with cheap solution The Zero In Spider Repellent spray does exactly what it says on the tin with a powerful formula that keeps spiders out. The water based formula comes in a 500ml bottle and a fresh peppermint scent. Beyond getting rid of spiders, the spray also helps to prevent the build-up of cobwebs. According to the product description, the repellent works to rid your home of the pests without the use of harmful chemicals. It also emphasises that this safe to use spray does not cause any harm to spiders. The description recommends you to use the product after cleaning. Spider season soon to hit UK Spider season occurs from August to October, with wetter conditions often enticing them into homes, the Royal Meteorological Society reports. Among its spider prevention tips are keeping windows shut at night. clearing any clutter that they may like to hide in and vacuuming regularly. The website also praised cats and dogs as great helpers in terminating the critters. B&Q's stain-free and non-toxic solution is set to keep the pests at bay. Giant huntsman spider lurking in his bunch of Aldi bananas Bargain hacks that help keep spiders at bay You can also keep spiders out the house by using a simple kitchen staple. Earlier this year, The Sun revealed that white vinegar can often do the job. Pest control expert Doug O'Connor explained that "spiders hate vinegar." He added: "The smell is overwhelming to them, and it causes irritation on contact. "It is one of the simplest and most effective ways to deter them." You can pick up a bottle for as little as 35p from Sainsbury's, though there is a good chance you will already have some sitting in your cupboard. Peppermint oil is also a great way to keep critters out. Adeel Ul-Haq, a sleep expert from Divan Beds, explained: "Peppermint oil is a great way to keep spiders away for cheap, and not only does it leave your home smelling amazing, but spiders hate it. "The strong smell overwhelms the spiders and encourages them to go elsewhere." IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. 3
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers make groundbreaking discovery that solves pressing challenges for urban agriculture: 'Transformative potential'
A solar-powered smart irrigation system is helping urban farmers grow more food with less water and energy. The innovative system reduced water consumption by over 28% compared to conventional irrigation methods, according to a study in the journal Scientific Reports. It reduced energy use by about the same amount. This technology tackles several pressing challenges at once: water scarcity, energy costs, and the need for sustainable urban agriculture. Using real-time soil moisture monitoring and solar power, the system delivers precisely the right amount of water only when plants need it, making rooftop gardening more resource-efficient. Researchers from Egypt's Ain Shams University designed and tested the system over about a year using peppermint plants grown in rooftop gardens. Their smart irrigation setup incorporated sensors that continuously monitor soil moisture, activating water pumps only when levels drop below a certain threshold, then shutting off once optimal moisture is reached. The smart system reduced energy consumption by the same 28.1% margin and cut carbon pollution from 0.252 kilograms of carbon dioxide emitted per square meter of land per year to just 0.181 kilograms. "This study underscores the transformative potential of solar-powered smart irrigation systems in enhancing food security, conserving water, reducing energy consumption, and mitigating carbon emissions in urban agriculture," the researchers noted in their paper. This innovation addresses the "water-energy-food nexus," the intricate relationship between these three important resources. Urban areas struggle with this nexus, which manifests as limited green spaces, water scarcity, and pollution. This irrigation system is a strong solution, as it turns unused rooftops into productive garden spaces. For small farmers, the possible economic benefits are immense. The system could pay for itself in 5.6 years through water and energy savings. With this technology, people could enjoy fresher food, lower utility bills, and the satisfaction of having a reduced environmental impact. This innovation could be particularly valuable as cities grow, with urban populations projected to increase to 68% of the global total by 2050. Using rooftop spaces for efficient food production would create urban self-sufficiency and cooler city environments. The system is already working in real-world conditions and could be widely available quickly, depending on how manufacturing is scaled up. With similar technologies already entering the market, you might soon have access to affordable smart irrigation for your garden, helping you grow food sustainably while conserving precious resources. What's the biggest factor stopping you from investing in solar panels? The cost The technology I'm a renter I'm already invested Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
