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Does anyone have a success story for repelling insects away from your home?
Last year we moved to a new home that is next to a forested area. It's a gorgeous community, and I knew going in that insects and just nature in general would be more a part of daily life. So when lady bugs and tiny little ants and such make their way into our home, it's not a big deal. They mostly just stay by the windows from where they came in and don't venture further in. I figure putting up with it is just part of living here. 
However, the problem comes when a wasp or bee finds its way in, or big gigantic ants. And they wander farther into the home. I'm especially concerned once we get a dog (I've had dogs before, and they've all loved chasing bugs around and trying - sometimes successfully - to gobble them up!). I honestly don't know why they try to come inside. We are clean and don't leave food/crumbs around (we have a robo vaccuum that goes every morning). We don't have water sitting out (but we will once we have a dog! another concern...). Maybe it's the temperature? I feel bad because if they don't get squished, they just run out of food and water and die. Sometimes I talk to them like a human, beinng them to go back outside where there's plenty of plants and water and they can live! LOL!

My fiance got traps a few weeks back and I felt SO bad. I don't WANT them to die, and neither does fiance either, but I don't think he knew what else to do. But they didn't even work. So I'm wondering if anyone has some good tips, advice, or suggestions on non-toxic ways to repel these little creatures? Not only for my own sake, but for theirs. I wish they could understand that they will just wither away once they get inside. I've heard of putting mint or specific flowers near windows, but I wonder if that really works? And I'm sure it simply attracts other types of wildlife....

Anyways, I'd appreciate any help!

I survived ... Ish. I'm all moved again, another 1500 miles from where the cats and I were living before. I'm in the new apartment, and kitties are adjusting well. I've only cried 6 times since Saturday! #progress.
By the way, sorry about the summer logo swap taking its sweet time. Real life was a little too much and it got forgotten. 

Please pray for me as I'm battling covid and not doing so well. 

A happy summer solstice to all northern hemisphere FJers! And a happy winter solstice to all southern hemisphere FJers! (I know it's already Monday is Australia, so I'm late for most of you.)

ETA--Oh! I just checked, and the winter solstice is at 1:31 PM on Monday, June 21 in Eastern Australia Time. So, for once the time zones worked in my favor. I'm not late!

I'm so angry at the Bishops right now. Shit like this is why I left the Catholic church. They play politics so blatantly.  I hope this convinces more people to leave. 

I’m okay. I can do this. 
 
(I’m not okay.)

I have an extremely stressful weekend coming up. If you can spare me and the kitties some good thoughts I’d appreciate it. 

One of my siblings has a work related thing coming up where they get to visit a fundie place. Has promised a detailed rundown of the encounter for me and another sibling via video chat. Not that I am jealous or anything….

My in-laws gifted me a hand crank Singer 127k family piece for my birthday. It's from 1926... whoaaahh I feel so loved! Any tips are welcome 😃

They don't make movies like that anymore....
 
 
And...oh yeah.  KHAAAANNNNNNNNNNNN!