(04-04-2023, 05:16 PM)VioletDove Wrote: Okay @"Ninurta"#2 you have me a little worried about the catnip now. I didn’t think about it drawing in big cats, but it does make sense.
From Wikipedia:
Quote:Catnip contains the feline attractant nepetalactone. N. cataria (and some other species within the genus Nepeta) are known for their behavioral effects on the cat family, not only on domestic cats, but also other species.[26] Several tests showed that leopards, cougars, servals, and lynxes often reacted strongly to catnip in a manner similar to domestic cats. Lions and tigers may react strongly as well, but they do not react consistently in the same fashion.[27][28][29][30]
But not to worry - y'all have a rifle, right?
Same source, more about bug control:
Quote:The plant is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. It can be a repellent for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs.[11] Catnip is best grown in full sunlight and grows as a loosely branching, low perennial.[15]
Quote:Biological control
The iridoid that is deposited on cats who have rubbed themselves against the plants and scratched the surfaces of catnip and silver vine (Actinidia polygama) leaves, repels mosquitoes.[18] The compound iridodial, an iridoid extracted from catnip oil, has been found to attract lacewings that eat aphids and mites.[19]
As an insect repellent
Nepetalactone is a mosquito and fly repellent.[20][21] Oil isolated from catnip by steam distillation is a repellent against insects, in particular mosquitoes, cockroaches, and termites.[22][23] Research suggests that, while a more effective spatial repellant than DEET,[24] when compared with SS220 or DEET, it is not so effective as a repellent as it is when used on the skin of humans.[25]
Medicinal uses:
Quote:...
In addition to its uses with cats, catnip is an ingredient in some herbal teas (or tisanes), and is valued for its sedative and relaxant properties.[8][9]
...
Catnip has a history of use in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments such as stomach cramps, indigestion, fevers, hives, and nervous conditions.[26] The plant has been consumed as a tisane, juice, tincture, infusion, or poultice, and has also been smoked.[26] However, its medicinal use has fallen out of favor with the development of modern medicine.[26]
So I reckon it's worth taking a chance on having to knock a big cat in the head with a piss-elm club every now and then!
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