There’s an old adage that “Where basil grows, no evil goes.” While just a piece of folklore, there is some truth to this: Basil was once considered to repel witches and evil spirits and to bring good luck.

But it has a more practical usage nowadays: as an insect repellant.

I was on a camping trip in July and got bitten up with about 20 mosquito bites. After the trip, I discovered that the volatile oils from basil 🌿 are very effective at repelling mosquitos. Basil contains four natural volatile compounds that mess with a mosquito’s ability to detect its target. Specifically, lime basil and holy basil are the varieties that most strongly repel mosquitoes. The most basic ways to use fresh basil to ward away pests are to rub it on your skin and clothing, crush it or burn the leaves.

So next time you go camping – maybe even on Labor Day Weekend as the summer winds down – take a basil plant with you, crush the leaves and rub onto your skin before going to sleep in your tent.