Watering with a good hard spray discourages aphids and other soft-bodied insects.

But the wood wasn't wood and the thatch wasn't thatch-both were flameproof, weatherproof synthetics with a high insulation factor and suffused with nontoxic repellents to discourage insects.

These were wooden cupboards of various styles and sizes - either floor standing or hanging cupboards meant to discourage vermin and insects and to keep dust from perishable foodstuffs.

And while citronella candles will indeed discourage most flying insects from joining the party, Dr. Koehler said, the concentration necessary for maximum effectiveness will probably be just as discouraging to your guests.

Cover the container with cheesecloth or a mesh screen to discourage fruit flies or other insects during fermentation.

Movement of the head causes the corks to swing, discouraging insects from swarming around the wearer's head.

Arugula and basil are shaded by black netting, which keeps the plants cooler and moister and discourages insects.

In fact, she discovered, he could generate a mental field around them that discouraged insects, so that mosquitoes and biting flies did not come close.

Enough smoke hung in the air from their signal-fire to discourage insects of all sorts.

An insect repellent is a substance applied to skin, clothing, or other surfaces which discourages insects (and arthropods in general) from landing or climbing on that surface.