I have been told that a specific type of fern( I don't know the species, but it is soft, and has highly subdivided leaves), growing in the Pennsylvania Appalachian Mountains (Central PA) and Alleghenies will repel gnats if crushed onto the skin. I have found that it seems to repel the gnats that tend to fly into your eyes when you are on a walk. Has anyone else heard this claim? Does anyone know if there is any scientific basis to the claim?
Thanks!