Birds Line Nests with Natural Antibacterials

Some birds add bits of aromatic plants, such as lavender, mint, or yarrow, to their nests. The garlands serve not as air fresheners or décor, but rather, it is thought, as pesticides against such parasites as fleas and blowfly larvae, which commonly vex chicks. Yet various experiments have failed to confirm that quite reasonable idea. Now Adèle Mennerat, her former graduate adviser Marcel M. Lambrechts of the National Center for Scientific Research in Montpellier, France, and several colleagues say scientists may have been off track—bacteria could be the targeted affliction.

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