No one likes bugs in their bedding. Not even people living 77,000 years ago wanted bugs in their beds.

So that’s probably not the most important scientific takeaway that will come from the stack of bedding found in a South African cave. The oldest of the mats are 50,000 years older than the previously known oldest plant bedding. And the use of these particular plants reveals that the inhabitants had a strong understanding of the world around them.

All of this is fascinating, but my favorite parts it that they used a plant whose crushed leaves are naturally insect repellant.