Just as you are about to indulge in some well-deserved downtime on the patio with friends or family on a lazy summer evening, you hear that familiar whining buzz or feel a little nip on your exposed skin. Then, suddenly everyone is slapping and smacking themselves and running for cover.
You can keep mosquitoes from crashing the party by using nature against them, both to repel them and to reduce their population. Instead of spraying the whole yard with toxic pesticides in order to enjoy your time outside, try these natural solutions that will keep these bothersome bugs at bay.
1. Plant an Aromatic Garden
Some plants have scents that mosquitoes don’t like, such as lemon balm, basil, mint, rosemary, catnip, marigold, and lavender. Plant these liberally in your garden, especially around entertaining spaces. When you pass by the plants, be sure to brush them or rub the leaves. This releases the oils into the air and onto your skin.
