Did you know that mosquitoes have killed more people than all of the wars in history? They do this by spreading deadly diseases like Malaria. That is a pretty scary thought if you are like me and enjoy spending a great deal of time outside.

The problem is that the conventional alternative is by covering yourself in toxic chemicals like DEET.

Instead of poisoning yourself this year, try using plants that naturally repel mosquitoes. By planting a beautiful mosquito repelling landscape you can remain chemical free and enjoy some beautiful new plants that will work hard at keeping pesky bugs out of your yard and home.

Citronella has almost become synonymous with the anti-mosquito movement. Candles, sprays, even lotions have Citronella fragrance added to it so you can avoid bug bites. But why not try and keep the mosquitoes out of your yard all together? Citronella Geraniums are one of the best plants that naturally repel mosquitoes, put a few in and watch the skeeters run for cover.

The Citronella Geranium has light green leaves with beautiful pink and purple flowers and grows thick and bushy. The Citronella can grow up to 4 feet high and 2 feet wide. They require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day and grow best in rich soil that drains well.

Lavender is such a versatile plant, not only is it used in relaxation and cooking but can also fight dandruff and calm your itchy skin. But wait there’s more! Lavender can help keep away the bugs!

This beautiful purple flower that smells so good to us, is very off-putting to bugs, and that includes mosquitoes.

Lavender grows best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, rich soil, and good drainage.

For the ideal mosquito repellent there is a variety called “Phenomenal” lavender, which is much more fragrant than the traditional varieties that were grown in the south. It is much closer to the varieties that are grown in Spain.

To buy this variety, or to ask more about Phenominal lavender contact Peace Tree Farm.

Beautiful, cheery, hearty, and mosquitoes hate them!

Marigolds range in color but yellow and orange are the most common colors. Marigolds grow rapidly without much bother, and will take full sun or partial shade.

Not only are marigolds plants that naturally repel mosquitoes, but they also repel other insects like ants and flies.

If you have a spot in your yard where nothing else will grow because it is too hot and dry, Latana is your answer. This beautiful plant thrives in low water areas and can take a full day of sun. In addition, this wonder-plant has beautiful flowers in a wide variety of colors including blue, pink, orange, red, and white.

But wait, there’s more! The latana is also great at keeping away the mosquitoes.

Well I’m sold, I’m off to buy a couple of these bad boys, maybe I’ll get ones with red, white, and blue flowers for the 4th of July.

I have always wondered if Emeril Lagasse said “BAM” because it was the same sound as when he was killing mosquitoes in the Louisiana bayou. Well I think I know for sure now, YES! That must also be why he always added 40 cloves of garlic to everything, to keep away the mosquitoes.

Both by growing garlic in your yard and by eating it your chances of getting bitten by mosquitoes is lowered.

In warmer climates grow garlic in raised beds with rich soil. Break apart the bulb and place each clove in the ground pointy part up. Cover with soil and water regularly.

Do you enjoy a few mint leaves in your tea or sparkling water? Well, mosquitoes do not!

What can I say about mint, it smells great, is very beautiful (especially as ground cover), grows like a weed, and is one of the plants that naturally repel mosquitoes (that sounds like a great combo to me). Put one or two of these in the ground on the edge of your property, and within a year or two, you will have all the mint that you ever wanted.

There are many different varieties of mint including chocolate mint. The varieties that work the best for keeping bugs away are the cinnamon mint and the lemon mint.

Ahhh, I can almost smell the Tom Kha Gai cooking now. Lemongrass is such a fragrant part of Asian cooking. It adds a cripness to any dish.

In addition to that, lemongrass is great at keeping mosquitoes and other bugs away. That same smell that I have grown to love, is the reason the mosquitoes will stay away.

Lemongrass grows best with at least 6 hours of full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. It likes to be watered often in rich soil with good drainage.

Cats love it, you should too! Nepetalactone is the chemical found in catnip that produces the amazing response in some cats, it is that same chemical that repels mosquitoes, flies, and cockroaches. Scientists have actually found that nepetalactone is 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET! Unfortunately, it looses its effectiveness once you take that chemical off of the plant and put it on your skin.

Catnip might attract a few stray cats in your neighborhood, but hey, that is a great way to keep away rodents as well. Seems like a win win to me!

Catnip grows best in full sun combined with medium soil and good drainage. It will reach a height of 5 feet.

Recipe for tomato sauce: 3 pounds of tomatoes, then add a bunch of plants that naturally repel mosquitoes! The Italians definitely knew what they were doing.

Basil is a wonderfully fragrant herb that is commonly used in Italian cooking. It will also keep away the mosquitoes.

Basil grows best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight in rich soil with good drainage.