The only problem is that dining alfresco can reduce many of us to a mozzie-bitten itching mess.
Before you reach for a chemical spray, surround yourself with plants that naturally repel mosquitos.
Basil
What’s not to love about basil? Whether you’re making a pesto or a pizza, basil can add a delicious zing to Italian food. Best of all, mosquitos will be repelled by the scent so you can enjoy your meals bite-free.
Peppermint
Research has shown that peppermint oil repels mosquitos. You can easily grow peppermint in a pot. Keep it happy with lots of sun and regular watering. And when it’s not keeping mozzies at bay, you can use the leaves to brew up a pot of refreshing peppermint tea.
Lavender
Mosquitos hate the smell of lavender, so it’s a good excuse to grow it in abundance. Either in a pot or flower bed, lavender loves full sun and needs to be watered once or twice a week.
Catnip
Keep a pot of catnip around. Your furbaby will love it, but mosquitos will not. Catnip loves a lot of sun and well-drained soil, so make sure your pot drains freely and easily.
Lemon Balm
Another fragrant plant, lemon balm will help to keep mozzies at bay. Best contained in a pot, it loves plenty of sun and regular watering.
This article originally appeared on Better Homes and Gardens.
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