Mosquitoes are probably one of the very few things we do not like about late spring and summer. Their bites are itchy, their buzzing around is annoying, and they can even bring all sorts of diseases and viruses with them.

Here are some little-known facts about these critters:

--    There are approximately 3,500 species of mosquitoes;

--    Mosquitoes smell the lactic acid in sweat and it stimulates them to bite;

--   Daytime mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) are more likely to carry dengue fever, while nighttime mosquitoes (Anopheles gambiae) usually carry malaria;

--    The average lifespan of a dengue-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquito is about two to four weeks;

--    Male mosquitoes survive on flower nectar, and only female mosquitoes bite when they want to reproduce;

--    If you are a regular victim to mosquito bites you should know that genetics can account for 85 percent of the reason why they prefer you instead of another nearby person;

--    Pregnant women are more often bitten due to their increased carbon dioxide output;

--    One study conducted in 2013 found that mosquitoes bite people with type “O” blood 83 percent more often;

--    Overweight people are at an increased risk for mosquito bites;

--    Humans typically are not their first choice for food, as some species prefer to bite birds only;

--    Mosquitoes prefer to bite men than women;

--    Mosquitoes can smell carbon dioxide released from your body from a distance of over 75 feet.

One of the best ways to repel them and keep them away from you is to use the power of smell. They are attracted by certain doors like sweat, and repelled by the scents of various herbs and plants.

If you grow the following 11 plants in your garden, you can freely enjoy the hot summer temperatures without worrying about mosquitoes:

1. Marigolds contain Pyrethrum, which is a strong insect repellent. Grow them near the entrances to your home, and open windows to deter mosquitoes from going past the barrier.

2. Basil is a great natural mosquito repellent, releasing a scent without the leaves having to be crushed or touched. You can grow it in pots and place them in the garden or yard. Rub the leaves onto exposed areas for maximum protection.

3. Pennyroyal is another potent bug repellent, and if you grow it in the garden, you will successfully prevent the visits of mosquitoes in the house. You can also crush its leaves and keep them in the pocket, to ensure mosquitos will come nowhere near you

4. Rosemary is an outstanding mosquito repellent and can be grown inside or outside, but it requires full sun. You can also toss some rosemary leaves in fire and the incense they will release when burned will be highly unpleasant to mosquitoes.

5. Geranium effectively repels mosquitoes as they detest its scent. You can grow them in a warm, sunny and dry climate, in cold climate areas, or in planters if you prune them frequently.

6. Citronella has a pleasant scent, which repels mosquitoes. It grows best in full sun in areas with good drainage. Just crush citronella leaves and rub them in the skin to prevent mosquito bites.

7. Catnip is one of the best natural insect repellents, due to a natural chemical known as nepetalactone, a potent insect repellent, and a feline attractant.

It has been found to be 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET. It is easy to grow, and for optimal protection, apply the crushed leaves on the exposed skin.

8. The lavender scent is offensive to mosquitoes, while it relaxes and calms us. Plant lavender in the garden or n pots near the doors, and you will be free of mosquitoes.

9. Peppermint can serve as a natural insecticide to repel mosquitoes. it offers repellent action when applied to exposed body parts, and has larvicidal and mosquito repellent action. crush a few of the leaves of this plant to release the scent and oils.

10. Lemon balm has green leaves with a scent similar to the one of mint. It has powerful healing properties and keeps mosquitoes away while attracting important pollinators like butterflies and bees.

Just crush a handful of the leaves in the hand and rub them onto your exposed skin to repel mosquitoes.

11. Garlic will deter these nasty rascals and help you spend the summer nights free of the boring and itchy mosquito nights.

Therefore, plant some of these potent mosquito repellents in your garden or yard, and enjoy your time outside this summer!

Sources:
www.naturallivingideas.com
www.tripsavvy.com