Warm weather means mosquitoes will be out in full force soon enough. These pesky critters can wreak havoc on your family barbecues and chase friends and family indoors as the sun goes down. But did you know that there’s an easy, natural way to repel mosquitoes and save yourself the exasperation of a zillion itchy bug bites? There are actually a ton of easy-to-grow plants that help to create a barrier, repelling hungry mosquitoes from your property. Here are a few of the top mosquito-repellent plants to add to your garden this year:

Citronella Grass: Citronella candles work to repel insects, so this one is an obvious choice! Citronella is the main ingredient found in most mosquito repellents, so it only makes sense to grow some citronella grass in your garden. The only downside? Citronella grass is not a fan of cold climates, so you may want to keep it potted so you can transfer it indoors for those cold New England winters.

Catnip or Catmint: This plant has a strong aroma that helps to keep the mosquitoes at bay. But don’t worry, this is a is a sweet smell that is much more tolerable than that of plain old bug spray. It is suggested that you keep this plant potted however, as it tends to grow and spread rapidly.

Lavender: Talk about a lovely aroma! The soft and dainty smell of lavender drives mosquitoes crazy, keeping them far away from your family fun. This plant is best grown potted and regularly pruned.

Basil: Due to its strong scent, the smell of basil is a natural mosquito repellent, as well as a tasty addition to any meal! Keeping a pot of basil growing on the patio is great because it will keep your guests bug-free, while they enjoy their pesto pasta! How’s that for killing two birds with one stone?

Pest Control Unlimited provides mosquito control programs to the Massachusetts area, using a specially designed treatment that works best when applied from May through September. Our efforts have the ability to control up to 95% of the mosquitoes that have taken up residence on your property. Whether you’re looking for a one-time, or repeated treatment program, we’re here to help! Call 888-649-9919 or click here for more details.