Mosquitoes come with the warm summer weather, just like beach days and ice cream. However, they are not nearly as enjoyable Mosquitoes are more than just pesky critters that leave itchy bites, they also carry diseases. More than 1 million people die from diseases spread by the blood-sucking little buggers. Chemical-laden bug repellents can carry risks as well, but there are some tips to keep them at bay. First eliminate standing water, wherever you can. Ponds, swamps and large puddles are a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Keeping the grass in your yard short, and weeds trimmed is also a good idea, since they can shelter in tall grass.
Certain herbs and flowers are also good at keeping away these unwelcome guests. Lavender, basil, and mint are all easy to grow and mosquitoes don’t like the scents of these plants. If you must wear bug repellent, eucalyptus oil is natural and repels bugs without chemicals. Finally, keeping a breeze going will mess up the flight path of these hungry, hungry pests, so a small fan can do wonders. Enjoy the summer and try not to be a mosquito meal.