Have a mosquitoes-free yard

Love being outdoors but sick of those annoying blood-sucking mosquitoes? The threat of contracting diseases from a mosquito is very real.

Not only are humans infected with dangerous illnesses each year because of mosquitoes, so are animals, including household pets and veterinary animals.

The threat of contracting a disease from a mosquito is very real. Over a million people are said to die each year from contracting the disease from mosquitoes. Among all tropical diseases, malaria is already considered the most common and devastating. In Lagos, southwest Nigeria,

Malaria constitutes 40 percent of outpatient visits to health facilities.

Mosquitoes also carry other deadly diseases such as dengue and yellow fevers, dog heartworm, chikungunya, encephalitis viruses, the West Nile virus (WNV) and the recent world outbreaks of Zika Virus. Put down the sprays and nets, there are some different plants you can grow to help keep mosquitoes, other insects and pests away. Bug zappers are also annoying and leave you sitting among insect parts; moreover, you may not be in the mood for Smokey incense and candles.

With all the publicity about Malaria, World Nile virus, Zika Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, commercial mosquito repelling products are gaining in popularity.

Garlic plant<br />

To prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your yard, get rid of all standing water. Anything that can hold even the smallest amount of rain or sprinkled water must be removed or turned over.

There are so many varieties of mosquitoes and insect pests, and some of these plants will be more or less effective against certain types.

Many different plants possess insect-propelling properties and they can easily be incorporated into a planting scheme-or placed in pots around your garden. The areas on which to concentrate include around the porch or patio where people tend to sit, doorways, by windows, driveways, and paths where legs will brush against the foliage, encouraging it to release scent and vapor.

However, these groups of highly useful plants help keep away the irritating bugs but don’t affect the beneficial insects such as pollinators like bees and butterflies. All these plants will add beauty to your garden with others providing additional culinary benefits. These mosquito-repelling plants will help you and your family enjoy maximum comfort in the outdoors as well,

Eucalyptus: is known as a biopesticide that contains globulol, cuminal aldehyde and cineole compounds and helps repel mosquitoes. Plants that have aromatic leaves are utilized in an herbal preparation. If you wish to grow it indoors opt for a small eucalyptus variety.

Lantanas “White Sage”, “Tickberry” “Lantana Camara” Grow low-lying lantana with attractive flowers all-year-round. Its smell is offensive to insects and some critters. Make sure to grow them in your garden conservatively as they can be invasive.

Chamomile: Aside from its popular use as ingredients for making tea, essential oil from chamomile are also used to drive insects including mosquitoes away, you can either use fresh or dried chamomile flowers to make a homemade mosquito repellant spray.

Camphor Tree or Camphor laurel “Cinnamum Camphora” While Camphor trees are considered invasive, its pest and mosquito-repelling properties are highly appreciated. You can find from first-hand experienced growers how they are effective in keeping mosquitoes at bay. With its strong aroma, it seems to work round the clock.

Geraniums are scented plants that are also popular for repelling mosquitoes and are recommended by most gardening sites and gardeners themselves. The most effective type of geranium is the lemon-scented because of its similarity to citronella. It is one of the best to keep nasty pests away. This type of plant also has gorgeous blooms, which can be used for a decorative piece that is incredibly attractive.

Garlic is known as a natural bug repellent in a lot of ways. One way is to mix garlic with natural aromatic oils to make mosquito repelling body sprays. Another way is to cut the garlic, produce fine powder and sprinkle it around your house. Make sure to add some garlic to your flower bed or vegetable garden for added protection from mosquitoes. Not only will you keep mosquitoes away, but you’ll also have a whole load of garlic to flavor your food and for its incredible health benefits.

Lavender has a sweet, floral, fresh and herbaceous aroma. It is used as a natural repellent for mosquitoes. The pleasant scent of lavender is offensive to insects, especially mosquitoes. Plant it in pots situated near doors and windows or in the garden to best harness it. Apart from that, the fabulous aroma of lavender helps as well in promoting a calming and relaxing sensation.

Scented Geranium plant. Pelargonium<br />

Marigolds are mostly seen in summer as they thrive in humid conditions and in full sun with reasonably fertile soil.
This plant has pyrethrum, a compound used in many bug repellents. Pyrethrum is a natural insect repellent made from the heads of the flower. The aroma that it produces is offensive to mosquitoes, which keeps them away from entering your house.

Lemon balm’s green leaves have the aroma of lemon with a hint of mint, in short, it belongs to the mint family. It is not only known for its healing properties, but it is also popular for warding off insects while as well as attracting necessary pollinators such as bees and butterflies. A quick tip: Crush a handful of lemon balm leaves in your hand and rub them into the exposed area of the skin.

African Lily
Agapanthus africanus, the lily of the Nile, has the kind of thick, strappy foliage that shrugs off insect invaders with ease. As a tropical perennial, the blue or white flowering plant will not only come back reliably but you can grow the plants from rhizomes in the container garden. Gardeners in mild coastal areas may use the African lily to control erosion on hillsides.

Citronella, officially known as the citrosum plant, citronella can be grown in your garden or yard for insect control. It carries the citronella fragrance in its foliage. When its leaves are crushed and rubbed into your skin, the scent is really pleasant plus it helps to naturally keep the mosquitoes away.

Start growing these fragrant plants in your garden or in containers. They will surely add beauty to your garden and keep the annoying mosquitoes and other bugs away—as a bonus, your whole family’s health will be improved.