Illinois Mosquitos: These Flowers Help Keep Them Out Of Your Yard

We haven't even reached the first day of May yet, but I've already had to take my handy-dandy electric bug-killing racket and zap several mosquitos that were hanging around the patio at home. With the amount of rain and warmth we've been experiencing lately, I know there are a lot more of them on the way.

I say this in all seriousness: Mosquitos are the deadliest creatures on Earth, bar none.

Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH):

Mosquitoes and the diseases they spread have been responsible for killing more people than all the wars in history. Even today, mosquitoes transmitting malaria kill 2 million to 3 million people and infect another 200 million or more every year. Tens of millions more are killed and debilitated by a host of other mosquito-borne diseases, including filariasis, yellow fever, dengue and encephalitis.

Let's take a look at some plant-based ways of keeping them off of you at home this spring and summer.

You've Got Your Sprays, Creams, Bug-Zappers, Electric Rackets, Foggers, Blue-Light Traps, Citronella Candles And More To Get Rid Of Mosquitos--Or You Could Do Some Flower Planting

I'm not talking about dropping some serious money on a hard to find plant from the Amazon rain forest to keep the little bloodsuckers away. I'm talking about an inexpensive and easy to find plant to help you win the mosquito wars. It's this:

Not Only Do Mosquitos Hate Marigolds, Other Pests Will Steer Clear Of Them, Too

Planting marigolds in your garden, or having them in pots around the outdoor areas that you spend time in will really help reduce the mosquito population around you.

HouseDigest.com:

Planting marigolds in your garden offers several benefits, including its mosquito-repelling properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and its use as a natural food coloring or garnish. These bright flowers release a strong odor that not only repels mosquitoes but also other pests, such as deer and rabbits. Marigolds have a USDA hardiness zone of 2 through 11, making them a great choice for planting in many different states, including those with high mosquito populations.

Other plants that help keep mosquitos away from the area include:

• Basil: all varieties have a strong aroma that repels mosquitos
• Citronella: a well-known mosquito repellent due to its strong, citrusy scent
• Lavender: fragrant essential oils help deter mosquitoes
• Rosemary: the strong, pine-like aroma is a natural mosquito repellent
• Catnip:  a non-toxic alternative to store-bought sprays