Drive away those annoying Mosquitoes with a few helpful tips.

Down in the south we have ponds, lakes, swamps, and rivers that love to enjoy on those hot summer days. I can tell you who enjoys them more than we do, mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are one of the most common pests that plague outdoor spaces and thrive around standing water.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water and their larvae develop in these water sources. To keep them away from you and your home try to eliminate any water sources around your property that are unnecessary. Regularly empty birdbaths, plant saucers, and pet water dishes. Even the smallest amount of water can be a mosquitoes new breeding ground.

Creating physical barriers to keep those pesky mosquitoes away from your home inside and out can be a necessary step in preventing them from entering where they are not wanted. If you have a porch or patio install a high-quality screen for the windows and doors. Make sure the screens are free of holes and tears and maybe consider a screened in patio or porch if being outside is your number one priority on those beautiful weather days.

Adding certain plants around your home can really help eliminate mosquitoes even considering your home as their new home. Consider planting citronella, lavender, marigolds, basil, and eucalyptus around your patio or garden. These plants emit fragrances that mosquitoes find unpleasant. Garlic is another natural insect repellent. You can make your own garlic spray by blending garlic with water and a few drops of dish soap and then spraying it around your garden or yard to deter mosquitoes, ants, and other insects.