Watch CBS News

Tips And Tricks For Keeping Mosquitoes Away This Summer

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Few things ruin a cookout, picnic or trip to pool faster than hearing the buzzing noise of mosquitoes. But, simply putting a couple pots of marigolds on the porch can make a huge difference.

"Marigolds are great. Lantana are great. These are all plants that have an odor, an aroma -- and that's the thing that mosquitoes don't like," explained Doug Oster, Tribune-Review home and garden editor.

Other plants that have a strong smell work well, especially herbs like basil, thyme, peppermint, and lemon thyme. Another popular one: rosemary.

"One of the tricks with rosemary is if you are out sitting around the fire, throw a little rosemary sprig in there. That essential oil will be released by the heat and that keeps the mosquitoes at bay," Oster said.

Citronella candles are popular, but the plant provides the same benefit without the flame.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

We have all heard the warnings about removing standing water from your property, but if you can't do that, there's another trick.

"If you had a fountain or birdbath, there's these little things called mosquito dunks and they are completely organic. They can't harm us. They can't harm the fish, but the larva, it will kill the larva," Oster said.

If you don't have a green thumb, there is one thing you can do to fight back against mosquitoes: put up a bat house because bats are mosquito eating machines.

"Bats can eat 600 mosquitoes an hour. That's all you need to know, and a bat house can hold a lot of bats. Don't be afraid of bats. We want to help bats just like we want to help bees," Oster said.

There is one final thing you can do. Don't be afraid of using lots of garlic in your favorite recipes.

"Anyone that eats garlic knows it comes right out your pores, and I can walk in the woods after eating garlic and no problem."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.