How to combat mosquitoes naturally

North America faces new mosquito season. Pesticides and synthetic insect repellants that people got used to, turned out to have a range of drawbacks. They don't only favour insecticide resistant bugs, but can also lead to neurological damage and cancer.

There is a number of healthy and environment-friendly natural methods to tackle mosquitoes as well.

Growing the right kind of plants in your garden will definitely keep them away. You can use flowers such as marigolds, and ageratums (also known as floss flowers). Or you could use plants such as catnip, lavender, mint, or citronella.

You may also prevent them from reproducing. Remove anything that collects and pools stagnant water - that's where they lay their eggs. Tires, buckets, pet bowls, birdbaths, gutters, and the like are potential breeding pools for mosquitoes.

Another tried and proven tactic is to create bird, bat, or frog habitats, which work well to keep mosquitoes and other bug populations down.

There are also many essential oils that repel mosquitoes and other biting insects. To avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and other pests including ticks, biting flies, and midges, you'll need a combination of essential oils for complete protection. Here are essential oils that repel mosquitoes:

• Basil
• Bergamot
• Citronella
• Eucalyptus
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Pine
• Peppermint
• Rose geranium
• Rosemary
• Spearmint
• Thyme
• Vetiver

Some changes to your diet will make you far less appealing to mosquitoes. They don't like garlic, onions, leeks and vinegar. In case you consume enough of these foods, mosquitoes will like you a lot less.