Keep pesky mosquitoes away with plants

Don't let mosquitoes ruin your backyard barbecues and other summer plans. The pesky, uninvited guests are not just a nuisance, they also pose potential health risks. Mosquitoes can carry diseases such as Zika virus, West Nile virus, and others. But you don't need to use harmful chemicals around your home to keep them away.

The following plants repel mosquitoes, by releasing a horrible odor for the bugs, but people find the scent delightful:

Basil: frequently used as a culinary herb
Rosemary: similar to basil
Catnip: common and easy to acquire
Lavender: beautiful and can be made into a tea, salad dressing, or used many other ways

Scented geranium: classic anti-mosquito plant with attractive flowers
Citronella grass: uncommon plant with a recognizable name; oil produced by this grass is the same as found in citronella candles

The Director of the Lurie Garden in Chicago's