We know the feeling – you’re about to enjoy your beautiful outdoor space you work hard to maintain and beautify, only to find your family and friends surrounded by a bunch of annoying mosquitoes! This summer, you can use some of these easy and natural ways to keep mosquitoes from ruining both your outdoor parties and relaxation.

• Plant a Garden. There are plants that mosquitoes simply don’t like – lemon balm, basil, mint, rosemary, catnip, lavender, and of course citronella are some of them. Try planting these in your garden, especially surrounding your outdoor entertaining areas. Hosting a party tonight? Give the leaves a quick brush or rub to release their natural oils into the air, and onto your skin!

• Ditch the Water. Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Evaluate your yard by looking around for standing water such as small kiddie pools, empty flower pots that have gathered rainwater, as well as pockets of wet spots in your lawn. Get rid of this standing water regularly to keep these outdoor pests at bay.

• Keep it Clean. Shrubs, plants, and garden debris make ideal habitat for mosquitoes. Make sure you’re keeping your yard regularly maintained to keep pesky pests away from you and your family.

• Make a Breeze. On balmy summer nights you can use a fan that will not only keep your guests cool, it will also help to blow your uninvited outdoor pests away!

Use any of these all natural solutions in your own backyard to keep your outdoor space mosquito free this summer!