5 Ways to Combat Mosquitoes Naturally.

Before they breed, congregate, bite, and drive you indoors, consider some natural ways to combat summer's peskiest foes -- Mosquitoes.

5 WAYS TO COMBAT MOSQUITOES NATURALLY

1. 

Standing water is where mosquitoes make more mosquitoes. Limit the insects' ability to breed by clearing your gutters of clogs, filling in sunken parts of your lawn, and regularly changing the water in your birdbath or kiddie pool.

2. 

Yes, really. Garlic makes an effective natural mosquito repellant. Mix one part garlic juice with five parts water, put the solution in a spray bottle, and spritz yourself as needed. As a side benefit, you will also repel vampires!

3.

Believe it or not, the essential oil in catnip, nepetalactone, repels mosquitos more effectively than DEET. Although you may have to dodge your neighbor's cat as a result, catnip oil–based insect repellant does a good job of protecting exposed skin.

4.

In only one hour, a bat can eat hundreds of insects, mosquitoes included. Build or buy a bat house, hang it in a well-ventilated area, and let those web-winged creatures do their thing. 

5.

Because the essential oils in many herbs arenatural insecticides, you can throw a bundle of rosemary or sage on the coals while you're barbecuing in order to keep backyard mosquitoes at bay.