With the arrival of Spring and more time spent out doors, it's time to plan ahead to prevent the pests we know and hate, mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes eat me alive. I can be outside for just a few minutes and in no time at all, I'll be covered in bites. The bites are not only painful and unattractive, but mosquitoes are known carries of diseases. With this in mind, here are eight plants that claim to keep mosquitoes away.

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    1

    Lemon Balm

    Also known as horsemint, Lemon Balm is a hardy perennial that repels mosquitoes by giving off a strong odor - similar to citronella grass. The smell, however, does not deter bees and butterflies. Lemon balm grows fast and is drought resistant and reseeds itself easily. Due to its aggressive nature it may be best to contain it in a planter or pot.

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    2

    Marigolds

    The Marigold's distinct smell is unbearable to insects—and even some people are bothered by it. They prefer full sunlight, and though they are an annual,  the marigold will often reseed itself in favorable conditions and return the following year.

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    Citronella Grass

    Citronella Grass is often considered the 'Godfather' of insect repellents. Like most grasses, they do best in full sun and well-drained locations. The natural oils in the plants are quite pungent, and mosquitoes will stay away.

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    4

    Catnip

    Catnip is well-known for its ability to attract cats, but lesser known is its ability to repel insects. The natural oil within the leaves has been proven to be ten times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. Some people even crush the leaves and use it for natural insect repellent on their skin and clothes.

     

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    Lavender

    Fragrant, beautiful and it keeps mosquitoes at bay, Lavender may be my new favorite herb! Mosquitoes, and many other insects, don’t like the smell of lavender. This plant is very tough and drought-resistant once established, and only needs full sun and good drainage.

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    Lemon Grass

    Lemon Grass has a fresh lemony smell that people love, but mosquitoes hate. This is a great container plant for around the patio to keep them away.

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    7

    Catmint

    Catmint will not only attract beautiful butterflies, but it also keeps away the dreaded mosquitoes. The insects dislike the same fragrant flowers that attract the winged beauties.

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    8

    Cigar Plant

    The Cigar Plant is known for attracting humming birds and butterflies to your garden, but some gardeners also claim that it will keep away the blood-sucking mosquitoes. I plan to try this one out myself this Spring.

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