Sweet Basil can be used
as a natural bug repellent.

Bug Control

1. Plants. Nature is a good source for mosquito repellents. You could try planting black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) -- it's a natural bug repellent. But its pungent flowers might chase you away, too. Better choices are citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus), a lemon-scented grass, and pennyroyal. Plant basil in containers near your seating area to repel flies, and include tansy in nearby beds to keep away ants and flies.

2. Screening. There's nothing like a screen porch for keeping you safe from the insect world, while you're in the lap of the great outdoors. An 18x16-mesh screen will keep most insects outside where they belong. An alternative to a screen porch is to draw mosquito netting across a gazebo or other structure.

3. Inhibitors. It seems that scientists have left no stone unturned in their quest to outsmart mosquitoes. Inhibitors are a chief weapon. Some confuse mosquitoes by using Carbon Dioxide as a decoy. Others scare mosquitoes by mimicking the sounds of dragonflies and male mosquitoes -- two enemies feared by impregnated mosquitoes, the ones that bite.

4. Repellents. There are a number of commercial mosquito repellents on the market. Citronella candles and torches are a mainstay, as are foggers. Lotions and body sprays can also be used, but spray your clothes, too. Otherwise, mosquitoes can pierce the fabric to reach their meal. Many sprays contain DEET, a chemical insect repellent.

5. Personal Repellents. In addition to applying various lotions and sprays, you can wear your protection. One personal mosquito repeller clips to clothing or attaches to the wrist. Another credit-card-size repeller attaches to belts, pockets, or backpacks. Both emit sounds (inaudible to humans) that frighten mosquitoes away by mimicking the sounds of their enemies. And how about aroma-diffusing jewelry? There's now a line of sterling-silver earrings, necklaces, pins, and anklets that can be filled with a blend of citronella, mint, and lemongrass oils to keep bugs at bay.