I don't know about you, but I love spending time outdoors in the summer.  That's one of the reasons we decided to move to the mountains of North Carolina, so we could enjoy the outdoors in more moderate temperatures!  There's only one problem.... I seem to be a mosquito magnet!  If there's one within miles, it will find me and make my life miserable! 

Are you tired of those pesky mosquitoes and flies ruining your outdoor adventures? Fear not, because I'm going to show you how to keep those bugs at bay. Say goodbye to chemical-laden insect repellents,  and hello to the power of plants!

First up on our list is citronella, the captain of all natural mosquito repellents. This plant has a strong scent that masks the smells that attract mosquitoes. Plus, it's easy to grow and perfect for outdoor areas. You can also use citronella candles and essential oils to keep those bugs at bay.

Next, we have lavender, the beautiful and fragrant plant that repels mosquitoes and flies with its pleasant scent. Grow it in your garden or in pots, and make sachets with its dried flowers to keep moths and other pests away.

Basil is not only a popular herb in cooking but also an effective natural insect repellent. Its strong scent is unpleasant to mosquitoes and flies, making it an excellent plant to have in your garden or on your windowsill. You can even make natural insect repellent sprays with it.

Mint is another herb that is easy to grow and effective at repelling mosquitoes and flies. Its strong scent masks the scents that attract insects, making it a powerful natural repellent. Grow it in pots or in gardens and make natural insect repellent sprays or add it to candles.

Rosemary is not only a fragrant herb used in cooking but also a natural insect repellent. The strong scent of rosemary repels mosquitoes and flies and can be used to keep them away from outdoor areas. Grow it in pots or in gardens and make natural insect repellent sprays or add it to candles.

Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, has a strong lemon scent that repels mosquitoes and flies. It's easy to grow and can be used to make natural insect repellent sprays or added to candles. Plus, it has calming properties, so you can make tea or add it to bathwater for a relaxing soak.

Marigolds are beautiful and bright flowers that are also effective at repelling mosquitoes and flies. The scent of marigolds is unpleasant to insects, making them a great addition to gardens or outdoor areas. Plant them in pots or in gardens and make natural insect repellent sprays.

Geraniums are another beautiful flower that is effective at repelling mosquitoes and flies. The scent of geraniums is unpleasant to insects, making them a great addition to gardens or outdoor areas. Plant them in pots or in gardens and make natural insect repellent sprays.

Now, for those who don't have a green thumb, don't worry! You can still keep those bugs at bay with Young Living authentic, unadulterated essential oils. Diffuse the oils in your home, and on your deck or porch. You can even add them to a spray bottle with water for a natural bug repellent, or apply them topically to your skin for added protection. And if you don't have a plug nearby, try the Kinito battery base, or a battery operated diffuser.

Some of the best essential oils for repelling mosquitoes and flies include peppermint, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and cedarwood. 

And if you don't have the time or energy to grow your own bug-repelling plants, and you don't want to bother with a diffuser and oils, there's one other successful way to protect yourself - Young Living Plant-Based Insect Repellent and Insect Repellent Wipes!

With these natural remedies, you can enjoy the great outdoors without the annoyance of pesky bugs. 

Happy Summer!