We’re just past the halfway point of the summer of 2025 and mosquitoes in Northern Illinois (and throughout the state) are out in full force, especially during their favorite time to bite into you–early in the morning and throughout the evening hours.
Over the years you’ve probably tried all sorts of various ways of keeping them away, but most of them fail miserably while a few offer some very short-term protection.
Among the items that have been proven to have little to no effect on mosquitoes, we’ve got:
Citronella candles: Studies show they decrease biting rates by only 20-40%, compared to DEET, which decreases the chances by over 95%. Wind can also easily disperse the repellent effect.Ultrasonic Repellent Devices: Scientific studies have repeatedly shown that they do not repel mosquitoes and may even attract them. They are considered the “modern equivalent of snake oil” by some scientists. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken legal action against companies making false claims about these devices.Repellent Wristbands: Scientific studies have found that they offer little to no protection against mosquito bites, and are therefore ineffective.
Let’s look at something that might help.
Mosquitoes bite on adult hand made skin rash and allergy with red spot
Getty ImagesIt’s Important To Try To Limit The Mosquito Bites You Get
Because they truly are the deadliest creatures on Earth. You don’t have to take my word for it.
Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH):
Mosquitoes and the diseases they spread have been responsible for killing more people than all the wars in history. Even today, mosquitoes transmitting malaria kill 2 million to 3 million people and infect another 200 million or more every year. Tens of millions more are killed and debilitated by a host of other mosquito-borne diseases, including filariasis, yellow fever, dengue and encephalitis.
With that kind of deadly resumé, you might be surprised that all it might take to lessen their numbers on your patio is to do some flower-planting.
You’ve Got Your Sprays, Creams, Bug-Zappers, Electric Rackets, Foggers, Blue-Light Traps, Citronella Candles And More To Get Rid Of Mosquitos–Or You Could Do Some Flower Planting
I’m not talking about dropping some serious money on a hard-to-find plant from the Amazon rain forest to keep the little bloodsuckers away. I’m talking about an inexpensive and easy to find plant to help you win the mosquito wars.
Marigolds.
Not Only Do Mosquitos Hate Marigolds, Other Pests Will Steer Clear Of Them, Too
Planting marigolds in your garden, or having them in pots around the outdoor areas that you spend time in will really help reduce the mosquito population around you.
HouseDigest.com:
Planting marigolds in your garden offers several benefits, including its mosquito-repelling properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and its use as a natural food coloring or garnish. These bright flowers release a strong odor that not only repels mosquitoes but also other pests, such as deer and rabbits. Marigolds have a USDA hardiness zone of 2 through 11, making them a great choice for planting in many different states, including those with high mosquito populations.
Other plants that help keep mosquitos away from the area with varying degrees of success include:
Basil: all varieties have a strong aroma that repels mosquitosCitronella: a well-known mosquito repellent due to its strong, citrusy scentLavender: fragrant essential oils help deter mosquitoesRosemary: the strong, pine-like aroma is a natural mosquito repellentCatnip: a non-toxic alternative to store-bought spraysIf You Grew Up in the ’70s and ’80s, These Foods Were Super Fancy
From Babybels to Toblerone chocolate, take a nostalgic bite out of these ‘fancy’ childhood foods that made us feel way more elegant than we really were.
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz