We've all been there: watching the sunset in your backyard, by a bonfire, or on the balcony after a perfect summer day, when suddenly: bzzz. A mosquito whines in your ear or worse, appears on your bare arm or leg. Mosquitoes are the scourge of any good summer evening , and it can be tricky to banish them permanently, particularly if you live in an area with a lot of woods, marshes, or standing water.

Bug spray is sticky and smelly, citronella candles don't really work (sorry! We were equally devastated), and netting can ruin your view and vibe. However, there is one natural, and super-easy, way to fight off mosquitoes: while nature is typically known for nurturing the bugs, it can be used against them, too. There are many plants that repel mosquitoes with their scent, while still smelling great to humans.

All you need to do is plant them around your home or balcony, and your summer will be buzz-free. We rounded up the best plants to permanently repel mosquitoes from your space, without needing to shower off sticky bug spray after. Some of them may already be in your herb garden , hard at work! Note that for many of the following plants, the leaves actually need to be crushed or manhandled a bit to release the mosquito-repelling scent.

19 Plants That Repel Mosquitos Biophilic Design: The Plant-Filled Look That'll Transform Your Space Kaley Rohlinger is a freelance writer for PS who focuses on health, fitness, food, and lifestyle content. She has a background in the marketing a.