Basil
You might use basil in your pasta sauce, but this aromatic herb also works as a mosquito repellent. Basil gives off its scent naturally, so you don’t need to bruise the leaves to get results. Mosquitoes dislike the strong, spicy aroma, which comes from its essential oils. Basil grows well in sunny spots and can be kept in pots, garden beds, or windowsills. Water it regularly, and it’ll reward you with a steady supply of leaves for cooking and pest control. Sweet basil is the most popular variety, but lemon basil and cinnamon basil also work. The plant’s versatility makes it perfect for cooks and gardeners alike.