Planting these plants around your home can keep mosquitoes at bay

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - According to the CDC, your chances of coming down with an illness because of a mosquito, flea, or tick bite is going.

A new report says there were more than 700,000 cases of insect-borne diseases reported between 2005 and 2016. Insects like mosquitoes carry germ-like viruses that can be transmitted when they bite.

The key to avoiding these illnesses lies in prevention. Thursday morning, FOX 29's Thomas Drayton visited Primex Garden Center in Glenside to get a closer look at how you can keep pests away.

Sometimes, keeping those biting insects away is as easy as paying attention to the plants you surround yourself and your home with.

Ron Kushner, a horticulturalist, explained that placing plants that are natural insect repellants in your garden or on your patio may help!

Many of these plants are common. For example, Kushner says basil can be kept in pots, or made into a repellant spray. Lavender also acts as a natural insect repellant, keeping away moths, flies, fleas, and mosquitoes.

Lemongrass also contains citronella, a natural oil used in insect repelling plants. Lemon thyme, mint, and rosemary are also useful in repelling mosquitoes.

As for bigger plants and flowers,

Chrysanthemums, marigolds and petunias also help to keep the bugs away!

You can watch the video above for more helpful tips and tricks!