Tipster Tuesday - Be Repulsive!

It's summertime and that means mosquitoes! They are mean little blood suckers and it seems like they are especially bad this year....of course, I think I say that every year! Here are some tips to encourage them to keep off and stay away!

• Vanilla - mix two parts real vanilla flavoring and one part water in a spray bottle and use on skin, this has worked well for us and it's our favorite "bug repellent" 
• Some say that mosquitoes do not like onion and/or oranges so get some and rub on your skin. It could make for an interesting evening with friends! 
• Avoid wet clothes.
• Avoid dark clothing.
• Plant Tansy and/or basil near doors...they don't like the smell. 
• Keep "rain barrel" covered to keep it from becoming a breeding ground. Also, empty any items that have standing water in them...if it's bowls for animals, refresh the water daily by emptying the dish completely and refilling.

Do you have any tips that have helped you avoid becoming the blood donor for local mosquito clans? Leave a comment and share them with us. Hopefully these ideas will help for a scratch free summer!