Summer gardening should be about sunshine and fresh veggies, not swatting and scratching. So, this week on Just Grow Something we dig into the science and strategy behind controlling two of the most irritating garden pests that go after the gardeners, not our plants: ticks and mosquitoes. Learn which ones are in your region, understand the risks they carry, and implement practical, research-backed solutions to protect yourself and your family while in the garden.

From landscape tweaks to personal protection hacks and a game-changing DIY mosquito trap, this episode has everything you need to enjoy your garden bite-free.

We cover:

• Common tick species by region and associated diseases
• Mosquito types and their disease vectors
• Natural vs. chemical repellent options
• Landscaping tips to deter pests
• How to build a “Bucket of Doom” mosquito trap

Let's dig in!

References and Resources:

Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant atHeirloomRoses.com with code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.com

https://homegrownnationalpark.org/mosquito-bucket-challenge/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alpha-gal-syndrome/in-depth/tick-species/art-20546861?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://extension.psu.edu/using-insect-and-tick-repellents-safely

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/summer_safety_part_3_mosquitoes_and_ticks

https://cals.cornell.edu/integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/whats-bugging-you/ticks/managing-ticks-landscape

https://hawxpestcontrol.com/how-to-treat-standing-water-to-prevent-mosquitoes-in-your-yard

https://extension.sdstate.edu/how-avoid-being-dinner-preventing-tick-and-mosquito-bites

https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/PicaridinGen.html

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-deet-bad-for-you-and-your-kids

https://ticksafety.com/about-ticks/seed-ticks-tick-bombs/

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