S2 Ep450: Best of Better Lawns and Gardens - Hour 1 Keeping Summer Pest Free June 14, 2025
Teresa Watkins and guest Heather Stickney of Summit Responsible Solutions deliver a practical, no-nonsense guide to staying pest-free during Florida's sweltering summer months. The episode reveals a counterintuitive truth: the real threat isn't the adult mosquitoes you see, but the invisible larvae thriving in standing water—especially in overlooked spots like tree crotches and rain gutters. The hosts emphasize that biological solutions like BTI-based mosquito bits are not only effective but safe for pets, children, and wildlife, making them ideal for family-friendly outdoor events. A standout revelation is the power of portable pest control: Summit’s Green Armor clothing treatment and Mosquito and Gnat Barrier spray can be taken on vacation, turning cabins and campgrounds into mosquito-free zones. The episode also debunks myths—citronella plants don’t repel mosquitoes, and cardboard in gardens harms soil health—while offering actionable advice on timing for pruning, transplanting, and fertilizing. The real takeaway? Proactive, science-backed strategies beat reactive panic when summer pests strike.
Mosquito larvae hatch in as little as 3 days; treat standing water with BTI-based mosquito bits to prevent infestations.
Use Summit's Green Armor on clothing and gear to repel mosquitoes, ticks, and chiggers—ideal for vacation trips.
Do not use cardboard in gardens—it blocks water, compacts soil, and harms microbial life; use 3-4 inches of natural mulch instead.
Prune poinsettias now to encourage compact growth and red bract development for winter display.
Spray for caterpillars on angel trumpet vines with insecticidal soap (Sevin) only when you see feeding damage.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Summer Safety and Father's Day Warmth
Teresa opens with a heartfelt Father's Day tribute, celebrating her family and guests, while emphasizing the importance of hydration and heat safety during summer yard work.
Sod Webworms: The Silent Lawn Destroyer
“If you've got three or four you see in your entire yard, no big whoop. You don't have to put anything down. You see 15, 20, 30 as you're walking through the entire yard, you need to put down an insecticide.”
Mosquito Control: From Larvae to Vacation
“It is toxic only to mosquito larvae. Any harmful effects to people, pets, children, fish, birds, only mosquitoes.”
Pruning and Plant Care for June
Teresa outlines which plants to prune now (poinsettias, orchids) and which to avoid (azaleas, hydrangeas), warning against crepe murder and recommending hand-trimming for hedges.
Gardening Q&A: Watermelons, Weeds, and Worms
“Do not use cardboard in gardens—it blocks water, compacts soil, and harms microbial life; use 3-4 inches of natural mulch instead.”
“In terms of its safety around animals or non -target species, it really is toxic only to mosquito larvae. Any harmful effects to people, pets, children, fish, birds, only mosquitoes.”
“If you've got three or four you see in your entire yard, no big whoop. You don't have to put anything down. You see 15, 20, 30 as you're walking through the entire yard, you need to put down an insecticide.”
“I mean, you want to make sure that they're nice and juicy. And the harder you thump it and you get that kind of thud, then, you know, and it will be good.”
Host
Guest
Summit Responsible Solutions
organization
Teresa Watkins
person
Heather Stickney
person
Lizzie Steele
person
Mosquito Bits
product
BTI
other
Peterson's Nursery
organization
Green Armor
product
Tony
person
Air Max
product
S2 Ep457: Better Lawns and Gardens - Hour 2 The Science Behind Mosquito Bits June 13, 2026
39m • 6/14/2026
S2 Ep451: Best of Better Lawns and Gardens - Hour 2 Summer Garden Questions May 24, 2026
39m • 5/31/2026
S2 Ep452: Better Lawns and Gardens - Hour 1 Chelsea Flower Show May 30 2026
39m • 5/31/2026
S2 Ep454: Better Lawns and Gardens - Hour 1 Best Father's Day Gifts For Gardeners June 6, 2026
39m • 6/6/2026
S2 Ep455: Better Lawns and Gardens - Hour 2 Random Acts of Gardening June 6 2026
39m • 6/9/2026
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime