The #1 question many homeowners have going into spring is What Kind of Pest is Killing Your Grass? Having a lush, green lawn is a source of pride for most home and business owners, but even the most well-tended landscape is susceptible to damage from a variety of lawn pests. The key to successfully treating the problem and restoring health and vitality to your property is proper identification, using our lineup of common flying, crawling, and burrowing insects and creatures. Our Lawn Care Blog is packed full with valuable information about various lawn care and landscaping information.
Lawn Pest Identification
The following warning signs are an indication that you may have unwanted pests either on top of your lawn or below the ground:
- Chewed blades of grass
- Wilting grass
- Dead or dying patches of grass
- Brown spots
- Holes in the ground
- Insect sightings
- And more
Common pests include:
Grubs
There are many, different species of grubs or beetle larvae that vary slightly in color and size, but most are C-shaped and measure approximately one inch or less. These unsightly creatures can be found in the soil, where they feast on the roots of lawn grasses while attracting other unwanted pests such as moles, crows, armadillos, and skunks.
Symptoms: Brown spongy patches and lawn die-off.
Treatment: Soak infested areas with commercial grub killer.
Professional Company that can help!
We have always worked with various companies throughout the years, and one that seems to always take the time to professionally diagnose and treat pest issues is OnTarget Lawn and Pest Control located in Brevard County, Florida.
Army Worms
Army worms are black, brown, green, or yellow in color, and are approximately one-and-a-half inches in length with horizontal stripes. They feed on grass above the ground and tend to travel in large groups, preferring cooler evening temperatures.
Symptoms: Brown patches that may resemble drought.
Treatment: Professional pest control is recommended.
Fiery Skippers
This caterpillar has a black head and a green body and lays its eggs on the underside of grass blades and leaves.
Symptoms: Brown patches in your lawn approximately two inches in length; if an infestation occurs these patches may form an irregular shape of any size.
Treatment: Commercial caterpillar treatment may be applied.
Chinch bugs
Chinch bugs are only 1/4 of an inch long, and are usually black and white with white-gray wings that are decorated with a dark patch. Chinch bugs strip the moisture from grass blades by sucking out the fluid and then depositing an anticoagulant that prevents further water absorption. This suffocates the grass from the inside out.
Symptoms: Patches of lawn turn from purple/red to yellow, and then brown once completely dry or dead.
Treatment: Diatomaceous earth
Burrowing or Digging Mammals
Chipmunks, gophers, moles, turtles and other burrowing mammals can cause damage to your grass as they make their home or hunt for food.
Symptoms: Tunneling, mounds of dirt, large holes.
Treatment: Professional pest control may be required to properly identify the animals and determine a viable solution, without harming the mammals
Lawn & Pest Prevention Tips
No landscape is ever 100% pest-free, and most species are extremely beneficial to many plants, trees and the environment. Reduce or eliminate the presence of pests which could cause damage to your lawn with these tips:
- Grade areas with standing water which can be a breeding ground for bugs, insects and mosquitos.
- Keep your lawn mowed to the recommended height, trimming no more than 1/3 of the blade length at any time.
- Maintain your lawn with seasonal aeration and fertilization.
- Water your lawn regularly and more often as the summer heats up.
- Routinely walk your property for signs of deterioration.
- Trust the professionals at Beachside Lawn Care for reliable residential and commercial lawn control services.
Contact, Beachside Lawn Care, your local lawn care company in your area for help with customized landscaping, lawn & garden maintenance and several other services designed to make your yard the best it can be!