Keep the Bugs Away This Season
When your lawn is thick and green, it’s nothing short of a masterpiece. It can be the most inviting aspect of your home and serves as a welcome beacon to guests. However, when your grass is riddled with brown patches due to a pest invasion, it’s enough to make any homeowner cringe. Do you find yourself looking at your turf and wondering what is ravaging your yard? How can you treat common lawn pests? It’s easier than you think, once you know the cause.
The Culprits
Grubs
Probably the most damage causing of all the pests, Grubs are the larvae of a wide variety of beetles, including the Japanese beetle. Throughout the summer and early fall, these critters will chomp away below the soil surface at the turf roots.
Chinch Bugs
Present in virtually the entire country, Chinch Bugs are sap-sucking insects. They feed directly on grass blades. These bugs also secrete a fluid that causes grass to stop absorbing water, causing it to wither and die.
Sod Webworm
Sod webworms are a double threat. This larva transforms into moths, both of which will feed on your grass. Once these pests settle in, you need to be vigilant.
Armyworm
Armyworms are relentless in their attack on your lawn. As the name implies, they will do battle on your turf. These guys are about 1 to 2 inches in length and vary in color. They gravitate toward the light. So you can try shining light at night and see what drifts toward it.
Cutworm
There are several species of cutworms that you may encounter. However, most are about 2 inches and are gray or brown with a bit of striping. Look for the adult moths which are gray with brown or black markings.
Tell-Tale Signs of Invasion
Grubs
- wilted grass blades
- brown turf patches
- spongy turf
- crows, skunks, or moles feeding on your lawn
Chinch Bugs
- most active from June to September
- irregular patches of turf
- wilted grasses changes color from purplish, then yellow, and finally brown
- often mistaken for drought stress/damage
Sod Webworms
- entire blade and stems of grass eaten
- resulting in large brown patches
- holey turf from birds foraging for the worms
Armyworms
- skeleton-like leaves
- will also eats entire blade and stems
- feeds at all times of day
- circular bare spots on your lawn
Cutworms
- stay in underground burrows during the day
- feeds at night at the base of grass
- bites entire stem of blades off
- results in the major dead spots on the lawn
Easy and Effective Treatment
While it may seem frustrating; after taking the time weeding and feeding your yard to have it invaded by these common lawn pests. But, don’t despair. Luckily, the good news is that you can simply and effectively eliminate cutworms, armyworms, sod webworms, grubs, and chinch bug. Products like Triazide Lawn Pest Killer are available in both granules and spray attachments for your hose. Also, there’s Bayer Advanced Grub Killer, which works around the clock! ORTHO Home Defense is a favorite for the home. Keeping pests outside for up to 12 months.
Have more questions about keeping your lawn beautiful all season long? Stop by your local Sneade’s Ace Home Center. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will help you treat common lawn pests! Sneade’s Ace Home Center is the place for all of your lawn and gardening needs.
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