Identifying Common Lawn Pests And The Damage They Cause
The best way to control lawn pests is to identify them correctly, get to know their life cycles and symptoms, and then treat them promptly and properly at optimal times.
Common signs that pests have invaded your turf include brown spots, dead and dying grass patches, wilting blades, bite marks on grass, and, of course, insects in the grass or turf layer. Signs of underground pest damage include thin or missing roots and holes in the soil.
The following pests can cause significant damage to your lawn:
Where Not To Use
- This should not be used on hard surfaces like sidewalks, driveways, and streets.
- In New York State, this product may not be applied to any grass or turf area within 100 ft. of a body of water . In New York State, you can make a single repeat application of this product if there are signs of renewed insect activity, but not sooner than two weeks after the first application.
What To Do After Applying Grub Control
Unlike with weed control products, after you apply grub control, your job isnt done yet. Directly after applying grub control, you need to water your lawn thoroughly.
You need to do this because grubs live underground, so applying grub control to the surface wont do a thing. By watering the lawn, you allow the grub control to soak into the soil where it can be effective against grubs.
For the best possible results, you need to do this right away, even if the grubs arent underground already.
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Death By Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance formed from the dead skeletons of water-dwelling organisms, known as diatoms. Their high silica content makes for a residue, usually found at the bottom of bodies of water, that is sharp, abrasive and drying. The particles are tiny small, meaning that they are not dangerous to people or pets, but will cut and dry out insect exoskeletons effectively. Because diatomaceous earth is also safe for lawns, you may sprinkle it to help with the control of many types of insects. Do not apply when lawns are wet, as that will negate its effects. Youâll have to reapply it after rain or watering the lawn.
Identifying Lawn Insect Problems
Before you ever proceed to apply your preferred lawn insect control measures, its necessary to first identify the problems. Now, youll need to be observant to detect such issues as there are always tell-tale signs.
The most common of these signs include dead & dying grass patches, brown spots, bite marks or signs on grass, wilting blades, and the actual presence of insects on the turf layer. These are readily identifiable signs of destructive insects on your lawn and will need to be contained as early as possible.
Other signs of lawn insect presence are seen from the holes and missing roots which are caused by burrowing activity. Any of these will require immediate action on your part.
So, when exactly should insect extermination or treatment begin? This takes us to our next focus WHEN.
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Using Pesticides As A Final Resort
Since they are so unsafe and diligent, using pesticides should be limited. In most cases, unless a few gigantic pervasion has eaten half the clears out of a plant, youll be able to handle the issue with family things and manual evacuation.
Numerous creepy crawlies can be discouraged or indeed slaughtered with a simple at-home shower with water and many drops of dishwashing concentrate.
There are numerous formulas on the web for home-brewed bug juice with fixings like mint, garlic, and citrus. On the off chance that you must utilize chemicals in your plant, pay uncommon consideration to pesticide application timing and be cautious not as it were almost your possess wellbeing but moreover that of others and of natural life too.
Health Effects On Humans And Pets
Its extraordinary how many health issues are associated with pesticides. Cancers, neurological problems, and birth defects are some of the most dramatic, but increased asthma attacks and skin disorders take a huge toll on the people affected. Pesticides are also increasingly suspected of being endocrine disrupters, a nasty category of chemicals that can cause a wide array of disorders from cancer to miscarriage to immune system problems.
Cats and dogs are even more vulnerable to most of these disorders than humans, because they have more skin area in proportion to their body size, so they have a proportionally larger surface through which they can absorb poisons. Besides that, they lick their fur and their feet they never wear shoes.
Got bugs? At Planet Natural we offer a large selection of natural and organic pest control solutions that are guaranteed SAFE and effective. Also, visit our Pest Problem Solver for pest pictures, descriptions and a complete list of earth-friendly remedies.
Again and again while reading about pesticides one will see reference to a rise in non-Hodgkins lymphoma , a class of lymphatic cancers. What used to be a rare disease is now the fifth most common cancer in the U.S. In the twenty-four years between 1973 and 1997, the incidence of these cancers rose by about eighty percent, or almost 3% yearly. In Canada, the rate is rising at the slower but still significant rate of 1-1.5% yearly.
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Can You Apply Grubex Before It Rains
GrubEx is best applied before it rains because the water from the downpour will wash the insecticide into the soil. Grubs live about 2 inches into the soil and this is where you need the treatment to reach.
The best practice is to put down grub control granules or dust and then water down the lawn to ensure the treatment enters the root zone and kills grubs that are cutting the roots of your grass.
You can also time to apply the grub killer just before it rains, but first, make sure it is forecast to rain in your area in the next few hours.
Pro tip:
I recommend mowing first before applying GrubEx or any other grub killer to ensure most of the pesticide penetrates down into the soil to kill grubs that are damaging your grass.
Chinch Bug Treatment Guide
Chinch bugs are small pests that can damage your lawn, leaving patches of dry, dead grass throughout your turf.
If you have chinch bugs, read the rest of this guide to learn how to get rid of these grass-destroying critters.
Not sure if you have chinch bugs? Read our guide on what chinch bugs look like for more information.
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Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer Spray For Lawns And Landscapes
Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer is the best lawn insecticide in the market. No wonder why it has a gruesome and terrifying name.
United Industries Corporation is the manufacturer of this lawn insect killer. Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer is a highly effective lawn insecticide. It controls/kills more than 260 insects by contact. Moreover, it controls pests above and under the ground.
The active ingredients of this potent insecticide last up to three months. So, in other words, Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer will kill lawn destroying insects for 90 days.
This product is also useful for controlling pests in crops, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, roses, trees & shrubs.
Some of the best things about this pesticide are: its ready to spray, its safe for children and pets, and it will leave no residues or odors.
You can also find this product as an insect killer granules, which is highly effective. We, as professional landscapers, recommend it.
When To Apply Grub Control: Best Timing To Put Down Grub Killer
Grub damage starts to occur early in the spring but becomes more intense as summer approaches. If you dont treat for grubs by applying grub control, the same problem can easily recur every year. So, what is the best time to apply grub control on your lawn?
The best time to apply grub control is early spring . You can also apply a grub killer when you see signs of grub damage. Grubs turn into adult Japanese beetles from late spring to early summer, which is a good time to put down a grub preventer for the following season.
A good grub preventer should contain chlorantraniliprole, a compound that acts on the larvae of the grubs as they hatch. I use and recommend Syngentas Acelepryn G Insecticide for extensive infestations or Scotts GrubEx. Make sure the timing is right for the application of this insecticide for season-long grub control. More on this below.
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Pests Digging Up Your Yard
Just because you cant tell that there are grubs underneath your yard just by looking at it, doesnt mean that various wildlife cant tell either.
Raccoons, skunks, armadillos, and some birds all feast on grubs, and they all have their own ways to find them. While you might think that these pests would act as a natural grub control method, the problem is that they cant get enough of them, and theyll tear up your lawn looking for more.
So, not only will you have dead patches everywhere from the grubs, but youll also have holes and other kinds of lawn damage from the animals trying to eat the grubs.
But they at least will give you a good idea that you have a problem and what that problem is!
Using Pesticides As A Last Resort
Because they are so dangerous and persistent, using pesticides should be restricted. In most cases, unless some huge infestation has eaten half the leaves of a plant, you can handle the issue with household items and manual removal. Many insects can be dissuaded or even killed with a simple at-home spray with water and a few drops of dishwashing concentrate.
There are many recipes on the internet for home-brewed bug juice with ingredients like mint, garlic, and citrus. If you must use chemicals in your garden, pay special attention to pesticide application timing and be cautious not only about your own health but also that of others and of wildlife too.
Note: Any recommendations pertaining to the use of chemicals are for informational purposes only. Chemical control should only be used as a last resort, as organic approaches are safer and more environmentally friendly.
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In Conclusion How To Get Rid Of Lawn Mites
It is essential to learn how to get rid of lawn mites so that your lawn is free from these and other pests.
Several methods can be used to control lawn mites, including the use of pesticides. But we do not recommend using pesticides for lawn mite treatment as it is not a safe and effective way of controlling them. The best way of controlling lawn mites is to follow the tips and recommendations given here.
Do Systemics Remain Active Indefinitely
The effectiveness generally decreases the longer the chemical remains in the plant. This causes come from:
- Dilution of the systemic within the growing plant
The plants first contact with systemic must provide the toxic level required to protect the plant from injury, or the reapplied as the plant develops.
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Organic Vs Pesticides For Lawn
Non-organic care is a subject of various fertilizers, chemical products, and sometimes paint.
All these work great for your curb appeal but, unfortunately, mistreat and poison the soil, natural plant life, and nature in general.
Some of the widely used compounds are Phosphorus , Potassium , and Nitrogen .
Sadly, these can only pollute and add zero nutrition to the soil. If they drip through the soil and reach freshwater, pollution is a fact.
When you go beyond pesticides to organic lawn care 101, you focus on healthy and sustainable methods, comments Organic 4 Green Living. Natural fertilizers derived from living matter such as greenery, living matter, be it animal or bus, also minerals or food leftovers, ensure healthy and nutrient-rich soil. You can use seaweed, bone, and feather meal instead. Contrary to synthetic products, these do lighter and easy-to-absorb nutrition over a longer period of time.
Although more difficult to achieve and maintain, healthy soil does grow healthy grass. Organic lawn care poses zero risks of pollution for soil, air, water, pets, and family!
How Often Should You Apply Grub Control
How often you should apply grub control really depends on the area you live. You shouldnt need to apply grub control more than once a year if you apply it at the right time. However, if you need to apply grub control every year depends on how prevalent grubs are in your area.
If you didnt see any grubs the year before, then chances are you dont need grub control this year. However, some areas simply get hit by grubs year after year. If you live in one of these areas, youll need to apply grub control every year to keep things under control.
Keep an eye on your lawn year after year, and apply grub control as needed. If you notice an uptick in grubs on years that you dont apply grub control, its probably a good idea to add it as a regular part of your yearly routine.
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Ortho Bug B Gon Insect Killer For Lawns3 Kills Ants Fleas Ticks Chinch Bugs Mole Crickets And Cutworms Use On Lawns Ornamentals And Home Perimeter 10 Lb
- Kills all listed home invading insects and bugs, including ants, fleas, ticks, chinch bugs, spiders, cutworms, mole crickets, and sod webworms
- Kills and prevents above and below the surface for up to 3 months against listed insects
- Use on lawns, ornamentals, home perimeter, listed edibles and flower beds
- Apply proactively in early spring or summer to prevent infestation or at first sign of insect damage or activity
- Treats up to 10,000 sq. ft.
Features:
What Is A Good Yard Insecticide
Dylox is one of the best yard insecticides that you can purchase. It is an overall good yard insecticide. Dylox is especially beneficial for controlling grubs quickly. It works on other bugs that live above and below ground. The ground must be watered upon first application but then does not have to be watered again.
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How Bad Are Grubs For The Lawn
Grubs, which are the larval, or immature, stage of several species of beetles and chafers, can damage a lawn by feeding on the roots of your grass. Healthier grass can tolerate more grub feeding, and all grass can tolerate some grub feeding.
A grub infestation will cause patches of thinning turf, and these patches will gradually increase in size. Often times grub damaged grass will pull out very easily at the roots.
What we often hear from homeowners is that they believe they have grubs because animals like moles, skunks, crows and racoons are digging in the lawn. This isnt a reliable clue, however, because grub infestations arent always accompanied by animal damage and animal damage doesnt always result from a grub infestation. These animals feed on other insects in the lawn, like earthworms, which are beneficial to the health of the lawn. That all said, if you do have grubs and animals are digging for them in the lawn, that can be detrimental to the health of your turf and to the appearance of your yard.
Safety Tips For Using Insecticides
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Can You Apply Grub Control Too Early
While you want to apply grub control early, theres definitely a thing as too early. Most grub control products will work for about four months, so if youre applying it before that, you wont see the results youre looking for.
Also, keep in mind that grubs dont just lay their eggs for a week or two. They lay eggs for about one to two months, which means the earliest you can apply grub control is two months before they start laying eggs.
While early applications will yield the best results, you can definitely apply grub control too early and not get the results youre looking for.
Life Cycle Of A Beetle
Majority adult beetle species lay eggs in the summer and in 10 days the grubs are hatch. From around August, the new grubs will start feeding on organic matter in the soil including root of the grass until late October when the cold weather arrives. The grubs will then burrow 2 to 8 inches into the soil to overwinter.
When spring arrives and the soil warms, the fully grown grubs begin feeding on the grass roots again. In late spring and early summer, grubs pupate waiting to emerge as adult beetles in midsummer. These adult beetles will lay eggs again and the cycle will continue unless a control treatment is applied.
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