How To Identify Common Turf Pests And Ways To Eliminate And Control Them

Lawn pests are among the leading cause of lawn damage. It's important you identify and control pests early enough before they multiply and completely destroy your turf. Below is a guideline on how to identify common lawn pests, and effective ways you can adopt to control and get rid of the pests.

Moles

The most common and sure sign that your lawn has moles is the presence of soil mounds or ridges appearing on the lawn. The mounds are the end points of mole tunnels. Mounds will be more in overwatered lawns because the water softens the soil hence making it easy for the moles to dig through. Moles are dangerous lawn pests because they interfere with root development, which eventually kills the turf.

Moles don't live in large numbers, so you're in luck since you'll only need to successfully capture the two or three moles in your lawn. Buy a mole trap and bait from your turf supplier or a certified pest control service provider. After that identify an active tunnel by blocking a mound with your fist, and then give it a few days to see if the hole will be opened. For every active tunnel, lay your bait and check every other day to see if the mole has been trapped.

Lawn Grubs

Lawn grubs are large, worm-like curved creatures nearly the size of your finger. These pests feed on grass roots, and you can suspect them from the patches of dried-up grass on your lawn. A sure sign that the patches on your lawn are being caused by lawn grubs is the presence of Chafer beetles because the grubs are beetles' larvae.

Chemical control is an effective way for you to kill and control lawn grubs. However, as you purchase the product request for one that lasts longer in the soil. This specification is essential because mature larvae turn into beetles, which fly over your lawn and continue to lay eggs. So as much as the adult grubs may be dead, the eggs will eventually hatch and reintroduce the grubs into your lawn. Persistent lawn grub control will break the reproduction cycle.

Billbugs

Billbugs are weevil-like lawn pests that can be easily seen on the leafy part of the grass. If your lawn has small, dried up spots on the leafy part, be sure to suspect the billbugs. Also, another sign that billbugs are feeding on your turf is if the spots remain even after watering your turf sufficiently.

The best time to control billbugs is in spring because, at this time, the eggs will not have hatched into larvae. If the eggs hatch, the larvae will feed on your lawn and make the damage worse. Visit a professional pest control unit and purchase a pesticide that will kill the bugs and destroy the eggs.

A damaged lawn can at times become extremely hard to revive. Controlling a pest attack early is one of the most important lawn maintenance tips to keep your lawn looking healthy and lush green.