IDENTIFYING COMMON LAWN PESTS

Florida is known for its sunny and warm weather. Unfortunately, people aren’t the only ones who enjoy the heat – outdoor pests are also a very common problem in our area. If you want to safeguard your lawn from infestations, it’s important to recognize when unwanted insects and rodents are invading your property. Some of the most common signs of lawn pests include:

• Increased insect or rodent activity: Coming across pests, live or dead, is a big indication that you likely have an infestation. Most insects and rodents stay hidden in the grass, so if you see them out in the daylight, there are likely many more on your property.
• Tunnels or burrows in the soil: While moles are most famous for digging tunnels and leaving behind distinctive dirt mounds, there are several types of pests that may burrow in your lawn. If your grass is very weak and brittle, the root system could have been damaged by pests while digging.
• Chewed or notched grass blades: Chinch bugs, armyworms, and other insects may feed on your grass and leave behind small notches or holes in the leaves. Seeing this type of damage across your lawn is a telltale sign of an infestation, even if you don’t notice the insects themselves. 
• Irregular patches or dead spots: While irregular patches could also be a sign of fungal growth, it may indicate that there are pests chewing away at your lawn’s root system. Diagnosing discolored or dead patches in your lawn is particularly difficult, so keep an eye out for other signs of an infestation if you notice this problem.

COMMON LAWN BUGS

The most common lawn bugs found in Florida are chinch bugs, armyworms, and mole crickets. These tiny invaders can wreak havoc on your lawn, causing brown patches, thinning grass, and overall decline in the health and appearance of your yard. Chinch bugs, for instance, feed on grass blades, while armyworms devour grass from the roots up. Mole crickets tunnel beneath the surface, damaging grass roots and creating unsightly tunnels.

COMMON GARDEN GRUBS

Garden grubs are another common nuisance for homeowners in Florida, particularly those with lush gardens and landscaping. These voracious larvae of various beetle species, such as Japanese beetles, Scarab beetles and June bugs, can quickly decimate plants, flowers, and even small shrubs if left unchecked. Garden grubs typically feed on grass roots, plants, and ornamentals, causing wilting, yellowing foliage, and eventual death if infestations are severe. Signs of their presence include irregular patches of dying grass or plants that easily pull up from the soil due to root damage.

What to Do If You Have Pests in Your Lawn

Pest problems only get worse as time goes on, so it’s important to take quick action if you suspect you have an infestation. However, lawn pests can be very difficult to control, especially considering that you’ll have less control over environmental factors that contribute to the invasion. So, if you think you have pests in your lawn, follow these steps:

• Figure out what species you’re dealing with: You wouldn’t treat a mole infestation the same way as a fire ant hill. For that reason, it’s best to start by determining exactly what type of insect or rodent is in your lawn. 
• Eliminate excess moisture: Like any organism, pests need water to survive and are more likely to invade areas that have easy access to moisture. Avoid overwatering, enhance your soil’s drainage, and try fixing any other potential problems such as overflowing gutters or leaky irrigation pipes. 
• Remove clutter and cut your grass regularly: Pests prefer areas with plenty of hiding places. Routinely raking your lawn and removing excess debris, like sticks or twigs, can make your property less attractive to them. Additionally, cut your lawn fairly regularly to keep it from getting too long. 
• Call a local pest control company: If you suspect pest activity in your lawn, it’s best to consult with a local lawn care professional, extension service, or pest control specialist. They can help identify the specific pests and provide appropriate treatment options based on your region and the type of pests involved.

For further lawn care advice and guidance, check out our lawn care guides.