How to Get Bugs Out of Grass

Everyone loves a green, healthy lawn, but sometimes your grass can fall victim to pesky bugs. These insects damage your grass and make it challenging to maintain a beautiful lawn.

The best way to get bugs out of grass is not let them get there in the first place. You prevent bugs from attacking your lawn by keeping you lawn lush, green, and thick. The thicker the lawn, the more difficult it is for bugs to get in.

Fortunately, if you do find that there are some pests living in your lawn, there are several things you can do to get rid them and keep your lawn looking its best. Keep reading to learn more!

Signs That You Have Lawn Bugs

The first step in getting rid of lawn bugs is to identify that you have them in the first place. There are several signs that indicate that your grass has been infested with insects. Look out for the following:

• Brown or yellow patches in your grass
• Wilting or dying grass
• Grass that is shorter than usual
• More insects than usual on your lawn
• Excessive amounts of thatch
• General unhealthy appearance
• Sticky substances on leaves or stems

If you notice any of these signs, taking action immediately is crucial. The longer you wait, the more damage the insects can do to your lawn.

Keeping up with regular lawn maintenance is one way to ensure a thick, dense lawn. Pests look for lawns that have thin, bare areas where they can easily push their way in and takeover.

Common Types of Lawn Bugs

There are several different types of insects that can damage your grass. Some of the most common include:

Chinch bugs- Chinch bugs will turn spots of your grass from yellow to brown to dead. The bugs are dark red/black with a white spot on their back and white wings.

Armyworms- Armyworms prefer grass, but will also feed on plants and veggies if they’re desperate. Both the larvae and the moth are dangerous for your lawn. The moths will lay thousands of eggs that will harvest within days. They will eat away at your grass blades until there is nothing left.

Cutworms- Cutworms are another moth larvae pest that hides out during the day and comes out to feed during the night. They eat away at the base of the grass blade until it falls off. The moths like like, so well-lit homes can become invaded.

Grubworms- Grubworms also start out as larvae, but they turn into beetles. These bugs live underneath the grass, in the soil and dine on the grass roots. The larvae grubs are translucent white with yellow/brownish heads.

Billbugs- Billbugs leave brown, oddly shaped patches throughout a lawn. They start out as larvae and turn into beetles. Billbugs start eating away at the crown of grass blades and eventually move underground to also eat the roots.

Mole crickets- Mole crickets are cylinder shaped insect with shovel-shaped forearms that they use for digging. They tunnel underground and eat grass roots systems as they go. Dying grass and disheveled soil are your two biggest identifiers for this pest.

Sod webworm– Sod webworms are larvae moths that invade turgrass. If you notice moths flying over brown patches of your lawn at sundown, it could be webworms. They shorten and thin out your lawn by eating away at the top part of the grass blades.

These are just a few of the many insects that can wreak havoc on your lawn. If you’re unsure what type of bug is damaging your grass, take a sample to your local cooperative extension office. They will be able to identify the insect and recommend a course of treatment.

Maintaining and regular and consistent fertilization schedule will help to keep lawn bugs at bay. Call JC’s Landscaping today to learn more about our fertilization service.

Common Pests in Bermuda Grass

There are a few pests that are particularly common in Bermuda grass. These include:

1. Armyworms
2. Sod webworms
3. Grubworms
4. Mole crickets
5. Hunting billbugs

Common Pests in St Augustine Grass

There are also a few pests that target St. Augustine grass specifically. These include:

1. Chinch bugs
2. Grubworms
3. Mole crickets
4. Billbugs
5. Armyworms
6. cutworms

Common Pests in Zoysia Grass

Zoysia grass is relatively resistant to pests, but there are a few that can still cause problems. These include:

1. Chinch bugs
2. Sod webworms
3. Grubs
4. Hunting Billbugs
5. Mole crickets
6. Fall armyworms

Several things make your lawn more attractive to bugs. The most common include:

• Thick thatch
• Overwatering
• Poor drainage
• Compacted soil
• Thick, lush growth
• Heavy fertilizer applications
• Use of herbicides
• A lack of mulch

Adequate watering amounts vary with different grass types and weather conditions. Call JC’s Landscaping today to have your irrigation system checked out to make sure it is working efficiently and effectively.

Unfortunately, even the most well-maintained lawns can fall victim to insects. The best way to protect your lawn is to be on the lookout for signs of infestation and to take action as soon as possible.

How To Keep Bugs Out of Your Lawn

The best way to deal with bugs in your lawn is to prevent them from infesting in the first place. Here are a few tips to help you keep your lawn free of insects:

• Remove thatch from your yard regularly. Thatch provides a perfect breeding ground for insects.
• Aerate your lawn regularly to improve drainage and prevent compacted soil.
• Water your lawn in the morning, so the grass has time to dry out during the day.
• Apply fertilizer sparingly. Excess fertilizer attracts bugs to your lawn.
• Use organic mulch in your garden beds. This helps to deter insects from infesting your lawn.
• Keep your lawn mowed to the proper height. This will help to prevent bugs from taking up residence in your grass.
• Inspect your grounds regularly for signs of infestation. The sooner you catch a problem, the easier it will be to deal with.
• If you do find insects on your lawn, take action immediately. Consider using an organic insecticide to get rid of the problem.

Wrapping Up

Most homeowners want a lush, green lawn that they can be proud of. Unfortunately, bugs can invade even the best-kept lawns.

Bugs are attracted to lawns for a variety of reasons. Some insects, like grubs, feed on the roots of the grass.

Others, like chinch bugs, suck the juices from the leaves. Some insects, like mole crickets, actually damage the grass by burrowing through it.

The key to dealing with insects is to be vigilant and to take action as soon as you see signs of infestation. By following the tips above, you can keep your lawn free of bugs and looking its best.