Managing a lawn isn’t all about tending to the grass.
There’s another, more insidious challenge that you have to tackle. Common pests are often more threatening to your lawn than a lack of water or sunlight. We’re going to take a look at some of the most common lawn pests today, giving you some insight into what to look out for.
Hopefully, the ideas below will shed some light on what you might be able to do to keep your lawn safe, save money, and avoid the stress of serious pest damage.
Let’s get started.
Common Pests That Destroy Lawns
The first pest to look out for is the grub. Grubs are also known as beetle larvae, and start their lives by feeding on grass roots just below the surface of your lawn.
Grubs might not seem like a big issue, but they reproduce quickly and they make a habit of coming back every year. You’ll notice the signs of most grubs in the late summer, as the eggs are laid in mid-summer. They take around two weeks to hatch and the feeding fest begins after that point.
Signs to watch out for are wilted grass, brown patches, and dead spots. Another clear sign of grub infestation is the presence of birds and rodents feeding on your lawn. Odds are that they’re hunting for larvae.
Worm Species
There are numerous species of worms that do a lot of damage to your lawn. The first is the sod webworm. These worms reproduce multiple times from spring to fall.
They feed during the day and slink down into the dirt at night. Throughout that process, they feed heartily on the upper blade of grass. Sod webworms don’t eat the stems which is fortunate, but they wreak havoc on your lawn in a short amount of time.
The next worm to watch out for is the armyworm. These worms reproduce multiple times throughout the year as well, except they eat the entire blade of grass rather than the top.
They also chew through leaves and other plants you might have on your lawn. They turn leaves into skeletons, leaving only the vein system.
The final category of worm to watch out for is the cutworm. Cutworms don’t reproduce as frequently as the other varieties, but they do a little more damage. They’re known for chewing through the stem of the blade and leaving damage through your entire yard.
Lawn Care Professionals
Unfortunately, one of the only reliable ways to address pest issues is to contact “lawn care services near me.” Even if you know how to look after your lawn, you might be outmatched.
Good lawn care requires that you know when to call in the professionals. Businesses like https://www.heartlandturf.com/ can help eliminate whatever pests you’re having problems with.
Need More Home Maintenance Insights?
Hopefully, our look at common pests was useful to you. There’s a lot more to know when it comes to understanding how to take care of your lawn, though. We’re here to help.
Explore our site for more tips on controlling common lawn pests, lawn management, home maintenance, and more.
