Lawn pests can cause damage to grass by feeding on roots, blades, and stems, leading to thinning turf and weakened soil structure. They may go unnoticed in the early stages, which allows infestations to spread and worsen, making recovery more difficult. A lawn care service recognizes early signs like dead patches, bird activity, or visible larvae and can address pest problems before they spread. Here is how to get rid of lawn pests:
Recognize Lawn Pests
Before starting treatments, inspect your lawn to identify what pests are present. Look for signs like brown patches and thinning grass. These can signal grubs feeding on roots or surface insects like chinch bugs. Inspect high-traffic areas first, because compacted grass is weaker. Birds eat larval pests, so check for increased bird activity during your inspection. Armyworms and sod webworms may chew grass blades in concentrated spots, leaving dead patches. Knowing the specific pests allows professionals to recommend the right pesticide or natural control method.
Maintain Lawn Health
Dense grass can tolerate pest damage better than thin lawns. Occasional watering allows the soil to dry out before the next soaking. This may encourage deep root growth. Thatch can trap insects, so remove it regularly to help prevent infestations. Fertilize with a balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer to foster healthy roots and dense grass growth.
Involve Natural Predators
Encouraging beneficial insects and animals that prey on pests provides ongoing control and reduces reliance on chemicals that may damage your grass. Ladybugs, lacewings, ground beetles, and spiders eat aphids, mites, and surface insects, which may control pest populations. You can support these helpful species by adding birdhouses, feeders, and native plants that offer food and shelter. Allowing select blooming weeds like dandelions can also supply pollen for pollinators. Integrated pest management offered by a lawn care service combines these natural methods with targeted treatments for lasting protection and lawn health.
Beneficial nematodes can invade and kill larval grubs and soil-dwelling insects. These organic controls work best in moist soils, so apply them to damp lawns. Water again after releasing nematodes to help them penetrate the root zone. Evening is an ideal application time when UV light won’t harm nematodes. Timing also matters, as nematodes attack early-stage larvae best.
Aerate and Dethatch
When thatch builds up faster than it breaks down, it forms a barrier that harbors pests and ruins your lawn. Regular dethatching rakes away this dense layer at the soil’s surface to expose insect hiding spots. Core aeration also punches holes to break up thatch and relieve compaction. This increased oxygen improves root growth and drainage, helping grass to become healthier. Grass tolerates pest pressure when conditions support robust root development.
Explore Professional Lawn Care Service
Hire lawn care professionals who use integrated pest management (IPM) for persistent pest issues. Their experts assess lawns to identify all pest problems. They tailor approaches, combining cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical controls. The use of advanced equipment and cutting-edge products produces faster results. Scheduled treatments maintain ongoing protection throughout each pest’s life cycle. Contact a lawn care service today to explore their treatments.
