Despite your best intentions, your dream of a perfect lawn may be ruined by pesky weeds and pests. No matter where you reside, it’s crucial to know what to expect when it comes to protecting your lawn. Here are some of the most bothersome weeds and pests that might infiltrate and damage your lawn:
Troublesome Weeds and Pests That Can Damage My Lawn
There are tons of different pests that can damage your perfect lawn, from plant life, insects, or even curious animal life. Here are some prominent examples of pests that you should be aware of and how you can protect your lawn against them.
Broadleaf Weeds
When it comes to your lawn, weeds can be unsightly and overwhelming to take care of. Broadleaf weeds are one of them, and they can come in various forms. These are weeds that have a network of web-like veins, such as the oxalis, spurge, dollar weed, chamber bitter, and more. Unfortunately for homeowners, they can survive in a variety of conditions. So if you spot these weeds encroaching on your space, it’s time to get some weed control help.
Sedge Weeds
Another type of weed to look out for is of the sedge variety. These are plants that come with long leaves that usually contain a seed bulb at the top of the stem. They can grow really fast and tall, which don’t fit in with most lawn aesthetics. Weed control is a must when it comes to these weeds.
Crabgrass
We also have crabgrass, which is a common sight in wet and warm conditions. This is an invasive species, and needs to be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and high costs for control.
Chinch Bugs
It’s not just the weeds that you have to look out for. Unfortunately, lawns are attractive to pests as well. The chinch bug is one of them, and they destroy grass by sucking away plant juices and secreting a toxic substance onto the leaf. It only takes them a month or so to cause considerable damage. So if you start seeing dry patches, look a little closer, and start preparing for pesticide treatments.
Beetle Larva
Otherwise known as white grubs, these creatures like to make their home beneath the soil’s surface and feed on the roots of plants and grass. That will do some damage to your lawn, and reduce the nutrients and water in the soil.
Similar to chinch bugs, you might spot brown patches around the lawn, and the affected area will feel loose. Insecticide will help curb these grubs, as you do not want them attracting other animals like possums to your lawn as well.
Lawn Caterpillars
Another dangerous pest to look out for are lawn caterpillars, courtesy of various moths that like to scatter their eggs around. Once hatched, these lawn caterpillars will start consuming your grass at the blade edges, resulting in both damaged and dead grass appearing.
If you inspect the blades and spot small bite marks on the edges, you know what you are dealing with. Lawn caterpillars can be dealt with insecticide, but once these insects are pupating, it can be harder to deal with them.
Mole Crickets
These pests like to tunnel through the soil, causing soil to be pushed up while roots are damaged. Damage may take some time to appear, but once you see your grass turning yellow, it’s time for a closer look.
Early insecticide treatment will help reduce tunneling and nesting, while a regular routine will help eliminate the nymphs before they mature.
Conclusion
Give yourself a better chance against these weeds and pests by arming yourself with knowledge and know-how. You’ll definitely stand a better chance of having a healthy lawn when you have pest and lawn experts like us on your side. Don’t hesitate to call us about any of these troublesome weeds and pests.
