what insects kill your lawn

What are crickets in lawns?

Most common in the southeastern U.S., mole crickets — aka cricket moles, lawn crickets or flying moles — belong to the family Gryllotalpidae, along with grasshoppers and normal crickets. Adults grow to between one and two inches long and have large, mole-like front claws used for tunneling through the soil beneath turfgrass. These particularly unattractive critters weaken and kill your lawn by feeding on grass roots and shoots. Their burrows also push the surface layer of the soil up in small ridges that can lead to dehydration of germinating seeds and turfgrass roots. Sod Solutions’ Drew Wagner suggests using nematodes or insecticides containing bifenthrin, carbaryl, imidacloprid, gramma cyhalothrin, deltamethrin or permethrin to rid your yard of these invaders.

Why is my grass turning brown and dying?

Yellow patches of grass that turn brown and die rather than spring back to life when watered may indicate a cinch bug problem. Take a large metal can with both the top and bottom removed and drive it a few inches into the soil. Add water and wait for a few minutes to see if any cinch bugs float to the top.

How do you know if you have sod webworms?

They hatch from eggs laid by an adult moth on the surface of your lawn and feed on the blades of turfgrass, causing brown, dead patches to appear. You can tell that you have sod webworm damage if you spot ragged edges on blades of grass or skeletonized blades, caused by the caterpillars eating the green out of the plant so that only the transparent veining structure stays intact . Apply an insecticide effective against sod webworms in the late afternoon or early evening when the caterpillars are most active.

What are white grubs?

White Grubs. White grubs — aka White Curl Grubs due to the fact that they are usually curled into a half-circle shape —are the larvae of a number of different types of scarab beetles. Once fully grown, these pests don’t bother your lawn much. During their larval stage, however, they feed on turfgrass roots, severing them from the blades ...

What is the name of the caterpillar that eats everything in its path?

Larger than the sod webworm, the armyworm caterpillar is the larvae of the armyworm moth and got its name from its habit of invading in large army-like numbers, devouring everything in its path. These plump worms vary in color from green to brown or black and sport an inverted “Y” shape on their heads.

Where do billbugs lay their eggs?

Check for billbugs at the turfgrass roots and crown, where the legless larvae gather. To get rid of billbugs, use a suitable pesticide and target the adults in early spring before they lay their eggs and the newly hatched larvae later in the season before they can cause extensive damage.

How many eggs do armyworm moths lay?

Armyworm moths can lay up to 500 eggs a night, so it’s important to intervene immediately if you spot clusters of eggs, caterpillar frass — moist green fecal pellets at the base of grass leaves — or a live armyworm caterpillar or moths.

The Most Common Insects and Diseases That Kill Lawns

There are a lot of different weeds, insects, and diseases that can kill your Florida lawn. You might think you only have to worry about such things in the hot, humid, rainy season, but the fact of the matter is that the colder months between November and February can be just as detrimental to the future health of your lawn.

Diseases

Sod disease is usually only considered when conditions are very hot and very wet, but there can be some diseases that affect your grass year-round, including in the winter. The most common of these is the brown patch fungus, which occurs when grass is left very wet for more than 24 hours in temps under 80 degrees.

How to determine which pests to remove?

In order to determine which pests to remove, you will need to do some lawn insect identification. The truth is that very few of the insects one generally sees in their yards will cause damage. Less than 1% of insects lead to problems and really, those are the only insects that should be thought of as pests. For this reason, it is important ...

What is the most important thing to know when deciding on a plan of action for dealing with an insect infestation?

One of the most important things that you need to know when deciding on a plan of action for dealing with an insect infestation is the insect’s life cycle.

What are spittlebugs?

They are tiny, winged insects and they have visible stripes on their wings. Two-lined Spittlebug – photo courtesy University of Wisconsin. If you have a problem with spittlebugs, you’ll probably notice a frothy substance in the thatch level of your grass. This is the area where the bugs live.

What insect has mouthparts?

There are certain predatory insects, such as the assassin bug, that have mouthparts to let them penetrate their prey’s soft body. They then consume all of the internal fluids, leaving only the outer shell. Other predators, such as the pretty ladybird beetle (or ladybug), have mouthparts that let them chew.

Why are ladybugs called ladybugs?

That’s because they feed on other insects, eating the whole of their prey. Both the larvae and adult versions of the ladybird beetle do this.

What is a rove beetle?

Rove Beetles. The rove beetle is a little longer in shape than other species of beetle. Rove Beetle picture – photo courtesy University of Wisconsin. Like the ground beetle and ladybird beetle, they feed on many different kinds of soft-bodied insect.

How big is a webworm moth?

In their adult form, they’re a tan-colored small lawn moth that is between half an inch and three quarters of an inch in size . Sod Webworm Moth – photo courtesy University of Nebraska. It chooses the spaces between turfgrass blades to lay its eggs.

Why do lawns have insects?

Lawns can successfully support a number of insects feeding upon them without any signs or symptoms because the lawn is growing faster than the insects can damage it. However, there comes a point when that threshold is passed and the damage becomes obvious. There are certainly ways to control problems once detected, and there are preventive measures you can take if your yard or neighborhood has a history of certain pests, like grubs. To learn more about protecting your yard from destructive pests, contact TriGuard Pest Control.

What do white grubs eat?

White grubs feed on grass roots ( and organic matter in the soil), causing sections of grass in the lawn to die. Grubs eventually turn into adult Beetles and emerge from soil to mate and lay eggs.

How to apply Terro Ant Killer?

Powder and Granules: There are granule-type insecticides, which you can apply by spooning onto the infested areas, or by spreading with a lawn spreader. The Terro Ant-Killer comes in a “shaker bag”: it has a special opening that allows you to scatter the insecticide, much like sprinkling salt out of a salt shaker. This way, you avoid touching the chemicals with your hands. Other compounds, such as the GardenTech Sevin Lawn Insect Granules, are applied by spooning the compound onto ants’ nests and other problem areas. It’s recommended to wear gloves when applying the insecticide.

Who makes black flag insecticide?

Black Flag --has been making insecticides since 1883. They are presently owned by Spectrum Brands. They make insecticides for both indoor and outdoor use. Some of their outdoor products are also for eliminating fungus in gardens as well.

What is spectrum pesticide?

They specialize in making safe pesticides, that can be used in the presence of children and pets, by using essential plant oils. Spectracide --is a brand of Spectrum Brands. Spectracide is their brand of lawn and garden care products. It is a fast-acting weed killer and insecticide.

How many square feet can EcoSmart insecticide cover?

For example, an entire bottle of the EcoSmart Organic Insect Killer can treat up to 5000 square feet.

How long does it take for Bayer to kill bugs?

The formula will kill surface insects within 24 hours, and soil insects for up to three months.

Is Spinosad safe for pets?

Products that are safe for pets or humans: Some prefer organic insecticides, such as the EcoSmart 33115 Organic Insect Killer. It is a non-toxic, plant-based formula. Also, some products use spinosad, which is created by a bacteria that grows in sugar cane. It can kill a wide range of insects by causing their nervous system to get overexcited. But at the same time it is safe around mammals. So you don’t have to be afraid of it being toxic to children or pets.

Does black flag kill fungus?

Some also kill plant fungus: There are insecticides that also work as fungicides. This two-in-one action is very attractive since you don’t have to buy two separate products. An example is the Black Flag Extreme Lawn Insect Killer + Fungus Control Granules. It works on a number of lawn diseases and fungi: black spot, brown patch, rust, and more.

What is lawn insecticide?

Lawn insecticides are typically used to control pest infestation in yards, golf courses and gardens as well as public spaces like parks, schools and campgrounds. Other names for this type of product include turfgrass insecticide or lawn pesticide.

How long does spectrum insecticide last?

If you’re looking for a quick fix when struggling with those nasty end-of-summer insects, this Spectrum insecticide should be what you’ve been waiting for – the bug protection lasts up to 12 weeks.

How long does bio advanced insecticide last?

The BioAdvanced insecticide is the perfect solution for your insect problems. With a ton of amazing benefits, like killing all insects within 24 hours and protecting against existing invaders for up to 3 months.

What is spectrum mosquito repellent?

This Spectrum mosquito repellent is a quick, easy and effective way to protect your property against mosquitoes and other common bugs. With an integrated hose-end sprayer, you can quickly activate the repellent at home without any mixing or all that messy residue.

When to use grub spray?

This insecticide doesn’t just kill lawn pests – it also helps control grubs and will work well at any time between late July and early October. Use annually on your yard for protection against insect patching, grubs, caterpillars, sod webworms – even those nasty ants that like to wreak their havoc during barbecue season.

What is the name of the arthropod that causes itching?

chiggers – a type of arthropod found in the US & Canada which can cause intense itching; mosquitoes – known for transmitting diseases like malaria and yellow fever;

How many square feet can you control with a 20 oz sprayer?

You’ll be able to control up to 5 thousand square feet of lawn with just one 20-ounce bottle.

Why are lawns an ecological nightmare?

Lawns require a dizzying supply of water and chemicals, while depriving pollinators and other insects of the support they need. There is a long list of all the reasons that lawns are an ecological nightmare, but the insect situation may be the most urgent.

How many times more insects are in a native plant?

In general, native plants support the life cycles of 10 to 100 times more insect species than nonnative plants, and a few plants (such as native cherries and willows) serve as hosts for 10 to 100 times more insects than most other native varieties.".

How fast is the insect extinction rate?

It didn't get much fanfare, even though it found that more than 40 percent of insect species are declining and a third are endangered. The rate of extinction is eight times faster than that ...

Is a lawn bad for bugs?

Lawns are bad for bugs. Writing in The Washington Post, biologist Douglas W. Tallamy notes that "Unfortunately, we humans are now in a position to declare victory in our long war on insects.".

Do homeowners use more insecticide per acre?

But people don't seem to realize that getting rid of a pesky insect comes with collateral damage: getting rid of the beneficial ones. Amazingly, homeowners use more insecticides per acre than farms do. Ugh. Pro Tip: 8 natural & homemade insecticides: Save your garden without killing the Earth.

What are the bugs that attack grass?

Turf grass can be attacked by several types of chinch bugs, including the common hairy chinch bugs , which inhabit different areas of the country. Chinch bugs are sap-sucking insects that feed on grass Several types of chinch bugs attack lawn grasses, including the hairy chinch bug commonly found across a wide range of the country. Chinch bugs are sap-sucking insects that feed by sucking on grass blades. While feeding, chinch bugs secrete an anticoagulant that causes grass to stop absorbing water. As a result, the grass withers and dies.

What are the most damaging pests in lawns?

Grubs (beetle larvae) Among the most damaging of all lawn pests, white grubs (Phyllophaga species) are the larvae of a wide variety of scarab beetles, including masked chafers and Japanese beetles. In the spring, summer and early fall, these plump, c-shaped larvae feast on lawn grass roots just below the soil surface.

What causes grass to stop absorbing water?

While feeding, chinch bugs secrete an anticoagulant that causes grass to stop absorbing water. As a result, the grass withers and dies. Life cycle: Chinch bugs lay eggs in grass and produce at least two generations from spring to early fall, when the weather begins to cool.

Why is my lawn brown?

When it's thick, healthy and emerald green, your lawn is one of the most inviting parts of your home landscape. But when your turf is brown and sickly due to pest invasion, it quickly loses its appeal. Learning about the various pests that threaten your grass – and then arming yourself with an effective treatment plan – will help ensure your lawn ...

How do you know if you have grubs in your lawn?

Symptoms: Grub damage begins with signs of wilted grass blades, followed by brown turf patches and eventual death. Spongy, grub-damaged turf lifts easily off the soil in spring and summer to reveal grubs underneath. If you see crows, skunks or moles feeding on your lawn, they are most likely searching a grub meal. 1.

How long do grubs live?

Life cycle: White grubs that become common beetles, such as masked chafers, complete their life cycle in one year. In midsummer, adult beetles mate and the female beetles eventually lay eggs in the soil. These eggs hatch in two weeks and the new grubs soon begin feeding on grass roots.

What is pest free lawn?

A pest-free lawn is a pleasant place for family and friends to gather and enjoy your outdoor spaces. Keep an eye out for these common turf nuisances and act promptly when they strike. With the help of GardenTech® brands and Sevin® garden insecticides, you can control common lawn pests and stop them in their tracks.