A Homeowner's Guide To Preventing Florida Lawn Pests
Maintaining a lush, green lawn that is free of pests is important for many Florida homeowners. There are actionable steps you can take to deter destructive lawn pests and protect your lawn's health naturally. While regular lawn treatments from Super D Pest Control remains the gold standard for a pest free lawn, there are things you can do at home to support scheduled lawn treatments.
The Most Harmful Lawn Pests in Florida and How to Control Them
Mosquitoes
Male mosquitoes, commonly found in Florida lawns, are less known for biting and more for their role in the mosquito lifecycle. Unlike female mosquitoes, which require blood meals for egg production, males feed on nectar and plant juices. Their presence in a lawn can not only damage grass, but they are indicative of a breeding population which can obviously become a nuisance. Areas of pooling water on a lawn where mosquitoes breed can also kill grass and create unsightly bare spots in a lawn. Effective lawn management and mosquito control are crucial to maintaining a healthy, enjoyable lawn.
Grubs
Grubs, the larval stage of beetles like June bugs, can chew grass roots and cause brown patches in the lawn. We advise home owners to apply an insecticide with the active ingredient imidacloprid or halofenozide in early July or August when grubs are feeding actively. These products will kill grubs on contact and provide residual control.
Mole Crickets
Mole crickets tunnel and feed on grass roots, especially in Florida's sandy soils. We encourage applying a pesticide with the active ingredient imidacloprid, bifenthrin or carbaryl in early spring before egg-laying begins. These pesticides also provide protection for several weeks to eliminate existing populations. For severe infestations, reapplication may be necessary.
Ticks
Ticks are a common yet unwelcome presence in Florida lawns, thriving in the warm, humid climate which provides an ideal environment for these pests to flourish. These tiny arachnids can be harmful to pets, as they latch onto cats and dogs, potentially transmitting diseases like Lyme disease or Ehrlichiosis. Moreover, ticks can also damage lawn grass by affecting its growth and health since some tick species feed on plant sap during their larval stage. Regular lawn maintenance and pest control are crucial to prevent tick infestations and keep both your green spaces and furry friends safe.
Tips to Keep Dangerous Lawn Pests Out of Your Florida Yard
As homeowners in Florida, we are well aware of the variety of pests that can wreak havoc on our lawns. Some of the most harmful include chinch bugs, armyworms, and mole crickets.To prevent these pests from damaging our lawns, we recommend the following steps.
Address Pooling Water
Eliminate any areas of your lawn that create pools of standing water. Standing water attracts pests like mosquitoes, fleas, ticks and chinch bugs that feed on grass roots and stems.
Mow Lawns Properly
Mow lawns to the proper height for your grass type and never remove more than 1/3 of the blade at a time. Longer grass helps shade the soil, retains moisture, and makes it more difficult for pests to access the roots. Mowing too short can stress the lawn and make it more susceptible to pests.
Fertilize Lawns
Fertilize lawns based on soil tests to determine what nutrients are lacking. While over-fertilization can weaken grass, proper fertilization helps build strong, healthy turf that can better withstand pest damage. We recommend using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Likewise, a professional lawn fertilization service can be used to customize a fertilization program specific to your lawn.
Consider Pesticide Treatments
For severe infestations, it may be necessary to apply pesticides to eliminate the pests. However, pesticides also kill beneficial insects and should only be used when necessary. We suggest contacting a professional pest control company like Super D Pest Control for an inspection and targeted pesticide application. They can also provide lawn treatment and fertilization services to further strengthen your lawn against future pest damage.
Why Hiring a Professional Lawn Care Service Is the Best Way to Fertilize, Treat and Protect Your Florida Lawn From Pests
Customized Treatment Plans
Super D Pest Control provides professional lawn care services and can develop customized treatment plans based on your lawn's specific needs and the common pests in your area. We have extensive knowledge about the types of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides that will most benefit lawns here in the Tampa Bay area.
Regular Monitoring
We routinely monitor lawns for our customers for signs of damage, disease and pest infestations. We can spot problems early before they get out of control. Homeowners often do not notice issues until the damage is already done. Super D Pest Control has the proper equipment and pesticides to eliminate infestations and stop their spread.
Proper Application
Applying chemicals like fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides requires proper training to be effective and to avoid killing a lawn. Our service technicians have the necessary certifications and experience to apply treatments safely, evenly and at the proper concentrations. We also stay on top of the local regulations regarding application and disposal.
For A Yard Free Of Lawn Pests, Call Super D Pest Control
Keeping damaging pests out of your Sarasota lawn takes vigilance and care, but is completely doable for a homeowner willing to take the right steps including working with a professional pest control company like Super D Pest Control. The expertise and the application of targeted pesticides and fertilizers will have your lawn will be restored to its former glory in no time. Call us today at (727) 433-5310 or click the "Let's Chat" tab below to set up a free consultation.