Dealing with Lawn Pests and Weeds in Summer

Grubs

Grubs are larvae of various beetles that feed on grass roots, causing brown patches and spongy turf.

Identification: Look for white, C-shaped larvae beneath the soil surface. Control: Apply beneficial nematodes or grub control insecticides in late summer.

Chinch Bugs

Chinch bugs suck the sap from grass blades, leading to yellowing and wilting.

Identification: Look for small, black and white bugs near the soil surface and yellowing grass. Control: Use insecticidal soap or specific chinch bug insecticides.

Sod Webworms

Sod webworms are larvae of lawn moths that chew grass blades.

Identification: Look for small, greenish larvae and silk-lined tunnels in the soil. Control: Apply insecticides or use biological controls like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).

Regular Monitoring

Regularly inspect your lawn for signs of pest activity. Early detection is key to preventing severe damage.

Maintain Healthy Lawn Practices

Mow at the recommended height, water deeply and infrequently, and fertilize appropriately to build resilience.

Natural Predators

Encourage natural predators such as birds and beneficial insects to visit your lawn and keep pest populations in check.

Proper Insecticide Use

Choose products that target specific pests affecting your lawn and follow all label instructions for safe, effective application.

Crabgrass

An annual weed that thrives in hot, dry conditions.

Identification: Light green, wide-bladed grass with a sprawling growth habit. Control: Apply pre-emergent herbicides in early spring and post-emergent herbicides as needed.

Dandelions

Perennial weeds with bright yellow flowers and deep taproots.

Identification: Yellow flowers and broad, toothed leaves. Control: Hand-pull or use broadleaf herbicides.

Clover

A low-growing weed with small white or pink flowers.

Identification: Trifoliate leaves and small, round flowers. Control: Use broadleaf herbicides and maintain a healthy, thick lawn to outcompete clover.

Pre-Emergent Herbicides

Apply in early spring to prevent weed seeds from germinating. Particularly effective for annual weeds like crabgrass.

Post-Emergent Herbicides

Use post-emergent herbicides to control existing weeds. Choose products that target the specific weeds in your lawn.

Hand Pulling

For small infestations, hand-pulling weeds can be effective. Ensure you remove the entire root to prevent regrowth.

Mulching

Mulching around garden beds and other areas suppresses weed growth by blocking sunlight from reaching weed seeds.

Proper Mowing

Mow at the recommended height for your grass type to promote healthy growth and shade out weeds.

Adequate Watering

Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Avoid overwatering, which can attract pests and encourage weeds.

Regular Fertilization

Fertilize your lawn according to soil test recommendations to provide the nutrients your grass needs to thrive.

Aeration

Aerate your lawn in spring or fall to improve soil structure and reduce compaction, promoting healthy grass growth.