Tips to Prevent Florida Lawn Pests

dirt mounds in an otherwise healthy lawn hint at a possible lawn pest infestation

Tips and Tricks to Prevent Lawn Pests (in Florida)

Lawn pests are notorious here in Florida. From chewing grass to leaving behind dirt mounds, these tiny critters have a big impact on the overall well-being of your landscape. Knowing how to prevent lawn pests is a crucial step in maintaining a beautiful, well-manicured lawn all year long. To help you out, the experts at Florida Pest Control have put together everything you need to know to help prevent Florida lawn pests.

Watch Out for These Common Florida Lawn Pests

The first step to keeping your yard pest-free* is to understand what types of insects and critters will try to invade. Getting familiar with the common lawn pests will help you identify infestations early on:

Best Practices to Prevent Lawn Pests

Getting rid of an infestation is much more challenging than preventing pests from invading in the first place. By spending a little bit of time on preventative maintenance, you could save a lot of time and energy later down the road. Here are a few great ways to prevent lawn pests:

  • Regularly mow: Long, unkempt grass is the perfect environment for pests to hide out and nest. Regularly mowing will keep your lawn tidy and make it more challenging for pests to settle in. 
  • Fix moisture issues: Most pests thrive in damp areas, which is why they are drawn to lawns that are frequently wet. Overflowing gutters, leaky irrigation systems, and overwatering are just a few common causes of moisture issues. 
  • Control weeds: Weeds are more than just a cosmetic issue for your lawn. They can also attract pests, which is another reason why you should keep your grass weed-free as much as possible.
  • Keep your yard clear: Insects and rodents love to live in piles of sticks, twigs, leaves, and other organic matter. Rake and clean your yard regularly to prevent pests from nesting on your property. 

Signs of an Infestation

It can be challenging to spot an infestation before it has the chance to establish itself. However, the sooner you spot pests, the easier they will be to get rid of. Keep an eye out for these warning signs of an infestation to spot pests before they can spread:

  • Burrows or dirt mounds
  • Holes or gnaw marks
  • Patches or strips of dead grass
  • Live pests or eggs

Use “The Drench Test” to Find Pests

Drench tests are an excellent tool for identifying infestations. To perform one, all you need to do is mix 3-4 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid with approximately 2 gallons of water. Once thoroughly mixed, pour the liquid out over a small patch of your lawn and wait for about ten minutes. If any pests rise to the surface, then you are likely dealing with lawn pests.  

Easy Steps to Help Eliminate Lawn Pests

Pests can cause significant damage to your lawn, even in a short amount of time. That’s why you’ll want to take quick action as soon as you notice the signs on your property. To get pests out of your lawn, follow these steps:

Clean Your Yard

Messy yards with lots of spaces to hide make the perfect environment for infestations to thrive. Taking a few minutes to tidy up your yard is one of the best ways to deter pests from invading your space. Here are our top tips for making your yard less appealing to pests:

  • Rake away leaves and debris
  • Regularly trim your grass
  • Clean out your gutters
  • Remove toys, tools, and other clutter
  • Avoid leaving pet bowls out
  • Use lidded trash bins

Use Natural Pest Control Solutions

Now that your yard is clean and tidy, it’s time to drive out any pests that have settled into your lawn. To do so safely, we recommend using natural pest control solutions that minimize your environmental impact. Here are some of the most effective natural pest remedies:

Invite Natural Predators to Your Yard

Beneficial birds and insects will not only fill your yard with life, but also keep the harmful critters at bay. Encouraging natural predators in your yard is a great way to control pest populations while remaining environmentally responsible. Consider encouraging these natural predators to enter your yard:

  • Wrens
  • Bluebirds
  • Lacewings
  • Praying mantises
  • Ladybugs
  • Big-eyed bugs

Use Neem Oil Spray

Neem oil is an excellent natural pest repellent. Derived from the seeds of neem trees, this oil is biodegradable and nontoxic to pets. Additionally, it is antibacterial and antifungal, which can make it effective against more than just pest infestations. 

Most garden stores carry neem oil spray, though you can make your own by mixing a quart of water with two teaspoons of neem oil and one teaspoon of mild soap. You can spray this mixture directly onto the plants to deter pests. 

Aerate and Dethatch Your Lawn

All lawns have a thin layer of thatch near the roots, which is made up of organic matter like dead grass stems or lawn clippings. While a thin layer can be healthy, too much buildup can become the perfect environment for pests to nest. Once your thatch measures over ¾”, it’s time to take action.

Aerating is one of the best ways to break down the thatch layer. To do so, you will use a special tool to poke small holes throughout the surface of your lawn. This helps loosen up thatch while allowing air and nutrients to penetrate deep into the grass roots. In addition to breaking down the thatch, aerating promotes stronger and healthier grass that is more resistant to pests. 

Try a Pesticide

Some infestations are stubborn. If you’ve tried everything and are still dealing with pests in your lawn, then it may be time to try a chemical pesticide. That said, pesticides are serious products that contain intense chemicals that could cause serious damage to your health or the environment if used improperly. It’s crucial to do your research or work with a professional before applying a treatment. 

When to Use a Pesticide

Pesticides contain harsh and potentially dangerous chemicals, which is why you should always use them as a last resort. Improper usage will put your family, pets, and property at an unnecessary risk. You should only use pesticides if:

  • You have researched all risk factors: Households with small children or pets have a higher risk of accidental exposure when using pesticides. Examine your property and household to determine if it is possible to safely apply a treatment. If you are unsure of the risk factors in your space, always consult a professional. 
  • You’ve tried natural methods first: Pesticides contain serious chemicals that should only be used as a last resort. To treat infestations in a safe and responsible manner, try natural pest control methods or get the help of an expert before turning to pesticides. 
  • You are dealing with a dangerous pest: Some pests pose a bigger threat to your health and wellbeing. If you are dealing with a severe infestation or facing a potentially dangerous pest, such as a rat, then pesticides may be the most appropriate course of action.
  • You’ve chosen a safe product: There are thousands of pesticides available on the market, and not all are created equal. It’s crucial to know how to read the label to find a safe and effective option. 
  • You are complying with local regulations: Some cities or HOAs have strict rules surrounding pesticide applications. Be sure to check local guidelines to ensure you are following all rules and regulations. 
  • You are confident in your ability to safely handle the chemicals: If you have any questions about pesticides or have any doubts about your ability to safely apply a treatment, then you should always reach out to a professional. Paying a small amount for an expert’s help is worth preventing a serious accident.

How to Safely Apply Pesticides

When it comes to pesticide application, it is crucial that you take every safety precaution. Mistakes could expose your family or pets to potentially deadly chemicals, which is why you should always handle these chemicals with care. To safely apply a pesticide, remember these guidelines:

  • Always carefully read and follow manufacturer instructions
  • Wear all safety protection gear, such as gloves and glasses
  • Be meticulous and accurate with your measurements
  • Keep all pets and children away from application areas
  • Leave a warning sign indicating that pesticides are on the lawn
  • Have a safety plan in case of accidental chemical exposure

Professional Lawn Pest Control At Your Service

Lawn pest control can be a tricky process, especially if you are dealing with a severe infestation. That’s where the team at Florida Pest Control can help! For over 70 years, our skilled experts have gone the extra mile to ensure peace of mind for you and your family by protecting your property from unwanted pests. Whether you are facing an active infestation or want to set up preventative measures, we’ve got you covered! Just contact us today to get your free inspection.

4 Tips to Prevent Summer Lawn Pests

Grubs are a common summer lawn pest in Florida lawns - Florida Pest Control

Here in Florida, maintaining a healthy and lush lawn doesn’t come without its troubles. With our climate, it can be difficult to keep a lawn in good shape throughout the seasons—especially in the warm summertime. To make matters worse, lawn pests are a common nuisance dealt with by homeowners all year long. Lawn insects target grass and yards that are unkempt and unhealthy to begin with, making it all the more important to take proper care of your lawn and grass. The lawn care experts at Florida Pest Control are dedicated to helping our customers achieve a green, healthy lawn. We’ve provided our top 4 tips to prevent summer lawn pests to assist you.

Summer Lawn Pests in Florida

Florida is home to many types of pests, including a number of lawn pests! These insects commonly live just under the grass in your lawn, making it difficult to notice them until they’ve done their damage. Here are the most common lawn insects in our region during the summer:

  • Sod webworms chew through small areas of grass. They create tunnels out of their silky web that will run under the grass. Signs to look for include raggedly-chewed grass and smaller brown spots- around the size of a baseball.
  • Armyworms are small caterpillars that grow into moths. The females lay up to a thousand eggs at once in patches of fresh grass. These can hatch as quickly as 2 days. To spot these guys, you’ll want to look on the outside of dead or damaged grass areas.
  • Chinch bugs attack your lawn by sucking the liquid out of grass blades. In doing so, patches of grass on your lawn will dehydrate, turn yellow, then brown and die.
  • Mole crickets feed on and chew through the grassroots, causing your grass to die off. When dealing with mole crickets, your grass will feel spongy when stepped on and be covered with brown patches.
  • Grubs are beetle larvae that remain dormant through the winter. In the spring, they make their way toward the surface to feed on grassroots.

Top Tips For Lawn Pest Prevention

The key to lawn pest control is prevention. The key to preventing lawn pests is taking care of your yard! To ensure your lawn is healthy, thriving, and pest-free*, follow these tips:

  1. Learn how to properly mow your lawn. Long grass that is never cut will attract all types of pests and weeds. Mowing your lawn in a timely manner will deprive lawn insects food and shelter.
  2. Avoid over- or under-watering your lawn. Pests of all kinds love moisture. If your lawn is soggy from overwatering, you are sure to create a haven for lawn pests. Learn how to properly irrigate your lawn depending on the season.
  3. When you see weeds, remove them! Wild, unkempt weeds attract a number of insects and pests. Weeds also negatively affect the health of your grass, leading to a number of diseases and problems.
  4. Fertilize your lawn as needed. Similar to your irrigation system, failing to fertilize your lawn correctly can lead to a plethora of problems. A lawn made unhealthy due to over-fertilization can contribute to pest problems.

Your Local Lawn Pest Control Experts

At Florida Pest Control, we know how frustrating it can be to diagnose your lawn problems. If you think you have a lawn insect problem, our lawn care experts can help. Contact us today to get started!