Turf: Insect ID
Grounds Services offers a variety of solutions if insects are becoming more than just a nuisance. Bug Shield offers protection from the foundation up to keep insects out while Surface Feeding Insect Control offers protection from turf-destroying pest like chinch bugs or army worms. Looking for tree and shrub insects? Get more information here.
Insects can be beneficial to the lawn, or they can systematically destroy it in as little as a week and render the lawn unresponsive to watering and fertilizing. It is important to know the signs of damage and take action immediately to ensure your lawns health. Below are common insects to look for. If you have any questions or have had problems in the past, feel free to contact us for a lawn evaluation and quote at 419-536-4344.
Ants
There are a variety of ant species throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast
Michigan. Although they can be very beneficial to the environment and
your lawn (the will forage for insects and their eggs...
Army
Worm
These pest are most active at night when they consume the rhizome and
the crown of turf grasses. Their continued feasting will cause your lawn
to thin out and die back if not treated properly...
Billbugs
Damage usually occurs during times of summer drought and can often be
mistaken for other culprits. Damage can range from small, circular patches
of turf die back to complete destruction by August...
Chinch
Bugs
Signs of damage usually occurs in June as irregular patches of tan or
straw colored turf. As these insects continue to eat at the turf, the
lawn will be unable to produce food and start dying off...
Cicada
Killer
Although these wasp are large (around 2"), they are not as aggressive
as one would assume. The males do not have stingers, though are very territorial
and have been known to dive bomb individuals within...
Clover
Mites
These pest are tiny, smaller than a pinhead. They have been known to invade
homes in spring and fall, leaving a red stain if smashed against a surface.
They do not bite animals or humans nor transmit...
Cut
Worms
Cutworms receive their name from the way they cut down plants as they
feed. Depending on the species of cutworm, some plants are chewed at the
base of the stem while others are eaten at the leaf...
Fleas
Although these pest are not turf-destroying pest, they are a problem for
many homeowners and their furry family members. If you have or previously
had a flea problem, one part of the solution may...
Grubs
Grubs are the larvae stage of Japanese Beetles. They feast on the root
of grass and can cause extensive to total lawn damage. The majority of
the damage occurs in early to late fall as dead areas..
Lady
Bugs (Beneficial)
Lady Bugs are beneficial and one of natures natural pest controls. Although
some sub-species are vegetarians, many actually eat other bugs! From aphids
to spider mites and other soft-bodied...
Mosquitoes
Ah, mosquitoes. That one insect we wish would just go away… or at
least leave us alone. While these pests serve as food to frogs, birds,
and bats, they also carry diseases and are a nuisance to their host...
Slugs
& Snails
Slugs can damage seeds, vegetation, flowers, fruits and vegetables when
they feed. Typical damage on leaves appear around the margin, or if small
enough the slug may consume the whole leaf...
Spiders
(Beneficial)
Although spiders invoke fear in many people, they are actually one of
natures best pest control options. There are only a couple which are poisonous
- neither of these are common to Northwest Ohio...
Sod
Web Worm
The larvae stage of the sod web worm can cause damage to turf throughout
the growing season, though most of the damage occurs during the hot dry
months of July and August. Visually...
Ticks
Ticks can evoke fear by the mere mention of them. They are small, easily
overlooked, and are parasites (living off of another host). Ticks do not
fly, jump, or blow along with wind...
Wasp
& Hornets
Wasp and hornets are not lawn destroying pest, though they can be a nuisance
or even a hazard to some. Although they are beneficial by feeding on many
crop and lawn destroying pest, their stingers...
Other sites that provide a wealth of information on Turf
Insects:
Ohioline.osu.edu
bugguide.net
Insecticides can either be systemic (absorbed through the plant and then ingested by the insect through feeding) or contact (applied directly to the insect or picked up by the insect moving through an area which has the insecticide on it). Insecticides may be selective (attacks only specific insects) or broad-spectrum (affects a wide range of insects).
Top, Banner Image by: Steven Katovich, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Grounds Services, Inc.
419-536-4344
4730 West Bancroft St. Ste 18 Toledo, OH 43615
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