Apart from keeping your lawn green and healthy, a great number of house owners would do anything to eradicate some common lawn bugs. According to the EPA, chemicals meant to kill these insects may have unintended consequences on the general environment and even human health. In this article, you’ll go through some of the common lawn bugs, the impact they cause, and how safely you can remove them using natural methods with no harsh chemicals.
Common Lawn Bugs and Their Effect
Consider a few of the following:
Chinch Bugs
Chinch bugs have small, black bodies with white wings and bright, red eyes. They suck the sap from grass plants, causing your lawn to take on a yellow or brownish hue in spots. University of Florida IFAS Extension notes that chinch bug infestations can spread very fast causing much serious damage if not treated.
Grubs
Grubs are essentially the larvae of many beetle species, the most prevalent lawn-infesting insects being the Japanese beetle and June bug. The grubs tend to form brown spots of grass by chewing on the grassroots, hence weakening it. This is how you identify an infected area. The University of Massachusetts Amherst Extension writes, “Grub damage is often first noticed as drought stress or disease.”
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that have a soft outer covering and may be green, red, or black in color.
They suck on the juices of plants which leads to stunted growth, yellowing of the leaves, and honeydew, a sugary substance. It becomes efficient when detected early, as well as the early control to reduce further infestation as recommended by the University of California Statewide IPM Program.
Natural and Safe Control Methods
The following are safe and natural control methods for controlling lawn bugs:
Beneficial Insects
A number of beneficial insects comprising ladybugs, and lacewings as well as the popular parasitic nematodes can be used naturally to control pests in the lawn. Many of the predators consume various insects within the lawn thereby decreasing their numbers in a natural way. The University of California Statewide IPM Program believes that the provision of different habitats is the most effective way to encourage the presence of beneficial insects and the non-use of broad-spectrum insecticides.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is an organic pesticide extracted from a tree. It is particularly, often times, remarkably effective against chinch bugs, aphids and other insects of lawn. The substance, though, according to the National Pesticide Information Center, does not always offer complete control and may need to be applied severally.
Insecticidal Soaps
Insecticide soaps are formed from potassium salts of fatty acids and are usually useful in soft-bodied pests such as aphids. They work on the basis of disruption of the cell membrane of the insect hence leading to death as a result of water loss. EPA has stated that insecticidal soaps are also low in toxicity to people and the environment if they are used in the manner described on the soap’s label.
Regular Monitoring
Scouting your lawn regularly for pests and diseases is important. Look for providers who skillfully combine routine monitoring with safe chinch bug control methods. Early detection allows you to take action sooner, which prevents minor issues from growing into major problems and keeps your lawn in better condition.
The University of California Statewide IPM Program recommends the establishment of an integrated pest management program that includes monitoring and cultural modifications and focused treatments.
Lawn Maintenance
Proper care practices can discourage pests and encourage healthy grass growth through proper mowing height, application of the appropriate type and amount of fertilizers, and aeration that reduces thatch, improves soil drainage, and increases root development. The University of Massachusetts at Amherst Extension provides information on how to keep a healthy lawn to minimize pest problems.
Watering Techniques
One of the significant keys to the safe control of chinch bugs is proper watering. Water as infrequently as possible but deeply to avoid over-watering and drought stress. Apply water using the most efficient methods such as sprinklers or soaker hoses. Good drainage prevents waterlogged conditions that help pests thrive. Maintain good, healthy soil with aeration for an overall hardy, resistant lawn.
Conclusion
These natural and non-toxic methods of bug control will go a long way in controlling the bugs in their lawns quite effectively with no need to expose the family, pets, and environmental atmosphere to hazardous chemicals. Remember that a combination and constant monitoring serves as fantastic means of keeping your grassy lawns free of pests and full of health.
