Common Turf Damaging Insects in Minnesota Lawns
Depending on the year, Turf damaging insects seem to flourish then disappear season to season. While some companies include a less than effective “Insecticide” in their program, we believe the best approach is to only treat these pests with a high quality (Read as expensive and works very well) Insecticide only when they are found.
There is no reason to apply ANY type of insecticide unless there has been visible damage in the past. Most lawns DO have these. However, most lawns never see any damage from them. If you think insects are active, call us and we can help decide the best course of action. Our technicians are trained to look for this damage and if we see that the lawn is affected, we will notify you of the options available.
For more information on Grubs, visit THIS BLOG.
For more information on our Control Methods visit HERE.
Grubs
Grubs are the larvae of various beetles. “June Bug” beetles and Japanese Beetles are some of the better known adult forms of the grub. Grubs feed on turf roots, causing grass to wilt, brown and possibly die. Grub infested areas may appear bumpy, dug up and turf may pull up easily. Disruption caused by birds, moles, raccoons and skunks is an indicator of grub activity. Damage periods are mainly Fall and Spring. Insecticides are available and can be applied at an additional cost. Grubs are best treated with a PREVENTATIVE rather than a CURATIVE treatment. If we find these late Summer, we may recommend a curative treatment right away, but will ALWAYS recommend a preventative treatment next spring.
Japanese Beetles
The emergence of Japanese Beetles has resulted in the outbreak of grubs. The beetles will show up in July and live about 60 days. Females will lay eggs in turf areas resulting in grub infestations. The insect itself can be identified by its copper shell with emerald green head and white tufts at rear of body. They are commonly found feeding on foliage of plants, leaving behind a “skeleton” of the leaf. Control can be accomplished by using a mixture of water and soap applied directly to the insect and plant. Commercial products are also available.
Sod Webworm
The Sod Webworm is the larvae (caterpillar) of small whitish to a light gray or tan moths. Caterpillars chew on grass blades and shoots, causing irregular patches of browning turf. A significant number of moths flying around during mowing or walking through the lawn may suggest a developing problem. Probing by birds may indicate the presence of sod webworms. The damage period is Summer through early Fall. These are very difficult to spot as they generally feed at night. Insecticides are available and can be applied at an additional cost.
White Moth
White Moths are the adult form of the sod webworm. The White Moth has a long snout with wings folded close to the body. Excess amounts of these moths flying during mowing or walking the turf can often indicate a sod webworm problem.