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Summer is just around the corner and what better way to enjoy the warm weather than spending it in your garden?
From BBQ and pool parties with friends to just enjoying a cup of coffee alone, you are sure to have a good time.
However, with the temperatures rising and plants springing up, summer bugs and pests are also becoming a nuisance. Not only do they get in the way of your summer activities but they also ruin your lawn.
These are a few of the many common bugs and pests you’ll encounter this summer and how you can keep them away from your lawn. For an even greater list of lawn and garden pests, please look at this website.
COMMON SUMMER BUGS AND PESTS
Chinch Bugs
These sap-sucking insects that feed on grass usually come out during the summer months. Chinch bugs release an anticoagulant that causes grass to stop absorbing water. Eventually, your turf withers and dies, leaving brown patches on your well-maintained lawn.
One of the best ways to get rid of these pests is to bring them to the surface through irrigation and apply controlled pesticide treatment. You can then restore your lush lawn to its former state with proper fertilization.
Mites
Another summer pest are mites. While there are many varieties of this insect, they all do damage to your lawn.
One of the most common types of mites is called red spiders. They feed on flowering plants like camellias and azaleas, as well as suck the sap from leaves and branches.
Usually, plants infested with these mites will have a dusty, powder-like residue to the leaves that causes withering.
To address this, you might want to consider introducing these mites to their natural predators such as ladybugs. Once released into the infected area, these bugs will immediately feed on the mites and help restore your lawn.
Grubs (Beetle Larvae)
Perhaps the most damaging of all lawn pests are the white grubs. These plump, c-shaped larvae feed on lawn grass roots in the spring, summer, and early fall.
White grubs spread fast. In fact, eggs laid by female beetles hatch in just two weeks, producing new larvae to feed on grass roots.
Some of the most common signs of grub infestation include wilted grass blades and brown patches.
Armyworm
These pesky worms grow one to two inches long and vary in color. They usually feed on grass blades and stems, as well as skeletonize leaves on plants.
Armyworms are more active in the evening and take shelter from the sun during the day. They also spread quite fast with eggs hatching within a week.
When your lawn has armyworm infestation, you can see circular bare spots. There are cases when the affected area itself appears to move when the outbreak is severe.
Caterpillars
While these creatures are considered important pollinators, they can also cause severe damage to your garden.
Typically, caterpillars take on the nutrients from plants that they need before they enter the cocoon stage.
If caterpillars infest your garden, the best way to control is to pick them off by hand and drop them in a bucket of soapy water. Using insecticides is not advisable since it can also kill other natural predators of these pests.
Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers are known for their chewing jaws that can destroy your lawn. They feed on leaves, stems, and even crops. It’s hard to spot these pests as they usually blend in with the plants, especially with their green and brown colors.
Some of the typical signs of grasshopper infestation include ragged edges and semicircular holes on the surface of the leaves, as well as brown edges on the chewed areas.
Aphids
Aphids are considered the most diverse of all garden pests. They have over 4000 species, all of which can be harmful to your yard.
These pests not only suck sap, but they also secrete toxic saliva that negatively affects your plants. Usually, an infested plant is deprived of nutrition it needs to grow, resulting in stunted growth and curled leaves.
Aphids live and work in colonies, making it easier to control them. You can use a good contact insecticide chemical or organic spray to kill these pests.
Earwigs
These slender, reddish-brown insects are sneaky and hard to detect. They usually attack your garden at night and feed on a variety of plants.
One of the most common ways to control earwigs is to bring in its natural predators such as toads and birds. You can also try setting up traps like placing sheets of newspaper on your lawn. The earwigs are likely to hide beneath them since they are attracted to dark and moist places.
Here are some additional ways to stop these pests from spreading in your lawn or garden. First, you must maintain cleanliness not only in your yard but also inside the house.
If there is stagnant water lying around your lawn, be sure to get rid of it immediately. Standing water is the most common breeding ground for many insects such as mosquitoes.
Untrimmed grass and weeds can also create a harborage for pests such as ticks and fleas. It is important to mow your lawn regularly, especially during summer to avoid dealing with these nuisances.
If there is too much clutter in your yard or garden, you might want to consider clearing them as they tend to attract more bugs and pests. Make sure to remove unwanted debris from your yard, such as piles of leaves, fallen branches, rotting fruits, and even toys left outside. It’s also best to regularly empty garbage bins to prevent pests.
You may also want to consider plants that act as natural repellents to bugs and pests. Plants like lavender, marigold, pitcher plants and lemongrass will not only keep the pests away, but it will also make your lawn look nicer.
Finally, do not hesitate to seek help from specialists to address your pests issues. Trained professionals are sure to spot any potential problems before they become out of control. They can also make recommendations to avoid it from happening again in the future.
Van Bermudez
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