August 31, 2022
A Floridian’s Guide to Managing Backyard Bugs
There are few things better than spending time with loved ones outdoors. Cooling down from the Gainesville heat in the pool, catching up on the back porch, and watching your kids play in the backyard are foundational memories for so many. At SkyFrog Landscape, we want to help you protect your time outdoors from pesky insects that get in the way.
Protect Your Yard From Pests
Our team of pest control specialists sweats the small things, so you don’t have to. We compiled a short list of the most common, damaging insects our team sees in yards around Gainesville, FL.
Chinch Bugs
Opting for St. Augustine grass allows you to turn a shaded patch of grass into a lush lawn that is able to thrive in coastal environments and support moderate foot traffic. However, this type of grass is susceptible to southern chinch bug infestation.
Early identification is the key to minimizing chinch bug damage. Often damage is found before the insects, demarcated by barren, yellow-brown patches. Chinch bugs are most active in warm weather, seen frequently from June to September, and can be found in water-stressed areas that receive full sun.
Once damage is identified, take a closer look at the grass blades bordering the healthy and harmed areas. If you find small orange bugs with a white stripe, you’ve likely identified young chinch bugs. Mature chinch bugs can be identified by their black bodies and wings or white wings and orange legs later in life.
Applying turf-specific pesticides is an effective start at killing chinch bugs, but not their eggs — necessitating advanced treatment. Contact a specialist to receive long-term treatment, often including grass replacement.
Sod Webworms
Who doesn’t love the fresh look of new turfgrass? Tropical sod webworms sure do. If you notice varying heights in your newly laid St. Augustine, zoysia, or bermuda grass, your yard may be subject to sod webworm infestation. Keep an eye out for these pests in shrub-covered areas of your lawn between August and November.
These insects feed at night and can be found dormant during the day. If you suspect sod webworms are damaging your grass, examine for signs of chewing. These insects appear as cream caterpillars with brown spots and a darkened head in their most harmful stages and brown moths as more docile adults.
Ensuring the health of your turfgrass via proper fertilization, irrigation, and mowing decreases chances of infestation. If you’re unsure if your yard is receiving appropriate care, reach out to an irrigation and fertilization expert.
Reclaim Your Outdoor Space with SkyFrog Pest Control Services
Even the most beautiful landscape can fall prey to pest infestation if not properly handled. These tips will help you identify common pests that are getting in your space in time to reach out to a team of specialists before the problem grows.
SkyFrog Landscape is your pest control go-to. Our team of expert technicians scout for pests monthly, including insects, fungus, and weeds, and treats them comprehensively. These treatments are custom designed to maintain the integrity of your lawn while keeping pests out of it.