How to Stop Lawn Pests From Invading Your Yard

If you have been dealing with pests in your lawn, you are not alone. Many homeowners struggle with this issue every year as they notice their grass and ornamentals taking a hit. There are many different types of pests that can invade your lawn, but there are also ways to stop them from causing damage. In this blog post, we will discuss how to identify common lawn pests, as well as how to get rid of them using natural methods or pesticides.

Types of Lawn Pests In The New England Area

The weather is starting to warm up, but this also means certain pests are looking to gain access to your lawn to do damage to it. Throughout the New England states, there are many pests to be careful of if you want to keep your yard healthy and vibrant. The 3 main ones include: 

• Grubs

• Chinch Bugs 

• Ticks 

Grubs

Grubs are the larvae of Japanese Beetles, and they feast on grass roots. This can cause your lawn to turn brown and die in patches over time. If you suspect you have a grub infestation, lift up a large section of affected turf as they will hide just under this. If the soil is loose and there are more than five grubs per square foot, then you will need to take action to get rid of them or your entire lawn can be subject to being destroyed. There are a few ways you can go about getting rid of grubs, but we recommend using natural methods first, such as:

Introducing predators: Certain types of birds and animals love to eat grubs, so encouraging them into your yard is a great way to reduce their numbers. Try putting out bird feeders or building a birdhouse to welcome these animals. Nematodes are another way to stop a grub infestation. These parasites will invade the grub's bodies and eventually release bacteria to kill off the main host. 

Chinch Bugs 

Chinch bugs are one of the most common pests that can invade your lawn. They're small, black insects with white markings on their wings, and they love to feast on grass. If you have chinch bugs on your lawn, you'll notice patches of dead grass that seem to be spreading. The best way to get rid of chinch bugs is to treat your lawn with an insecticide designed specifically for them. You can also try using a natural method, such as diatomaceous earth, which is a powder made from fossilized algae that will kill the bugs when they come into contact with it. Whichever method you choose, make sure to follow the directions carefully so that you don't end up harming yourself or your yard. 

Ticks

Ticks are a very popular lawn pest that unfortunately can do more harm to your pets than your yard.  If you have a lot of trees or bushes in your yard, chances are you'll find yourself dealing with ticks at some point. The way you have your landscape laid out can really play a factor in having a tick infestation. First off, what is the significant impact of having ticks in your yard? Ticks are blood-sucking insects that will latch onto you or your pet and can carry diseases that include Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease. Preventing these pests is very important as they won't necessarily do much harm to your yard, but to you and your pets instead. Tips to get rid of ticks include: 

• Clearing out brush and tall grasses.

• Mowing your lawn regularly.

• Keeping your yard raked.

• Keeping equipment away from brush and trees.

Let The Local Professionals Help Out

If you have tried everything to get rid of lawn pests but nothing seems to work, it may be time to look into professional technicians who not only have the knowledge, but the expertise for each and every property they service. Seacoast Turf Care is a local lawn care company that services New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts and specializes in lawn care specifically, whether it is getting rid of ticks or suring up your lawn.