Identifying Common Spring Garden Pests and How to Deal with Them

11 Sep Identifying Common Spring Garden Pests and How to Deal with Them

Striving for that flawless lawn is every homeowner’s dream. While you have nailed the basics like watering, mowing, and fertilising, there’s a part of lawn care that might be a bit challenging. Like dealing with lawn pests.

Lawn pests come in different shapes and sizes, and they can be found below the surface feasting on your beloved lawn turf. But don’t worry, we’ll take you through our guide to common garden pests and how to handle them for a lush, healthy lawn this spring.

Grubs

Lawn grubs, the tiny troublemakers, can cause significant damage to your lawn, especially in the spring. These beetle larvae tunnel through the soil, munching on grassroots along the way. This can result in ugly brown patches, weakened growth, and an unhealthy-looking lawn.

When dealing with lawn grubs, conduct a “tug test” to check for the extent of damage caused by their feeding. Employing preventive methods like nematodes and milky spore powder can effectively manage grubs. Additionally, promoting a well-aerated and healthy lawn through proper maintenance practices can discourage their presence altogether.

Couch Grass Mite

Couch Mites are tiny, nearly invisible pests that hide within your grass’s leaf sheaths. They feed and reproduce there, often going unnoticed. If not dealt with, they can cause your grass to gradually turn yellow and deteriorate in health and appearance.

In managing mites, it’s important to start with proper identification. Regularly inspect your lawn for signs of yellowing grass, thinning, or other unusual changes. Proper watering and mowing preserve grass resilience, minimising conditions favourable for mite infestations. Additionally, avoid excessive fertilisation, as too much nitrogen can attract mites.

Ants

Ants are highly adaptable and resourceful insects. While they play vital roles in ecosystems, these social insects build complex nests, often underground, which might hinder your lawn’s appearance and create uneven surfaces. 

When dealing with ants, ensure cleanliness to prevent food attraction and employ natural deterrents such as cinnamon or coffee grounds. You can also establish non-toxic bait stations for colony control, such as lemon juice and water mixture.

Taking these proactive measures can effectively counter pest invasion and give you peace of mind this spring season. Here at Australian Seed and Turf, we’re dedicated to not only providing you with the knowledge needed to combat these challenges, but also offering hands-on guidance and assistance. 

Contact us at (03) 9772 7632 or send us a message here for reliable lawn solutions.