Pest Reference Guide

Learn how to identify the creepy crawlies

Grubs

Grubs are larvae of various beetles, such as Japanese beetles and June beetles, that can do significant damage to lawns in Central Texas. Here are some steps you can take to control grubs and care for your lawn:

Identification: Grubs are typically white or cream in color with a C-shaped body. They feed on grass roots, leading to brown patches in your lawn.

Regularly Water Your Lawn: Proper irrigation is key for keeping your lawn healthy and can help avoid grub problems. Water deeply once or twice a week, rather than doing light daily applications of water.

Mow Your Lawn Regularly: Maintaining the height of your lawn can help deter grubs from invading it. Mow at 2-3 inches and avoid cutting more than one-third of its blade length at once.

Use Insecticides: If your infestation is severe, insecticides may be necessary to control grubs. There are various insecticides available – both synthetic and organic – that are effective at this task. Be sure to read and follow all label directions carefully, wearing protective clothing when needed.

Monitor Your Lawn: Be on the lookout for signs of grub activity, such as brown patches or thinning grass. Early detection can help protect your lawn from severe damage due to these pests.

Aerate Your Lawn: Aerating your lawn can improve soil drainage and prevent thatch buildup – which could be a breeding ground for grubs.

Fertilize Your Lawn: Fertilizing your lawn can encourage healthy grass growth and make it more resistant to grub damage. Use a fertilizer suitable for your type of grass and adhere strictly to its application instructions.

Prevention is the best approach when it comes to pest control. Keeping your lawn healthy and well-groomed can help avoid grubs or other issues from arising in the first place.

Chinch Bugs

Chinch bugs are pests that can do significant harm to lawns in hot and dry weather conditions. Here are some steps you can take to control chinch bugs in your lawn:

Identification: Chinch bugs are tiny insects, measuring less than one quarter inch long with black bodies and white wings. They feed off of grass sap, leading to yellow or brown patches in your lawn.

Water Your Lawn Regularly: Chinch bugs prefer dry environments, so regular watering can help keep them at bay. Aim to water deeply once or twice a week rather than light daily application of water. 

Maintain a Regular Mowing Schedule: Mowing your lawn at the appropriate height can help prevent chinch bugs from invading it. Maintain the grass at 2-3 inches high and avoid cutting more than one-third of its blade length at once.

Use Insecticides: If your infestation of chinch bugs is severe, insecticides may be necessary to control them. Both synthetic and organic insecticides exist that are effective in eliminating these pests; just remember to read all label instructions carefully and wear protective clothing when necessary.

Monitor Your Lawn: Regularly inspect your lawn for signs of chinch bug activity, such as yellow or brown patches. Early detection can help minimize significant damage to your grass.

Remember, prevention is always the best approach when it comes to pest control. Keeping your lawn healthy and well-groomed can help avoid chinch bugs and other pests from ever becoming an issue in the first place.

Here at Hill Country Fertilizer we believe prevention is the best way to keep your lawn healthy. That’s why we include pest control during the summer months. In fact, we believe in it so strongly that every one of our lawn programs includes pest control and prevention.

Armyworms

Armyworms are a widespread lawn pest that can quickly cause extensive damage and destruction if left unchecked. These larvae of certain moth species vary in color from green to brown with stripes, feeding on grass blades or, in severe infestations, eating away at the entire plant itself, leaving behind large brown patches on your lawn.

Here are some steps you can take to prevent and control an armyworm infestation:

Monitor Your Lawn for Signs of an Armyworm Infestation: Be on the lookout for any signs of an armyworm infestation, such as irregular patches of dead or dying grass or caterpillars themselves.

Maintain a Healthy Lawn: Having a lush lawn makes it less vulnerable to armyworm damage. Make sure your yard receives proper watering and fertilization, and mow at the appropriate height for the type of grass you have.

Utilize Natural Predators: Natural predators such as birds and wasps can help control armyworm populations. To encourage their presence on your lawn, provide nesting boxes or plant flowers that attract them.

Apply Insecticides: If an armyworm infestation is severe, you may need to use an insecticide to reduce their numbers. Be sure that the product you select is safe for your lawn and apply it according to its manufacturer’s instructions.

Overall, prevention is the best approach to controlling armyworms in your lawn. By maintaining a healthy lawn and monitoring for signs of infestation, you can identify the problem early and take necessary action before the armyworms cause extensive harm.