Lawn Pests and Diseases

Lawns are looking luscious and green after a wealth of rain, however there are a few lawn pests starting to emerge that could take all of that beauty away. Here is some helpful information on pests and diseases we are seeing right now on lawns:

Sod Webworm

Notice small white moths zig zagging across your lawn? These moths are the adult form of the sod webworm, and though are busy laying eggs, do not cause any damage to your lawn.

If you see the moth, try to reduce their population by stepping on them. The grubs, however, which are the immature stage of the webworm, feed on roots of the sod, causing brown patches in the lawn. Damage is most evident in July and August, when the growth of the grass has slowed, and the lawn is unable to quickly recover.

Note that the presence of moths does not necessarily mean the larvae are in your soil; moths are able to fly great distances and may be coming from other infested areas. To determine if grubs are present, flush a mixture of 2 tbsp. soap with 2 gallons of water into the soil. This will usually bring larvae to the surface. If the larvae are present, then Wilson’s Sevin, Wilson’s Grub and Ant Killer, or the biological insecticide BTK can be applied to the area. Be sure to follow the directions for lawn application. Product should be applied to a moist lawn (so product sinks in), and late in the evening, when larvae are most actively feeding.

Slime Mold/Powdery Mildew
in the Lawn

Our recent wet weather has increased the risk for fungal diseases both in the lawn and on plants. Slime Mold appears as globs of spores on blades of grass (almost resembles a cigarette ash), while powdery mildew appears as a powdery residue. Both are easily controlled by rinsing blades of grass with a hose to disperse spores, and aerating the area lightly by raking with a fan rake.

If the problem seems extensive, you can spray a fungicide on the affected area such as Serenade.

Fairy Rings

Fairy Rings are also another significant fungal disease in lawns; for information on controlling Fairy Ring, click here.