How Do I Treat My Lawn For Pests

The best way to treat your lawn for pests is to prevent pests from becoming a problem, by correctly watering, mowing, and fertilizing your lawn. A healthy, green lawn can tolerate some pest activity and pesticide treatments are not always recommended as they can kill off natural predators that feed on lawn pests. However, if a pest is present and identified, then pesticide applications may be necessary. If so, contacting a pest control professional, such as Petri Pest Control Services, with experience treating lawns for pests can make all the difference for your lawn.

At Petri, we offer several lawn-spraying services for treating your lawn to keep it pest-free.

• Our General Lawn Program treats lawns for harmful insects and fungus. Petri technicians use a power sprayer to apply an insecticide to the lawn to control everything from chinch bugs and armyworms to sod web worms and fire ants. While spraying your lawn, our service technicians will keep an eye out for fungus conditions (i.e., brown patch or gray leaf spot) and if found, a fungicide will be applied.
• The Total Lawn Program (TLP Plus) is an all-inclusive program that includes protection against harmful insects and diseases of the lawn, fertilization, and broadleaf weed control. During nine scheduled visits throughout the year, Petri technicians thoroughly inspect your lawn, and then we recommend whatever may be needed. We will also explain proper watering and mowing practices and address shade and traffic on your lawn. If needed, we will treat for chinch bugs, armyworms, sod webworms, and fire ants as well as fungus. Based on your lawn’s needs and the time of year, a liquid fertilizer will be administered to properly feed and nourish the lawn. During the cooler months (November through March), Broadleaf weed control will be performed. The TLP Plus service is guaranteed and offers free retreatment for all covered pests should an issue arise between our regularly scheduled services.

In addition to treating your lawn for pests, properly caring for your lawn involves several factors.

• Conditioning your lawn for improved drainage, as well as, increased nutrient and moisture absorption, begins with clearing your lawn of debris and animal droppings. Then raking your lawn to remove leaves and thatching, in addition to weeding your lawn, and aerating the soil in the spring will prepare your lawn for a healthy growing season.
• Fertilizing your lawn properly will help deter pests and help keep your lawn healthy. A soil test will reveal if your lawn is deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium. Finding a fertilizer high in the lacking nutrient will help make your lawn healthier.
• Mowing your lawn properly helps to keep your lawn pest-free. Always mow your lawn with sharp mower blades and never cut more than ⅓ of the length of your grass blades when mowing. Shorter grass can stress your lawn and weaken your lawn’s root system, encouraging pests to infest your lawn.
• Watering incorrectly accounts for most damage to lawns in South Florida. Watering too often leads to a shallow root system because your grass doesn’t have to reach deeper into the soil in search of water. A shallow root system invites pests into your yard and stresses your lawn.

Choosing a type of grass that grows well in your area should also be considered when cultivating a healthy lawn. In South Florida, the most popular turfgrass varieties include:

• Augustine Grass
• Zoysia Grass
• Bermuda Grass
• Bahiagrass

Contacting Petri Pest Control Services, a pest control professional, to treat your lawn and boost the health of your lawn can take the guesswork out of getting the lush, green South Florida lawn you want!