It’s time to spray

Georgia’s warm, humid climate is ideal for a variety of pests that can invade lawns and gardens. Spring and summertime, however, are not the only times of year Georgia homeowners should be concerned about damaging insects and other pests. Pest control is a mindset property owners should have year-round. 

The first step is to identify what’s eating your garden. Next step is to focus on control. Here’s a list of some common pests you might encounter in Georgia including insects, nematodes and rodents.

• Japanese Beetles:
  • Description: Metallic green and bronze beetles.
  • Damage: Adults feed on the foliage of many plants, including roses, trees, and shrubs, creating a skeletonized pattern. Their larvae, known as grubs, feed on grass roots, causing lawn damage.

• Southern Chinch Bugs:
  • Description: Small, black insects with white markings.
  • Damage: Suck sap from grass blades, particularly St. Augustine grass, leading to yellowing and browning patches.

• Grubs (Beetle Larvae):
  • Description: White, C-shaped larvae of various beetles, including Japanese beetles and June bugs.
  • Damage: Feed on the roots of grasses, causing large, dead patches in lawns.

• Armyworms:
  • Description: Caterpillars that are green, brown, or black with distinctive stripes.
  • Damage: Rapidly defoliate grasses and crops, leaving lawns and fields with large bare spots.

• Aphids:
  • Description: Small, soft-bodied insects, often green, black, or yellow.
  • Damage: Suck sap from plants, causing yellowing, curling of leaves, and stunted growth. They also excrete honeydew, leading to sooty mold.

• Fire Ants:
  • Description: Reddish-brown ants that form large mounds.
  • Damage: Their painful stings are a primary concern. They can also damage young plants and root systems.

• Root-Knot Nematodes:
  • Description: Microscopic worms that attack the roots of plants.
  • Damage: Causes galls or “knots” on roots, leading to stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting in vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants.

• Moles:
  • Description: Small mammals that burrow underground.
  • Damage: Create raised tunnels across lawns as they search for insects and grubs, causing uneven ground and disrupting grass roots.

• Voles:
  • Description: Small rodents that create shallow runways in lawns.
  • Damage: Feed on plant roots and bulbs, causing wilting and dieback.

• Slugs and Snails:

• • Description: Soft-bodied, slow-moving mollusks.
  • Damage: Feed on tender plant leaves, especially in moist, shaded areas, leaving irregular holes and slimy trails.

• Crows and Blackbirds:
  • Description: Large birds often found in flocks.
  • Damage: Can dig up lawns looking for grubs or seeds, leaving holes and disturbed soil.

• Spittlebugs:
  • Description: Insects that produce frothy spittle masses on plants.
  • Damage: Suck sap from grass stems, particularly centipede grass, leading to yellowing and stunted growth.

Management Strategies to Control Pests

Managing pests requires vigilance, regular monitoring, and an integrated approach to keep your Georgia lawn and garden healthy and thriving. Methods include cultural, biological and chemical approaches. Cultural control includes maintaining a healthy lawn and garden by mowing, watering and fertilizing properly. Biological control introduces beneficial insects like ladybugs to control pests naturally. Chemical control engages the use of pesticides as a last resort, following the principles of Integrated Pest Management to minimize environmental impact.

Integrated Pest Management 

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an environmentally friendly approach to controlling pests in agriculture, gardens, and other settings. It combines different management strategies and practices to reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides and minimize the impact on the environment, human health, and non-target organisms.

Key Components of IPM:

1. Monitoring and Identification: Regularly monitoring pest populations to accurately identify pests and beneficial organisms. This helps in making informed decisions about management strategies.
2. Prevention: Implementing cultural practices that reduce pest establishment, reproduction, and survival. This includes crop rotation, selecting pest-resistant varieties, and maintaining healthy soil.
3. Control Methods: IPM emphasizes the use of a combination of methods to control pests:
   • Biological control: Using natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to control pest populations.
   • Mechanical and physical controls: Employing barriers, traps, or manual removal of pests.
   • Chemical control: When necessary, using pesticides in a targeted and minimal way, with preference for those that have the least impact on the environment.
4. Decision Making: Using thresholds and guidelines to determine when action is necessary, rather than applying controls on a routine basis.
5. Evaluation: Continuously assessing the effectiveness of the pest management strategies and making adjustments as needed.

Benefits of IPM:

• Reduced Chemical Use: Minimizes the use of synthetic pesticides, leading to lower environmental impact and reduced risk to human health.
• Sustainability: Promotes long-term, sustainable pest control by maintaining the balance between pests and natural predators.
• Cost-Effective: Can be more cost-effective in the long run by reducing the need for expensive chemical treatments and mitigating pest resistance.

IPM is a dynamic approach, adapting to changes in pest populations, environmental conditions, and advancements in technology and knowledge.

Organic Pest Control Methods

Cultural practices are proactive IPM strategies that help create an environment less conducive to lawn pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions. Here are some key cultural practices to reduce lawn pests:

1. Proper Mowing:

• • Mow at the Correct Height: Keep the grass at the recommended height for your specific grass type. Taller grass can shade out weeds and create a less favorable environment for pests.
  • Mow Regularly: Frequent mowing helps maintain grass density, which can prevent pests from establishing.

2. Adequate Watering:

• • Water Deeply and Infrequently: Watering deeply encourages deep root growth, making the lawn more resilient to pests. Avoid frequent, shallow watering, which can promote fungal diseases and attract pests.
  • Water Early in the Day: This allows the grass to dry during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases that attract pests.

3. Soil Health Management:

• • Aerate the Lawn: Aerating the soil reduces compaction and improves root growth, which makes the lawn less vulnerable to pests.
  • Soil Testing: Regularly test the soil to ensure proper pH and nutrient levels. Healthy, well-balanced soil supports strong, pest-resistant grass.

4. Proper Fertilization:

• • Fertilize Appropriately: Use the correct type and amount of fertilizer for your grass type. Over-fertilization can lead to lush growth that attracts pests, while under-fertilization can weaken the grass.
  • Use Slow-Release Fertilizers: These provide nutrients over time, promoting steady growth and reducing pest problems.

5. Thatch Management:

• • Remove Excess Thatch: Thatch is a layer of organic material that can harbor pests. Regular dethatching helps prevent pest infestations by removing their habitat.

6. Diverse Planting:

• • Incorporate Different Grass Species: Planting a mix of grass species can reduce the risk of pest outbreaks, as some pests target specific types of grass.
  • Planting Ground Covers: In areas where grass struggles, consider planting ground covers that are less susceptible to pests.

7. Weed Control:

• • Manage Weeds: Weeds can compete with grass for nutrients and water, weakening the lawn and making it more susceptible to pests. Use mechanical methods (like pulling or hoeing) or apply appropriate herbicides if necessary.

8. Proper Lawn Care Practices:

• • Avoid Overwatering: Excess moisture can create conditions favorable to pests like grubs and mosquitoes.
  • Rake and Clean Up Debris: Remove leaves, sticks, and other debris regularly to reduce pest habitats.

By integrating these cultural practices, you can maintain a healthy lawn that is less attractive to pests, reducing the need for chemical pest control methods.

Opting for Chemical Control

Chemical control involves using pesticides to manage lawn pests. While this method can be effective, it should be used judiciously as part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy to minimize environmental impact and reduce risks to human health, pets, and beneficial organisms. Here’s a guide to the chemical control of lawn pests:

1. Types of Pesticides:

• • Insecticides: Used to target insect pests like grubs, chinch bugs, and ants.
  • Herbicides: Applied to control weeds that compete with grass for nutrients, water, and sunlight.
  • Fungicides: Used to treat fungal diseases such as brown patch, dollar spot, and powdery mildew.
  • Nematicides: Target nematodes that can damage grass roots.

2. Selecting the Right Pesticide:

• • Identify the Pest: Accurate identification of the pest is crucial for selecting the appropriate pesticide.
  • Choose Specific Products: Use products designed specifically for the pest you’re dealing with to avoid unnecessary harm to non-target organisms.
  • Formulation: Pesticides come in various formulations like liquids, granules, and sprays. Choose the form best suited for the application method and lawn conditions.

3. Application Best Practices:

• • Timing: Apply pesticides at the optimal time when the pest is most vulnerable. For example, insecticides are often most effective when larvae are actively feeding.
  • Follow Label Instructions: Always read and follow the product label for proper application rates, timing, and safety precautions.
  • Spot Treatment: Treat only affected areas rather than the entire lawn to reduce chemical usage and limit environmental impact.
  • Avoid Overuse: Over-application can lead to pesticide resistance, harm beneficial organisms, and cause environmental damage.

4. Safety Considerations:

• • Protect Yourself: Wear protective clothing, gloves, and masks as recommended on the pesticide label.
  • Keep Children and Pets Away: Ensure that children and pets are kept off the treated lawn until the pesticide has dried or as specified on the label.
  • Proper Storage and Disposal: Store pesticides in a secure, cool, and dry place. Dispose of unused pesticides and empty containers according to local regulations.

5. Environmental Impact:

• • Choose Low-Toxicity Options: Whenever possible, select pesticides that have lower toxicity to non-target organisms, including beneficial insects and aquatic life.
  • Avoid Runoff: Be mindful of weather conditions to prevent pesticides from running off into water sources during rain. Apply pesticides when rain is not expected for at least 24 hours.
  • Use Buffer Zones: Create buffer zones around water bodies, flower beds, and areas with beneficial plants to protect these from pesticide exposure.

6. Monitoring and Follow-Up:

• • Monitor Results: After application, monitor the lawn to ensure the pesticide is effective and to catch any signs of resurgence early.
  • Adjustments: Be prepared to adjust your approach if the treatment is not as effective as expected, potentially rotating to different chemicals to avoid resistance.

By using chemical control responsibly and as part of an integrated strategy, lawn pests can be managed effectively while minimizing the potential adverse effects on the environment and non-target organisms. For best results, contact a lawn care professional for an assessment and treatment plan.

Systemic Insecticides Offer 

Systemic insecticides are a type of pesticide that, when applied to plants, are absorbed and distributed throughout the plant’s tissues. This method of pest control has several benefits, particularly in managing insect pests that are difficult to control with other methods. Here are the key benefits of using systemic insecticides:

1. Effective Long-Term Control:

• • Extended Protection: Systemic insecticides provide long-lasting protection because they remain active within the plant for an extended period, sometimes weeks or months, depending on the product and plant type.
  • Consistent Efficacy: Since the insecticide is distributed throughout the plant, it continues to protect new growth, ensuring consistent pest control over time.

2. Targeted Pest Control:

• • Reduced Non-Target Impact: Systemic insecticides specifically target pests that feed on the treated plant, reducing the likelihood of harming beneficial insects like bees and predators that do not consume plant tissue.
  • Effective Against Hidden Pests: These insecticides are particularly useful for controlling pests that are difficult to reach with contact insecticides, such as those that burrow into stems, roots, or the interior of leaves (e.g., aphids, whiteflies, and borers).

3. Minimized Environmental Impact:

• • Less Drift: Systemic insecticides are typically applied to the soil or directly to the plant, reducing the risk of pesticide drift to non-target areas during application.
  • Lower Pesticide Use: Because systemic insecticides are absorbed and utilized by the plant, often less product is needed compared to repeated applications of contact insecticides.

4. Ease of Application:

• • Simpler Application Methods: Systemic insecticides can be applied through soil drenching, granular formulations, or trunk injections, which can be easier and less labor-intensive than spraying large areas.
  • Reduced Reapplication Needs: Due to their long-lasting nature, systemic insecticides often require fewer applications, saving time and labor.

5. Protection of New Growth:

• • Uniform Distribution: As the plant absorbs the insecticide, it is distributed evenly throughout the entire plant, including new shoots, leaves, and roots. This ensures that pests attacking new growth are also controlled.
  • Effective Root Protection: Systemic insecticides can protect roots from soil-dwelling pests like grubs and nematodes, which can be challenging to control with contact insecticides.

6. Protection Against Internal Feeders:

• • Control of Sap-Sucking Insects: Systemic insecticides are particularly effective against sap-sucking insects like aphids, scale insects, and whiteflies, which feed on the plant’s internal fluids and are exposed to the insecticide as they feed.
  • Prevention of Disease Transmission: Some pests, such as aphids and whiteflies, are vectors for plant diseases. Systemic insecticides can help reduce the spread of these diseases by controlling the pests that transmit them.

7. Economic Benefits:

• • Cost-Effective Over Time: While systemic insecticides may be more expensive initially, their long-lasting effects and reduced need for frequent reapplication can make them more cost-effective in the long run.
  • Improved Crop Yield and Quality: By effectively controlling pests, systemic insecticides help maintain plant health, leading to higher yields and better quality in agricultural settings.

8. Resistance Management:

• • Complementing IPM: Systemic insecticides can be integrated into an IPM (Integrated Pest Management) program to help manage insect resistance. By rotating different types of insecticides and combining with non-chemical methods, resistance development in pests can be delayed.

Considerations:

While systemic insecticides offer many benefits, they should be used carefully and in accordance with label instructions. It’s important to consider the potential impacts on non-target organisms, particularly pollinators, and to choose products that are safe and appropriate for the specific pest and plant situation.

By combining systemic insecticides with other pest management strategies, you can maximize their benefits while minimizing risks to the environment and non-target species.

Hiring A Professional Can Help!

Hiring lawn care professionals to manage pests can be a practical and effective option, especially if you lack the time, expertise, or equipment to manage your lawn yourself. Here’s what you should consider when hiring lawn care professionals for pest management:

1. Qualifications and Certifications:

• • Licensed Professionals: Ensure that the lawn care service is licensed and certified to apply pesticides and manage pests according to local regulations.
  • Experience and Expertise: Look for companies with experience in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. They should be knowledgeable about the specific pests in your area and the most effective, environmentally friendly methods to control them.

2. Services Offered:

• • Pest Identification and Monitoring: A good service will regularly monitor your lawn to identify pest issues before they become severe.
  • Customized Treatment Plans: The professionals should offer a tailored plan that fits your lawn’s specific needs, including cultural practices, biological controls, and targeted pesticide applications if necessary.
  • Lawn Maintenance: Many companies also provide additional services like mowing, aeration, fertilization, and thatch management, which can prevent pests by maintaining a healthy lawn.

3. Use of Eco-Friendly Methods:

• • IPM Focus: Prefer companies that emphasize IPM, which uses a combination of cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods in a way that minimizes environmental impact.
  • Low-Toxicity Pesticides: If pesticides are necessary, the service should use products that are safe for humans, pets, and beneficial organisms, and they should apply them in a targeted manner.

4. Reputation and Reviews:

• • Customer Feedback: Check online reviews and ask for references to ensure the company has a good track record of customer satisfaction.
  • Reputation: A well-established company with positive reviews is often a reliable choice.

5. Cost and Contracts:

• • Transparent Pricing: Get a clear understanding of the pricing structure. Compare quotes from different companies to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
  • Service Contracts: Review the terms of the service contract, including what services are included, the frequency of visits, and any guarantees or warranties offered.

6. Communication and Support:

• • Responsive Communication: Choose a company that communicates clearly and promptly. They should be willing to explain their methods and answer any questions you have.
  • Ongoing Support: Good lawn care services will offer ongoing support and be available to address any issues that arise between scheduled visits.

7. Environmental Responsibility:

• • Sustainability Practices: Inquire about the company’s approach to sustainability. Some companies may use organic methods or have practices in place to reduce their environmental footprint.

8. References and Referrals:

• • Ask for Recommendations: Get referrals from neighbors, friends, or family who have had positive experiences with lawn care professionals.

By hiring a qualified and reputable lawn care professional, you can ensure that your lawn is properly managed, pests are effectively controlled, and the health of your lawn is maintained in an environmentally responsible way.

Simply Green Can Help!

There are many ways to control pests in your lawn and garden. Professional help is recommended for the most effective year-round treatments whether you choose organic, cultural methods, or opt for chemical control. Contact Simply Green Lawn Care Plus professionals for the most accurate assessment of your lawn’s condition. Experienced technicians know what treatment plans will be most effective.