More Tips on Insect Control in Your Yard

Typical symptoms of chinch bugs. The area affected will often look like grass affected by drought.

Typical symptoms of chinch bugs. The area affected will often look like grass affected by drought.

Although most of us prefer to live in harmony with nature, sometimes we need a strong line of defense. After hours of hard work in your yard, insects can threaten to take over and damage your turf. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the creatures threatening to destroy your grass.

Numerous Insects Presenting a Threat in Our Area

Besides the residents of Wilmington, N.C., many different types of insects have decided to claim our region as their home. We’ve already alerted you about fall army worms. Here are some other insects working away at your grass:

  • Mole crickets
  • Chinch bugs
  • Spittle bugs
  • Ground pearls
  • Cutworms
  • Sod web worms
  • Leaf hoppers

Steps to Treat Damaged Grass

If your once beautifully manicured lawn is looking under the weather, insect damage may be the cause. In these cases, you’ll probably notice signs of weakness including yellow blotches. To offer first aid, here are the steps to take:

  • Identify the correct insect species
  • Select the appropriate insecticide
  • Treat your lawn immediately

Some of the insecticides for treating insect-damaged grass include:

  • Diazinon
  • Sevin
  • Merit

If you apply Talstar several times, you’ll have a good chance of getting mole crickets under control. Be sure to follow the instructions for the best results.

Reliable Information From the “Sod Father”

Are you confused about how to treat insects and protect your lawn? The “Sod Father” can help. Customers at Superior Sod & Garden Supplies turn to us for answers because of our extensive experience with turf production (see pictures).

Owner Don Curtis graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor of science degree in:

  • Turf grasses
  • Specialty crops
  • Soils

In addition, he has firsthand experience growing and caring for sod properly.

Contact Us With More Questions About Protecting Your Lawn

Do you have more questions about getting insects under control? Would you like to learn about the best ways to treat damaged grass? Contact Superior Sod & Garden Supplies today!

Treatment for Mole Crickets

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The experts at Superior Sod have uncovered a serious problem in Porter’s Pointe: damaged areas from mole crickets. To verify our suspicions, we sent photos to two other turf specialists.  

Our observations were confirmed.

Widespread Damage

Adult mole crickets are a challenge to eliminate right now. You’ll recognize them if you spot the following:

  • Light grayish brown color
  • Length up to 1.5 inches
  • Wings allowing up to 40 feet of travel

Mole crickets feed during the evening on the roots of untreated Bermuda grass. Here are details about the extensive damage, which they can cause:

  • Initial dead trails between 1 to 2 inches wide
  • Power to destroy up to 2 square yards
  • Ground surface gnawing 1/2 inch down

During this path of destruction, mole crickets will feed on the upper roots and then target the crown area, which kills the turf grass. Our current high heat and drought conditions widen their “kill zone.” During the day, you’ll even find these relentless creatures working their way into:

  • Cooler mulched in garden beds
  • Driveways and sidewalks
  • Soil as far as 6 inches down

Effective Solutions

To stop mole crickets from eating through your lawn and garden, you can use an insecticide now. Our top recommendations are from Farmer Supply on Oleander Drive, which carries Top Shelf and Talstar. The latter is the least expensive and needs a good watering.

Right now, you can’t destroy these devils, but you can slow them down. Next spring, retreat your lawn every 3 weeks starting in mid-March, when the night time temperatures are in the 60 degree range. Then, continue this process through mid-June, and treat your lawn every spring for mole crickets.

Contact Our Experts for More Treatment Advice

Do you have questions about treating mole crickets or the fungus called dollar spot? With 44 years of experience growing specialty crops like turf grass, produce, strawberries, we offer reliable advice. Contact a USDA registered soil scientist who has worked with many farmers to increase their production!

Insecticides to Protect Your Lawn

At this point in the season, you probably see constant growth and activity in your yard. When you sit outside, you can hear the birds singing and the bees humming. Some of the insects are beneficial to your garden, whereas others can literally wreak havoc with your home.

For example, if you ever needed to deal with carpenter bees, you may feel like your property is under siege. These massive devils actually have the power to make piles of sawdust out of the old wood posts on your porch. Like other trouble makers, they can interfere with your feeling of serenity outdoors–and force you to take serious action before they demolish your home.

Defend Your Greenery With Insecticides

Some homeowners resist the idea of using insecticides, which often becomes unavoidable when you are struggling with an infestation. To help you deal with destructive bugs and critters, here are some ways to protect your lawn and garden:

  • Mole crickets and grubs: Through the end of June, use 40-pound bags of DUOCIDE (Carbaryl) to treat 5 to 10,000 square feet.
  • Chinch bugs: From July to September, pick up a 25-pound bag of UP-Star Gold (Talstar) to cover a 5,000 square foot area.
  • Armyworms: During the next few months, a 40-pound bag of DUOCIDE (Carbaryl) will protect 5 to 10,000 square feet.
  • Fire ant mounds: All year round, a 1-pound bag Acephate “97 Up” should do the trick.
  • Other pests like moles: Whenever you see these critters,     a hose end applicator of Liquid Fence treats 10,000 square feet.

Contact Our Knowledgeable Experts With More Questions
Do you need more advice about dealing with bugs, which are destroying your greenery? Our knowledgeable experts are committed to educating others and sharing our tips. If you have any questions, contact Superior Sod & Garden Supplies now.

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