This morning as I (the writer of this blog) drove to the grocery store I saw the first signs of spring during my drive. A man was outside cutting his lawn, a pear tree was just beginning to bloom, and although the weather was a bit cool on this day (with a projected cold snap coming in for this weekend), I could definitely feel a certain 'warmth' in the air as spring slowly begins to open its eyes on the Carolinas.
With that, I decided that the time was right for another round of 'the spring pests are coming'! While the blog at NelonCole.com has touched on spring lawn pests before, I thought a more concentrated look at exactly what pests you can expect and the results of ignoring treatment solutions might be appropriate for our service area. With that, let's have a look at some of the more common pests you can expect to see this spring season.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON LAWN PESTS OF SPRING?
In the Carolinas, like many other regions, lawns can be affected by various pests. Some common lawn pests that can be found in our specific region include
Fire Ants: These aggressive ants can build large mounds in lawns and deliver painful stings. Many articles could be written about this dangerous pest (indeed, this has been a focus of Nelon-Cole articles before, and certainly will be in the future), but this is one pest you don't want taking over your lawn for the spring / summer months.
White Grubs (Scarab Beetle larvae): The larvae of beetles like Japanese beetles, June bugs, and others can damage grass roots, leading to brown patches in the lawn.
Armyworms: These caterpillars can quickly devour grass blades, causing significant damage to lawns.
Chinch Bugs: These tiny insects feed on grass by piercing and sucking the plant juices, leading to yellow and brown patches.
Mole Crickets: These burrowing insects can disrupt the soil and damage grass roots, resulting in dead or dying patches.
Grasshoppers: While not exclusive to lawns, grasshoppers can cause damage by feeding on grass blades, particularly during periods of high population.
Fleas and Ticks: These pests can be a nuisance not only for pets but also for humans. They thrive in grassy areas and can transmit diseases.
Sod Webworms: The larvae of these moths feed on grass blades, leading to brown and bare patches in lawns.
Ground Beetles: While some ground beetles are beneficial predators, certain species can become pests and damage young plants.
Identifying the lawn infestation present is important to implementing the correct solutions, and your Nelon-Cole technician has specific training in spotting and identifying these and more troublesome insects.
WHAT DAMAGE CAN THEY CAUSE?
Pests in lawns across the Carolinas can cause a variety of issues, ranging from aesthetic damage to significant harm to the overall health of your grass. Here are some common problems associated with lawn pests
Patchy or Discolored Grass: Many pests feed on grass, causing damage to blades and roots. This feeding activity can result in patches of discolored or dead grass, making your lawn look unhealthy and unattractive.
Reduced Vigor and Growth: Pests that feed on the roots or foliage of grass can reduce the overall vigor and growth of your lawn. This may lead to thinning grass, poor coverage, and a less resilient lawn.
Increased Susceptibility to Diseases: Damaged grass is often more susceptible to diseases. Pests can weaken the plants, making them more vulnerable to infections from fungi and other pathogens.
Soil Disruption: Some pests, like moles and mole crickets, are burrowers that can disrupt the soil structure. This can lead to uneven terrain, damage to plant roots, and make it difficult for grass to establish or thrive.
Unpleasant Aesthetic Appearance: The presence of pests, such as fire ant mounds or damaged grass, can negatively impact the overall aesthetic appearance of your lawn, reducing its visual appeal.
Pest Infestations Indoors: Certain pests, like fleas and ticks, can infest your lawn and then become a problem indoors if they attach to pets or humans.
Financial Costs: Managing and restoring a lawn damaged by pests can incur financial costs, including the purchase of pesticides, pest control services, and potential reseeding or sodding efforts.
Environmental Impact: The use of chemical pesticides to control pests may have environmental consequences. Non-target species, such as beneficial insects, may be affected, and there can be runoff into water sources.
Allergies and Health Concerns: Some pests, like certain types of caterpillars or beetles, can release allergenic substances that may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
WHAT ABOUT MY GARDEN AREA?
Many Carolina homeowners tend to a garden on their property, and pests can be especially damaging to both the plants themselves and the soil in your garden area. Some of the more common and damaging garden pests you could find include
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on plant sap, causing leaves to curl and become distorted. They can also transmit plant viruses.
Whiteflies: These tiny, white insects feed on plant sap and can cause yellowing of leaves. They also secrete honeydew, leading to the growth of sooty mold.
Caterpillars: Various caterpillar species, such as cabbage worms, hornworms, and loopers, can chew on leaves and damage plants.
Spider Mites: These tiny arachnids suck plant juices, causing stippling, yellowing, and a general decline in plant health.
Snails and Slugs: These mollusks can chew irregular holes in leaves and can be particularly damaging to seedlings and young plants.
Beetles (commonly known as Japanese beetles): Beetles can chew on leaves, flowers, and fruits. Their larvae (grubs) can also damage plant roots.
Thrips: Thrips feed on plant sap, causing distorted growth, discoloration, and silvering of leaves.
Scale Insects: These insects attach themselves to stems and leaves, sucking plant sap and secreting a protective covering. They can weaken plants and cause yellowing.
Mealybugs: These soft-bodied insects feed on plant sap and excrete honeydew, leading to the growth of sooty mold.
Rodents (mice, moles, gophers): Rodents can eat plant roots, bulbs, and tubers, causing damage to the underground parts of plants.
Deer: Deer can browse on a variety of plants, including flowers, vegetables, and ornamentals, leading to significant damage.
Nematodes: Soil-dwelling nematodes can damage plant roots, affecting nutrient uptake and overall plant health.
While not all of the pests mentioned in this article are a direct threat to enter and damage your home, many will gravitate toward structures as a means of both reproducing and finding a suitable food source. The award-winning pest control experts at Nelon-Cole know how adequate and effective hope protection often starts by diagnosing issues outside your home. Our treatment solutions are affordable, effective, and safe for your family and pets. Call today and schedule a lawn inspection today before the warm days of spring arrive, and let us earn your business with honest and dependable service that you can rely on! Call 1-888-7-TheWeb or visit the homepage of this website to submit a request for a free, no-obligation services quote. Your lawn (and your feet and ankles) will thank you! Charlotte Pest Control - Gastonia Pest Control - Asheville Pest Control - Spartanburg Pest Control - Hendersonville Pest Control - Lincolnton Pest Control
