3 Lawn Pests to Lookout for in Fort Lauderdale

3 Lawn Pests to Lookout for in Fort Lauderdale

Aug 12, 2022 | Florida Lawn Care, Florida Pest Control

Ft. Lauderdale Pest Control: Preventing Common Lawn Pests

Your lawn should look lush and green year-round! Unfortunately, there are a few lawn pests that like to take the green out and replace it with brown. Check out our top three lawn pests to look out for in your Ft. Lauderdale lawn.

Armyworms

Armyworms have green, brown, and yellow stripes running the length of their body. These insects can range from 1/16 inches as an instar larva to 1-1/3 inches as mature larvae. Armyworms feed on grass, plants, vegetables, and even grains. In the southern states, they cause significant damage to lawns, occasionally feeding on our turfgrass. If these pests infest your lawn, they can quickly multiply, causing more damage and making them difficult to eliminate.

Chinch Bug

Chinch bugs have black bodies with white triangle patterns on their wings. These creatures will often progress in color from red to brown before becoming winged adults. They range from 1/8 to 1/6 of an inch in length. Chinch bugs prefer hot, dry, and sunny areas on lawns. If they’ve infested, they create large, irregular, yellowish, and wilted grass throughout. They do this by eating the sap from grass blades which, in return, injures the grass and causes it to die.

Grub Worm

Grub worms range from ¾ inch to almost 2 inches in length and have brown heads and cream bodies. These insects are voracious feeders, feeding on organic matter, including the roots of plants. If they’ve infested, their damage appears as drought stress which can turn your lawn a gray-green color. If they continue to feed, they can cause the turf to die in large irregular patches.

To prevent lawn pests from invading, consider these lawn care tips:

  • Apply insecticide to your lawn
  • Mow and rake out excess thatch regularly
  • Frequently water your lawn and plants around your property
  • Consider reaching out to your local Ft. Lauderdale lawn care company to identify the lawn pest and provide a proper treatment and prevention plan.

 

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Stinging Pests and How to Prevent Them in Ft. Lauderdale

Stinging Pests and How to Prevent Them in Ft. Lauderdale

Aug 4, 2022 | Florida Pest Control

Ft. Lauderdale Stinging Pests: ID and Prevention

Summer is in full swing in Ft. Lauderdale and that should bring fun activities your way, such as relaxing outside on your patio or spending time with your kids in the backyard. Unfortunately, it can also bring summer pests! Most active in the summer are stinging pests, including yellow jackets, wasps, and hornets. There are several ways to prevent these pests from messing with your summer fun, so let’s break each one down!

Hornets

On the larger side of the stinging pests, hornets have brown and yellow abdominal stripes on their bodies. Their nests are often built-in hollow trees, and the walls of houses and attics. They are attracted to light and can fly to your windows at night if they see a light on. They are relatively non-aggressive near the nest, but there is potential for a stinging hazard if threatened.

Prevent hornets by:

  • Keeping garbage cans covered, as leftover food can attract hornets
  • Maintaining the outside of your home, ensuring screens, window, and doors are all in good condition
  • Avoiding the use of strong fragrances when outdoors

Wasps

These pests will become aggressive if they feel threatened enough and are known to sting multiple times. Wasps are highly attracted to backyard events, resulting in an increase in your chances of being stung. Their nests are typically built in branches, porch ceilings, eaves, and attic rafters.

Prevent wasps by:

  • Keeping doors and windows shut
  • Covering any openings in your home’s exterior
  • Keeping outdoor waste containers completely covered

Yellow Jackets

These social insects are usually anywhere humans are found. They have a non-fuzzy, black and yellow striped body. Attracted to sweets and proteins, they commonly invade outdoor events. Their nests can be found either high up or in the ground. Yellow jackets will sting multiple times if they feel threatened and can sometimes cause allergic reactions.

Prevent yellow jackets by:

  • Avoiding sweet smelling perfume or cologne when outdoors as this will attract them
  • Using plants that help deter yellow jackets, including spearmint, thyme, and lemon grass

If you have a stinging pest problem, reach out to your local Ft. Lauderdale pest control company for professional help in removing these pests from your property.

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