Winter Lawn Insects in The Villages, FL; Chinch Bugs, Sod Webworm, Southern Mole Crickets & More
Florida climate allows certain pests to continue to wreak havoc on yards and gardens. That’s why it is important to maintain lawn and shrub services to prevent a major outbreak of yard and garden pests and to keep your yard beautiful. Pest 911 will share some of the pests that can survive the winter climate in Florida.
Chinch Bug Lawn Damage
The Chinch Bug is the top lawn pest that affects lawns and grasses. Chinch bugs are very small winged black insects that gather in large clusters. The chinch bug feeds on the juices and sucks it out of the grass. This will leave them dry and brown. You will often see edges of the grass by sidewalks and driveways, the areas that get direct sunlight and don’t get enough water are affected by Chinch Bugs as well. It’s impossible to completely prevent chinch bugs from evading lawns and grasses. With proper lawn care and with professional assistance it is possible to keep the chinch bug population down and your lawns healthier.
Yard Damage from Sod Webworm
The Sod Webworm also feed on grasses; however they mostly stick to Bermuda grasses. The sod webworm is the larva of the sod moth that lays its eggs in the grass and soil so they can feed on the grass. They are the most active during the summer and fall. The larva that hatches late into the season can still survive in the winter season and continue to feed on the lawn. They will feed during the night and can do a serious amount of damage that leaves behind a ragged patch of brown grass. It is easy to mistake the sod webworm, so it’s recommended you use a professional to help identify and treat your lawns for these pests.
Southern Mole Cricket Lawn Damage
The Southern Mole Cricket is another pest that targets lawns; the Bermuda and Bahia grasses especially. These pests tunnel under the soil reaching the roots of the grass. Once the Southern Mole Cricket begins feeding on the root of the lawn, it will kill the grass completely. Once they feed on the roots, you will need to reseed the affected area. It is really difficult to detect if mole crickets are present since they live under the ground most of their lives. That is why it is important once lawn damages start, to contact a professional to help control these pests.
Bermuda Grass Damage from Armyworms
The Armyworm, like the Southern Mole Cricket, feeds on the root of lawns and grasses. When the armyworm strikes, it may appear that your lawn is suffering from a drought. You will need to pull back a section of grass to see if these pests are present. They will appear to be an army of grubs underneath the grass.
Whiteflies & Aphids Yard Damage
Whiteflies and Aphids often feed on vegetables and ornamental plants. They cause damages on leaves and leave behind sticky honeydew. This dew causes mold that makes the plant look like it is covered in dirt. At the first sign of whitefly presence it is important to react quickly to prevent an outburst of a whitefly population that will cause serious damage to brush, shrubs and gardens.
Lawn & Shrub Care
It is important to maintain proper lawn care by the professionals to keep these year round pests at bay. If your lawn and shrubs are showing signs of pest activity, contact Pest 911. We will be there to help combat these yard pests and keep your lawns and gardens looking beautiful.