Identifying lawn pests in Alpharetta
First up, let's get to know a few lawn pests in our region:
Grubs
Grubs are the larvae of beetles like Japanese beetles and June bugs. They live underground and feed on grass roots, leading to weak, brown, and spongy turf. If you notice patches of dying turf grass that peel away easily, grubs could be to blame.
Signs of Grubs:
- Brown or wilting grass that doesn’t respond to watering
- Loose, spongy soil underfoot
- An increase in birds, moles, or skunks digging up your yard (they love a grub snack!)
Chinch Bugs
These tiny insects suck the sap from grass blades and inject toxins, causing yellow or dead patches to spread across your lawn. Chinch bugs love hot, dry areas and thrive in thick, overgrown grass.
Signs of Chinch Bugs:
- Irregular yellowing or browning patches in sunny areas of your lawn
- Grass that looks wilted even after watering
- A sudden decline in lawn health during warm months
Armyworms
Armyworms aren’t usually a spring problem, but they can appear sooner than expected in years with early warm weather. These caterpillars are highly destructive, capable of practically wiping out large sections of grass overnight.
Signs of Armyworms:
- Rapidly expanding brown patches in your lawn
- Grass blades that look chewed or skeletonized
- Increased bird activity as they hunt for armyworm snacks
Other pests that can cause lawn problems
While the pests above are the most common culprits, here are a few others that could be lurking:
- Sod Webworms: These tiny caterpillars chew through grass blades at night, leaving small brown patches.
- Fire Ants: Not only do they build unsightly mounds, but their painful stings are a serious concern for kids and pets.
- Billbugs: These weevils damage grass by feeding on stems and roots, leading to thinning or dead spots.
How to keep your lawn pest-free
Keeping your lawn healthy is the best defense against these pests. Here are some practical tips:
- Mow smart: Keep your grass at the right height - too short, and pests have easy access; too long, and you’re inviting trouble.
- Water the right way: Deep, infrequent watering encourages strong roots and makes it harder for pests to thrive.
- Aerate and nourish: Lawn aeration improves the soil health and root strength, making your lawn more resistant to pests. (Hint: we can help you with that!)
How got lawn? protects Alpharetta lawns
At got lawn? Tree & Turf Care, we know exactly what local lawns need to stay lush and pest-free. Here’s how we help:
- Lawn Care Plans: Customized to keep your lawn healthy and weed-free.
- Armyworm Control: Preventative treatments that protect against these destructive armyworm caterpillars as well as grubs, sod webworms, and billbugs.
- Fire Ant Control: A one-time treatment that offers 12 months of protection from these painful pests.
- Aeration: Strengthen your lawn’s natural defenses against pests
Partner with got lawn? for a thriving lawn
Keeping your lawn healthy and pest-free in Alpharetta doesn't have to be stressful. With a bit of help from experienced lawn care specialists, you can enjoy a lush lawn with minimal effort. Our personalized lawn services are the perfect fit for lawns in Alpharetta and throughout Metro Atlanta.
If you’re ready to give your lawn the care it deserves, contact got lawn? Tree & Turf Care to get started.
