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Insect Pests in Turf and Lawns

- Follow a few simple rules to avoid lawn damage -

Summary: Healthy lawns can tolerate considerable damage from insect pests. Proper irrigation, fertilizing and mowing are far more important than pesticides to managing lawn pests. Follow these simple rules and prevent most problems from lawn insects.

Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)

Most lawn and turf insect pests feed on the roots, rather than the above ground parts, of their host plants. Chinch bugs, however, feed above ground on grass blades.

European crane fly (right) is an emerging pest in some parts of the US and can be particularly damaging to newly planted lawns. Mole crickets, white grubs, and lawn moth larvae feed on roots and can also do significant damage especially in weak lawns.

Lawn care "rules"

Healthy lawns can sustain and outgrow most damage from lawn pests. This means that by following a few simple rules you can avoid most lawn pests and diseases without using pesticides. The most important rules for successful turf or home lawn management are:
European crane fly adult
European crane fly adult ~ 1-1/2 inch long.

(1) Don't over water or over fertilize -- grass will be more susceptable to insect damage and disease if forced to grow too quickly. Allow grass to go through natural wet/dry cycles between irrigations. Or, simply stop watering in early summer and allow grass to go dormant during the dry months.

Most lawns need far less fertilizer than they get each year. The excess fertilizer runs off and pollutes rivers and lakes or forces the grass to grow too fast making it susceptable to lawn pests. Established lawns only need a light application of fertilizer once a year in the spring.

(2) Test the soil at least every 5 years and add lime and micronutrients as needed. Check with your local Agricultural Extension (US state Extension office directory) about getting your soil tested. Yearly applications of lime (dolomite, not hydrated lime) are needed in many areas.

(3) Mow at the proper height for your grass type. Most importantly don't mow too close. Many turf managers mow at the highest setting possible for their equipment. Your grass needs some leaf surface (grass blades) in order to be healthy!

The Ortho Home Gardener's Problem Solver (left) is a particularly good general reference that includes excellent home lawn care advice. The other two books are intended mainly for professional turf managers but serious home gardeners may find the information useful as well.

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Identification guides, reference and gardening books, etc.
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