Preparing your Autumn Lawn for a Pest-Free Winter

Guest Blog #227, Entry #724, October 26, 2011

With the falling temperatures of fall, there are certain challenges that should be on the mind of any person maintaining a lawn or garden. Many people might think of lawn and garden pests as a strictly summertime worry, however this could not be further from the truth. There are several pests that will hibernate underneath your lawn and lay in wait to cause you some serious headaches come spring. By being proactive and treating for them during the colder months you can ensure that there is one less thing to worry about once the weather warms up again. This is particularly important during milder winters, as the insect population will likely skyrocket more quickly once the temperatures rise.

Image via: Lawn Barber

1) Chinch bugs

This bug is so notorious that their name has even become synonymous with pest in Spanish. These bugs do most of their actual damage during the spring and summer, however they will hibernate in the deeper portions of the soil underneath your lawn over winter and this would be an ideal time to head them off at the pass and treat the lawn with a topical herbicide.

2) White grubs

These insects are actually the larval stage of the scarab beetle, but can cause some serious damage to your lawn before the next stage of their life cycle. They will relentlessly attack the roots of your turf grass, and provided the weather is not too cold will not hibernate until later in the winter, giving them ample time to destroy your lawn from the inside out. Much like chinch bugs, it is best to treat for these bugs early, before they have a chance to cause much havoc.

Image via: bhg

3) Termites

This constant pest makes itself known in many ways, and although it usually causes most of its damage to the interior of your home, it also has the capacity to tear up the lawn you’ve worked so hard on during the summer. Their tunnels and colonies can be a severe eyesore, and also will tip you off that as its getting colder, they’re looking for a warm place to hide which is usually your home. The best approach is to treat the lawn several times a year with appropriate termite bait.

By taking a few easy steps during the early winter, you can cozy up next to the fire with a warm mug of hot chocolate and rest assured knowing that you won’t have to worry about bugs tearing up your lawn before spring comes.

If you’d like to learn more, visit this DIY pest control site, at www.domyownpestcontrol.com.

Fore more winter home maintenance on Stagetecture, click here.