Florida Lawn Maintenance Checklist: Springtime Tips to Keep Lawn Pests Away

A healthy, green lawn is something Florida homeowners take pride in, but maintaining them can be tricky. The warmth and humidity that define Florida’s spring also attract pests, which can quickly turn your yard into a mess.

With pests lurking in nearly every corner of the state, two things will give your lawn a better shot: knowing how to deter pests in the first place, and maintaining strong, resilient grass. That’s where this handy checklist comes in. It’s packed with our go-to spring lawn tips to help cut down the risk of common Florida pests such as:

• Chinch bugs
• Mole crickets
• Fire ants
• Sod webworms
• Armyworms
• Grubs
• Spittlebugs
• Bermudagrass mites
• Nematodes
  

Early Spring: First Steps

In Florida, “early spring” usually rolls around by late February or early March, when the weather starts shifting. That’s when your lawn needs a bit of extra attention.

• Clear Out Debris: Fallen leaves, broken branches, and leftover clutter around the yard can hold moisture and create perfect pest hideouts, which could also promote fungus development. Left unchecked, you might unknowingly give pests a head start. Be sure to bag it all up or have it hauled away to keep things tidy.
• Dethatch When Needed: A little bit of thatch is fine, but more than half an inch of that dead grass layer can trap moisture and invite lawn pests. If your lawn feels spongy when you walk on it, it might be time to remove it. Use a thatching rake or dethatcher, or let us handle it with our lawn care services.
• Test Your Soil: Soil that’s out of balance, whether it’s nutrients or pH, can leave your grass weak and vulnerable. Grab a soil testing kit or probe from a garden center, follow the instructions, and adjust based on your results. Getting the pH right sets the foundation for a pest-resistant lawn.
• Aerate if Needed: When soil gets compacted, it blocks air and water from reaching the roots. Aerating, a technique to poke holes into the lawn, can fix this and help your grass grow strong. It’s a simple idea but can be labor-intensive, so our team would be happy to take care of it as part of your lawn service.
• Watch for Early Pest Clues: Florida pests start waking up in early spring. Keep an eye out for signs of raised tunnels or small mounds, which could mean grubs or mole crickets are already on the move. Catching them early can make all the difference.

Mid-Spring: Consistent Prevention

Florida’s warm climate keeps lawn pests active for much of the year, so staying ahead of them  consistently is necessary. After tackling early spring tasks, revisit your lawn care routine about four to eight weeks later with these mid-spring strategies for preventing pests:

• Pre-Emergent Weed Control: Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to stop weeds like crabgrass before they sprout. Weeds can stress your lawn, making it more inviting to pests.
• Mowing Matters: Resume regular mowing, but don’t scalp the lawn. Cutting too low can weaken the grass. Stick to the “one-third rule”, never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. If you have St. Augustine grass, keep it on the taller side to help resist chinch bugs.
• Fertilize Based on Soil Needs: Use your soil test results to guide fertilizer choice. A healthy, well-fed lawn can hold up better against pest pressure. Overdoing it, though, can have the opposite effect, boosting pest populations.
• Grub Control (If Needed): If grubs have given you trouble in previous seasons, now’s the time to apply a preventative grub treatment. These root-feeding insects can kill off large patches of grass if you don’t remove them.
• Monitor for Chinch Bugs: St. Augustine grass is especially vulnerable. Keep an eye out for sun-exposed areas that start to yellow or turn brown, as this could be a sign of chinch bugs moving in.
• Scan for Sod Webworms and Armyworms: Brown patches and chewed grass blades are common signs. Regular checks can help you act fast before the damage spreads.
• Handle Fire Ants Promptly: When you spot a fire ant mound, take care of it quickly. These pests aren’t just annoying, they can damage your lawn and pose a stinging hazard.
• Stay Alert for Pest Activity: Regular inspections are the best way to stay on top of things. Watch for symptoms such as patches of dead or discolored grass, holes in the soil, more birds than usual (they could be feeding on grubs), insects crawling on or near the turf, and spongy or loose-feeling grass.
• Water the Right Way: Deep, infrequent watering encourages sturdy roots and discourages pests and fungus. Avoid daily watering, which keeps the surface damp and attractive to bugs.
• Consider Irrigation Services: Take the guesswork out of watering with a professionally installed system. Our team considers Florida’s climate, your soil type, and your home’s layout to make sure your system works seamlessly with plumbing and electrical components.

Thinking About DIY Pesticides or Insecticides?

We recommend avoiding them. Many over-the-counter lawn treatments can harm your grass or nearby plants if not used correctly. If pest problems get to the point where you’re considering DIY chemicals, it’s time to bring in the professionals.

Our licensed technicians know where to target treatments for the best results, while minimizing the chance of harm to people, pets, or plants.

Natural Ways to Deter Lawn Pests:

• Keep your lawn healthy: Keep your lawn lush and thick to outcompete pests.
• Allow beneficial insects to thrive: Attract helpful insects like ladybugs and lacewings that prey on lawn invaders.

Save Time With Help From Lawn Pest Pros

If you’ve spotted pest activity, or just want peace of mind, let our experienced team step in. We’ll inspect your lawn, identify problems, and craft a customized treatment plan that helps you enjoy a healthier, more beautiful yard.

Reach out today so we can get your lawn on track for a vibrant, pest-free spring.