Kent’s Common Lawn Pests and How to Combat Them

It is not easy to maintain a lush and green lawn in Kent because of its variety of pests. While grubs are feeding on the roots under the ground, moths and beetles are helping them from above. As a result, homeowners have to combat the invisible enemy, which is tirelessly interfering with their garden’s life. On the other hand, knowing your adversaries is the first step to recovering your lawn. This article will examine the common lawn pests in Kent and their treatment.

1. Leatherjackets

Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane flies or daddy longlegs bringing many problems to the Kentish lawns. These pests eat the grass roots, which leads to the appearance of yellow patches on the lawn, and in severe cases to the death of large lawn areas. The best way to control the It on is to detect the Leatherjackets as early as possible. The natural remedy can be attracting the birds to your garden, as they are the Leatherjackets’ natural enemy. Another effective environmentally-friendly solution is to apply the nematode-based solution late in the summer.

2. Chafer Grubs

Similar to leatherjackets, chafer grubs are the larvae of chafer beetles. They munch on grass roots, causing the turf to wilt and die. The presence of chafer grubs often attracts birds and mammals, including badgers and foxes, which can further damage the lawn as they dig for grubs. Biological control using nematodes is also an effective treatment against chafer grubs. Apply the treatment in late summer or early autumn for the best results.

3. Moles

While not pests in themselves, moles are attracted to lawns infested with grubs, their primary food source. The mounds and tunnels created by moles can ruin the aesthetic of your lawn and make the ground uneven. Managing grub populations can help deter moles. In cases where mole activity is high, professional removal or humane traps may be considered.

4. Ants

Ants create unsightly mounds in lawns, disturbing the root systems and leading to uneven turf. Increase the frequency of watering to encourage the ants to nest elsewhere than on the lawn. Organic ant baits placed around the perimeter of the lawn will reduce the number of ants significantly but it will have no impact on species living underground.

5. Cutworms

Cutworms are caterpillar larvae that chew through young plants at the base killing a plant overnight. We suggest keeping your lawn well-trimmed and rid of plant debris to keep cutworms away. An infestation is best fought with a natural Bacillus thuringiensis treatment which effectively destroys cutworms without hurting beneficial creatures.

Combating Lawn Pests Naturally

When it comes to lawn pests, prevention is better than cure. A lawn that is properly mowed, watered, and fertilized will be more resistant to pests and diseases. Encouraging predators and parasites of pest organisms is another method of prevention. Insecticides should be used only when needed and should be the least toxic type. Remember, preventing pests is not only good for the environment but also for your lawn as a whole.

 

The solutions to pest problems for homeowners using the integrated approach. These solutions guide on some of the pest problems that are likely to occur to homeowners on their lawns in Kent. By first understanding the challenge at hand and then using the appropriate course of action, homeowners can be able to maintain a healthy and clean lawn all year.