Don’t Let Pests Pester Your Lawn (NAPSA)—You seed, feed, water and mow to keep your yard looking the best it can be. But if youre not careful, your hard work and efforts could all be for naught. “Insects can damage your lawn before you know they’re there,” says Bayer Advanced” garden expert Lance Walheim, co-author of “Lawn Care for Dummies.” There are hundredsof pests that can lurk in your lawn. Someinsects attack from the grass blades, while others feed on the grass roots below. Here are some pests that can do the most damage: Sod Webworms—tThese surface insects feed on the roots, stems and grass. Damage is worse in late summer. You may notice webbing on grass blades or circular brown patches on your lawn. eArmyworms—Armyworms feed on grass blades, causing circular or irregular dead spots. A bad infestation can strip a lawn of foliage in a matter of days. Chinch Bugs—Thechinch bug is the most destructive pest of St. Augustine grass lawns. Consumers spend more than $50 mil- lion a year trying to control these surface feeders. Signs of infestation include small, round patches of brownish-yellowish grass. If left uncontrolled, large areas of the lawn maydie. White Grubs—The larvae of certain beetles, grubs are the most notorious. In the spring, they live in the top few inchesofsoil, eating the roots of lawn grasses. In early summer, grubs develop into adult all a There are hundreds of pests that can lurk in your lawn. Some insects attack from the grass blades, while others feed on the grassroots below. beetles and some, like the Japan- ese beetle, can damage roses, trees and other plants in your yard. *Mole Crickets—The #1 lawn pest on the Gulf Coast is a double threat. Some mole crickets eat grass roots, but most feed on organismsin the soil. As they forage for food they uproot your lawn, turning it yellow beforeit dies. Remember to routinely water and aerate your lawn—a healthy, vigorous lawn has fewer problems. Always plant grasses that are resistant to bugs and are appropriate for your climate. New products are makingit easier to prevent insect damage. For example, Bayer Advanced™ Complete Insect Killer for Soil & Turf has a two-way formula designed to control even the most destructive insects aboveground, and controls belowground insects for up to three months—all in onestep. For more information, visit www.bayeradvanced.com orcall 1877-BAYERAG.
