Lawn pests are notorious throughout Florida, especially in the spring as the weather gets warmer. From chinch bugs to ticks, billbugs to fire ants, lawn pests not only have the potential to ruin your landscape, but they can also harm both people and pets. Here are our top five tips to ensure your Florida lawn stays pest-free this spring.
1. Declutter and Dethatch Your Lawn
As temperatures start climbing and plants start blooming, it’s time to give your lawn a spring cleaning. Declutter your yard to remove any potential habitats for pests and remove animal droppings, twigs, and any other debris that’s collected in your lawn over the winter.
You should also dethatch your lawn to prevent both lawn pests and fungus during the spring and summer. Rake your yard vigorously to pull up any dead leaves and dried grass clumps. Florida’s high humidity levels can lead to mildew growth in dense foliage in the lawn, and dethatching breaks these piles down to the soil, allowing air to circulate and encouraging new grass growth.
Learn More: What Are Grubs and How Can I Keep Them Away From My Lawn?
2. Prevent Invasive Weeds
One of the best ways to keep your lawn lush, green, and pest-free is by getting ahead of potential weeds by applying a pre-emergent weed control product. Rather than leaving it to guesswork, call the lawn care experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control.
We apply eco-friendly pre-emergents that are best suited to your grass type and any potential weeds that could take root and attract pests. By keeping weeds out of your lawn, you strengthen your grass and plants, making them more resilient against both diseases and pests.
3. Mow Regularly
While few homeowners enjoy mowing, keeping your lawn trimmed and tidy not only affects its appearance, but it also prevents pest infestations. Pests love to hide out in long, unkempt grass. By mowing your grass to an appropriate height, you’ll make your lawn much more challenging for pests to settle in. Need help understanding what grass height is ideal for your lawn? Just ask your lawn care expert at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control for guidance.
4. Address Moisture Issues
Most pests thrive in damp, moist areas—that’s why they’re drawn to Florida lawns that are frequently wet. Fix any overflowing gutters and leaky irrigation systems that may be causing moisture to collect in areas of your yard. You should also avoid overwatering your grass.
In the spring, you should water two days per week and between ½-inch and ¾-inch per session. It’s also best to water in the morning so that the grass has time to absorb the moisture before the heat of the day hits.
Learn More: The Ultimate Seasonal Guide to Florida Pests
5. Schedule a Spring Lawn Care Inspection Today
The best way to ensure your Florida lawn stays pest-free this spring—and beyond—is to schedule a spring lawn inspection with the lawn care experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control – Leesburg. We’ll check your grass for pests and fungus conditions, helping you nip any issues in the bud before they become even more challenging to conquer in the summer. Call us today at (407) 880-6655 to schedule your free lawn evaluation!