As the leaves begin to change color and the temperatures drop, homeowners in Minnesota often turn their attention to preparing their lawns for the winter months ahead. While fall is a beautiful season, it’s also a time when certain pests become more active, threatening the health and appearance of your lawn. At Supreme Lawn & Landscaping, we understand how frustrating these pests can be and are here to help you protect your lawn during this critical time of year. Let’s explore some of the most common fall pests in Minnesota and how you can keep them from damaging your lawn.
1. Grubs
Grubs are one of the most destructive pests in Minnesota lawns, especially during the fall. These small, white larvae of beetles (such as Japanese beetles or June bugs) feed on the roots of your grass, causing large patches of dead or dying turf.
Signs of grub damage include spongy patches of grass that easily pull away from the soil. Additionally, birds, raccoons, and skunks digging in your lawn might indicate a grub infestation, as these animals search for an easy meal.
How to Protect Your Lawn from Grubs:
- Apply grub control treatments in late summer or early fall, when the grubs are still small and actively feeding.
- Aerate your lawn to reduce soil compaction and improve drainage, which makes your lawn less attractive to adult beetles.
- Water properly, but avoid overwatering, as grubs thrive in moist, overwatered lawns.
2. Chinch Bugs
Chinch bugs are tiny insects that cause significant damage to lawns by sucking the juices from grass blades and injecting a toxin that causes the grass to wilt and die. These pests are particularly active in the late summer and fall and can quickly create brown, dry patches in your lawn.
How to Protect Your Lawn from Chinch Bugs:
- Keep your lawn well-watered to prevent drought stress, as chinch bugs tend to target lawns that are dry and stressed.
- Mow your lawn regularly and avoid cutting the grass too short, as taller grass helps reduce chinch bug populations by providing better shade and moisture retention.
- Use insecticides labeled for chinch bug control if you notice significant infestations.
3. Sod Webworms
Sod webworms are the larvae of lawn moths, and they can cause visible damage to your lawn in the fall. These pests feed on grass blades at night, creating small, irregular patches of brown or dead grass. As they grow, sod webworms can cause extensive damage if left unchecked.
How to Protect Your Lawn from Sod Webworms:
- Mow your lawn regularly to disrupt the larvae’s feeding patterns and remove grass clippings that can harbor these pests.
- Use a lawn insecticide specifically designed for sod webworm control if damage becomes widespread.
- Water your lawn deeply, as a healthy, well-watered lawn is better able to withstand pest damage.
4. Moles and Voles
While not insects, moles and voles can be serious nuisances for Minnesota lawns in the fall. Moles dig tunnels through your lawn as they search for grubs and other insects, while voles create surface runways and feed on grass roots.
How to Protect Your Lawn from Moles and Voles:
- Manage grubs and insects, as these pests are often attracted to lawns with high insect populations.
- Install physical barriers like wire mesh around plants and garden beds to deter voles.
- Use repellents or traps specifically designed for moles and voles if their activity becomes a serious problem.
Fall pests can wreak havoc on your Minnesota lawn if left untreated, but with the right approach, you can protect your grass and ensure it stays healthy through the season. Regular lawn maintenance, proper watering, and targeted pest control treatments can go a long way in keeping these pests at bay. At Supreme Lawn & Landscaping, we offer expert lawn care services designed to help you maintain a pest-free, thriving lawn all year long.
Contact us today to schedule your fall lawn care service and protect your yard from unwanted pests this season. Let Supreme Lawn & Landscaping keep your lawn looking its best, no matter the season!
