Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Lawn Pests Can Lead to Hungry Critter Invasion

Suspected skunk damage to lawn due to their feeding on white grubs in the soil


"This looks like predators feeding on the white grubs. Skunks make 2-3 inch diameter holes just through the thatch. A single skunk will make about 100 holes in one night. The raked areas are probably caused by raccoons. They pull back the turf in areas 5 to 18 inches long and about 5-6 inches wide."

"They need to control the white grubs before reseeding or re-sodding because the grubs will kill the new grass. Controlling the white grubs will eliminate the mammal predator problem." - Phil Nixon, U of I Extension Entomologist

Question:  Will the skunks go away after I treat for the grubs?

Answer:  "The skunks have probably been there for years and will continue to be there. They will stop damaging the turf once the grubs are dead. Skunks are usually secretive and nocturnal, so most people don’t see them. Skunks are probably in almost every residential neighborhood in the U.S., along with rabbits, raccoons, and frequently coyotes. Residential neighborhoods provide more diversity of harborage and food than most natural areas, so wildlife numbers in them has been higher than in more rural areas since the 1960’s." - Phil Nixon, U of I Extension Entomologist


Suspected bird damage to lawn due to their feeding on white grubs in the soil

"This photo looks like bird damage. Insectivorous birds such as starlings, blackbirds, robins, cowbirds, and cuckoos will chicken-scratch the turf away to get to the grubs. " - Phil Nixon, U of I Extension Entomologist

5 comments:

  1. Pest Inspectors suggestion is highly important In commercial buildings such as restaurants, hotels and factories, early detection and control of pest problems is crucial, ensuring HACCP compliance and a healthy serving environment is key, so you should ensure regular inspections regardless with Pest Inspectors.

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  2. Thanks for the great information on protecting our lawns from pests. I am having some issues with pests and am trying to get rid of them. I am searching for a houston exterminator. Are there any suggestions?

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  3. Marvelous work pals, I love reading your articles.get rid of pests

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  4. To reduce the grub population, your lawn can be sprayed several times with cedar oil for an organic approach or more traditional products can be applied. One hundred percent control should not be expected since the larger the grub, the harder they are to knock down. Learn more here

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  5. So the presence of a few grubs does not justify treatment. Roll back the sod or scoop a shovel full of soil at the edge of damaged lawn to scout for grubs.Chemical control can be difficult since the insecticides need to be drenched into the soil to reach the grubs. The best time to kill them is when grubs are close to the soil surface and when they are young.lawns.co.uk

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