| TURF & INSECTS BROCHURE |  |
 |
How many insects are too many?
When insects are seen in turfgrass sods, it is important to properly identify the species present as the level of tolerence is different for each pest. For example,
leatherjackets are common but many can be tolerated by an otherwise healthy lawn. An example of insect that are indicators of healthy soil are the very small soil- inhabiting organisms called springtails. These insects can, and should, be present in the thousands. Beneficial insects, like ground beetles, are fast moving insects that can also be numerous
What can the homeowner do to help keep their turfgrass lawn healthy?
The prime factor leading to pest insect populations causing damage is stress. To reduce turfgrass stress, follow good management practices such as:
- » Limit heavy foot traffic causing soil compaction
- » Annually balance soil pH and maintain soil fertility levels
- » Irrigate as needed to avoid drought condition
- » Ensure a good base of quality topsoil is used under the turfgrass
- » Use sharp blades and raise the mowing height in the summer
- » Regularly aerate your turfgrass
Some common insects & other organisms of turfgrass sod
The following insects are often present in healthy turfgrass sods. The threshold numbers associated with each insect indicate when control action may be warranted. Thresholds are useful to provide a relative sense of how many of each kind of insect you may see in healthy turfgrass sods and lawns.
Wireworms
The immature stage of a click beetle is called a wireworm.
Wireworms can be common in the root zone of turfgrass.
They are shiny, slender and hard-bodied, and feed on
grass roots and underground stems.
Leatherjackets
Leatherjackets are the larval stage of the common European
crane fly. The larva is legless, greenish-gray brown, with a
tough leathery skin. Leatherjackets can be numerous in May
and June, but they stop feeding about mid-June. Adult crane
flies resemble large mosquitoes and emerge later in the
summer. Large numbers of crane flies do not necessarily
result in an infestation of leatherjackets since both stages
are important food sources for other insects and animals.
Chinch Bugs
Chinch bugs are common in Nova Scotia and can cause
substantial damage to furfgrass and lawns. The immature
stages are present in June followed by the adult stage in
July/August. Turfgrass sod on sandy soil and on south
facing slopes is more prone to drought stress and
chinch bug damage. To reduce damage keep turf
thoroughly watered.
White Grubs
There are several species of beetles that have a larva
stage commonly called a “white grub”. There are large
and small species. The grubs feed on the roots
of turfgrass. They are slow moving and are typically
found in a “C” position in the root zone of turfgrass.
Proper identification requires microscopic examination.
White grubs have many natural enemies including viruses,
fungi, birds, and skunks.
Other Common Turfgrass Organisms
Other organisms that can be found in turfgrass sod include: earthworms, spiders, some beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, ticks, fleas, sod webworm, springtails, earwigs, millipedes, centipedes, sowbugs, slugs, and snails. Turfgrass sod is commonly use to create green spaces, home lawns, and sports field surfaces in Atlantic Canada. Turfgrass sod gives an instant high quality, healthy lawn. Environmentally-friendly turfgrass sod production ensures a safe, healthy product that is habitat to a balanced diversity of organisms. To increase customer awareness of the inhabitants of turfgrass, the following information is provided.
Healthy turfgrass lawns need insects and living organisms
Healthy turfgrass so is a natural ecosystem that contains a balanced diversity of insects and living organisms. Most of the organisms creating this diversity are beneficial or do not harm turfgrass. However, some insects and other organisms do have the potential to damage lawns if the population exceed certain limits. Beneficial insects can help maintain the balance. However, they work best if good turfgrass management practices are followed.
Too few insects can be a warning!
Improper or unnecessary use of pesticides may cause more harm than good by disrupting the natural balance of organisms in the lawn. If sod is devoid of living organisms it is a perfect situation for pest organisms to move in unrestricted by natural enemies.
