It’s no secret that bugs and pests love wet lawns. Because of this, you may think watering season automatically means putting up with more bugs. But that doesn’t have to be the case. There are ways to protect your lawn and yourself from pests during watering season. Let’s get to the root of the problem!
First, determine how much water your lawn actually needs during watering season. Over-watering your lawn increases the likelihood that you’ll have pests. Talk to a professional like AWP Services to figure out exactly how much water your grass and plants need. Have them show you the proper setting to use on your sprinkler system or hose, and ask them how many minutes a day your lawn needs watering. Once you get over-watering under control, you might notice your bug problem goes away on its own.
If you’re watering the proper amount and you still have a bug problem, it’s time to go below the surface. Your lawn may have thatch buildup. Insect and pest repellents may not do any good if your lawn has been over-watered in the past. That’s because overwatering “prevents the development of decomposing bacteria needed to break down the thatch and encourages the development of a shallow root system that eventually leads to thatch buildup.
When the thatch layer gets thicker than three-quarters of an inch, it begins to form an impervious layer that restricts the movement of air, water, and nutrients into the soil and root zone.” (Source) This buildup is like an open invitation to pests like pillbugs, fire ants, mosquitoes, and grubs. It’s like a bomb shelter against repellents and insecticides. If you think your lawn may have thatch buildup, contact AWP Services for a free consultation.