Keeping your lawn healthy in Saskatoon isn’t always easy, especially when pests start to take over. From brown patches to chewed-up grass, these tiny invaders can cause big problems fast.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common lawn pests in Saskatoon, what signs to watch for, and how to deal with them before they get out of hand.
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Challenges Lawn Pests Cause
Lawn pests are more than just an eyesore, they can cause serious damage to your yard if left unchecked. From thinning grass to unhealthy soil, these unwanted visitors can quickly undo all your hard work. Understanding the specific problems they create is the first step in protecting your lawn.
Patchy or Dead Grass
Many pests feed on grass roots or blades, leading to brown, thinning, or bare patches. This damage weakens your lawn's overall structure and appearance, making it harder for healthy grass to grow back evenly.
Increased Weed Growth
When pests destroy healthy grass, they leave behind open spaces where weeds can quickly take over. Without strong turf to compete with, invasive plants have an easy time spreading and choking out your lawn.
Soil Damage
Some pests, like grubs and insects that burrow underground, disturb the soil as they move. This reduces soil quality, disrupts root systems, and can make it difficult for grass to absorb water and nutrients.
Attraction of Other Wildlife
Pest activity in your lawn can attract animals like birds, skunks, or raccoons, which dig up your yard in search of food. This creates even more damage and mess, making the problem worse.
Stress on Your Lawn
Even if the damage is not immediately visible, pest infestations stress your grass over time. A stressed lawn becomes more vulnerable to drought, disease, and extreme weather, which can lead to long-term decline.
Most Common Types of Lawn Pests in Saskatoon
In Saskatoon, lawns face a variety of pests, each with its own way of causing harm. Knowing which pests are most likely to invade your yard is key to early identification and effective treatment. Let’s explore the most common lawn pests in the region and what makes them a threat.
Grubs
Grubs are the larvae of certain beetles, including Japanese beetles and June bugs. These pests feed on the roots of your grass, weakening the turf and making it easy for other issues, like drought, to cause further damage. You can identify grub damage by the characteristic brown patches that can be easily lifted from the soil, as the roots underneath are often chewed through. If you notice animals, like birds or raccoons, digging up your lawn, it’s a sign that grubs may be present.
Chinch Bugs
Chinch bugs are tiny insects that suck the nutrients from grass blades, causing them to yellow and die. The damage often appears as irregular patches of yellow or brown grass. Identifying chinch bugs can be tricky as they are small and often hidden in the grass. However, a simple test is to place a can or container over the affected area, fill it with water, and wait—chinches will float to the surface. Their presence is a clear indicator of damage.
Sod Webworms
Sod webworms are the larvae of small moths that feed on the blades of grass, causing thin, ragged patches. These pests are typically active in the warmer months and can be recognized by the small circular spots of dead grass. Webbing may also be visible near these areas, which is where the larvae have been hiding. When disturbed, the larvae often retreat into the soil, making early identification difficult.
Ants
While ants don’t directly feed on grass, their mounds can cause damage by disrupting soil structure and making the ground less stable for grass roots. They can also attract other pests that feed on grass. Ant mounds appear as small, raised dirt piles throughout your lawn. In large infestations, ants can also damage grass by building extensive tunnel networks, which can cause further lawn instability.
Flea Beetles
Flea beetles are tiny, jumping insects that feed on both the roots and leaves of plants, including grass. Their feeding creates tiny, irregular holes in the blades of grass, which can quickly lead to yellowing and dying patches. Flea beetles are notorious for spreading plant diseases as they move from one area to another. These pests are small, about the size of a grain of pepper, and you may notice them jumping away when you disturb the grass.
How to Get Rid of Pests
Getting rid of lawn pests requires a mix of proper maintenance, timely treatments, and expert support. Whether you're dealing with minor signs or a full-blown infestation, the right approach can help restore your lawn and prevent future issues. Here are three effective strategies to tackle pests in Saskatoon yards.
Improve Lawn Care Habits
A healthy lawn is naturally more resistant to pests. By strengthening your grass and improving soil conditions, you can make your yard less attractive to invaders and help it recover faster from damage.
- Mow your lawn regularly at the recommended height to reduce stress on the grass.
- Water early in the morning and only when needed to avoid overwatering
- Aerate the soil and remove excess thatch to improve airflow and drainage
Use Safe Pest Control Products
For active infestations, pest control products can help reduce and eliminate harmful bugs. It’s important to choose the right product and apply it correctly to avoid damaging your lawn or harming the environment.
- Identify the pest before selecting a treatment to ensure it targets the right species.
- Apply products during the pest’s most vulnerable life stage for better results.
- Always read and follow the label instructions to ensure safe and effective use.
Hire a Professional Lawn Care Service
When pests get out of hand or keep coming back, it’s time to call in the experts. Professional lawn care services have the tools, experience, and treatments needed to handle stubborn infestations.
- Book a professional lawn assessment to determine the exact problem and solution.
- Let trained technicians apply commercial-grade products safely and thoroughly.
- Ask about seasonal pest control plans to keep your lawn protected year-round.
Say Goodbye to Lawn Pests: We’ve Got You Covered
Dealing with pests can be frustrating, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. At Yard Dawgs, we know exactly how to identify and treat the most common lawn pests in Saskatoon. Our team is ready to restore your lawn’s health and keep it looking its best all season long. Let us handle the pests so you can enjoy your yard again.
