Lawn Pest Prevention Tips for Summer
Keep Your Yard Healthy, Green, and Bug-Free in Jacksonville, FL
Summer in Florida is peak season for lawn pests. The heat and humidity create the perfect conditions for insects to thrive—and your grass is often their favorite target. At Happy Lawns, we've seen firsthand how damaging summer pests can be. That's why we're sharing these proven tips to help you prevent infestations before they start.
1. Know the Common Summer Lawn Pests
Understanding which pests are most active in summer helps you spot issues early. In the Jacksonville area, watch out for:
- Chinch Bugs – These tiny bugs suck the sap from St. Augustine grass, causing yellow patches that spread quickly.
- Armyworms – Caterpillars that chew through blades of grass, leaving brown, ragged lawns.
- Mole Crickets – They tunnel beneath the surface, uprooting your lawn and attracting other predators.
- Fire Ants – Painful bites and unsightly mounds that make yard time miserable.
- Grubs – Beetle larvae that eat grass roots and cause widespread dead spots.
2. Keep Your Lawn Healthy
A strong, well-maintained lawn is your best natural defense against pests. Here’s how:
- Mow at the Right Height
- Avoid cutting grass too short. For St. Augustine grass, 3.5–4 inches is ideal.
- Water Deeply, Not Daily
- Overwatering can attract pests. Water 2–3 times per week early in the morning.
- Fertilize Smart
- Apply the right balance of nutrients to promote thick, pest-resistant turf. (Ask us about our fertilization program!)
3. Inspect Regularly for Signs of Damage
Walk your lawn weekly and look for:
- Yellowing or browning patches
- Thinning or spongy areas
- Chewed or jagged grass blades
- Insect activity around the soil surface
- The sooner you spot the problem, the easier it is to control.
4. Apply Preventative Treatments
At Happy Lawns, we recommend seasonal pest prevention treatments before problems arise. Our summer pest control includes:
- Targeted insecticide treatments
- Fire ant suppression
- Grub and chinch bug control
- Environmentally responsible application
- These treatments are safe for pets and kids once dry, and they protect your investment in a beautiful yard.
5. Reduce Pest-Friendly Conditions
Make your yard less appealing to insects by:
- Removing piles of leaves or lawn debris
- Trimming bushes away from your home
- Keeping sprinkler heads adjusted to avoid overwatering
- Aerating compacted soil to improve drainage
Let Happy Lawns Handle the Hard Work
Preventing summer lawn pests in Florida doesn't have to be a constant battle. Our local lawn care experts know how to keep your grass green and healthy all season long—without the stress.
Call (904) 721-0182 or Request a Free Quote to learn more about our summer pest prevention services.
Tags: Lawn Pest Control, Chinch Bugs, Jacksonville Lawn Care, Summer Lawn Tips, St. Augustine Grass, Grub Control