Unmasking the Pests That Prey on St. Augustinegrass

St. Augustinegrass is a popular warm-season grass that is known for its dense, lush growth. However, this grass is also susceptible to a number of pests that can cause serious damage. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most common pests of St. Augustinegrass and discuss how to control them.

By understanding the symptoms of these pests and taking steps to control them, you can keep your St. Augustinegrass lawn healthy and looking its best.

Pests can be a real nuisance for any homeowner, and they can be especially damaging to your lawn. St. Augustinegrass is a popular choice for lawns in the southern United States, but it is susceptible to a number of pests that can cause serious damage.

In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most common pests that affect St. Augustinegrass, including chinch bugs, sod webworms, white grubs, mole crickets, armyworms, and cutworms. We will also discuss how to identify these pests and how to control them.

By following the tips in this article, you can keep your St. Augustinegrass lawn healthy and looking its best, pest-free!

Key Insights on St. Augustinegrass Pest Control

Key Insights

1. St. Augustinegrass is susceptible to a number of pests, including chinch bugs, sod webworms, white grubs, mole crickets, armyworms, and cutworms.
2. The symptoms of a pest infestation can include brown patches of grass, wilting or thinning grass, bare spots, and increased thatch buildup.
3. There are a number of ways to control pests in your St. Augustinegrass lawn, including using insecticides, applying beneficial nematodes, and practicing good lawn care.
4. Some tips for preventing pests in your St. Augustinegrass lawn include watering your lawn deeply and infrequently, mowing your lawn at the correct height, fertilizing your lawn according to the soil test results, and aerating your lawn to reduce thatch buildup.
5. It is important to inspect your St. Augustinegrass lawn for pests regularly, especially during the spring and summer months when pests are most active.

1. Chinch Bugs

Chinch bugs are small, black insects that feed on the sap of St. Augustinegrass. They can cause the grass to turn brown and die in patches. Chinch bugs are most active during hot, dry weather. They feed on the grass by inserting their piercing mouthparts into the stems and leaves and sucking out the sap. This feeding can cause the grass to wilt, turn brown, and die.

Chinch bugs are most likely to infest St. Augustinegrass lawns that are stressed due to drought, heat, or poor cultural practices. Lawns that are mowed too short or fertilized too heavily are also more susceptible to chinch bug infestations.

There are a number of things you can do to control chinch bugs in your St. Augustinegrass lawn. These include:

• Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently.
• Mowing your lawn at the correct height.
• Fertilizing your lawn according to the soil test results.
• Applying insecticides to control chinch bugs.

If you suspect that your St. Augustinegrass lawn is infested with chinch bugs, it is important to take steps to control them as soon as possible. Chinch bugs can cause serious damage to your lawn, and they can be difficult to control once they have become established.

Symptoms of Chinch Bug Infestation

The first sign of a chinch bug infestation is often brown patches of grass that are circular or irregular in shape. The grass may also be wilted or have a reddish cast to it. These brown patches are caused by the chinch bugs feeding on the grass and sucking out the sap.

As the infestation progresses, the brown patches will become larger and more numerous. The grass may also start to thin out and die. In severe cases, the entire lawn can be killed.

Other symptoms of a chinch bug infestation include:

• Yellowing or thinning of the grass
• Stunted growth
• Wilting or dying grass
• Bare spots in the lawn
• Increased thatch buildup
• Presence of chinch bugs or their eggs on the grass blades or in the thatch

If you suspect that your St. Augustinegrass lawn is infested with chinch bugs, it is important to take steps to control them as soon as possible. Chinch bugs can cause serious damage to your lawn, and they can be difficult to control once they have become established.

To control chinch bugs, you can use a variety of methods, including:

• Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently.
• Mowing your lawn at the correct height.
• Fertilizing your lawn according to the soil test results.
• Applying insecticides to control chinch bugs.

By following these tips, you can keep your St. Augustinegrass lawn healthy and looking its best, and prevent damage from chinch bugs.

How to Control Chinch Bugs

There are a number of ways to control chinch bugs in your St. Augustinegrass lawn, including:

• Using insecticides. Insecticides are an effective way to control chinch bugs. There are a number of different insecticides available for this purpose, so be sure to read the label carefully before using any product.
• Applying beneficial nematodes. Beneficial nematodes are microscopic worms that feed on chinch bugs. They are a safe and effective way to control chinch bugs without the use of pesticides.
• Practicing good lawn care. Good lawn care practices can help to make your lawn less attractive to chinch bugs. This includes:
  • Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently.
  • Mowing your lawn at the correct height.
  • Fertilizing your lawn according to the soil test results.
  • Aerating your lawn to reduce thatch buildup.

If you have a chinch bug infestation, it is important to take steps to control them as soon as possible. Chinch bugs can cause serious damage to your lawn, and they can be difficult to control once they have become established.

By following these tips, you can keep your St. Augustinegrass lawn healthy and looking its best, and prevent damage from chinch bugs.

2. Sod Webworms

Sod webworms are the larvae of moths that feed on the leaves of St. Augustinegrass. They can cause the grass to turn brown and thin. Sod webworms are most active during the summer months. They feed on the grass by chewing on the leaves, which can cause the grass to turn brown and die.

Sod webworms are most likely to infest St. Augustinegrass lawns that are stressed due to drought, heat, or poor cultural practices. Lawns that are mowed too short or fertilized too heavily are also more susceptible to sod webworm infestations.

There are a number of things you can do to control sod webworms in your St. Augustinegrass lawn. These include:

• Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently.
• Mowing your lawn at the correct height.
• Fertilizing your lawn according to the soil test results.
• Applying insecticides to control sod webworms.

If you suspect that your St. Augustinegrass lawn is infested with sod webworms, it is important to take steps to control them as soon as possible. Sod webworms can cause serious damage to your lawn, and they can be difficult to control once they have become established.

Symptoms of Sod Webworm Infestation

The first sign of a sod webworm infestation is often brown patches of grass that are irregular in shape. The grass may also be wilted or have a chewed appearance. These brown patches are caused by the sod webworms feeding on the grass and chewing on the leaves.

As the infestation progresses, the brown patches will become larger and more numerous. The grass may also start to thin out and die. In severe cases, the entire lawn can be killed.

Other symptoms of a sod webworm infestation include:

• Yellowing or thinning of the grass
• Stunted growth
• Wilting or dying grass
• Bare spots in the lawn
• Increased thatch buildup
• Presence of sod webworms or their eggs on the grass blades or in the thatch

If you suspect that your St. Augustinegrass lawn is infested with sod webworms, it is important to take steps to control them as soon as possible. Sod webworms can cause serious damage to your lawn, and they can be difficult to control once they have become established.

To control sod webworms, you can use a variety of methods, including:

• Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently.
• Mowing your lawn at the correct height.
• Fertilizing your lawn according to the soil test results.
• Applying insecticides to control sod webworms.

By following these tips, you can keep your St. Augustinegrass lawn healthy and looking its best, and prevent damage from sod webworms.

How to Control Sod Webworms

There are a number of ways to control sod webworms in your St. Augustinegrass lawn, including:

• Using insecticides. Insecticides are an effective way to control sod webworms. There are a number of different insecticides available for this purpose, so be sure to read the label carefully before using any product.
• Applying beneficial nematodes. Beneficial nematodes are microscopic worms that feed on sod webworms. They are a safe and effective way to control sod webworms without the use of pesticides.
• Practicing good lawn care. Good lawn care practices can help to make your lawn less attractive to sod webworms. This includes:
  • Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently.
  • Mowing your lawn at the correct height.
  • Fertilizing your lawn according to the soil test results.
  • Aerating your lawn to reduce thatch buildup.

If you have a sod webworm infestation, it is important to take steps to control them as soon as possible. Sod webworms can cause serious damage to your lawn, and they can be difficult to control once they have become established.

By following these tips, you can keep your St. Augustinegrass lawn healthy and looking its best, and prevent damage from sod webworms.

3. White Grubs

White grubs are the larvae of beetles that feed on the roots of St. Augustinegrass. They can cause the grass to turn brown and die in patches. White grubs are most active during the summer months. They feed on the roots of the grass, which can cause the grass to wilt, turn brown, and die.

White grubs are most likely to infest St. Augustinegrass lawns that are stressed due to drought, heat, or poor cultural practices. Lawns that are mowed too short or fertilized too heavily are also more susceptible to white grub infestations.

There are a number of things you can do to control white grubs in your St. Augustinegrass lawn. These include:

• Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently.
• Mowing your lawn at the correct height.
• Fertilizing your lawn according to the soil test results.
• Applying insecticides to control white grubs.

If you suspect that your St. Augustinegrass lawn is infested with white grubs, it is important to take steps to control them as soon as possible. White grubs can cause serious damage to your lawn, and they can be difficult to control once they have become established.

Symptoms of White Grub Infestation

The first sign of a white grub infestation is often brown patches of grass that are circular or irregular in shape. The grass may also be wilted or have a spongy texture. These brown patches are caused by the white grubs feeding on the roots of the grass.

As the infestation progresses, the brown patches will become larger and more numerous. The grass may also start to thin out and die. In severe cases, the entire lawn can be killed.

Other symptoms of a white grub infestation include:

• Yellowing or thinning of the grass
• Stunted growth
• Wilting or dying grass
• Bare spots in the lawn
• Increased thatch buildup
• Presence of white grubs or their eggs in the soil or thatch

If you suspect that your St. Augustinegrass lawn is infested with white grubs, it is important to take steps to control them as soon as possible. White grubs can cause serious damage to your lawn, and they can be difficult to control once they have become established.

To control white grubs, you can use a variety of methods, including:

• Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently.
• Mowing your lawn at the correct height.
• Fertilizing your lawn according to the soil test results.
• Applying insecticides to control white grubs.

By following these tips, you can keep your St. Augustinegrass lawn healthy and looking its best, and prevent damage from white grubs.

How to Control White Grubs

There are a number of ways to control white grubs in your St. Augustinegrass lawn, including:

• Using insecticides. Insecticides are an effective way to control white grubs. There are a number of different insecticides available for this purpose, so be sure to read the label carefully before using any product.
• Applying beneficial nematodes. Beneficial nematodes are microscopic worms that feed on white grubs. They are a safe and effective way to control white grubs without the use of pesticides.
• Practicing good lawn care. Good lawn care practices can help to make your lawn less attractive to white grubs. This includes:
  • Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently.
  • Mowing your lawn at the correct height.
  • Fertilizing your lawn according to the soil test results.
  • Aerating your lawn to reduce thatch buildup.

If you have a white grub infestation, it is important to take steps to control them as soon as possible. White grubs can cause serious damage to your lawn, and they can be difficult to control once they have become established.

By following these tips, you can keep your St. Augustinegrass lawn healthy and looking its best, and prevent damage from white grubs.

4. Mole Crickets

Mole crickets are large, brown insects that feed on the roots and stems of St. Augustinegrass. They can cause the grass to turn brown and die in patches. Mole crickets are most active during the summer months. They feed on the roots and stems of the grass, which can cause the grass to wilt, turn brown, and die.

Mole crickets are most likely to infest St. Augustinegrass lawns that are stressed due to drought, heat, or poor cultural practices. Lawns that are mowed too short or fertilized too heavily are also more susceptible to mole cricket infestations.

There are a number of things you can do to control mole crickets in your St. Augustinegrass lawn. These include:

• Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently.
• Mowing your lawn at the correct height.
• Fertilizing your lawn according to the soil test results.
• Applying insecticides to control mole crickets.

If you suspect that your St. Augustinegrass lawn is infested with mole crickets, it is important to take steps to control them as soon as possible. Mole crickets can cause serious damage to your lawn, and they can be difficult to control once they have become established.

Symptoms of Mole Cricket Infestation

The first sign of a mole cricket infestation is often brown patches of grass that are irregular in shape. The grass may also be wilted or have a chewed appearance. These brown patches are caused by the mole crickets feeding on the roots and stems of the grass.

As the infestation progresses, the brown patches will become larger and more numerous. The grass may also start to thin out and die. In severe cases, the entire lawn can be killed.

Other symptoms of a mole cricket infestation include:

• Yellowing or thinning of the grass
• Stunted growth
• Wilting or dying grass
• Bare spots in the lawn
• Increased thatch buildup
• Presence of mole crickets or their eggs in the soil or thatch

If you suspect that your St. Augustinegrass lawn is infested with mole crickets, it is important to take steps to control them as soon as possible. Mole crickets can cause serious damage to your lawn, and they can be difficult to control once they have become established.

To control mole crickets, you can use a variety of methods, including:

• Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently.
• Mowing your lawn at the correct height.
• Fertilizing your lawn according to the soil test results.
• Applying insecticides to control mole crickets.

By following these tips, you can keep your St. Augustinegrass lawn healthy and looking its best, and prevent damage from mole crickets.

How to Control Mole Crickets

There are a number of ways to control mole crickets in your St. Augustinegrass lawn, including:

• Using insecticides. Insecticides are an effective way to control mole crickets. There are a number of different insecticides available for this purpose, so be sure to read the label carefully before using any product.
• Applying beneficial nematodes. Beneficial nematodes are microscopic worms that feed on mole crickets. They are a safe and effective way to control mole crickets without the use of pesticides.
• Practicing good lawn care. Good lawn care practices can help to make your lawn less attractive to mole crickets. This includes:
  • Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently.
  • Mowing your lawn at the correct height.
  • Fertilizing your lawn according to the soil test results.
  • Aerating your lawn to reduce thatch buildup.

If you have a mole cricket infestation, it is important to take steps to control them as soon as possible. Mole crickets can cause serious damage to your lawn, and they can be difficult to control once they have become established.

By following these tips, you can keep your St. Augustinegrass lawn healthy and looking its best, and prevent damage from mole crickets.

5. Armyworm

Armyworms are the larvae of moths that feed on the leaves of St. Augustinegrass. They can cause the grass to turn brown and thin. Armyworms are most active during the summer months. They feed on the leaves of the grass, which can cause the grass to wilt, turn brown, and die.

Armyworms are most likely to infest St. Augustinegrass lawns that are stressed due to drought, heat, or poor cultural practices. Lawns that are mowed too short or fertilized too heavily are also more susceptible to armyworm infestations.

There are a number of things you can do to control armyworms in your St. Augustinegrass lawn. These include:

• Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently.
• Mowing your lawn at the correct height.
• Fertilizing your lawn according to the soil test results.
• Applying insecticides to control armyworms.

If you suspect that your St. Augustinegrass lawn is infested with armyworms, it is important to take steps to control them as soon as possible. Armyworms can cause serious damage to your lawn, and they can be difficult to control once they have become established.

Symptoms of Armyworm Infestation

The first sign of an armyworm infestation is often brown patches of grass that are irregular in shape. The grass may also be wilted or have a chewed appearance. These brown patches are caused by the armyworms feeding on the leaves of the grass.

As the infestation progresses, the brown patches will become larger and more numerous. The grass may also start to thin out and die. In severe cases, the entire lawn can be killed.

Other symptoms of an armyworm infestation include:

• Yellowing or thinning of the grass
• Stunted growth
• Wilting or dying grass
• Bare spots in the lawn
• Increased thatch buildup
• Presence of armyworms or their eggs on the grass blades or in the thatch

If you suspect that your St. Augustinegrass lawn is infested with armyworms, it is important to take steps to control them as soon as possible. Armyworms can cause serious damage to your lawn, and they can be difficult to control once they have become established.

To control armyworms, you can use a variety of methods, including:

• Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently.
• Mowing your lawn at the correct height.
• Fertilizing your lawn according to the soil test results.
• Applying insecticides to control armyworms.

By following these tips, you can keep your St. Augustinegrass lawn healthy and looking its best, and prevent damage from armyworms.

How to Control Armyworms

There are a number of ways to control armyworms in your St. Augustinegrass lawn, including:

• Using insecticides. Insecticides are an effective way to control armyworms. There are a number of different insecticides available for this purpose, so be sure to read the label carefully before using any product.
• Applying beneficial nematodes. Beneficial nematodes are microscopic worms that feed on armyworms. They are a safe and effective way to control armyworms without the use of pesticides.
• Practicing good lawn care. Good lawn care practices can help to make your lawn less attractive to armyworms. This includes:
  • Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently.
  • Mowing your lawn at the correct height.
  • Fertilizing your lawn according to the soil test results.
  • Aerating your lawn to reduce thatch buildup.

If you have an armyworm infestation, it is important to take steps to control them as soon as possible. Armyworms can cause serious damage to your lawn, and they can be difficult to control once they have become established.

By following these tips, you can keep your St. Augustinegrass lawn healthy and looking its best, and prevent damage from armyworms.

6. Cutworms

Cutworms are the larvae of moths that feed on the stems of St. Augustinegrass. They can cause the grass to break off at the soil line. Cutworms are most active during the spring and fall months. They feed on the stems of the grass, which can cause the grass to wilt, turn brown, and die.

Cutworms are most likely to infest St. Augustinegrass lawns that are stressed due to drought, heat, or poor cultural practices. Lawns that are mowed too short or fertilized too heavily are also more susceptible to cutworm infestations.

There are a number of things you can do to control cutworms in your St. Augustinegrass lawn. These include:

• Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently.
• Mowing your lawn at the correct height.
• Fertilizing your lawn according to the soil test results.
• Applying insecticides to control cutworms.

If you suspect that your St. Augustinegrass lawn is infested with cutworms, it is important to take steps to control them as soon as possible. Cutworms can cause serious damage to your lawn, and they can be difficult to control once they have become established.

Symptoms of Cutworm Infestation

The first sign of a cutworm infestation is often brown patches of grass that are irregular in shape. The grass may also be wilted or have a chewed appearance. These brown patches are caused by the cutworms feeding on the stems of the grass.

As the infestation progresses, the brown patches will become larger and more numerous. The grass may also start to thin out and die. In severe cases, the entire lawn can be killed.

Other symptoms of a cutworm infestation include:

• Yellowing or thinning of the grass
• Stunted growth
• Wilting or dying grass
• Bare spots in the lawn
• Increased thatch buildup
• Presence of cutworms or their eggs on the grass blades or in the thatch

If you suspect that your St. Augustinegrass lawn is infested with cutworms, it is important to take steps to control them as soon as possible. Cutworms can cause serious damage to your lawn, and they can be difficult to control once they have become established.

To control cutworms, you can use a variety of methods, including:

• Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently.
• Mowing your lawn at the correct height.
• Fertilizing your lawn according to the soil test results.
• Applying insecticides to control cutworms.

By following these tips, you can keep your St. Augustinegrass lawn healthy and looking its best, and prevent damage from cutworms.

How to Control Cutworms

There are a number of ways to control cutworms in your St. Augustinegrass lawn, including:

• Using insecticides. Insecticides are an effective way to control cutworms. There are a number of different insecticides available for this purpose, so be sure to read the label carefully before using any product.
• Applying beneficial nematodes. Beneficial nematodes are microscopic worms that feed on cutworms. They are a safe and effective way to control cutworms without the use of pesticides.
• Practicing good lawn care. Good lawn care practices can help to make your lawn less attractive to cutworms. This includes:
  • Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently.
  • Mowing your lawn at the correct height.
  • Fertilizing your lawn according to the soil test results.
  • Aerating your lawn to reduce thatch buildup.

If you have a cutworm infestation, it is important to take steps to control them as soon as possible. Cutworms can cause serious damage to your lawn, and they can be difficult to control once they have become established.

By following these tips, you can keep your St. Augustinegrass lawn healthy and looking its best, and prevent damage from cutworms.

7. Preventing Pests in St. Augustinegrass

There are a number of things you can do to prevent pests from damaging your St. Augustinegrass lawn. These include:

• Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently. This will help to keep your lawn healthy and make it less attractive to pests.
• Mowing your lawn at the correct height. Mowing your lawn too short can stress the grass and make it more susceptible to pests.
• Fertilizing your lawn according to the soil test results. This will help to ensure that your lawn is getting the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and resist pests.
• Aerating your lawn to reduce thatch buildup. Thatch is a layer of dead grass and other organic matter that can build up on the surface of your lawn. Thatch can provide a hiding place for pests and make it difficult for water and nutrients to reach the roots of the grass.
• Inspecting your lawn regularly for pests. This will allow you to catch infestations early and take steps to control them before they cause serious damage.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your St. Augustinegrass lawn healthy and looking its best, and prevent damage from pests.

Practice Good Lawn Care

The best way to prevent pests from damaging your St. Augustinegrass lawn is to practice good lawn care. This includes:

• Mowing the grass regularly. Mowing your lawn at the correct height will help to keep it healthy and make it less attractive to pests.
• Watering the grass deeply and infrequently. Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently will help to encourage deep root growth and make your lawn more resistant to pests.
• Fertilizing the grass according to the soil test results. Fertilizing your lawn according to the soil test results will help to ensure that your lawn is getting the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and resist pests.

Other good lawn care practices that can help to prevent pests include:

• Aerating your lawn to reduce thatch buildup.
• Inspecting your lawn regularly for pests.
• Applying pesticides only when necessary.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your St. Augustinegrass lawn healthy and looking its best, and prevent damage from pests.

Use Beneficial Nematodes

Beneficial nematodes are microscopic worms that feed on pests. They can be applied to your lawn to help control pests without the use of pesticides. Beneficial nematodes are safe for use around people and pets, and they do not harm the environment.

To use beneficial nematodes, simply mix them with water and apply them to your lawn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The nematodes will seek out and feed on pests, helping to control infestations.

Beneficial nematodes are effective against a variety of pests, including:

• Chinch bugs
• Sod webworms
• White grubs
• Mole crickets
• Armyworms
• Cutworms

If you are having problems with pests in your St. Augustinegrass lawn, beneficial nematodes are a safe and effective way to control them.

Here are some tips for using beneficial nematodes:

• Apply beneficial nematodes when the soil temperature is between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Water your lawn deeply before and after applying beneficial nematodes.
• Do not apply beneficial nematodes to a dry lawn.
• Keep your lawn moist for several weeks after applying beneficial nematodes.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your beneficial nematodes are effective in controlling pests in your lawn.

Inspect Your Lawn Regularly

It is important to inspect your lawn regularly for pests. This will allow you to catch infestations early and take steps to control them before they cause serious damage.

Here are some tips for inspecting your lawn for pests:

• Look for brown patches or wilting grass. These can be signs of pests feeding on the roots or leaves of the grass.
• Check the undersides of leaves for insects or eggs.
• Look for webbing or other signs of insect activity.
• Dig up a small section of turf to check for grubs or other soil-dwelling pests.

If you find any pests in your lawn, it is important to identify them and take steps to control them as soon as possible. You can find more information on how to control specific pests in the other sections of this article.

By inspecting your lawn regularly, you can help to keep it healthy and looking its best, and prevent damage from pests.

What are the most common pests that affect St. Augustinegrass lawns?

The most common pests that affect St. Augustinegrass lawns include chinch bugs, sod webworms, white grubs, mole crickets, armyworms, and cutworms.

What are the symptoms of a pest infestation in a St. Augustinegrass lawn?

The symptoms of a pest infestation in a St. Augustinegrass lawn can include brown patches of grass, wilting or thinning grass, bare spots, and increased thatch buildup.

How can I control pests in my St. Augustinegrass lawn?

There are a number of ways to control pests in your St. Augustinegrass lawn, including using insecticides, applying beneficial nematodes, and practicing good lawn care.

What are some tips for preventing pests in my St. Augustinegrass lawn?

Some tips for preventing pests in your St. Augustinegrass lawn include watering your lawn deeply and infrequently, mowing your lawn at the correct height, fertilizing your lawn according to the soil test results, and aerating your lawn to reduce thatch buildup.

How often should I inspect my St. Augustinegrass lawn for pests?

You should inspect your St. Augustinegrass lawn for pests regularly, especially during the spring and summer months when pests are most active.

Table of Key Insights

Key Insights on St. Augustinegrass Pest Control

| Key Insight | Description | |—|—| | St. Augustinegrass is susceptible to a number of pests. | These pests can cause serious damage to your lawn if they are not controlled. | | The symptoms of a pest infestation can include brown patches of grass, wilting or thinning grass, bare spots, and increased thatch buildup. | If you see any of these symptoms, it is important to take steps to control the pests. | | There are a number of ways to control pests in your St. Augustinegrass lawn. | These methods include using insecticides, applying beneficial nematodes, and practicing good lawn care. | | Some tips for preventing pests in your St. Augustinegrass lawn include watering your lawn deeply and infrequently, mowing your lawn at the correct height, fertilizing your lawn according to the soil test results, and aerating your lawn to reduce thatch buildup. | By following these tips, you can help to keep your lawn healthy and looking its best. | | It is important to inspect your St. Augustinegrass lawn for pests regularly. | This will allow you to catch infestations early and take steps to control them before they cause serious damage. |