![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/fire-ant-usda-free.jpg\")
Photo credit: Thompson Rivers on Visual Hunt / CC BY-NC-SA Those summertime pests are back. Is there anything that bugs you more? They get under our skin, our clothing and gardens. Here’s a list of the pests that bug us in San Antonio and some tips on getting rid of them before they make your […]
\n","content":"\nPhoto credit: Thompson Rivers on Visual Hunt / CC BY-NC-SA
\n\n\n\nThose summertime pests are back. Is there anything that bugs you more? They get under our skin, our clothing and gardens. Here’s a list of the pests that bug us in San Antonio and some tips on getting rid of them before they make your home their permanent home.
\n\n\n\nThese tiny creatures are easy to miss, especially if you’re not watching where you’re walking. Take a step in one of their piles, and you’ll be wishing you paid more attention. They bite and follow up with a sting. They feed on plants and seeds but sometimes attack small animals. They can also climb inside machinery, costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. Making matters worse, they’re extremely resilient and can survive cold weather and even floods. (Millions survive hurricane Harvey by clumping together!) Leave enough food lying around, and they’ll make their way inside your home.
\n\n\n\nIt’s easier to prevent a fire ant infestation that to kill them once they’ve made themselves at home. Spread fire ant bait in your backyard in the spring, before the ants form new colonies. You’ll need to do it again in the fall. During the summer, sprinkle the bait three to four feet around each ant mound.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/A9EIztBiu9CDdXAYjzqwm_R3bwQpukvB_BUariKqtFv8lDbt3rC1qVL3fXdnJ-XKsNI-5efuUTDsSeokHQ3sRyJoR43xi4muM8VtCg5ywnqwBEbpY5tIxCYeXswH04BGKbr7H1lV\")
There are plenty of spiders in Texas, but few are as scary as the Black Widow. The females are the most dangerous and easy to spot. They’re black, about an inch and a half long and have a distinctive hourglass, red mark on their backs. Their venom is 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake’s, according to National Geographic. Fatal bites are rare, but you’ll need to get medical help immediately to avoid extreme discomfort if you’re bitten.
\n\n\n\nSince black widows are nocturnal, it’s best to hunt for their webs during the day. They usually build their webs in dark corners or wood piles where they’re hard to spot. Spray the webs with a liquid insecticide, and it will kill the spiders on contact and prevent new spiders . from moving in. If you have a wood pile, the best thing you can do is constantly rotate the logs. Black widows search for undisturbed places to nest.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/j-XNVCL0zt-BDj8CzJzdbkmUtfe2ygdnFL8HM8kVDNwpIjfWN83Wxda1PYe06UpeI0zIR0BzF3IQCr_y9JR-LUs3beyIJSAGVzyga9WqvCHDo8S6dw4bLtzzQzUWTPJRDkks7PB8\")
Texas is home to 18 species of scorpions. The most common in San Antonio and New Braunfels is the striped bark scorpion. These yellowish-tan creatures with two dark stripes down their back are easy to spot. Like us, scorpions are looking for a cool place to spend the summer. You’ll find them hiding under rocks, logs, landscaping materials, and in dark corners of your home during the day. Like the black widow, they come out at night searching for food. Their stings are rarely deadly, but they are painful and can cause muscle spasms and burning sensations.
\n\n\n\nThe best ways to control them is to keep firewood away from your house and prune trees or shrubs that hang over your house. Keep your grass closely mowed, so they have no place to hide. Spray an insecticide containing permethrin around the perimeter and foundation of your home. Make sure you hit the gutters and any cracks where the critters can hide. And finally, fill all weep holes with steel wool.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/aWiS2v5mD3la9YhLoy6kou_HsLoM0_8llL75EWgQplGWluZXM0D_uJ7cmXeD1Q7697UHdRMMyyckKgtEZG8XP9gMIaIsxCrUj5r4hDCd_NnDU9oKBRAdmQwiXZyDELX2PSbR-rXr\")
The name speaks for itself. Get bitten by one of these critters, and you’ll be dealing with a blister or several. Not only can they be harmful to your skin, but their toxin can be fatal to animals and small children when swallowed. More than 100 species exist in Texas, chewing their way through our vegetable and flower gardens. Though their color varies, the most-common ones found in Texas are black and orangish-yellow with three black stripes.
\n\n\n\nWhile it’s tough to completely rid your garden of blister beetles, it’s possible to limit the damage to your plants. Wearing gloves (always!) brush the beetles off your plants into a bucket of soapy water. Shake the plant and watch the beetles fall in the dirt and play dead. Then pick them up and drop them in the bucket. You can spread oyster shell lime around the edge of your garden. It will repel them, but it won’t kill them.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1858/42427615240_2b10b8b18d_b.jpg\")
Like the black widow, a brown recluse’s venomous bite can be harmful. And it could take several hours to notice the symptoms. Good news: you’re unlikely to run into them because, like their name, they are shy and try to avoid humans at all costs.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wa9BQNNN97lupuxdZMENNRHJsQTIGqmk2yacbOY7p7RhuAIVzAlP7zLEIo83ucVG-OAkUfoE2RilkJoK9mN9dR_yrwMGW45InfMC8OD1LmtbslLnaZV2xZo7XOU2sY8jA7t2nhwb\")
Photo credit: Dis da fi we
\n\n\n\nA bite from one of these tiny insects can make you extremely ill. The average size of an adult is slightly larger than a penny but beware of its bite. Some may be infected with a parasite that carries Chagas disease and can leave you with fever-like symptoms, rashes, and a loss of appetite.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ZCq76MM2IYpXamdSEAkQtuY0wkC9U5BjWnPV8txzuwetlGtsVCpu5640XNgLUKL7dZo9pdJFigQne5v6dwyLqRxfSbLwyRN49uaaciuAZkZxzgSeaOmruEeiSuqUuOngQAcjRpsa\")
Aedes aegypti mosquito
\n\n\n\nThese bloodsuckers are more than just a nuisance. They’re actually the deadliest creature on the planet, blamed for malaria, zika, dengue fever, encephalitis, and other fatal illnesses. Whether it’s the high-pitched buzz or their sneaky bites, these bugs really bug us and can have you itching for days and sometimes even weeks. There’s plenty to love about Texas, but this just isn’t one of them.
\n\n\n\nOne study published in 2017 named one mosquito species, the Aedes aegypti, as the most common in San Antonio and Bexar County, found in 35% of the traps the scientists laid. But there were a total of 35 different varieties.
\n\n\n\nConsider spraying your home and yard for bugs every three months. You want to kill the bugs and the eggs they leave behind. If you prefer to go organic, you can make your own insecticide with soap, neem oil or vinegar. These potions will kill the bugs without killing the earth.
\n\n\n\nIf you decide to go with a professional, most exterminators will offer organic options. Keep in mind an exterminator isn’t a one-time option. You should have a treatment every three months.
\n\n\n\nYou can also plant pest repelling flowers such as lavender, marigolds, petunias, and citronella. Their scent really bugs the bugs.
\n\n\n\nWe may not be able to get rid of all the bugs. Let’s face it, most of them would probably survive a nuclear war! But you can make it tough on them to make themselves at home at your home. Remember puddles and standing water are an open invitation to mosquitoes and many other critters looking to breed. We want our yards to be bird and bee friendly … but we want to get rid of the pests that are out for blood.
\n","title":"The Worst Pests in San Antonio and How to Get Rid of Them","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":2.4752475247524752,"src":"/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/1789c/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/107df/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg 320w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/293e9/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg 500w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/f2cbb/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg 800w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/1789c/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg 960w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/f605f/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg 1000w","srcWebp":"/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/1dd6e/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/67b76/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp 320w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/8df11/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp 500w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/98a65/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp 800w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/1dd6e/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp 960w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/23e94/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp 1000w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Worst Pests in San Antonio and How to Get Rid of Them | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"3b863141-43e2-5ab9-9929-f6ed95cfefb6","slug":"atlanta-watering-restrictions","path":"/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/atlanta-watering-restrictions/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f552cb4e-e448-57f4-a5a4-d001c98833f6","name":"Atlanta","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/"},{"id":"e4b1764d-a5cd-56e1-942a-7fc609f1b8e9","name":"Georgia","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"June 27th, 2019","excerpt":"Georgia is one of the lucky ones when it comes to water. The Peach State gets about 50 inches of rain a year. While we may struggle with the humidity in the thick of summer, we don’t exactly lack for water when it comes to our yards. That said, watering your yard is not a […]
\n","content":"\nGeorgia is one of the lucky ones when it comes to water. The Peach State gets about 50 inches of rain a year. While we may struggle with the humidity in the thick of summer, we don’t exactly lack for water when it comes to our yards.
\n\n\n\nThat said, watering your yard is not a free-for-all, and Atlanta has some watering restrictions.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/yBQEGnsyyXpr5ndCbY5R2MyEGYxUmduJNqj-NjOIYUoyX4oPaWGs28zMu8glnjCvIA1ZDHEakTYLebxMnXIOAiyIaqRRIIHmLfVgMT6ZZ_9qHGv35-z5tAwKMjh3nKCjj_AIgNxH\")
The City of Atlanta is currently on a nondrought watering schedule, so the toughest restriction right now is a ban on watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Watering in the heat of the day means a lot of water lost to evaporation. It’s also not good for your grass, encouraging fungus problems and stressing the blades. If you’ve got a timer on your irrigation system, set it to go off at 5 a.m.
\n\n\n\nThis is where it gets a little complicated. There are some very specific exceptions to the watering restrictions. In some cases, you can water between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Those exceptions include:
\n\n\n\nThe city also allows drip irrigation and hand watering any time. It’s also okay o reuse household grey water and reclaimed wastewater at any time. Basically, if you’re a property owner watering the regular old grass, don’t do it during the hottest hours of the day. Everybody else can generally go about their business without worrying about it.
\n\n\n\nGeorgia was in an extreme drought as recently as 2016. That’s when the state Environmental Protection Division imposed mandatory water restrictions on 52 counties, including metro Atlanta. You may remember watering was restricted to two times a week during the drought. Those restrictions were lifted on a county-by-county basis in 2017 and the early months of 2018. The EPD officially lifted the last of the drought restrictions in March of 2018. But the nondrought restrictions barring homeowners from watering the lawn between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. are still in effect.
\n\n\n\nDrought has played a major role in Georgia history. The Drought of 1924 devastated the state’s agricultural economy leading up to the Great Depression. The dry period made the 1930s even harder for many Georgians who struggled to survive in that era. The U.S. Drought Monitor came into play in 2000, and in 2006, one of the longest droughts in recent history hit, lasting for more than three years. At its worst, the week of Christmas 2007, about half of the state was in extreme drought.
\n\n\n\nGeorgia is a state usually blessed with water, from the amount of rainfall to the Chattahoochee and Chestatee Rivers and all the lakes. That abundance is reflected in the laxity of local watering rules when there is no drought. The daytime watering restrictions in Atlanta will stop you from wasting water and keep your lawn and flowers healthy. Watering early in the morning keeps the plants free from fungus and other stresses that could make them vulnerable to disease and pests.
\n\n\n\nDo you have questions about lawn or garden care? Please visit our Atlanta, GA lawn care page for more information.
\n","title":"Atlanta Watering Restrictions","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/2fc97daadd793889246e09205f1e2995/1789c/rsz_sprinkler.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2fc97daadd793889246e09205f1e2995/107df/rsz_sprinkler.jpg 320w,\n/static/2fc97daadd793889246e09205f1e2995/293e9/rsz_sprinkler.jpg 500w,\n/static/2fc97daadd793889246e09205f1e2995/f2cbb/rsz_sprinkler.jpg 800w,\n/static/2fc97daadd793889246e09205f1e2995/1789c/rsz_sprinkler.jpg 960w,\n/static/2fc97daadd793889246e09205f1e2995/356ef/rsz_sprinkler.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/2fc97daadd793889246e09205f1e2995/1dd6e/rsz_sprinkler.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2fc97daadd793889246e09205f1e2995/67b76/rsz_sprinkler.webp 320w,\n/static/2fc97daadd793889246e09205f1e2995/8df11/rsz_sprinkler.webp 500w,\n/static/2fc97daadd793889246e09205f1e2995/98a65/rsz_sprinkler.webp 800w,\n/static/2fc97daadd793889246e09205f1e2995/1dd6e/rsz_sprinkler.webp 960w,\n/static/2fc97daadd793889246e09205f1e2995/93f70/rsz_sprinkler.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Atlanta Watering Restrictions | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"aaa012bd-ce4d-532f-96f9-159eae33b1b8","slug":"worst-atlanta-georgia-bugs","path":"/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/worst-atlanta-georgia-bugs/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"After discovering her passion for writing through her beauty blog, Melanie left her engineering job in California, became a freelance writer, and never once looked back. She loves nature and enjoys going on road trips with her husband and their two sons.","name":"Melanie Joseph","id":"f86bf815-f27c-5928-b67e-d3481c2d1e0a","path":"/author/melanie-joseph/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da91467d5e58d9fc8f1f730b09830569?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f552cb4e-e448-57f4-a5a4-d001c98833f6","name":"Atlanta","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/"},{"id":"e4b1764d-a5cd-56e1-942a-7fc609f1b8e9","name":"Georgia","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"84a346a7-9ce4-5d70-a95f-abcea3779ced","name":"Pests and Diseases","count":10,"path":"/category/pests-and-diseases/"}],"date":"June 25th, 2019","excerpt":"Atlanta, known for its mild winters and humid summers, has a diverse ecosystem. But this also means that the city is home to a variety of bugs that can be a nuisance to homeowners. In fact, it’s the second “buggiest” city in the country, according to a recent study. From armyworms to white grubs, these […]
\n","content":"\nAtlanta, known for its mild winters and humid summers, has a diverse ecosystem. But this also means that the city is home to a variety of bugs that can be a nuisance to homeowners. In fact, it’s the second “buggiest” city in the country, according to a recent study. From armyworms to white grubs, these lawn pests can invade yards and cause discomfort and health hazards.
\n\n\n\nKnow how to deal with these pesky insects to keep your home and family safe. Take a closer look at the top 9 worst bugs for Atlanta lawns and learn tips on how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will cover:
\n\n\n\nMaintaining a lush, healthy lawn is a point of pride for many Atlanta homeowners. But the presence of bugs can quickly ruin your lawn’s appearance and damage its overall health. From destructive pests that eat away at your grass to disease-carrying insects that threaten both your lawn and your family’s well-being, the negative effects of bugs on your lawn cannot be overlooked.
\n\n\n\nHere are some of the reasons why bugs are bad for your Atlanta lawn:
\n\n\n\nA vibrant, pest-free lawn is essential to the beauty and enjoyment of your Atlanta property. However, with the warm and humid climate of the region comes a variety of bugs that can wreak havoc on your lawn’s health and appearance. Fortunately, there are two different ways of controlling bugs on your Atlanta lawn: organic methods and chemical treatments.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a natural, chemical-free way to control bugs on your green lawn, several organic treatment options can effectively keep lawn pests at bay. Some of the most popular options that help control bugs without posing a risk to human and environmental health include:
\n\n\n\nWhile organic treatments are a great option for homeowners who prefer natural pest control methods, sometimes a more aggressive approach is necessary. Chemical treatments can effectively control pests, but you must use them carefully to avoid harming the environment or beneficial insects. Here are some common chemical treatments used for pest control:
\n\n\n\n![\"fall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/28051594681_10f79b96b7_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: K-State Research and Extension / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
One of the worst bugs in the greater Atlanta area, armyworms cause significant damage to green lawns and fields. With their voracious appetites and ability to reproduce rapidly, armyworms can quickly decimate large areas of your lawn.
\n\n\n\nSigns they are in your lawn include areas of dead grass that appear brown or yellow and have been chewed down to the nub. These patches may appear quickly and grow larger over time. You also may see clusters of small, greenish-brown caterpillars congregating in patches of grass. Birds also start flocking to your property, as they are attracted to the armyworms as a food source.
\n\n\n\nTo get rid of armyworms from your lawn, you can use chemical insecticides specifically designed to target these pests. Some effective options include pesticides containing pyrethroids or carbaryl. Remember to follow the instructions on the label carefully, as these chemicals can be harmful to humans, pets, beneficial insects, and other wildlife.
\n\n\n\nPreventing armyworms involves keeping lawns well-maintained and avoiding overfertilization.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Caterpillar
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Grasses, including bermudagrass, perennial ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate – while they don’t bite or transmit diseases, armyworms can quickly decimate large areas of vegetation and cause significant economic and environmental damage
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Repellent and non-repellent pesticides, professional pest control services, or biological controls like nematodes or parasitic wasps
\n\n\n\n![\"close-up](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/11212516326_eefa4aef17_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fyn Kynd / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhat are Billbugs?
\n\n\n\nDifficult to get rid of, billbugs can cause extensive damage to lawns, golf courses, sod fields, pastures, and other grassy areas in Atlanta. These small, beetle-like insects that can devastate grassroots and leave unsightly brown patches on once-lush lawns have the following characteristics:
\n\n\n\nIf you see signs of wilting or discoloration in your lawn, there’s a good chance billbugs are the culprit. You also may notice billbug larvae in the soil or on the surface of your lawn. Additionally, adult billbugs may be visible crawling on the grass blades.
\n\n\n\nGet rid of billbugs from your lawn by applying a pesticide specifically designed for these pests. You should keep your lawn healthy and mow it to the appropriate height.
\n\n\n\nMaintain healthy soil conditions, including proper drainage and aeration. Additionally, you can use insect-resistant grass varieties and avoid overfertilizing your lawn, as this can attract billbugs.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Beetle
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Prefer to feed on warm-season grasses like bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and St. Augustinegrass
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate – billbugs do not transmit diseases to humans or pets, but their larvae can cause damage to lawns and grassy areas
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Repellent and non-repellent pesticides can be used to control billbugs, but it’s important to follow the label instructions carefully and avoid overuse. In severe cases, professional pest control services may be necessary to eliminate the infestation.
\n\n\n\n![\"Hairy](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Hairy_Chinch_Bug_-_Blissus_leucopteru_50594763067.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Christina Butler / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWhat are Chinch Bugs?
\n\n\n\nOne of the most dreaded pests, these tiny bugs are responsible for causing massive damage to lawns by sucking the juices out of grass blades. Particularly worrisome in Atlanta due to the city’s hot and humid climate, chinch bugs have the following characteristics:
\n\n\n\nIf you notice certain areas of your lawn are turning yellow, it’s possible chinch bugs are to blame. These yellow or brown patches do not recover with watering.
\n\n\n\nYou also may notice chinch bug nymphs and adults on the grass blades, soil surface, or in thatch. Try to inspect your lawn by parting the grass blades and looking for these tiny insects. Another way to check for chinch bugs is to use the coffee can method.
\n\n\n\nTo get rid of chinch bugs from your lawn, you can try applying a pesticide specifically designed for these pests. You should keep your lawn healthy by watering it regularly and mowing it to the appropriate height.
\n\n\n\nTake steps to create an environment that is less hospitable to these pests. Ensure your soil has adequate drainage and is properly aerated. You can opt for grass varieties that are not prone to chinch bug infestations. Also, be mindful of how much fertilizer you use on your lawn, as overfertilization can create an ideal habitat for chinch bugs to thrive.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Ground bug
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Prefer to feed on St. Augustinegrass but also can damage bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low – these bugs don’t pose a health risk to humans and animals but may mistake human hair follicles for grass blades and bite them
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Use insecticidal soap or pyrethrin-based insecticides, remove thatch buildup in lawns, increase soil moisture levels, and maintain proper lawn care practices to prevent infestations
\n\n\n\n![\"fire](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3137874781_9a4ae277bf_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Marufish / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhat are Fire Ants?
\n\n\n\nKnown to prefer warm, sunny areas like lawns, gardens, and parks, fire ants have a relatively short growth cycle, with new colonies being established through a process known as swarming. Once established, colonies can grow rapidly and can contain thousands of ants. These ants have the following characteristics:
\n\n\n\nOne of the most obvious is the appearance of small, mounded nests in your yard. These nests can range in size from a few inches to several feet in diameter, and they are often found in sunny areas with loose soil. If you see a nest, be sure to approach it with caution, as disturbing it can cause the ants to become agitated and attack.
\n\n\n\nYou also may notice swarms of ants crawling around your yard, particularly after rain, in the early morning or late afternoon hours.
\n\n\n\nDon’t wait until you or a family member gets stung by fire ants. One effective method is to use a chemical insecticide specifically designed for fire ants. These products are typically applied directly to the ant mound and can provide long-lasting control.
\n\n\n\nAlternatively, you can use a natural remedy, such as pouring boiling water or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda onto the ant mound.
\n\n\n\nMaintain a healthy lawn and remove potential nesting sites (piles of debris, tree stumps, and fallen logs) to prevent fire ants from invading your yard.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Ant
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Prefer warm-season grasses like bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and Zoysiagrass
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate to high – their bites can cause pain, swelling, and in some cases, anaphylactic shock
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Use specialized fire ant bait or contact insecticide.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Erturac / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWhat are Fleas?
\n\n\n\nFleas are notorious for their ability to cause intense itching and discomfort in both humans and animals. In addition to their irritating bites, they are also known to transmit a variety of diseases, making them a serious health risk. Other things you need to know about fleas include:
\n\n\n\nEven though fleas are small and difficult to see, there are some signs that can indicate their presence. One of the most common signs is seeing your pets scratching and biting at their skin. You also may notice small, red bites on your pet’s skin (or even your own). Additionally, flea dirt (the waste products of fleas) can often be seen on the fur of pets or in infested areas.
\n\n\n\nIf the infestation is severe, professional pest control services may be necessary to eliminate the problem.
\n\n\n\nPreventing flea infestations can be challenging, but grooming and bathing your pets regularly can help reduce their risk of flea infestations. Additionally, treating your pets with a preventative flea medication can provide long-lasting protection. Vacuuming your home regularly and washing your pets’ bedding in hot water also can help.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Parasite
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Shady, humid, and moist areas of the lawn, but prefer to feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals such as cats, dogs, and rodents
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate to high – their bites can cause intense itching and discomfort, and they are known to transmit diseases like typhus and plague
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Treat infested pets with a flea preventative medication, regularly groom and bathe pets, vacuum and wash pet bedding and other potentially infested areas, and seek professional pest control services if the infestation is severe
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/41222960292_b7687643c0_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schultz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhat are Japanese Beetles?
\n\n\n\nA metallic green beetle with copper-colored wings, the Japanese beetle is one of Atlanta’s most destructive insect pests, causing significant damage to lawns, trees, shrubs, and other native plants.
\n\n\n\nIt’s easy to identify Japanese beetles in your lawn, as they tend to gather in large groups. You also may notice small, circular holes in the leaves, which are a sign of their feeding.
\n\n\n\nYou can use physical barriers, like netting, to impede their access to your vulnerable lawn. In addition, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil on known feeding sites can effectively deter these pests.
\n\n\n\nFurthermore, manually removing adult beetles is a labor-intensive but effective method of control. For the grub stage of the beetle’s life cycle, you can apply a soil insecticide.
\n\n\n\nRemove any rotting or decaying organic matter from your lawn to reduce the beetle population and eliminate potential breeding sites for the grubs.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Beetle
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, Zoysiagrass, and bermudagrass are susceptible to Japanese beetle infestations.
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low – although they can cause skin irritation in some people
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Use physical barriers like netting to prevent these beetles from reaching lawns, and insecticidal soap or neem oil on plants that they are known to feed on. Manually remove adult beetles and apply a soil insecticide to control the grub stage of the beetle’s life cycle.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/mole-cricket-gfc1197571_1280-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: pixabey
\n\n\n\nWhat are Mole Crickets?
\n\n\n\nUsually found underground, in soil and grassy areas, these small, cylindrical insects have destructive behaviors that can lead to significant economic losses for property owners in Atlanta.
\n\n\n\nOne of the signs mole crickets are present in a lawn is the appearance of raised tunnels and mounds of soil. These tunnels can be several inches wide and extend several feet underground, causing considerable damage to the root systems of grasses and plants. Plus, patchy, brown spots on the lawn can be a result of the insects feeding on the grassroots.
\n\n\n\nYou can use a pesticide specifically designed to target mole crickets. Look for a product that contains imidacloprid or bifenthrin – two active ingredients shown to be effective against mole crickets.
\n\n\n\nAnother approach is to use biological control methods. Certain nematodes, like Steinernema scapterisci, are natural predators of mole crickets and can help reduce their population. You can purchase these nematodes online or at garden centers.
\n\n\n\nWatering your lawn less frequently and for longer periods of time can help create a less hospitable environment for mole crickets. Also, consider using physical barriers, like mesh screens, to prevent mole crickets from burrowing into your lawn.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, reducing outdoor lighting at night can help prevent mole crickets from being attracted to your yard.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Cricket
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Mole crickets feed on various grass types, including bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and centipedegrass.
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low – but their burrowing can cause damage to lawns and agricultural crops
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Biological control (introducing natural predators) and chemical control (using insecticides)
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/9465727988_be7983cfea_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Judy Gallagher / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhat are Spittlebugs?
\n\n\n\nAlthough not the most harmful pest, spittlebugs can be a nuisance for Atlanta homeowners with manicured lawns. These tiny insects have the following characteristics:
\n\n\n\nIt’s relatively easy to spot spittlebugs in your lawn, as their frothy nests and foamy spittle are visible on the grass blades. Another sign of spittlebug damage is the yellowing or wilting of leaves.
\n\n\n\nPrompt treatment with insecticides or other control measures can help protect your lawn and prevent further damage. One effective method of control is the use of insecticidal soap or oil spray. These products work by suffocating the spittlebugs and disrupting their life cycle.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners can prevent spittlebug infestations by maintaining healthy lawns, removing excess thatch, and reducing excess moisture in the soil.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Sucking insect
\n\n\n\nHabitat: While they feed on a wide range of plants, spittlebugs are particularly attracted to legumes and grasses like bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and fescue.
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low – but can cause mild skin irritation in some people
\n\n\n\nRemoval: In most cases, spittlebugs do not require treatment as they do not cause significant damage to plants or grass. However, if a large infestation is present, an insecticidal soap or oil spray can be used to control the population.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cyclocephala_sp._Dinastinae_Atlantic_forest_northeastern_Bahia_Brazil_8625349528-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Alex Popovkin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhat are White Grubs?
\n\n\n\nA common pest in lawns and gardens throughout Atlanta, white grubs are small, C-shaped larvae that can quickly devastate grass and other plants, feeding on the roots and causing them to wither and die.
\n\n\n\nIf you notice sections of your lawn turning brown and wilting, you may have a white grub infestation. You also may notice birds and other animals digging up your lawn in search of the grubs, as they are a common food source for many animals.
\n\n\n\nGardeners and lawn enthusiasts may consider adopting a biological approach to control grubs in their soil. This approach involves introducing natural predators, like nematodes or parasitic wasps, that attack white grubs.
\n\n\n\nChemical treatments can be highly effective but also can harm beneficial insects and pollinators, which are essential for the proper functioning of ecosystems. Therefore, you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using chemical treatments and only apply them as a last resort when other control methods have failed.
\n\n\n\nIf left unchecked, white grubs can kill entire sections of turf. Maintaining a healthy lawn is an effective way to prevent white grub infestations. Use cultural control methods, like proper water, aeration, and regular lawn care to keep your lawn in top condition.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Larva
\n\n\n\nHabitat: White grubs feed on the roots of many types of grass, including bermudagrass, bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low – but can cause damage to turfgrass and other plants by feeding on their roots, leading to yellowing or browning of the grass and eventual death. They also attract predators like raccoons and skunks, which can cause further damage to lawns.
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Biological control, such as introducing nematodes or parasitic wasps that attack the grubs. Chemical treatments are effective but should be used with caution as they can harm beneficial insects and pollinators.
\n\n\n\nLawn bug infestations can have several long-term effects on your lawn, including: Weakened grass: Lawn bugs can damage the roots of your grass, making it weaker and more susceptible to other diseases, weeds, and environmental stressors. Brown spots: As lawn bugs feed on the grass, they can create brown spots and dead patches throughout your lawn. These spots can be unsightly and can take a long time to repair. Reduced growth: Infested lawns often grow more slowly than healthy lawns, leading to thinning grass. Increased vulnerability: A weakened lawn that bugs have damaged is more vulnerable to diseases, environmental stressors, and other pests. Costly repairs: If the infestation is not addressed promptly, it can result in costly repairs and replacement of damaged areas of your lawn. Address lawn bug infestations as soon as possible to prevent these long-term effects and keep your lawn healthy and beautiful.
Yes, there are certain times of the year when lawn bugs are more active in Atlanta. In general, they are more active during the warmer months when temperatures are consistently above 70°F. The peak activity of lawn bugs is typically from late spring through early fall, which is roughly from March to October. Some common lawn bugs in Atlanta, such as chinch bugs and white grubs, have two cycles of activity per year, with the first cycle occurring in the spring and the second in the late summer or early fall. This means that if you are dealing with an infestation of these bugs, it may require multiple treatments to eradicate them completely. Note: Even during the colder months, some lawn bugs can remain active and cause damage to your lawn. So stay vigilant and monitor your lawn for any signs of infestation throughout the year.
Follow these lawn maintenance practices to help prevent the growth and spread of lawn bugs: Proper watering: Overwatering your lawn can create ideal conditions for certain types of lawn bugs, like chinch bugs. Water your lawn deeply but infrequently, and allow the topsoil to dry out between watering. Regular mowing: Many lawn bugs prefer long grasses, so keep your lawn at the appropriate height for your grass type by regularly mowing it. Aerate your lawn: It can help reduce soil compaction, which can create an environment that is less favorable to lawn bugs. Remove thatch: Thatch buildup can create a breeding ground for lawn bugs. Regularly removing thatch can help prevent the growth and spread of lawn bugs. Use fertilizers responsibly: Over-fertilizing your lawn can create ideal conditions for lawn bugs. Always use fertilizers responsibly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Maintaining a beautiful and healthy lawn in Atlanta can be challenging, especially with the presence of pesky bugs. But with the right knowledge and techniques, you can keep these lawn pests at bay and enjoy a thriving lawn year-round.
\n\n\n\nBy taking proactive measures, such as using chemical treatments, practicing proper lawn care, and consulting with experts when necessary, Atlanta homeowners can overcome the challenges of bug infestations and enjoy the benefits of a beautiful lawn.
Be vigilant and stay informed to keep your lawn healthy and pest-free. Contact an Atlanta pest control pro today.
Main Photo Credit: Tortoise beetle attacks bug / gbohne / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"9 Worst Bugs for Atlanta Lawns (and How to Get Rid of Them)","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4851485148514851,"src":"/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/1789c/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/107df/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/293e9/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/f2cbb/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/1789c/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/c26c2/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/1dd6e/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/67b76/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.webp 320w,\n/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/8df11/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.webp 500w,\n/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/98a65/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.webp 800w,\n/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/1dd6e/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.webp 960w,\n/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/3cc96/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Worst Bugs for Atlanta Lawns (and How to Get Rid of Them) | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the 9 most troublesome bugs in Atlanta and how to banish them for good. Keep your lawn healthy and pest-free with our expert tips."}}},{"node":{"id":"49cf8025-44ed-5c88-aaea-764b824e85e4","slug":"lawn-watering-restrictions-denver-front-range","path":"/lawn-care/co/denver/lawn-watering-restrictions-denver-front-range/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Tina Hill is a landscape designer who stages homes before they go on the market. She recently remodeled her own backyard to include covered hardscaped areas along with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace.","name":"Tina Hill","id":"05b33636-8a93-5cbe-a32e-4d72278ff06f","path":"/author/tina-hill/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8f78fd5fd50db11dcceecbeb20de206e?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"be8bb3a1-b40c-57ba-87f7-ff69490271a0","name":"Colorado","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/co/"},{"id":"29926219-60e0-5bc5-88dc-c08300a10daf","name":"Denver","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/co/denver/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"cf022cec-2912-5ff7-87bc-908171ba79ae","name":"Zone 5a","count":3,"path":"/category/zone-5a/"},{"id":"be239975-2b22-5eb4-94d4-09c009503181","name":"Zone 6a","count":3,"path":"/category/zone-6a/"}],"date":"June 25th, 2019","excerpt":"In Colorado, beer is for drinking, water is for fighting! That’s why most communities along the Front Range have lawn watering restrictions in place. These restrictions help preserve the Colorado River Basin and reservoir levels, so there’s enough water for agriculture and recreation. Denver Lawn Watering Restrictions From May 1 to Oct. 1, Denver Water […]
\n","content":"\nIn Colorado, beer is for drinking, water is for fighting! That’s why most communities along the Front Range have lawn watering restrictions in place. These restrictions help preserve the Colorado River Basin and reservoir levels, so there’s enough water for agriculture and recreation.
\n\n\n\nFrom May 1 to Oct. 1, Denver Water allows lawn watering three days a week, and not between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. There should be no water spraying on the asphalt or pooling in gutters or streets. Any leaking hoses or sprinkler systems must be repaired within 10 days.
\n\n\n\nThe watering rules extend to car-washing. Do-it-yourselfers must use a hose nozzle with a shut-off valve.
\n\n\n\nThe city makes an exception if you’ve planted new seed or sod. You can water as necessary for up to 21 days, but you must call Denver Water and request a watering exemption.
\n\n\n\nYou may water vegetable gardens and flower beds by hand — by way of a watering can or hose with a shut-off nozzle — during restricted lawn watering hours.
\n\n\n\nAurora
\n\n\n\nThe rules in Aurora and Denver mirror those in Denver, but Aurora Water goes a step further by fining homeowners who break the rules. The first mistake will result in a warning. From there, the fines go up to as much as $250 and even a possible summons. Don’t even think about wasting water in Aurora.
\n\n\n\nLakewood
\n\n\n\nLakewood citizens get their water from Denver Water through third party providers, and they generally follow Denver Water’s rules.
\n\n\n\nThanks to a late spring snowfall, Greeley, Boulder, and Broomfield don’t have mandatory restrictions in place this year, but Larimer County continues to ask residents to practice xeriscaping and plant native flowers that don’t require much maintenance or water.
\n\n\n\nA healthy lawn in the metro area requires attention to detail. Irrigation is only half the battle. Regular mowing and weeding will keep your grass healthy. It’s also best to plant Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass will thrive in our summers and survive our cold winters. Fine blended fescue is also great for lawns along the Front Range since it needs little watering and holds up well. You should only need to water two days a week, three at the most. All three varieties only need about 2.5 inches of water a week. Keep in mind, perennials and shrubs need about half as much water as grass. Too much water will drown or rot root systems and can deprive the soil of needed oxygen.
\n\n\n\nSpeaking of soil, the pH balance of it will also determine the health and lushness of your lawn. Your lawn and garden soils are acidic if they test below 7.0, and alkaline if the number is above that. In Denver, Lakewood and Aurora, soil tends to be alkaline and needs to have composting material added to bring it down to a pH level in which grass will thrive. Your local extension office can test a soil sample for you.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEven if your city has only enacted voluntary lawn watering restrictions, you can still abide by them and have a verdant, lovely lawn all summer and into the fall. As long as you’ve aerated in the spring and fall, two or three deep waterings should be enough to keep the roots hydrated. There’s a reason the city asks you to refrain from turning on the sprinklers between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Watering during the heat of the day causes the moisture to evaporate too quickly, thereby wasting water. Watering at night is also a bad idea since the moisture will sit on the lawn too long, inviting pests and disease. Find the right balance, so there’s enough water left for our crops and rafting.
\n\n\n\nWant to learn more about creating a lush, green lawn in the Metro area? Visit our Denver, CO Lawn care page for more guides and information.
\n","title":"Lawn Watering Restrictions for Denver and the Front Range","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.499267935578331,"src":"/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/1789c/sprinklers.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/107df/sprinklers.jpg 320w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/293e9/sprinklers.jpg 500w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/f2cbb/sprinklers.jpg 800w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/1789c/sprinklers.jpg 960w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/a2a79/sprinklers.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/1dd6e/sprinklers.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/67b76/sprinklers.webp 320w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/8df11/sprinklers.webp 500w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/98a65/sprinklers.webp 800w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/1dd6e/sprinklers.webp 960w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/7aa54/sprinklers.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Lawn Watering Restrictions for Denver and the Front Range | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Water is Colorado's most precious resource. Check out the latest lawn watering restrictions for Denver and the Front Range and the fines for ignoring them."}}},{"node":{"id":"fcb936b6-38d0-50aa-aaad-053f1a4f2bce","slug":"lawn-mowing-and-maintenance-in-dfw","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/lawn-mowing-and-maintenance-in-dfw/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Bob Greenly has been mowing and caring for lawns since he was 12 years old. His summer job turned into a permanent career after college when he opened his own landscaping company.","name":"Bob Greenly","id":"86622de6-1450-5165-836f-e7397d91491b","path":"/author/bob-greenly/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38ceb71a8b949ee91fe8f7d81c04ccde?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 20th, 2019","excerpt":"A maintenance-free lawn doesn’t exist in North Texas. That’s the first thing to keep in mind when you think about your yard in Dallas or Plano or Irving. Because the growing season is so long, you’ll be putting work into it even longer than homeowners in cooler climates. But it’s not complicated! Here are some […]
\n","content":"\nA maintenance-free lawn doesn’t exist in North Texas. That’s the first thing to keep in mind when you think about your yard in Dallas or Plano or Irving. Because the growing season is so long, you’ll be putting work into it even longer than homeowners in cooler climates. But it’s not complicated! Here are some tips to lawn mowing and maintenance in DFW.
\n\n\n\nThe key here is not to “scalp” your grass, meaning cut it too short. Scalping lets precious water evaporate more quickly in the Texas heat. It also stresses your grass, leaving it vulnerable to diseases and pests.
\n\n\n\nYour lawn is most likely a warm-season variety like St. Augustine, Zoysia grass, buffalo grass or Bermudagrass. Your proper grass length depends on the variety you have. Experts recommend St. Augustine be cut 2 to 2.5 inches tall. The recommended height for common Bermuda is 1.25 to 1.5 inches tall. Zoysias should be between 2 to 3 inches tall, and buffalograss is the longest, with a recommended height of 3 to 4 inches. Look to mow the lawn about once a week during the hot season. Pro tip: mow in a different direction each time. This helps the blades of the grass stand up straight and prevent ruts. The grass will most likely be dormant from about November to early March.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/vHG1MducY0LBd579jO3HRCClmLbPu7eobddVBdtvyq6LejozJUEYiFyff7lSvOMfM_exP_OHNp5DTONuAVImxUt4WWvqa13zi45JPLA3-I6Kwt2i7W6nJCa-bQkGcv9viKxaH9ig\")
Don’t bag those clippings. The clippings add vital nutrients back into the soil as they decompose. As long as you mow at the proper height, the clippings will break down quickly.
\n\n\n\nSharpen the blades, change the oil and spark plugs once a year. Dull blades will tear the grass instead of cutting it, leaving it susceptible to disease and pests.
\n\n\n\nSome make a ritual out of applying weed and feed to their lawns every Super Bowl Sunday in February. This counts as “early spring” in Texas, and the grass is beginning to green up. That’s when it needs feeding. The rule of thumb is generally between February and April. This is also the time to stop weeds in their tracks — before they ever get a firm root in your yard. You can also find weed and feed mixtures that contain fire ant killer, to keep the nasty little insects from digging up mounds of dirt in your lawn and biting you.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/YptMC0oZEqtKFy16WxPQfFmKZxvkrn2ezC8E6g2hLw1UorINVbEqlEWsbuFmtq1VRcm8Lj7A5etV3aw4Rx0lq8Imaxp-LHNfyA8g9SNKFhvVOW-JWV9udULXgXxH7RSKY-hpAHP3\")
Your lawn needs a good long drink every five to ten days, generally. Keep that in mind before you overwater the grass. Also, your city probably has ordinances or recommendations on what days you can water and what time. Use your sprinkler two times a week, and don’t water between 10 am and 6 pm. In most cases, drip irrigation, soaker hoses, and hand watering are allowed any day of the week. Ideally, you water early in the morning — giving your grass a good drink of water, but allowing the droplets on the blades to evaporate over the daytime hours. This lowers your lawn’s risk of fungus problems.
\n\n\n\nThe key to a lush, green lawn in north Texas is consistency over the course of the long, hot growing season. If you begin tending to it on a regular basis when it first begins to green, and maintain it through the triple-digit temperatures of the summer, and into the fall, it will reward you with beautiful, emerald green grass.
\n\n\n\nDo you want to know more about what plants to grow in DFW? Visit our Dallas, TX lawn care page for more guides and additional information.
\n\n\n\nDallas is home to over 350 parks and 160 miles of nature trails. Residents love the outdoors, stopping by famous food trucks at Klyde Warren Park after a relaxing afternoon strolling around Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center or White Rock Lake. It is easy to invite some Texas nature into your landscape design by filling […]
\n","content":"\nDallas is home to over 350 parks and 160 miles of nature trails. Residents love the outdoors, stopping by famous food trucks at Klyde Warren Park after a relaxing afternoon strolling around Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center or White Rock Lake. It is easy to invite some Texas nature into your landscape design by filling your yard with Dallas-native plants.
\n\n\n\nNative plants offer many landscaping benefits, including:
\n\n\n\nNative plants help promote a healthier Texas ecosystem. Check out these 11 native plants for Dallas to help you plan your new backyard oasis.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
![\"Field](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bluebonnets.jpg\")
Bluebonnets
Photo Credit: Pexels
If you have ever driven down a Texas highway and seen families posing amongst wildflowers, chances are good it was a field of bluebonnets. Texas bluebonnet is a native Texas annual and the state flower of Texas. Violet-blue flowers protrude in densely packed clusters from a central spike with a white tip inviting beneficial pollinators like butterflies and moths to your garden.
\n\n\n\nBluebonnets thrive in the Texas spring, blooming from March to May. These pretty wildflowers make great additions to hanging baskets, planters, flower beds, and more. They prefer well-drained, loose soil and are a fan of full sun and minimal water.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 12-24 inches tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers sloped, well-draining alkaline soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant, prefers to dry out between waterings
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals if ingested
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
![\"pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Prairie-Verbena.jpg\")
Prairie Verbena
Photo Credit: Anneli Salo / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Prairie Verbena, or “Little Purple One,” is another highway beauty and Texas wildflower growing in grassy prairies. It is a short flower with a long blooming season from March to October. Purple flowers bloom in clusters of five amongst medium-green leaves.
\n\n\n\nPrairie verbenas work great in low-maintenance Dallas landscaping thanks to their low irrigation needs. The “Little Purple One” attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees and is deer-resistant.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 foot
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Coral-Honeysuckle.jpg\")
Coral Honeysuckle
Photo Credit: Zeynel Cebeci / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Often found climbing the woods and stream banks lining Dallas trails, coral honeysuckle is an evergreen clumping vine. In Texas landscaping, you can find it crawling across flower beds or along trellises, walls, and fences.
\n\n\n\nThe dark, shiny leaves give way to trumpet-shaped red-orange flower clusters from spring to fall, and the vine produces clusters of bright red berries from September to October. Coral honeysuckle attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators thanks to its vibrant flowers and fruit.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-18 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen to semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall (may need weekly watering during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals if ingested
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cenizo.jpg\")
Cenizo
Photo Credit: micklpickl / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
Cenizo, or Texas sage, is a flowering shrub that loves dry conditions and is extremely heat-tolerant. It prefers full sun and comes in a variety of colors. The low-maintenance perennial does not respond well to pruning, making it a great low-maintenance option. Most Texas sage shrubs are gray-green with light purple flowers that bloom from spring to fall.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: 8 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained alkaline soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; low watering needs
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Scarlet-Sage.jpg\")
Scarlet Sage
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
Scarlet sage is another deer-resistant plant for your Dallas landscape. Hummingbirds and butterflies love the bright red tubular flowers set in whorls around a center stem. This herbaceous perennial blooms from July to October and most reseeds in frost-free areas. Interestingly, it is the only U.S. native sage with red flowers.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower subshrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall and 1-3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual, sometimes perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained sandy soil or gravel
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity if ingested, not considered poisonous to animals
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
![\"pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pavonia.jpg\")
Pavonia
Photo Credit: Pxhere
Pavonia, or rock rose, loves well-draining rocky soil but adapts well to Texas homes and landscapes. It is a versatile shrub with a long blooming period that grows well in full sun or partial shade.
\n\n\n\nThe low-maintenance shrub loves dry conditions, reducing irrigation needs. It has a woody base with light green heart-shaped leaves and small pink flowers resembling hibiscus blooms. Rock roses tolerate frequent pruning to promote fresh growth and attract pollinators.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1.5-4 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous to semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained sandy, loam, or limestone soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant with low watering requirements
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Turks-Cap.jpg\")
Turk’s Cap
Photo Credit: William Farr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
North Texas favorite, Turk’s cap, is a versatile flowering shrub found in many habitats. It tolerates a wide spectrum of sunlight availability, including full sun to full shade. The bright red flowers never fully open and resemble upside-down turbans.
\n\n\n\nHummingbirds love the flowers and mealy fruit produced by Turk’s cap, and the plants are crucial to their migration. The perennial blooms from mid-summer into fall.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Small to medium shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-3 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide, can reach up to 9 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous, semi-evergreen, or evergreen depending on location
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to shade, prefers partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained, moist soil of sand, loam, clay, or limestone
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; requires weekly watering during extreme dry periods
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; fruit and flowers are edible and used for medicinal purposes throughout Mexico
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Wine-Cup.jpg\")
Wine cup
Photo Credit: Wing-Chi Poon / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Wine cup is a flowering vine used as ground cover in rock gardens and flower beds. The drought-tolerant perennial also grows well in containers and hanging baskets where it cascades over the edge. Wine cups require frequent pruning to promote growth.
\n\n\n\nIts unique blooms close each evening, and the dark purple, wine-colored flowers bloom from March to June. The flowering vine goes dormant during hot summers and needs well-drained soil. Wine cups attract butterflies and are the larval host plant for gray hairstreak butterflies in the Fort Worth area.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flowering vine
\n\n\n\nMature size: 8-12 inches tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained sandy or rocky soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; prefers regular moisture
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
![\"picture](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sedge.jpg\")
Cedar sedge
Photo Credit: konstantniks / Canva Pro / License
Cedar sedge is an ornamental grass found in many Texas landscapes. The clumping grass loves well-drained soil with partial shade. It tolerates light foot traffic and requires infrequent mowing. The perennial is often used as ornamental ground cover and accent plants.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Ornamental grass
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6 inches tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; low watering needs
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
![\"yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Golden-Groundsel.jpg\")
Golden Groundsel
Photo Credit: Doug McGrady / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Golden groundsel, commonly known as golden ragwort, is a crawling ground cover with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers and heart-shaped foliage. The perennial blooms from April to June in North Texas and the semi-evergreen plant typically survives the winter.
\n\n\n\nGolden groundsel loves shade and is deer-resistant. Its golden blooms attract beneficial pollinators, supporting a diverse ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Ground cover
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 feet tall and 1 foot wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity to humans or animals if touched or ingested
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Mexican-Plum.jpg\")
Mexican Plum
Photo Credit: Charles Willgren / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Mexican Plum is a popular landscaping tree in Dallas. It is the first tree to bloom in March, signaling to all Texans spring has arrived. The small- to medium-sized tree has peeling, striated bark and clusters of fragrant white flowers. Purple fruit ripens in the fall and is enjoyed by humans and animals alike.
\n\n\n\nThe small fruit tree is drought-tolerant and a favorite amongst texas pollinators. The sprawling branches make the Mexican plum a magnificent shade tree to add to your landscape.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: 15-30 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant with medium-low water requirements
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
All native plants have specific needs, and not all native plants will grow well in your yard. Be sure to select plants suitable for the soil, sun exposure, and watering capabilities of your landscape.
\n\n\n\nDallas-Fort Worth sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 8, indicating the coldest annual temperature is 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Texas native plants are cold-hardy to the minimum temperature in Dallas’ hardiness zone. Keep your zone in mind when selecting non-native plants for your landscape.
\n\n\n\nMost flowers and shrubs should be planted after the last frost in late March. Check your local weather forecast before introducing new plants to your yard.
Native plants support the Texas ecosystem. They support beneficial insects like butterflies, bees, and birds. They are drought tolerant and adapted to the clay soil found in most Texas yards, making them easier to grow and more beneficial to the local environment.
Early morning or evening are the best times to water your native plants. Winds are calmer and temperatures are lower, so there is less risk of water loss from evaporation or scorching from the sun. Additionally, foliage needs time to dry before nightfall. Wet foliage can lead to disease and rot.
Chances are good you already have native plants in your yard or around your neighborhood. If you want to introduce more plants into your Dallas landscape, be sure to source your plants ethically and never transplant them from the wild.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these local nurseries in the Dallas area recommended by the Native Plant Society of Texas:
\n\n\n\nFilling your yard with native plants is only one step in your landscaping design project. Be sure to consider other low-maintenance landscaping ideas to complement your new native plants and check out the best grass types for Dallas for a healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nWhen you are ready to turn over the hard work and lawn upkeep to a professional, let wiikilawn connect you with a local landscaping pro in your area.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pixabay
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