Bulbs
Flower Basics
Flower Beds & Specialty Gardens
Flower Garden
Garden Furniture
Garden Gnomes
Garden Seeds
Garden Sheds
Garden Statues
Garden Tools & Supplies
Gardening Basics
Green & Organic
Groundcovers & Vines
Growing Annuals
Growing Basil
Growing Beans
Growing Berries
Growing Blueberries
Growing Cactus
Growing Corn
Growing Cotton
Growing Edibles
Growing Flowers
Growing Garlic
Growing Grapes
Growing Grass
Growing Herbs
Growing Jasmine
Growing Mint
Growing Mushrooms
Orchids
Growing Peanuts
Growing Perennials
Growing Plants
Growing Rosemary
Growing Roses
Growing Strawberries
Growing Sunflowers
Growing Thyme
Growing Tomatoes
Growing Tulips
Growing Vegetables
Herb Basics
Herb Garden
Indoor Growing
Landscaping Basics
Landscaping Patios
Landscaping Plants
Landscaping Shrubs
Landscaping Trees
Landscaping Walks & Pathways
Lawn Basics
Lawn Maintenance
Lawn Mowers
Lawn Ornaments
Lawn Planting
Lawn Tools
Outdoor Growing
Overall Landscape Planning
Pests, Weeds & Problems
Plant Basics
Rock Garden
Rose Garden
Shrubs
Soil
Specialty Gardens
Trees
Vegetable Garden
Yard Maintenance
How to Kill Bugs in a Lawn
How to Kill Bugs in a Lawn. Lawn care requires more steps that just mowing the lawn. Some lawns have become overrun with harmful insects that can damage the lawn and stunt growth. Insects can be controlled with many preventative methods such as keeping the lawn short, removing thatch and fertilizing the lawn at least once a year. However, if the...
Lawn care requires more steps that just mowing the lawn. Some lawns have become overrun with harmful insects that can damage the lawn and stunt growth. Insects can be controlled with many preventative methods such as keeping the lawn short, removing thatch and fertilizing the lawn at least once a year. However, if the lawn has been neglected, some additional control of the insects may be necessary. According to American Lawns.com, the easiest way to control insects is to apply insecticide in the early spring.
Things You'll Need
Chemical, biological or botanical insecticide
Hand-operated spray pump
Work gloves
Dust mask
Safety goggles
Determine what kind of insecticide you want to use on the lawn. According to All About Lawns.com, chemical insecticides will kill all bugs, both good and bad. Biological insecticides are usually targeted at specific bugs. Botanical insecticides are plant based and will often kill both good and bad bugs at the same time, but they will not leave harmful residue on the grass.
Mix the insecticide according to the package directions inside the garden sprayer. Most insecticides are applied full strength or at half strength.
Pump the sprayer several times to build up pressure.
Spray the insecticide over the lawn on a sunny day in the early spring. It is best to apply insecticides before many insects hatch for the spring. Try to apply the solution about two weeks before plants in the lawn start to sprout.
Spray the solution in a steady stream over the entire lawn. Pay special attention to known problem areas, such as ant beds and areas where you have noticed swarms of insects before.
Allow the insecticide to sit for one to two days before watering the grass. Rain is not a problem, but you should not water the lawn by hand. This gives the insecticides time to absorb into the ground and kill the insects.
Apply spot insect killers targeted toward specific insects during the remainder of the growing season. Spray insect nests or apply granular insecticide to ant beds or nests.
Tips & Warnings
Wash hands thoroughly after applying insecticide to the lawn. Do not allow children or pets in the yard for about one week after chemical insecticide application.
Consult with a professional lawn care specialist to find the best insecticide for your lawn if you cannot decide which type to purchase. Some specialists may recommend insecticidal soaps instead of sprays.
