Controlling Insects & Weeds

Due to the Ontario Pesticide Ban, pesticides are no longer available to treat weeds. A lawn which is properly maintained will be healthier and will be able to resist weeds, disease and insects.

See Fertilization Section for our fertilization schedule.

Unlike diseases, which can be prevented, insects are usually controlled only after they appear. It is important that they be detected and identified as quickly as possible before they do too much damage.

Proper mowing, watering, fertilization, and thatch control, are all factors to consider as part of an integrated approach to lawn pest control.

Insects may be divided into two categories: those which feed on leaves and stems, and those which attack roots.

Leaf and stem feeders include hairy chinch bugs, cutworms, turfgrass scale, and sod webworms. Root feeders include white grubs, European chafers, Japanese beetles, billbugs, leather jackets and European Cranefly.

Each insect type has a different life cycle which requires different treatment periods, but each can be controlled when the grubs are young and actively feeding near the soil surface.

If in doubt as to the identity of any of these insects, or as to the timing and/or treatment required, contact a lawn care contractor, a landscaper, a garden centre, or a local sod grower for advice.