If you live in Central Florida and own artificial turf, keeping it looking great for the long term is a priority. But without regular maintenance and preventive measures, your backyard can quickly become overrun by destructive pests and insects.
In this blog post, we'll provide helpful tips on how to prevent damage from these uninvited guests so that your fake grass stays beautiful year-round! From identifying potential hazards to safeguarding against infestations before they begin, our comprehensive guide will give you the tools necessary to protect one of your most valuable outdoor assets - your artificial grass.
The Grass is ALWAYS Greener with DelaTurf
Common Types of Insects and Pests in Central Florida that can Damage Artificial Grass
Central Florida is home to a wide variety of pests and insects that can damage artificial turf. Some common ones include moths, fleas, crickets, ants, chinch bugs, pill bugs, earwigs, millipedes, and grasshoppers to name a few. Depending on the season and area you live in, there can be much more. Maintaining proper weed control in your turf's vicinity can go a long way in preventing insect infestation of the turf itself. Keeping up with turf maintenance by raking leaves in the fall and trimming overgrown grass can also tremendously reduce their presence and minimize your risk of damage to your artificial grass. Learning how to identify and prevent these pests will help ensure that you get maximum enjoyment out of your synthetic grass for years to come.
How to Inspect Your Artificial Grass Lawn for Signs of Damage
Inspecting your artificial turf for signs of insect and pest damage should be a regular part of maintenance. Small signs of infestation can quickly lead to serious, expensive repairs if they go unchecked. That is why it is so important to perform a comprehensive inspection from time to time. When checking for signs of damage from insects and pests, it's best to look for holes or tracks in the turf, as well as discoloration due to bug saliva or eggs.
In addition, you may also detect the presence of bugs by looking around the turf for discarded wings from moths, casings from beetles, or mud tubes left by subterranean termites. It can also help to use a flashlight to search for eggs along the blades of the artificial grass and inspect each blade individually. Doing all these steps will help ensure that your artificial grass remains in great condition and that any potential pests are quickly dealt with before they cause any major harm.
Tips to Prevent Insects and Pests from Damaging Your Artificial Turf
Taking the right steps to protect your artificial turf from insects and pests can help you avoid costly damages. Unfortunately, Central Florida is known for its frequent invasion of bugs and critters such as Mole Crickets, Chinch Bugs, and European Crane Flies. While there is no sure way to completely prevent these insects and pests from damaging your turf, there are specific steps you can take to make it less appealing for them.
These include sealing any points of entry on the turf where creatures could enter, aerating the artificial grass occasionally to increase drainage to further deter insects, and removing debris that may serve as an inviting food source. Each of these tips will help ensure a long life for your artificial grass from damaging insects and pests.
The Benefits of Regularly Inspecting Your Artificial Turf
As a Central Florida synthetic turf owner, it is important to inspect your turf regularly for signs of insect and pest damage. While installing durable artificial turf that’s resistant to insect and pest infestations is the first step in preventing damage, staying vigilant and closely monitoring your artificial grass is just as important. Not only can catching signs of insect and pest damage early prevent costly repairs, but it also preserves the aesthetic of your artificial turf—keeping it looking lush and green throughout the year.
Regularly inspecting your artificial turf gives you peace of mind knowing the integrity of the turf has not been compromised by insects or pests, and that it continues to provide safety for anyone who uses it.
The Role of a Professional in Keeping Your Artificial Turf Free from Insects and Pest Damage
Keep your artificial turf looking its best with the help of a professional from DelaTurf. Having an experienced technician monitor and inspect your turf is key to preventing insect and pest damage, especially in Central Florida where environmental factors often create unique conditions that require special attention. A professional can provide ongoing care to identify pests, recommend safe treatment and control methods, and even give tips for the most effective maintenance procedures to help you keep your turf looking and performing its best for years to come!
DelaTurf is Here to Help You
Regularly inspecting your artificial turf and regularly conducting maintenance activities are two important actions to take in order to create a healthier and more secure environment for you and your family in Central Florida. Talking with a turf expert here at DelaTurf about any issues or concerns can also help to ensure your lawn stays in top-notch shape year-round.
Taking preventative measures will ensure that you will be able to enjoy the benefits of having artificial turf without having to worry about any potential damage being caused by common insects and pests in this region.
Looking to Make the Switch From Sod to Turf?
DelaTurf services the following areas:
Orange County, Seminole County, Lake County, Osceola County, Volusia County, and Broward County. Our team commonly operates in Metro West, Doctor Phillips, Windermere, Kissimmee, Winter Garden, Gotha, Oviedo, Oakland, Apopka, College Park, Winter Park, Sorrento, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary, Heathrow, & Sanford.