Grub Bugs!!! NEW SOD!!

smileyface – posted 11 August 2003 15:11

Grub bugs have taken over my front yard (St. Augustine Grass). I recently put down around 10 lbs. of Bug-B-Gone on it. Watered heavily and I am planning on getting new sod to replace it. IS THIS A GOOD PLAN? Also, if I get new sod, will the bugs eat the new sod away? What should I do right when I put in the new SOD?

Jims’ Turf – posted 12 August 2003 18:12

There may be another problem that is really causing the dead turf. Did a professional tell you it was caused by grubs, or were you digging in the dead spot and found grubs (beetle grub) in the soil? I am not saying that it has not happened but I have never seen enough grubs in one area to cause severe damage to St. Augustine grass. I am in central Florida, what state are you in? In most cases if it is an insect causing damage in St. Augustine it is going to be chinch bugs (hard to find with the untrained eye), or a heavy infestation of mole crickets (not very common). But if you can also remember if the area was drought stressed in the recent past it may have attracted chinch bugs. If you cut out both ends of a soup can or a coffee can (works best), push one end of the can through the sod into the soil at the boarder of the damaged area and fill the can with water. If there are chinch bugs they will float to the top of the water after a few minutes. Then treat with a prescribed insecticide. Read the label thoroughly as to not over apply. I hope this helps.See picture at link below.

http://bugs.osu.edu/~bugdoc/Shetlar/462/462InsectOrders/Orders05.htm

smileyface – posted 12 August 2003 18:31

Jims Turf! Thanks a whole lot. I live in Jax and I assumed it was part lack of consistent watering and chinch bugs. However I did see that there were lots of Chubs as well in my soil. Thanks for your advice.. I treated the lawn properly after seeing some chinch bugs. I still would like some of your advice on one question? After 5 days of treatment will the chinch bugs transfer over to my new sod or will they be dead? Another question- What should I do right before I put in my new sod? (EX: Fertilize/treat/Water heavily before or just till and put in new sod?)

Jims’ Turf – posted 12 August 2003 20:43

Yes, if the chinch bugs are still active they will eventually move into the new sod. Make sure they are gone before you put down new sod. If you are not sure treat the area after the sod is installed. Go to your local Lesco Service Center and ask them for something a homeowner can put on their own lawn that kills chinch bugs. Talstar if you can get it. As to what to do before you lay the sod, water the soil really good, lay the sod and roll it to get good root contact with the soil and to flatten air pockets. Keep the new sod watered every day for 2-4 weeks or until you can no longer pull it up with ease. Then slowly reduce the water a day at a time until you are down to 1-2 days a week. 1 inch a week at this time should be sufficiant. Good Luck!

smileyface – posted 13 August 2003 05:18

Thanks again!