A lawn that is well cared for is automatically more resistant to threats such as weeds, drought, and disease.  It can also stand up to most insect pests.  Many insects like to eat grass and, in small numbers, have no harmful effect on the lawn.  But there are a few that can do visible and lasting damage.  Here are some tips for controlling pests without using insecticides.

The mortal enemy of many homeowners with lawns is the grub.  This is an immature beetle that lives in the soil and devours grass roots.  These pests can systematically destroy patches of grass, creating an unsightly lawn.  You can check for grubs by pulling up a piece of sod.  If you count a dozen grubs per square foot, you should take corrective action before the problem gets out of hand.

There are two biological controls for grubs in the lawn.  The first one, milky spore disease, is a type of bacteria that kills grubs.  This method works best in warm climates where the soil temperature stays at about 70 degrees Fahrenheit for a good portion of the year.

The other more commonly used control is beneficial nematodes.  Nematodes are microscopic worms.  While some species of nematode are harmful in the garden, others are advantageous.  Beneficial nematodes are sprayed onto the soil or lawn affected by grubs.  Within a couple of days, they start killing grubs and continue doing so for much of the year.  These helpful microorganisms also destroy pests such as cutworms and armyworms.

If you’re building a new lawn or reseeding an existing one, certain improved grass varieties are worth your consideration.  Plant breeders have developed new types of grass that are resistant to damage from many pests such as greenbugs, armyworms, billbugs, cutworms, and sob webworms.

Nature itself can help to control damaging pests.  Beneficial insect species such as green lacewings, mealy bug destroyers, ladybugs, and minute pirate bugs prey on harmful insects.  Encourage them to take up residence in your landscape by growing plants they like for food or shelter.  You can boost the number of beneficial insects living in the yard by purchasing them from a supplier.  Spiders are excellent predators and should not be killed.  Finally, many bird species eat insects.  Provide water and shelter to attract all types of birds to the garden.

If you take the right steps to look after your lawn - mowing, watering, and fertilizing properly - you are unlikely to have too many problems with insect pests.  For gardeners who don’t want to use insecticides, long-term natural methods are the best way to defend against damaging insects.  This means that pest control should be a part of your overall lawn care plan.