Despite it’s dry, desert-like climate, Utah is still home to many invasive pests that act as a threat to gardens, lawns, and landscapes across the state. However, by learning more about which pests pose the biggest threats, you can do your part in safeguarding your property against them and maintaining excellent lawn care habits.
Though the list of potentially threatening lawn and garden pests is rather extensive, below you’ll find three of the most common and most destructive species to keep an eye out for. In addition, you’ll learn quick tips and solutions to help eliminate these harmful critters.
Billbugs
What they are: Billbugs are a type of weevil or snout beetle that rarely fly and eats the turfgrass roots that lie just below the thatch layer, or layer of stems, roots, clippings, and debris that settle on the ground over time.
How to control: Chemical treatment is often required to completely resolve the issue. Products that are currently accepted in Utah include beta-cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, clothianidin, and lorsban.
White Grub
What they are: Several types of white grubs can be found throughout Utah. These invasive species tend to feed on turfgrass but it's difficult to detect if the turfgrass is healthy.
How to control: White grubs are easy to control with things like parasitic wasps, flies, and birds. Products like broad-spectrum insecticides can also be used to fight low-density infestations.
Corn Earworm
What they are: Corn earworm (CEW) is the most destructive insect pest of sweet corn in Utah, and are also known to destroy pepper and tomato fruits. As adults, a CEW is a tan-brown moth that can travel up to 300 miles in one night on wind currents.
How to control: Spraying is often the most effective way growers can prevent CEW damage to crops, though biological elements like Trichogramma (tiny wasps) can parasitize the eggs, and the gonad virus can prevent earworms from mating.
Contacting the Pros
With years of experience throughout Utah, we have to tools, resources, and knowledge needed to tackle any and all pest problems in your commercial or residential property.