If you’re having problems with your centipede lawn now, spittlebugs may be the culprit. Take a close look at
the grass blades. If the grass blades have faint yellow or red stripes down them, and the grass later turns brown, then
there is a good chance that spittlebugs are causing the problem. Spittlebugs are in most centipede lawns now in high
numbers due to all the rain we’ve had and the resultant lush grass growth. Spittlebugs are the black bugs, with two orange
stripes across their back, that you often see when mowing the lawn. Don't worry about a few spittlebugs. But if you see
lots of them, examine your grass closely. Use an insecticide labeled for lawn insect control. But, be sure to apply the
insecticide in a sufficient enough volume of water so as to flush it down through the thatch layer where the young
spittlebugs are developing and feeding in masses of spittle.
Spittlebugs lay their eggs in the thatch at the base of the grass. They prefer to lay eggs in hollow grass stems or behind
the leaf sheaths. There are five nymphal stages and the life cycle requires two and a half months. There are two
generations per year. Eggs laid by the second generation over-winter and hatch the following spring. Depending on
temperature and precipitation, most of the over-wintering eggs will hatch from late March to late April. First generation
adults are abundant in June. The adult population peaks again in early August to early September.
Reducing thatch buildup will help with a spittlebug problem. If a thatch problem exists, dethatching will reduce problems.
To improve control of these bugs, mow and dispose of clippings before an insecticide is applied.
INSECTICIDE:
Talstar One -
Provides long-lasting control of spittlebugs, ants, fire ants,
armyworms, centipedes, millipedes, fleas, pill bugs, bill bugs, mole crickets,
ticks, chinch bugs and other household pests.
You can also use Generic brand Bifen and save money. It has the same ingredient as Talstar One.
