Summer lawns aren’t just loved by families and pets—they’re prime real estate for bugs too. And while some insects are harmless, others can damage your grass, bite your kids, or attract even bigger pests to your yard. The good news? A well-maintained lawn is one of the best defenses you have.
Here’s what homeowners can do right now to discourage unwanted guests—and how we can help.
Start with Healthy Grass
It might not seem obvious, but healthy grass is your first step in pest control. Lawns that are mowed regularly, watered deeply, and not overly stressed are less attractive to damaging insects like grubs and chinch bugs. Thicker grass also helps crowd out weeds, which are often magnets for bugs.
Be careful not to scalp your lawn in the summer. Keeping grass a bit taller helps retain moisture and reduces the chance of bare spots, which are often where insect damage starts.
Know the Signs of Trouble
You don’t have to be an expert to spot early warning signs. If you notice random brown patches that don’t improve with watering, or if birds suddenly start digging in one area of the yard, you might have a grub problem. Another clue is if the grass pulls up easily like a loose carpet—grubs chew at the roots.
For surface pests like armyworms or chinch bugs, you might see visible movement, tiny bite marks on the blades, or areas that yellow quickly. The sooner you identify an issue, the easier it is to prevent widespread damage.
Manage Moisture the Right Way
Standing water is one of the biggest invitations for pests, especially mosquitoes. It only takes a small puddle in a planter tray, bird bath, or low spot in the yard for them to start breeding. Make it part of your weekly routine to walk your property and dump out any pooled water you find.
If your lawn has poor drainage or sunken areas that stay soggy after rain, you may want to consider minor grading or additional landscaping to fix the problem long-term.
Clean Up Hiding Spots
Your lawn might be tidy, but pests often hang out along the edges. Overgrown shrubs, wood piles, untrimmed trees, or clutter near the foundation can provide the perfect environment for insects to live and breed. Not only do these areas attract bugs, they can draw in animals that feed on them—think raccoons, skunks, and snakes.
A good mid-summer cleanup of your beds, trimming back vegetation, and removing yard waste can go a long way in pest prevention.
We Help You Get Ahead of It
At Miami Valley Lawnscapes, we don’t apply pesticides, but we do help you prevent the conditions that attract pests in the first place. From regular mowing and edging to clearing out messy spots and trimming trees, we help keep your property neat, healthy, and less appealing to unwanted insects.
And if you’re dealing with a specific pest issue, we’re happy to recommend a trusted local pest control provider who can help.
A pest-free lawn starts with smart lawn care—and that’s where we come in.
