The approaching Georgia spring and summer warm temperatures are not only appealing to residents but also to a variety of lawn pests that can wreak havoc on all your outdoor spaces. From the nuisance of fire ants to the damage caused by grubs, understanding these common invaders and knowing how to treat them is essential for maintaining a healthy, green lawn. Below, we will explore these two lawn pests common in North Georgia and offer expert tips on how to keep them at bay.

As we settle into the winter months here in Georgia, our lawns and gardens begin their transition into the dormant phase. The silver lining? The much-welcomed break from weekly lawn mowing and maintenance. But there is another opportunity homeowners should be taking advantage of during this dormant season — it is the perfect time to harness the power of horticultural oils.

While it really is starting to feel like fall is finally here, most Georgians are still going to be experiencing very warm afternoons. So as you notice the leaves change colors and begin to fall off of their trees, it's important to pay attention to other changes that might be going on in your yard. Just because the mosquitoes aren't buzzing around as much this time of year does not mean your lawn is without pests, or the effects of their presence. 

As we begin to enter the winter months here in Georgia, our lawns and gardens will begin to enter their dormant periods. The dormant period will definitely come with some advantages, the obvious being you can take a good, long break from mowing your lawn regularly. One other great way to take advantage of this dormant season experienced by your lawn and garden is by making use of horticultural oils, sometimes known as "dormant oils." 

This spring has been exceptionally mild so far, and some of us might start to see that as an opportunity to take the cover off of the grill and having those long-awaited evening barbecues again. Unfortunately, as weather warms up and rain becomes more frequent, our friends might not be the only creatures paying a visit to those cookouts. In warm weather, it's important to keep a look out for bloodthirsty mosquitoes. In addition to inflicting a painful bite, mosquitoes can transmit diseases. But rest easy – AgroPro has some tips to help you stave off these flying pests this spring!

During the fall months, the focus on lawn care can shift away from frequent mowing as the rate of your lawn's growth slows down. While your grass is preparing to go dormant for the winter months, it is essential to focus on preventative care to keep your lawn pest-free and capable of receiving as much sunlight as possible. Pests can wreak havoc on a lawn if left to their own devices, making it harder for your grass to come back as vibrant and green as it was before winter came. Here are just a few of the pests you may encounter while protecting your lawn this fall, and how the damage they cause can be mitigated: 

Many of us patiently wait for warmer weather and are thrilled when we get those first few days of 70-degree weather. We break out the shorts and short-sleeve shirts and before we know it, we're scratching at our skin thanks to pesky mosquitoes. Not only are their bites annoying and itchy, but they can also carry diseases like West Nile Virus, Encephalitis, and the Zika virus. These diseases are all the more reason to combat these blood-sucking insects! 

No one wants grubs…just the word itself doesn't sound too appealing, does it? You may be wondering "what are grubs exactly?" Great question! Grubs are the larvae of Japanese beetles. They look like c-shaped creatures and you are most likely to find them in your soil. They're not attractive little critters and they certainly don't do any favors for your yard – especially when they're occupying it by the masses. 

When you do all the things necessary to achieve a healthy and robust lawn, you also make your lawn incredibly attractive to one of its biggest enemies. Turf grass needs thick juicy roots in order to thrive. The healthier the roots, the more appetizing they are to grubs.

Ever laid eyes on a grub? If so, you know how ugly these pests are. Even uglier, though, is the damage they can do to your lawn. Grubs are the unfortunate offspring of beetles, such as June beetles and Japanese beetles, and they hatch from eggs laid in the soil. After hatching, the grubs (or beetle larvae) start feeding on turf roots.