Most common ground beetles in turfgrass

Acting with knowledge about the most common soil insects in turf is a great tool to avoid the most common insect pests. problems of lawns with this type of pest.

We are going to tell you here the examples of beetles that you can find in your garden or green area.

• Cotinis nitida June green beetle.

These beetles are metallic green in colour, and their larvae have a characteristic movement, as they do not crawl on their legs but on their backs. They feed on decaying organic matter and only attack the youngest roots if no organic matter is available.

• Amphimallon majale

This beetle is widely distributed throughout Europe and America. Adults average 1.3cm in length and are brownish or beige in colour. Its body is slightly grooved, so this can be a good way to identify it. Its life cycle is annual and its lava attack is usually in autumn. Very sensitive to Paenibacillus popilliae.

It is not possible to maintain a lawn without insects, but we can know about them and keep them under control.

•  Ataenius spretulusBlack Ataenius beetle, Black Ataenius beetle

This pest is extremely common. The adult is very small, about half a centimetre in size. Its cycle is annual, and the white larvae are also smaller than those described above. They are about one centimetre in size. The lavas feed on roots and organic matter, and their impact generally occurs in summer.

• Popillia japonicaalso known as Japanese beetle.

Metallic bronze-green in colour. They have white pilosities on their sides. They are common beetles in Asia and America, but specimens are already being found in Europe. Adults measure little more than a centimetre and appear in summer. Their cycle is annual and their larvae feed on the roots of spring grasses and the adults on the leaves of all types of plants.

• Genus Gryllotalpa or Mole Cricket

These insects have a very characteristic physiology, especially their oar-shaped legs, which are used to remove sand and make their galleries. These insects do not metamorphose, so their individuals grow while maintaining the same structure throughout their cycle.

During spring they reproduce and come out of their burrows from 15°C onwards to feed on the roots. Damage is caused both by highly visible holes and by root damage.

For early detection, 30ml of liquid detergent in 7.5 litres of water can be used on half a square metre of turf. If 7 crickets emerge in three minutes it is an indication that the population is high and preventive action should be taken before severe damage is seen.

Biological control is an essential tool for a healthy lawn.

• Bedbugs, billbugs or beetles with beaks

The most common are Sphenophorus parvulus, Sphenophorus venatus vestitus and Sphenophorus phoeniciensis. These insects are small, 0.5 to 2 cm, and are characterised by their beaks. They are brown, brown or black in colour and the adults eat leaves and stems, but the bulk of the damage comes from the larvae whose heads are yellowish and reddish in colour.

An indicator of presence is the fine, sawdust-like droppings that accumulate in the most affected places. And damaged turf stands up without problems as it has lost its roots and crown.

Keeping the soil free of insects is not possible, but there are products that can help you keep your lawn healthy and healthy during seasonal pests. I hope that with our tips you will be able to identify the insects that usually ruin landscaped areas.

Use products responsibly.

Before using any product read the label carefully and follow the instructions in detail for a productive and quality application.