Which is NOT a step to correctly identify an insect problem?

Identifying an insect problem involves several critical steps that focus on symptoms and the specific insect causing the damage rather than just counting species. Observing grass color changes can provide vital clues about potential stressors, while locating the actual damaging life stage of the insect is essential for diagnosis and effective pest management. Additionally, recognizing symptoms of damage on the turf, such as wilting, discoloration, or irregular patterns associated with pest activity, helps narrow down the possible culprit.

Counting the number of insect species present does not directly contribute to identifying which specific insect is causing the issue. While understanding the diversity of insects in a given area can provide context about the ecosystem and biodiversity, it is not a necessary step to pinpoint a particular pest problem. Therefore, this option does not align with the procedural approach for accurately diagnosing an insect-related issue in turf management.