Which pests should be controlled from May to August?

The best choice for pest control from May to August is armyworm and cutworm larvae. This period corresponds with a time when these particular pests are actively feeding and can cause significant damage to turfgrass.

Armyworms, which are the larvae of certain moth species, can invade in large numbers, leading to rapid defoliation of grass. They are particularly aggressive and can move in from fields or nearby habitats, necessitating timely management to prevent extensive damage.

Cutworm larvae, on the other hand, feed on seedlings and young grasses, especially during their active stages in late spring and summer. Their feeding habits can severely impair turf establishment and growth.

Control measures implemented during this timeframe, such as monitoring for the presence of these larvae and applying appropriate insecticides when thresholds are met, can effectively mitigate the populations of armyworms and cutworms and protect the turf.

In contrast, other pests mentioned, such as green lacewings and ladybugs, are beneficial insects that help control harmful pest populations, thus they do not require control. Bluegrass billbug larvae typically cause damage earlier in the year and not in the peak summer months. Chinch bug adults are more of a concern later in the summer when they can cause severe damage, but this timing may vary