Where should you check for turf pests?

The correct focus for checking for turf pests is in the areas where the damaged turf meets healthy, green grass. This is typically where pests are likely to be actively feeding or residing, as the contrast between the damaged and healthy areas can indicate a pest problem. These zones often show signs of stress and can be the first areas affected by pests, making them important to monitor.

In these regions, you may observe physical damage like thinning grass, discoloration, or other symptoms of pest activity. By concentrating efforts in these transitions, you can better assess the extent of the pest infestation and take appropriate action before the problem spreads into the healthy areas.

Other locations such as shaded areas, healthy green grass, or overly dry patches may not provide accurate indicators of pest activity. Shaded areas might mask the signs of pests due to different growth conditions, while healthy grass generally suggests that there is little to no pest presence. Furthermore, overly dry or sandy patches might not be favorable environments for pests, leading to misleading results in pest monitoring. Thus, checking the interface between damaged and healthy grass provides the most relevant insights for identifying turf pests.