How to get rid of grass fleas? - briefly
Apply a pyrethrin‑based spray directly to the infested area, water the lawn thoroughly afterward, and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days; keep the grass short and limit irrigation to prevent recurrence.
How to get rid of grass fleas? - in detail
Grass fleas, also known as springtails or mole crickets, thrive in moist lawns and can damage turf. Effective control requires a combination of cultural, mechanical, and chemical measures.
Identify the infestation by inspecting the lawn for small, jumping insects near the soil surface, especially after irrigation or rainfall. Damage appears as irregular patches of wilting grass or small holes in the turf.
Cultural practices that reduce habitat suitability:
- Adjust irrigation to provide deep, infrequent watering, allowing the topsoil to dry between sessions.
- Increase mowing height to 3–4 cm, preserving leaf shade and reducing soil exposure.
- Aerate the lawn annually to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer according to soil test results, avoiding excess nitrogen that promotes rapid growth and moisture retention.
Mechanical actions that directly remove pests:
- Use a stiff‑bristled rake or power broom to disturb the soil surface, exposing insects to predators and desiccation.
- Install physical barriers such as fine mesh edging around vulnerable garden beds to limit migration.
Chemical options, applied according to label directions, include:
- Granular insecticides containing bifenthrin or carbaryl, broadcast before the onset of spring activity.
- Soil‑active nematicides that introduce predatory nematodes (e.g., Steinernema spp.) to the root zone, targeting larvae.
- Systemic insecticides based on imidacloprid, applied as a liquid drench for severe infestations, with caution to protect pollinators.
Biological controls:
- Encourage natural predators by planting flowering species that attract ground beetles and predatory mites.
- Introduce entomopathogenic fungi such as Metarhizium anisopliae, which infects and kills larvae within the soil.
Preventive measures for long‑term management:
- Maintain a regular lawn care schedule that balances moisture, nutrition, and aeration.
- Monitor weather patterns; increase inspection frequency after prolonged rain.
- Rotate chemical treatments annually to prevent resistance buildup.
By integrating these strategies, the population of grass fleas can be significantly reduced, preserving lawn health and appearance.