Lawncare RFP Part III, what about the bugs?

Now is the time to check your RFP or SOW for Grubs, Fire Ant, Chinch Bug Control?

Just a quick reminder that if you do not plan to address "insect control" as part of your 2023 plan, it may cost you more in turf repair and renovation.

So, re-posting this article for those that may have missed it before.

The previous RFP articles discussed understanding “Turf Type” and “Type of weeds” so you could adjust your SOW accordingly. This article covers an important but often overlooked specification for your RFP or SOW that can be costly if not addressed, insect control. If not handled correctly you should prepare to spend more money for turf repair, replacement, or renovation down the road. Depending on where your properties are located across the country you will more than likely be facing one if not more than one of these insect problems this year. We can help design and deliver the correct program for your portfolio to help protect your investment. Here are a few points to really consider and think about their cost to your team.

Grub Control

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Japanese beetle larvae (grubs) cause an estimated $234 million in damage each year. If left unchecked, grubs can cause your turf to become brown and eventually die, leaving unsightly patches that only expensive reseeding or resodding can fix. Don’t let your turf fall victim to this preventable threat. (Guide to Garden Weeds, Pests, & Diseases | TruGreen)

While we recommend being proactive versus reactive when it comes to grub control, be on the lookout for these signs of grub infestation:

·??????Yellow or brown patches of grass

·??????Loose turf resulting from root destruction.

·??????Damage from animals that dig for grubs.

Fire Ants

Fire Ants nest in lawns and in other sunny, open spaces. Aggressive and territorial, fire ant stings hurt and can cause allergic reactions in adults, children, and pets. In addition to the hazards they pose, fire ants have also been known to damage wiring, transformers, and circuits by nesting near utility boxes and electrical substations. Let us help keep fire ants off your turf.

The TruGreen? fire ant control program features a granular treatment, which:

·??????Can be applied as necessary to all areas of your lawn and landscape.

·??????Permeates the ground to help control fire ants and help prevent them from relocating to another area of your property.

·??????Produces quick results and added protection by treating high-visibility mounds with a control agent.

Chinch Bugs

Chinch bugs can literally eat away at your grass and others, like grubs, can damage the root system and kill lawns off in patches. Reseeding or resodding will be needed.

Initial signs of Chinch Bug damage in your lawn include irregular, wilted yellow and brown patches of grass that could resemble drought stress. This lawn insect is most active for growth and development in dry conditions, which is another reason why drought stress can often mask Chinch Bug damage. Sometimes the damage isn't seen until your lawn fails to green-up once the drought stress is no longer a problem.

Our TruGreen National Account team is ready to help. We can help design and deliver the correct lawn program that protects your investment, improves results and has a positive impact on your resident or customer experiences. We can help. Let’s talk.

E.J.Martinez

National and Strategic Account Director

TruGreen Commercial Services

[email protected]

904-293-7896