If you’re a homeowner who takes pride in their front lawn, then it’s safe to say you’re well-versed in maintaining that crisp green look. But one area you might not be an expert in is pests, specifically the African Black Beetle. Although these beetles can seriously damage your lawns, they aren’t difficult to get rid of. In this blog, we’ll share ways to prevent lawn African Black Beetles and what to do when you discover them in your grass.
What are African Black Beetles?
Although they originated in Africa, it’s assumed the African Black Beetle made its way over to Australia through human travel. Also known as Black Lawn Beetles, they’re an insect that feeds on vegetation, like grass, plants and leaves. They are typically more active during warmer seasons and have a lifespan of less than a year. While these insects go through four life stages, they are most threatening to greenery during their larvae stage.
What are the signs of African Black Beetles?
To understand how to prevent lawn African black beetles, it’s a good idea to first be across the signs of their presence. As they feed on just about any lawn, the African Black Beetle poses a significant threat to your lawn. Some of the key things to watch out for are:
- Wilted leaves and grass
- Dead or dying patches of grass
- Stunted growth in plants
- Deformed plants or flowers
An easy way to find out if there are African Black Beetles in your lawn is to pour a mixture of 5L water and 30ml dishwashing detergent over 1m2 grass and wait. This irritates the pest, bringing the beetles to the surface. If there are more than five, you are dealing with a large colony.
How to prevent lawn African Black Beetles
A sure-fire way to keep your lawn free of African Black Beetles is to keep the area adequately protected with insecticide. This will help create a barrier in the soil that is damaging to the pests. The Lawn Shed has a range of insecticides that can help, like the Acelepryn GR, a premium insecticide specialising in killing African Black Beetles.
The Lawn Shed are experts in keeping your lawn looking fresh and healthy. With years of experience under our belts, we’ve worked hard to supply households with premium lawn care products. Be the envy of your neighbours by giving our lawn care products a try today.
