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How to detect and treat black beetles in your lawn

It’s time to look a little closer - by Livia Gamble
  • 17 Aug 2020

In news that many lawn fanatics will already know, your grass needs constant care.

If you find that your lawn is no longer looking green and lush and instead appears dry and straw-like, you may be dealing with a black beetle infestation. Many of Australia's most popular turf varieties, including Buffalo grass, Couch and Kikuyu are susceptible to the infestation of garden pests.

Here's how to identify whether your lawn is affected by the presence of black beetles and how to effectively rid your lawn of the pests. 

 

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How to identify black beetles in a lawn

You may begin to suspect your lawn is infested with black beetles if it begins to appear dry, straw-like and plagued by yellow patches.

A simple way to find out if your lawn is affected by black beetle is to grab a bucket of soapy water and pour it onto the grass. Any bugs, if present, will float to the surface. If you get more than 20 bugs, this could be an indication of a larger problem. 

Another way to detect the presence of black beetles is to place a moistened square of carpet on top of the soil. After a day or so, any adult black beetles will have congregated underneath the carpet. 

Two men spraying pesticide on lawn
Getty

How to get rid of black beetles in lawn

There are a number of natural ways to get the population of black beetles down to a more manageable level. When you're out and about in the garden, keep your eyes peeled for beetles and larvae in the soil. Carefully remove them from the soil and place both the beetles and the larvae into a bucket of soapy water. 

Backyard hens are also great at keeping black beetle infestations at bay. Chooks can't resist the tasty beetles, so giving them free roam of the yard will benefit both your lawn and your hens. If you don't have any backyard hens, neighbourhood birds can provide their assistance. Till the affected soil regularly to bring the beetles and larvae to the surface. Hungry birds are sure to descend upon the free feast.

Pesticides are only recommended as a last resort. Speak to a horticulturalist at your local nursery to find out which products are best for your lawn. 

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Livia Gamble
Based in Newcastle, Livia Gamble will not sleep until she has discovered every possible way to use bi-carb soda and vinegar. When she isn’t reporting on ways to improve your home and garden, she can be found knitting socks (by choice) and will never say no to pizza.

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