Lawn and Landscape Pests to Watch for in Winter

Winter can be picturesque, with its blanket of snow covering homes, trees, and lawns. While many assume that the colder months spell the end of garden and lawn pests, some troublesome critters actually remain active or find ways to overwinter, only to emerge with vigor in the spring. For those invested in the health of their landscape, it's essential to remain vigilant and understand the potential threats.

 

One pest to watch out for is the Winter Cutworm. These caterpillars, larvae of the large yellow underwing moth, remain active even in colder temperatures. They feed on grass and plant crowns during the winter, leaving irregular patches of damage that become noticeable once the snow melts.

 

White Grubs, which are beetle larvae – primarily of the Japanese beetle, June beetle, and the European chafer – can also be a problem. While they feed on grass roots primarily in late summer and early fall, their presence in the soil during winter can attract moles and skunks, which dig up lawns searching for a grub feast.

 

Snow Mold isn’t a pest in the traditional insect sense, but it's a fungal disease that can plague lawns in winter. It appears as circular, gray or pink patches once the snow melts, often the result of snow sitting on unfrozen ground. Although not a creature, it's a "pest" in terms of the damage it can cause.

 

For trees and shrubs, the Scale Insects are a concern. While they feed during the warmer months, they can overwinter on branches, ensuring a continued problem when temperatures rise again. Their presence can lead to a decline in plant vigor and can also produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold.

 

Voles, also known as meadow mice, are another winter threat. These tiny rodents don’t hibernate and can cause damage by gnawing on tree bark and shrub bases, sometimes girdling and killing plants.

 

To tackle these pests, winter monitoring is crucial. Regularly inspect your lawn for signs of irregular feeding or disturbances. Utilizing repellents, beneficial nematodes, or targeted treatments can help keep pests in check. For Snow Mold, ensuring proper lawn care in the fall and avoiding excessive nitrogen before winter can reduce the risk.

 

Our winters may seem dormant, but beneath the snow, there's a world of activity. By being proactive and understanding the pests that lurk in the colder months, homeowners can ensure that their lawns and landscapes remain healthy and vibrant, ready to flourish come spring.

 

 

Vole or Meadow Mice

Scale Insect