western-queensland-gardening-guide.pdf - South West NRM

The felted grass coccid
The felted grass coccid attacks a wide range of grasses including both green and blue
couch. Tlus pest is common in the area, but usually does not cause severe damage. It
is usually found at the edges of lawns, particularly near concrete borders or steps.
However, it sometimes spreads into the main part of the lawn, causing the grass to
turn yellow and bare patches to develop. The insect is globular in shape, about 2 rnm
(1/16 inch) in diameter, with a white felt-like covering. It is found at or near ground
level on stems or runners.
Control
A dimethoate (Rogor) white oil spray should be used.
Ants
A few species of ants can be very troublesome in lawns, destroying the turf and
causing large bare patches, which are then suitable for invasion by weeds. However,
most species of ants are beneficial.
Control
Ants are seldom troublesome where spraying to control lawn grubs is carried out.
en necessary spray with fenthion (Lebaycid) at the recommended concentration.
White p b s
e h bs are the larvae of a scarab beetle which lay eggs in the soil, frequently close
es or tree stumps. The grubs are fleshy and white with a darker brownish head
and bluish-grey terminal section of the abdomen. They are 2 cm to 2.5 cm (3/4 inch to
1 inch) in length and thicker than a pencil and are normally curled into a half-moon
position. They feed on the roots of grasses and other plants. Affected plants lack
vigour, brown off, are easily pulled out of the ground and may die. If an affecte
is dug up, the grubs will be found among the roots which they are destroying.
grubs can also cause the death of many vegetable and flower seedlings.
Control
Treat the soil surface with chlorpyrifos (Lorsban) at the concentration recommended on
the container. As the grubs range in depth from just under the surface of the oil to a
depth of 20 cm (8 inches) it is necessary to water the surface well after application to
ensure that the insecticide is washed into all parts needing treatment. Keep children
off the lawn for a day or two after spraying.
Broad-leafed weeds in lawns
There are many broad-leafed weeds which are pests in lawns, including thistles,
flatweed, daisies, cudweed and khaki weed. Khaki weed (Altemantheva repens) is very
common and readily colonises bare patches. It has a thick tap root and a creeping
habit. Roots form at each stem joint, and a mat-like growth is formed. The leaves are
dull-green and roundish. The flowers are straw coloured and when gone to seed are
stiff, with sharp points. They break off and spread easily. If lawns are watered and