Question
I live in Orlando, FL.  When is the best time to treat the lawn for pesking damaging insects in a St. Augustine / Floratam lawn.  I know that if I see them, I should treat, but I want to PREVENT them.  What months or month is the best to treat?

Answer
Angela:

The two main insects which effect Floratam are chinch bugs and white grubs.  There are also sod webworms and ground pearls.  The latter two are not so much threat as the first two.  Unfortunately, Floratam is susceptible to chinch bugs.

Grubs may be treated effectively with milky spore disease, a biological agent effective for many seasons.

Chinch bugs are pervasive.  They are also in your neighbor's lawns, so control is unlikely.  You may have to treat two to four times a year for them.

The insecticides for the other three pests will likely be found at your local garden center.  Just ask for what they may carry for treatment.  I am sure that a good product is available since these insects are common in St. Augustine.

Best wishes.