Proper agronomic care of turf can go a long way towards reducing pest problems. Probably the most important cultural techniques of reducing insect and mite pests in turf are:
Reducing thatch development or removing existing thatch will eliminate its sheltering ability and improve efficiency of pesticides (if they are needed).
Higher mowing heights often shade sun loving chinch bugs or billbugs as well as raise humidity so that insect diseases may reduce pest numbers.
Each turf species is suited for specific environments. Fine (red) fescue tolerates shady, cool habitats, but rapidly becomes stressed and is attacked by chinch bugs in sunny areas. Ryegrasses and Kentucky bluegrasses do best in full sun, but become susceptible to diseases in shady areas. Improved tall fescues seem to grow well in sun and shade.
Each turf species has many cultivars selected for specific use. Many of these cultivars have been evaluated for insect and disease resistance. Selection of resistant cultivars can almost eliminate the chances of having insect or mite outbreaks.
Certain perennial ryegrasses and turf-type fescues contain symbiotic fungi called endophytes. These "endophyte enhanced" cultivars appear to be toxic to sod webworms, armyworms, chinch bugs and billbugs that feed on them. If a new lawn or fairway is to be established or renovation is due, consider using an endophyte enhanced turf to eliminate many of the surface insect and mite problems.