Periodic Inspections
By understanding the biology of insects and mites which attack turf, you can reasonably guess when damaging stages or pest numbers could be present. We must make periodic inspections of our turfgrass to discover whether potential pests are present and whether they are reaching levels which may cause unacceptable damage. Each turfgrass manager should have a 10X hand lens and be willing to "root" around in the turf leaves and thatch or dig below the surface. Occasionally, the presence of moles, birds or animals on turf may be indicative of an infestation of grubs, sod webworms, cutworms or billbugs. Check to make sure.
Obtain further information on insect and mite pest detection and life cycles from your county extension service.
Identification
Most people don't know one "bug" from another and consider them all to be bad. There are beneficial insects, and it is very important that we correctly identify these good ones from the potentially damaging ones. Once you identify an insect or mite, you must also learn if it is destructive or beneficial, what it feeds on and what stage(s) in the life cycle are most susceptible to controls, if they are needed. Knowing the most vulnerable stage of a pest is the key to successful control.
If you suspect an insect or mite is a pest but need help in identification, contact your local county extension office or send specimens to the C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210 (614-292-5006). Forms for submission are available from their web site: http://ppdc.osu.edu
Selecting a Control Tactic
If a pest has been detected and control is necessary, the difficult decision is what tactic(s) to use. Most will select a chemical control, but keep in mind that a cultural or biological control may be more appropriate. Susceptible turf, constantly being attacked by billbugs or chinch bugs, may be better managed by renovating with a resistant turf. This will eliminate the annual application of a pesticide. On the other hand, renovation can be too expensive compared to the use of a periodic application of a pesticide. Each turfgrass situation is different and will require some decision making.