When should turf pests be controlled?

Controlling turf pests should be performed when they are present and actively causing damage to the turf. This approach ensures that management efforts are timely and effective; addressing pests at their peak damage potential minimizes their impact on the grass and promotes healthier turf. Monitoring for signs of pest activity or damage is critical because it helps in determining the right moment for intervention, thus avoiding unnecessary treatments that may not be warranted if pests are not present. This targeted method also aligns with integrated pest management principles, which focus on ecological balance and sustainable practices rather than routine or calendar-based applications.