A Highveld summer brings rain, fast growth and pests. Most can be handled early with simple methods. Spot them before they spread.
Common pests
| Pest | Signs | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn caterpillars (armyworm) | Brown patches that spread fast in summer; birds pecking at the lawn | Soak a patch with soapy water: caterpillars come to the surface. Treat early with a product labelled for lawn caterpillars |
| Mole crickets / lawn grubs | Spongy, dying patches; grass pulls up easily | Same soapy-water test; treat with a product labelled for lawn grubs |
| Aphids | Clusters of tiny insects on new shoots and roses; sticky leaves | Spray off with water, or use soapy water; encourage ladybirds |
| Snails and slugs | Holes in leaves, slime trails, worse after rain | Hand-pick at night, beer traps, or pet-safe bait used as directed |
| Mealybugs and scale | White fluffy or brown bumps on stems and leaves | Wipe off, prune badly affected parts, horticultural oil |
| Moles | Raised ridges and mounds in the lawn | Hard to remove; deterrents and trapping by a specialist |
Brown patches aren't always pests. Dog urine, drought and fungal disease look similar. See kikuyu lawn brown patches.
Lower-risk control first
- Check early and often, especially after rain and in hot spells.
- Start with the gentlest method (hand-picking, water, soapy water) and only use pesticides when needed.
- Read and follow the label for any product, keep children and pets away, and don't spray in wind or before rain.
- Healthy plants resist pests better. Water deeply but less often, feed in spring, and mulch beds. See water-wise gardening.
When to get help
If pests keep coming back or cover large areas, a garden service or pest control company can identify the problem and treat it safely. Ask whether pest and weed control is included in your service or charged extra. See what a garden service includes, or compare weekly garden services in Benoni.