Category: News

Termite swarming season is the time of year when termites leave their colonies to mate and form new colonies. This can be a cause for concern for homeowners, especially those in Florida where the warm and humid weather is ideal for termites. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about termite swarming season, including facts about termites, signs to look for, and what to do if you notice swarms at your property.

What Is Termite Swarming Season?

Termites can swarm at any time during the year, but they tend to be most active in the spring and summer months. Swarming is a crucial part of the termite life cycle; it’s the time when reproductive (termites capable of starting new colonies) leave the nest to find a mate and begin a new colony.

During swarming season, large numbers of termites emerge from their nests in search of a new home. This can be both alarming and dangerous for homeowners since it means termites are on the move and looking for new places to infest.

Learn More: What Time of Year Are Termites Most Active in Florida?

Signs to Look For

Wondering if termite swarms are invading your property? Here are some of the signs to look for:

• Flying Termites: During termite swarm season, you may notice a sudden emergence of winged termites, also known as alates or swarmers. These termites are reproductive members of the colony and are often seen flying around light sources.
• Swarming Behavior: Termite swarms typically occur on warm, humid days, usually after rainfall. If you witness a large number of termites flying together in a concentrated area, it is a clear indication of a termite swarm.
• Discarded Wings: After swarming, termites shed their wings. Keep an eye out for discarded wings near window sills, doorways, or other entry points. These discarded wings are often found in piles or scattered around the area.

What to Do If You See Termite Swarms

If termites are swarming around your property, you shouldn’t wait to take action. Termite swarms are a clear indication of an active termite colony nearby. By noticing and identifying the swarm early on, homeowners can detect a potential termite infestation before it causes extensive damage to their property.

First and foremost, it’s important to contact a professional termite control company as soon as possible. They will be able to assess the extent of the infestation and recommend a treatment plan to eliminate the termites. You should also take steps to prevent future infestations by keeping your home free of moisture and fixing any leaks or other sources of water damage.

Learn More: How Often Should I Treat for Termites in Florida?

Call Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control at the First Sign of Termites

Termite swarming season can be a stressful time for Florida homeowners, but with the right knowledge and protection, you can prevent serious damage to your property. The moment you see termites or termite swarms near your property, call the termite control experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control – Apopka right away. We’ll remove any active infestations and implement strategies to keep these damaging bugs away for years to come. Call us now at (407) 880-6655.

Maintaining a green and luscious lawn is a challenge—especially if you live in Central Florida, where the weather can be sweltering hot and unexpectedly wet. While we all want a beautiful yard, it can be tricky to determine the right amount of water to use on your lawn. Over-watering can lead to fungus, pest problems, and other issues while under-watering can lead to dry patches. Read on to discover some Central Florida lawn watering tips for a healthier, more vibrant lawn.

Know Your Lawn

First and foremost, it’s important to be familiar with your yard! Knowing your lawn’s specific needs can help you determine how much water to use and when. Some plants require more water than others, and soil type can also impact the frequency of watering. To determine if it’s time to water, you can use a simple trick – step on the grass. If the grass springs back up once you’ve stepped off, it doesn’t need water yet. If it stays flattened, it’s time to turn on the sprinklers.

Water Early

One of the best things you can do for your lawn is to water it early in the morning. Watering in the morning minimizes evaporation and gives your grass the opportunity to dry out before nighttime. If blades of grass are wet for too long, it can encourage fungus to grow – so you should avoid watering during the night. Also, you might have heard that watering during the heat of the day can help cool the grass down, but this isn’t true. Watering during the day can lead to a significant amount of water evaporating before it even reaches the soil.

Don’t Overdo It

Over-watering can lead to root rot, disease, and pest problems. This is why it’s important to water your lawn only when necessary and to avoid saturating it with water. A general rule of thumb is never to water more than 1 inch of water weekly. This can help keep your lawn healthy while also conserving water. Most lawns in Central Florida require about ½” to ¾” of water once or twice per week during warm weather.

Learn More: Why Does My Lawn Keep Getting Fungus?

Avoid Watering Leaves

When watering your lawn, it’s crucial to avoid watering the leaves. When the blades of grass are wet during the hottest parts of the day, the water droplets can act like tiny magnifying glasses and scorch the leaves. This damage can be superficial, but it can also be a point of entry for disease or pests. To avoid this, aim for the base of the grass near the soil.

Plant Drought-Tolerant Grass

If you’re planning on planting a new lawn or adding grass to your existing lawn, choose drought-tolerant varieties suited for the Central Florida climate. Some of the best drought-tolerant grasses include Bahia grass, Bermudagrass, Centipede grass, and Zoysia grass. Each of these grasses can handle dry conditions and require less water than other varieties.

Learn More: Which Lawn Should I Choose for My Yard? (Zoysia, Bahia, St. Augustine)

A Healthy Lawn Is Just a Phone Call Away

Watering your grass the right way is not as easy as it seems. It’s not as easy as it seems. If you overwater or underwater, it can lead to pesky pest or disease problems, and before you know it, your grass is looking yellow and sad. The lawn care experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control – Debary know what it takes to keep your lawn lush and healthy. Call us today at (407) 880-6655 to schedule your free lawn evaluation!

Maintaining a lush, green lawn in Florida can be a challenge, especially if your yard has a lot of shade. Finding the right type of grass that thrives in shady areas is crucial to having an attractive yard. While there are many shade-tolerant grass varieties available, not all of them are suitable for Florida’s unique climate. Let’s explore some of the best grass types for shady yards in Florida and their benefits.

Zoysiagrass

Zoysiagrass is a popular choice for Florida homeowners dealing with the shade because it’s a low-maintenance grass that adapts well to a wide range of soil types. It has slow growth characteristics that make it easy to maintain, requiring less fertilizer and watering than other grass types.

If you’re looking for a grass that’s not just shade-tolerant but also drought-tolerant, you can’t go wrong with Zoysiagrass. It boasts excellent drought tolerance, making it an ideal choice for Florida’s hot, humid summers. In general, this grass thrives in partial shade and can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight.

Learn More: Best Types of Grass for Your Orlando Home

St. Augustine

St. Augustine grass is a warm-season grass that is well-suited for Florida’s tropical climate. It tolerates shade, making it an excellent choice for those with trees or buildings that block the sun.

If you’re living near the sea, St. Augustine is an ideal grass type. It has a broad leaf and is more tolerant of salt spray than most other grasses. Keep in mind that this grass type requires some maintenance, including regular watering and fertilization—especially in the summer months. Overall, St. Augustine is an excellent choice for Florida homeowners that prefer a grass that requires little maintenance.

Bahiagrass

Bahiagrass is another shade-tolerant grass that is ideal for Florida yards. It prefers a sunny location for optimal growth, but it can adapt well to shaded areas. Its deep roots make it an ideal choice for drought-prone and sandy soils.

Bahiagrass requires less maintenance and water compared to other warm-season grasses, making it a cost-effective choice for Florida homeowners. It’s also resistant to insects and disease, which is a great advantage and makes it an excellent choice for larger properties.

Learn More: Our Guide for Deciding What Kind of Grass You Want for Your Lawn

Get the Trophy Lawn You’ve Always Wanted

Choosing the right grass for your yard is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to achieving the trophy lawn you’ve always dreamed of. If your grass is looking worse for wear—whether it’s in the shade or in the sun—call the lawn care experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control – Leesburg today! We’ll determine exactly what your grass needs, providing eco-friendly treatments that lead to long-term growth. Call us at (407) 880-6655 to get started!

Maintaining a healthy and beautiful lawn in Florida is a year-round job that involves a lot of work and understanding. Whether you’re a new homeowner or have been living in the Sunshine State for years, there are certain terms that you should know to help you communicate with lawn care experts or understand what’s being done to your lawn. Let’s explore some essential lawn terminology that every homeowner should know:

• pH Level: pH level refers to the soil’s acidity level on a scale of 1 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH level of 6.5 to 7 is ideal for grass to grow well. If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, it can affect the health of your lawn. Soil testing every couple of years is essential to determine the pH level of your lawn.
• Aeration: Aeration involves puncturing small holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the roots. This process helps to alleviate soil compaction and allows the grass roots to grow more efficiently.

Learn More: What Should I Do After My Lawn’s Been Aerated?

 

• Fertilization: Correct fertilization is essential for a thick and healthy lawn. In Florida, the application of the right blend of fertilizer should be timed with the season, turf type, and pH levels. Apply a slow-release fertilizer several times a year, starting in early spring and continuing through the fall. Make sure you’re using an eco-friendly fertilizer with the right nutrients that can nourish the specific demands of your lawn.
• Thatch: Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and debris that build up on the surface of the soil. If not removed, thatch can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the soil and ultimately, the roots. Thatch is removed during the process of dethatching.
• Seeding: Grass seeding involves spreading seeds over the soil in a specific pattern to encourage growth and development of new grass.Learn More: Best Types of Grass for Your Orlando Home
• Weed Control: Weed control refers to the practice of removing or suppressing the growth of weeds in your lawn. Weeds can affect the health and appearance of your lawn, and it’s essential to control them.
• Topdressing: Topdressing is the process of adding a thin layer of soil, sand, or a mixture of both over the existing soil to help level the surface of the lawn, add nutrients, and improve soil composition.
• Irrigation System: The right irrigation system is essential for a healthy lawn. Florida homeowners should know the difference between a drip irrigation system and a sprinkler system. Drip irrigation is ideal for watering plants, flowers, and gardens, while sprinkler systems are ideal for lawns. Sprinkler systems should have proper head settings, water pressure, and timing to avoid overwatering or underwatering.

When It Comes to Lawn Care, There’s a Lot to Know

Knowing the essential terminology of lawn care can help you communicate with lawn care experts and understand what is being done to your lawn, so you can take great care of it. Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control – Orlando can help with all aspects of lawn care explained above, from aeration to soil testing, fertilizing, and much more. Call us today at (407) 880-6655 for your free lawn care evaluation!