Pest Patrol: Chinch Bugs & More – What to Watch for

Spring is here—and so are the bugs. As temperatures rise, lawn and garden pests become more active and can quickly take a toll on your landscape if left unchecked. That’s why we’re launching a new monthly feature to help you spot and stop common pests before they do serious damage.

Each month, we’ll highlight a few of the usual suspects, show you what to look for, and share the best ways to manage them—naturally or with targeted treatments.

This month, we’re kicking things off with a video about chinch bugs—a tiny menace that can cause big problems in your lawn. We’re also spotlighting three more pests you may encounter: mole crickets, grubs, and aphids. Scroll down to learn how to identify each one and what to do if you find them.

Chinch bugs are one of the most destructive lawn pests in Northeast Florida—especially in St. Augustine grass. In this video, Chad from Earth Works in Jacksonville, FL explains how to spot early signs of chinch bug damage, where they typically hide (like along sidewalks and driveways), and how to confirm their presence using a simple float test.

You’ll also learn:

✔️ Why drought-stressed lawns are most vulnerable

✔️ The difference between chinch bug and sod webworm damage

✔️ How and when to treat using contact insecticides

✔️ Why quick action is critical to avoid permanent turf damage

If you’re seeing browning patches in your lawn and wondering if chinch bugs are to blame.

This guide will help you take the right steps. 

Common Lawn & Garden Pests

Mole Crickets

1. What They Look Like: Light brown, about 2 inches long, with large front legs that look like tiny shovels—perfect for digging.
2. Where You’ll Find Them: These pests tunnel underground, usually in lawns or vegetable beds, and are active at night. Their presence is often spotted by raised, loose soil and ½-inch wide tunnels.
3. How to Control Them:

• Apply beneficial nematodes or insecticides labeled for mole cricket control in early evening.
• Water the lawn before treatment to draw them closer to the surface.
• Late spring and early fall are key treatment windows.

Grubs

1. What They Look Like: “C”-shaped, dirty white larvae with darkened rear ends and reddish-brown heads, ranging from ¼ to 2½ inches long.
2. Where You’ll Find Them: In the root zone of your lawn or garden beds, often under the turf. They feed on plant roots and tubers, causing grass to brown or lift easily.
3. How to Control Them:

• Apply grub-specific insecticides in late summer or early fall when young grubs are near the surface.
• Beneficial nematodes are a great organic control option.
• Keep your lawn healthy and well-aerated to discourage infestation.

Aphids

1. What They Look Like: Tiny, pear-shaped insects (1/32 to 1/8 inch) that may be green, yellow, black, pink, or brown.
2. Where You’ll Find Them: On the undersides of leaves, tender stems, or flower buds—often in clusters.
3. How to Control Them:

• Spray plants with a strong stream of water to dislodge them.
• Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavier infestations.
• Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to keep aphid populations in check.
• Watch for curled leaves or stunted growth—aphids also spread plant viruses.

What to Prune in Florida This Spring

🌸 Azaleas & Other Spring Bloomers

Prune right after flowering. These plants bloom on last year’s growth—cutting too late removes next year’s flowers.

🌼 Crape Myrtle & Summer-Blooming Shrubs

These bloom on new growth, so prune in late winter or early spring. You can even cut them back hard—they’ll still bloom beautifully!

💐 Hydrangeas

Most types bloom on old wood—prune before midsummer to avoid cutting off buds. Newer reblooming varieties are more forgiving.

🌿 Foliage Shrubs (like Loropetalum & Ligustrum)

These can be shaped almost anytime—just avoid heavy pruning in late fall when growth won’t harden off before winter.

🌳 Clipped Hedges (Boxwood, Podocarpus)

Shear frequently in early spring to maintain a tidy shape. Stop by late fall to prevent frost damage.

🌹 Roses

For repeat bloomers like Knock Out and Drift roses, prune in early spring to remove winter damage and shape the plant. For once-a-year bloomers, wait until after flowering.

🌼 Perennials & Annuals

Deadhead often to keep the blooms coming. Leggy plants? Cut them back by half to encourage stockier growth and rebloom.

🍊 Citrus Trees

Remove suckers from the base of young trees. Mature trees need little canopy pruning—only cut to remove freeze or disease damage, or to prevent crowding.

Now’s also the perfect time to bring in the pollinators—birds, bees, and butterflies are buzzing, and our wide selection of hardy perennials and dazzling annuals will keep them coming back all season long.

Hope to see you soon,

—Matt & Rhonda, Garden Center Managers

When to Water Less

✔️ After heavy or frequent rain

✔️ In consistently damp soil

✔️ In deep shade or with drought-tolerant plants (though they still need help early on)

Chad’s Lawn Care Advice

Lawn Watering Tips

With the arrival of daylight saving time, Duval County’s watering restrictions have shifted—and with spring heating up, it’s time to make sure your lawn is getting exactly what it needs to stay healthy and green.

Know Your Watering Days – Duval County Restrictions

Here’s a quick guide to the current watering schedule in Duval County, now that we’ve sprung forward:

Watering Guidelines for Established Lawns

A healthy lawn requires different amounts of water depending on the season and temperature. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Newly Installed Sod—Especially St. Augustine

New sod needs extra attention to take root and thrive, especially in Florida’s fluctuating spring weather. Here’s what to know:

• Week 1–2: Water daily, ideally in the morning. St. Augustine sod typically needs ¼ to ½ inch of water per day, depending on temperature and wind.
• Week 3–4: Water every other day.
• Week 5–6: Transition to your regular watering schedule based on season and temperature.
• Avoid mowing until roots are established (usually around week 3).
• Avoid foot traffic (and furry feet!) during this establishment period.

☀️ Hot and dry weather? You may need to water twice daily in the first two weeks. Cool and cloudy? Scale back a bit. 

Find the Right Fertilizer at Earth Works

We carry a wide range of organic, synthetic, hybrid, solid, and liquid fertilizers. Stop by and chat with me, Matthew—I’d love to help you find the perfect fertilizer for your plants!

Matthew’s Garden Tips

A Simple Guide to Spring Vegetable Gardening

Growing your own vegetables can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but in Florida’s sandy soil, it takes the right approach to be successful. Earth Works Garden Center Manager Matthew Barlow shares his lessons learned from years of trial and error, so you can grow healthy, thriving vegetables with confidence.

Best Vegetables & Herbs to Plant This Spring

✅ Tomatoes – Start early for best results

✅ Peppers – Bell, jalapeño, banana, and more thrive in warm weather

✅ Cucumbers – Perfect for trellises and raised beds

✅ Squash & Zucchini – Fast-growing and productive

✅ Green Beans – Easy to grow, bush and pole varieties

✅ Eggplant – Loves the heat and produces all summer

✅ Okra – A summer staple that thrives in Florida’s climate

Chad Lakin

Lawn Maintenance Operations Manager

Chad has been a dedicated member of Earth Works for nine years, serving as the Licensed Certified Operator. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, he brings extensive expertise in operations and maintenance. Chad attended the University of North Florida (UNF) and continues to play a vital role in ensuring efficiency and excellence at Earth Works.  

Camellia Care

What makes Camellias truly special is their ability to brighten up a garden during the dreary winter months. Their large, colorful blooms stand out against their dark green leaves, creating a striking contrast in the landscape. With proper care, Camellias will reward you with years of beautiful blooms, turning your winter garden into a vibrant oasis when you need it most.

Incorporate Camellias into your garden this winter, and enjoy the beauty of these timeless, resilient plants.

Watering

Once established, Camellias are relatively low-maintenance. They prefer consistent moisture, so water them regularly, especially during dry periods. However, avoid overwatering, as Camellias do not like soggy roots.

Fertilizing

Fertilize your Camellia plants in late winter or early spring after they have finished blooming. Use a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, and be sure to follow the recommended application rates to avoid burning the roots.

Prunning

Pruning is essential to maintain a healthy and attractive plant. Camellias benefit from light pruning after they have finished blooming to remove dead or damaged branches and encourage new growth. You can also lightly shape the plant at this time if needed.

Why Camellias Are Perfect for Winter Gardens

What makes Camellias truly special is their ability to brighten up a garden during the dreary winter months. Their large, colorful blooms stand out against their dark green leaves, creating a striking contrast in the landscape. With proper care, Camellias will reward you with years of beautiful blooms, turning your winter garden into a vibrant oasis when you need it most.

Incorporate Camellias into your garden this winter, and enjoy the beauty of these timeless, resilient plants.

Camellia Tea: From Garden to Teacup

Did you know that the tea you drink comes from a type of Camellia? Camellia sinensis is the plant used to make green, black, and oolong teas. While ornamental Camellias like Camellia japonica are prized for their blooms, Camellia sinensis is cultivated for its leaves, which are harvested, dried, and processed into various types of tea. Growing your own tea garden is possible if you have the right climate—Camellia sinensis thrives in warm, humid regions with acidic soil, much like its ornamental cousins. Imagine brewing a cup of homegrown tea straight from your own garden!

Caring for St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine grass is a popular choice for lawns in Florida, but it requires specific care to thrive during the summer. Proper lawn care in Florida involves understanding the unique needs of this grass type.

Watering St. Augustine grass needs deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root growth, which is essential for surviving the Florida heat.

Mowing Set your mower to a height of 3.5 to 4 inches to keep the grass blades tall, providing natural shade for the soil.

Pest Control Chinch bugs are a common pest in St. Augustine grass. Regular monitoring and appropriate garden pest control measures are essential to prevent infestations.

By following these summer garden tips, you can maintain a healthy and green lawn even in the harshest conditions.

Choosing the Right Shade Garden Plants

Creating a shade garden is a smart way to utilize shaded areas in your North Florida garden. Shade garden plants thrive in lower light conditions and can add lush greenery to your landscape.

By selecting the right shade garden plants, you can create a cool, inviting space that complements the rest of your landscape.

Final Thoughts on North Florida Gardening

Successfully gardening in North Florida during the summer requires a thoughtful approach that includes the right plants, trees, and features to withstand the heat. From planting shade trees for Florida-friendly cooling to incorporating water features in the garden and providing proper lawn care in Florida, these strategies will help you create a thriving summer garden. By following these essential tips, you can enjoy a beautiful, resilient garden all season long.