Does Over-watering a Lawn Cause Insects?

Insects

• Over-watering your lawn can result in increased insect populations; the types may vary based on geographic region. For example, according to StarNursery.com, chinch bugs and leafhoppers thrive in over-watered lawns in desert climates. Both types of bugs are small and beetle-like; chinch bugs are black, and leafhoppers are green. Infestations of these pests can cause damage to the grass and other crops. Further, over-watering the lawn may result in more mosquitoes, especially since the mosquitoes are a water-borne insect.

Other Problems

• Grass, and other lawn vegetation, does not require much water, and over-watering may kill the plants. According to the Red Hen Turf Farm, over-watering your lawn may also promote weed growth, which -- if left unchecked -- is difficult to control. From a practical standpoint, over-watering the lawn can also be expensive and is a waste of water.

Over-Watering Symptoms

• Over-watering your lawn may not be the only cause for your insect problem. If you do not know whether your are over watering your lawn, check it against common symptoms. Over-watered lawns look sickly; instead of the rich emerald-green color, the grass looks light green or yellow. You may also notice mushrooms in the yard, and perhaps moss. The lawn may feel soggy and you may notice standing water. Additionally, water runoff in the street also indicates over-watering.

Tips

• If you are over-watering your lawn, there are steps you can take. Avoid cutting your lawn too short; according to ReynoldsPest.com, longer grass generally means a deeper root system, making your grass more tolerant to dry conditions, which allows you to keep your lawn healthier with less water. Monitor the weather for rain and avoid watering the lawn during storms or rainy seasons. According to StarNursery.com, water your lawn between 3:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. to promote maximum soil penetration and reduce evaporation.