Dawn Liquid & Lawn Insects

Types

• Many types of insects are controlled with soap drenches, such as armyworms, cutworms and tropical sod webworms. While many lawn insects are harmless, these insects can cause significant damage to lawns by feeding on it.

Prevention/Solution

• According to the University of Florida, IFAS Extension, lawn insects will crawl to the surface of grass once a soap drench is applied. Combine 1 tbsp. of dishwashing liquid such as Dawn with 1 gallon of water and apply to 4 square feet of the lawn.

Considerations

• Applying a soap drench made with Dawn dishwashing liquid helps homeowners identify the types of lawn insects present in their grass and makes it possible to remove the insects by hand. Soap drenches also may kill lawn insects, but it takes several days for them to die. Contact your local extension office for advice on chemical controls for damaging lawn insects.