A very big problem that is associated with turfgrasses is a wide range of different pests that cause the quality of the grass to be not up to par.

Common Turfgrass Pests: (these are all common in northern grasses)

• Weeds ( crabgrass, quack grass, and chickweed)
  - Be sure to apply a herbicide that best suits your lawn or golf courses needs.
  
• Insects (Cutworms, Sod webworms, and grubs)
  -Insecticides are available to apply to grass to keep these insects out, but you need to make sure if the chemical to be applied requires a pesticide applicators license to apply.
  
• Diseases (Dollar spot, Pythium, snow mold, brown patch, and countless others).
  -For control of diseases, almost every type of fungicide will need a licensed applicator to apply it. One must know what the chemical does to the grass, and how it works. For one to over apply or under apply any chemical on a home lawn or golf course could mean bad results.
  
• Mammals (Raccoons, Skunks, Rabbits, Deer)
  - Raccoons and skunks eat grubs just under the turf and rip it up to get the grubs. (it is good to hire a trapper licensed by your county's division of wildlife to manage the damage done by raccoons and skunks).
  -Deer, cause problems by running onto greens and leaving hoof marks. Not much you can do with deer, but make them feel not welcome.
  -Rabbits tend to eat flowers out of perennial beds, leaving a less desirable landscape. Repellants are available to apply to the plants, to keep them away from the plants.

***Note: Pesticides are very harmful chemicals, and should be only dealt with by professionals. ***

***Be sure to search OSU horticulture for additional information on turfgrass pests and ways to maintain these pests**
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