Turfgrass managers may be willing to tolerate different levels of pests in different situations and make site-specific management decisions. For example, few weeds would be tolerated on a golf green or a lawn that is adjacent to a building. If there are health and safety threats or legal concerns associated with a certain pest, then thresholds are more clearly defined. Missouri's law prohibiting noxious weeds significantly affects the decision-making process of the Missouri Department of Transportation. In some instances, pest acceptance levels may be greater because of social or cultural factors or because of concerns about the costs or hazards of pest management methods used.
Japanese beetle is one such quarantined pest in Missouri.
Bacillus thuringiensis , a bioinsecticide that contains bacteria, is available in many products used in a diverse range of settings, including ornamental turfgrass and landscape plants, for control of damaging insect larvae. Biological nematicides are also on the market for control of soil-inhabiting plant parasitic nematodes in turfgrass. Natural enemies, such as lady beetles, lacewings and beneficial wasps, provide control of insect pests when present in sufficient populations within landscape plantings. By limiting the use of insecticides and incorporating a variety of plants in the landscape, populations of these beneficials are enhanced, keeping pests in check. With turfgrass, proper establishment dates, fertility practices, watering, mowing height, aerification and thatch control all contribute to combating pests.