Most insecticides give better control on the younger insect stages. To determine when and where these stages occur, inspect the turf regularly. Use Table 1 as a guide for timing insecticide applications. Applying preventive dosages of pesticides for insect control is not recommended. Costs and characteristics of insecticides, in addition to environmental regulations, are making preventive treatments impractical.
Water is an essential factor in insect control.
Soil insects move up into the contact zone in response to irrigation. Surface residues may be reduced by post-treatment irrigation. Granular insecticides work faster when watered into the turf immediately. One important factor in control with spray treatments is the pH of the water that is used as a carrier. Some insecticides break down rapidly if the pH of the water is more than 7.