Problem: Birds Tearing Lawn
Problem Info
Many birds are pecking in the lawn, indicating an insect problem. Starlings, crows, sparrows, grackles, and robins are commonly found feeding on grubs, chinch bugs, and sod webworms. When cutworms or armyworms are active, birds will also feed on them. If left untended, the insects will probably do more damage than the birds, which disturb the lawn''s root system only slightly by tearing and pulling roots while searching for insects.
Analysis
Pecking birds indicate an insect problem in the lawn. Starlings, crows, sparrows, grackles, and robins are commonly found feeding on grubs, chinch bugs, and sod webworms. When cutworms or armyworms are active, birds will feed on them. If left untended, the insects will probably do more damage than the birds, which disturb the lawn''s root system only slightly by tearing and pulling roots while searching for insects.
Solution Advice
The best way to keep birds from digging in your lawn is to rid it of insects. Treat lawns in late afternoon so insecticides are dry by the next day when birds return; otherwise, some may be injured by contacting wet insecticides.
