You’ve spent time mowing, watering, and caring for your lawn. Then out of nowhere, brown patches show up, birds start digging, and the grass lifts like a loose carpet. Pest control might seem like the quick answer, but it’s not always that simple. It can save your lawn from serious damage, there are a few things to consider first. Every garden is different, so it’s important to look at both the benefits and the downsides before you decide what to do next.
In this blog, we’re digging into the advantages and disadvantages of lawn pest control, so you can protect your garden without wasting time or money.
Advantages of Lawn Pest Control
1. Prevents Lasting Lawn Damage
Leatherjackets, chafer grubs, and ants may be small, but they attack from beneath. These pests feed on roots, making your grass weak, yellow, and eventually dead.
- Healthy roots = thriving lawn
- Catching pests early = saving your grass
One square metre of infested soil can contain over 100 leatherjackets. That’s more than enough to ruin your turf.
2. Keeps Lawn Green, Thick & Resilient
When pests go, your lawn grows. Pest-free lawns bounce back faster, stay greener, and resist drought or foot traffic better.
3. Saves You Money in the Long Run
Think lawn pest control is expensive? Try replacing a whole lawn. One-off treatments cost far less than new turf, soil prep, and labour.
4. Reduces the Risk of Further Infestations
If pests are left untreated, they multiply and attract other problems like:
- Birds tearing up grass
- Moles making tunnels
- Fungal diseases that love weak patches
Tackling pests now protects your garden from a domino effect of damage.
Disadvantages of Lawn Pest Control
Let’s be honest: it’s not all upside. Here’s what to consider.
1. Initial Cost May Feel High
While treatments are cost-effective over time, the upfront cost (typically £40–£200) can put some homeowners off.
But remember: prevention is cheaper than cure.
2. Not Always One and Done
Some infestations need follow-up visits, especially with pests like:
- Chafer grubs (which burrow deep)
- Moles (which return seasonally)
We always give honest advice upfront and won’t upsell services you don’t need.
3. Risk to Beneficial Insects (If Done Wrong)
DIY sprays and overuse of chemicals can harm bees, worms, and soil life.
That’s why we only use HSE-approved, eco-safe treatments, suitable for gardens with pets, kids, and wildlife. See gov.uk pesticide guidelines for more info.
4. Timing Matters
Lawn pest control works best at certain times of year:
- Spring (when pests hatch)
- Autumn (before they overwinter)
Treatments in winter or dry summer spells may be less effective but we plan around this with expert scheduling.
Is It Really Worth It?
Absolutely. Your lawn is one of the first things people see and once pests take hold, recovery takes time and money.
According to the RHS, common lawn pests like leatherjackets and chafer grubs cause £10 million+ in turf damage across the UK each year.
DIY vs Professional: What Should You Choose?
DIY Kits:
- Pros: Cheap (£20–£30), easy to find
- Cons: Hit-or-miss results, no guarantees, can harm good bugs
Professional Lawn Pest Control (That’s Us):
- Targeted methods
- Soil-specific treatments
- Follow-up checks included
- Advice tailored to your garden
Want expert help? Get a free lawn health check today click here or call 07958 764851.
FAQs
1: How do I know if I have lawn pests?
Look for loose turf, brown patches, or increased bird activity. If you can pull the grass up like carpet, it’s often leatherjackets or grubs.
2: Are lawn pest treatments safe?
Yes, when done professionally. All our products are pet-safe and child-safe once dry.
3: How often should lawn pest control be done?
Once a year is often enough. If pests come back, we offer seasonal follow-ups.
4: Can pests kill my lawn completely?
If left unchecked yes. But caught early, most lawns recover quickly with the right treatment and care.
Final Thoughts
There you have it the advantages and disadvantages of lawn pest control laid out clearly. If you want a lawn that stays green, clean, and pest-free, the choice is simple: act early, use trusted treatments, and work with a local expert who knows Sussex soil.