Pest identification
What's eating my prairie dropseed?
Aphids
Signs: Sticky honeydew on delicate stems; yellowing or distorted shoot tips; soft insect colonies in early spring
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap or water jet; the problem usually resolves naturally with beneficial insect pressure
Billbugs (Sphenophorus spp.)
Signs: Yellowing patches, wilting crowns, and larvae in the thatch or crown area in larger drifts
Control: Apply beneficial nematodes in late spring; reduce thatch and keep plants growing vigorously
Keep prairie dropseed pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Prairie Dropseed pests — FAQ
What is eating my prairie dropseed?
Prairie Dropseed is one of the most pest-resistant native grasses available. Aphids occasionally visit in spring; billbugs can cause crown damage in turf settings. Deer and rabbits rarely find it palatable once established. Its fine texture and drought tolerance make it largely inhospitable to most pests and diseases.
How do I get rid of aphids on prairie dropseed?
Sticky honeydew on delicate stems; yellowing or distorted shoot tips; soft insect colonies in early spring Spray with insecticidal soap or water jet; the problem usually resolves naturally with beneficial insect pressure
How do I get rid of billbugs (sphenophorus spp.) on prairie dropseed?
Yellowing patches, wilting crowns, and larvae in the thatch or crown area in larger drifts Apply beneficial nematodes in late spring; reduce thatch and keep plants growing vigorously