Quick Answer: Early September thunderstorms are fueling two problems for lawns across The Bay: Pythium root rot and a mosquito surge. Keep drainage areas clear, and dump out standing water every few days. Remember!... Hillsborough and Pinellas counties remain under a Modified Phase III water shortage through October 1, regardless of rain. Continue being diligent and responsible with your water usage when watering your lawn.

The Bay's rain is showing up in full force! With remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly pumping tropical moisture across the region right as hurricane season heads into its seasonal peak. It may seem like the drought is coming to a close, but don't mistake a wet week for drought relief: Hillsborough and Pinellas counties remain under a Modified Phase III Extreme Water Shortage through October 1, and in truth, it takes much longer sustained precipitation to replenish our area's water reservoirs... What the rain is doing, however, is fueling two problems worth watching in your yard right now.

Why Am I Seeing Slimy, Dark Patches In My Lawn After Heavy Rain?

Pythium root rot is a fast-moving fungal disease that thrives in exactly the conditions this week's storms are creating: warm, humid air and waterlogged, poorly-drained soil. Unlike drought stress, Pythium...

Tampa Bay's water restrictions are still in effect, with the region remaining under a Stage III Extreme Water Supply Shortage... but don't let the dry spell fool you. Peak hurricane season means a single storm can dump tons of rain overnight, and that first big soak after weeks of dry weather is exactly when two of August's most disruptive pests show up: fall armyworms and fire ants. Here's what to watch for this month.

Fall Armyworms: The Overnight Lawn Wrecker

Don't let the name fool you. Fall armyworms show up in Florida well before fall, and August is prime time. These caterpillars feed mostly in the early morning and evening, moving across a lawn in large numbers and stripping grass blades down to bare patches in just a day or two. New sod and lawns that were heavily fertilized this summer are especially at risk, since armyworms are drawn to lush, tender growth.

Signs to look for:

• Uniform bare or thinning patches spreading quickly across the lawn
• Dark brown to green caterpillars up to 1.5 inches long with a light, upside-down "Y" mark on the head
• Small brown moths with white-tipped wings gathering near porch lights at night

Pro Tips:

• Do the soap flush test: 1 tablespoon dish soap per gallon of water poured over a suspicious patch brings caterpillars to the surface within minutes
• Check your lawn at dusk or dawn, when armyworms are actively feeding and easiest to spot
• Avoid heavy late-summer fertilizing. The tender...

Tampa Bay is officially in an extreme water shortage... and if your lawn is looking rough right now, you're not alone. Water restrictions are in place for the remainder of the summer, and most lawns across the region are under real stress. The good news: with the right irrigation adjustments, most lawns can get through July in good shape. There's also one other thing worth knowing, which we'll cover below.

Drought Stress & Your Irrigation System

With Tampa Bay under a Modified Phase III Extreme Water Shortage through October 1, your irrigation system is doing more work than ever... and with water restrictions in place, every drop needs to count. The problem is that many irrigation systems aren't dialed in to meet your lawn's needs under drought conditions, and uneven coverage or poor timing can make stressed turf look far worse than it needs to.

Signs to look for:

• Grass blades folding or curling lengthwise
• Footprints remain visible in the lawn / turf can't spring back
• Dry, compacted soil when you probe a few inches down

Pro Tips:

• Water early morning (4–7 AM). Grass dries before nightfall, reducing fungal risk
• Water deeply and infrequently rather than light daily watering
• Check that all irrigation zones are reaching their mark. Gaps cause uneven stress

Starting a new service with SOS Turf & Pest this July? We're offering FREE irrigation inspections with the start of any new service — so your system...

June marks the start of Tampa Bay’s wet season... and with the rain comes the bugs. Three of the biggest threats to your yard and outdoor enjoyment this month are mosquitoes, chinch bugs, and sod webworms. Here’s what to watch for and how to fight back.

Mosquitoes: Summer’s Most Persistent Pest

Tampa Bay’s heat and humidity create a perfect mosquito breeding ground. All it takes is a bottle cap’s worth of standing water and 7–10 days to hatch a new generation. Beyond the itch, Florida mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, so this is one pest you don’t want to ignore.

Pro Tips:

• Dump standing water weekly. Bird baths, planters, gutters, and kiddie pools are prime breeding spots.
• Keep grass trimmed. Mosquitoes rest in tall vegetation during the heat of the day.
• Consider a professional barrier treatment that targets resting spots and provides 3–4 weeks of relief.

First-time customer? SOS Turf & Pest is offering a FREE mosquito treatment for new clients in the Tampa Bay area. Call us today to schedule yours.

Chinch Bugs: The Silent Lawn Killer

Chinch bugs are tiny... about the size of a pencil tip... but they can wipe out a St. Augustine lawn in weeks. They pierce grass blades and suck out the moisture, leaving irregular yellow or straw-colored patches that spread fast in hot, dry conditions.

Signs to look for:

• Yellow or dead patches near driveways and sidewalks (hot,...