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...