How to do the Soapy Water Bug Test?
Applerich Lawn Care Guide
The Soapy Water Lawn Test
Find hidden bugs in under 10 minutes
Signs you might have pests
š¤ Brown or dead patches
šæ Grass pulls very easily
š¦ Birds feeding heavily on your lawn
ā” Damage appearing at a fast rate
How to do the test
1
Mix the solution
Add a good squeeze of dishwashing liquid to 10 litres of water in a bucket. Stir gently.
2
Pick a test spot
Choose the edge of a damaged area, where dead grass meets healthy grass.
3
Pour slowly
Drench the area so the water soaks through the grass and into the soil below.
4
Wait and watch
Give it 2ā3 minutes. If pests are present, they'll crawl up to the surface.
Best done in early morning or late afternoon. Avoid testing in the heat of the day.
What you might find
Armyworm
Green or brown caterpillar, up to 4cm long. May have spots on its back.
Sod webworm
Small pale caterpillar (10ā20mm). Wriggles rapidly when exposed.
Black beetle
Shiny black shell, about 10mm long.
Tips for better results
Test multiple spots Repeat if damage spreads Avoid midday heat
Found pests? Treat with:
Quarterback
Up to 6 months protection, available at Applerich
Acelepryn GR
Up to 6 months protection, granular, available at Applerich
