Ground Pearls

GROUND PEARL IDENTIFICATION

Ground pearls are the immature nymphs of several species of ground-dwelling scale insects. Also known as earth pearls, pearl scale, pearl bugs and ground scale, these subterranean pests plague turfgrasses and plant roots worldwide. As their name suggests, ground pearls look like small yellowish or pinkish pearls. Closer inspection reveals the "pearl" is a leathery capsule of protective wax, called a cyst. The pearl-like cyst covers all but this pest's mouthparts.

Immature ground pearls and adult female pearl scales damage lawns by feeding on turfgrass roots. Nymphs grow up to 1/16 inch in diameter, with cysts approaching 1/10 inch when mature. Turf-damaging adults look very similar to mealybugs, minus the powdery white coat. Depending on the species, these adult scale insects may be bright pink or pearl-white and grow to 1/8 inch in length.

SIGNS OF GROUND PEARLS

In the southern United States, Centipedegrass lawns are especially susceptible to ground pearl damage. Bermudagrass, Zoysia grass and St. Augustine lawns are also hard hit. Damage first shows up as yellow grass that turns brown and dies. Often mistaken for drought or fairy ring fungal disease, the damage doesn't improve with irrigation or fungal lawn treatments.

Ground pearls typically stay within 3 to 4 inches of the soil surface. To check your lawn for these pests, test areas of healthy-looking turf just outside the dead, brown rings. Remove sod from a small section and dig down 4 inches. Examine grass roots thoroughly and sift through the surrounding soil. In areas with infestations, you'll find the tiny pearls in both.

• Amdro Quick Kill Lawn Insect Killer Granules is ideal for full-yard applications that reach pests above and below the surface. Apply the ready-to-use granules with a standard lawn spreader. Then water the treated area lightly to release the active ingredient into the soil. The granules kill ground pearls by contact within 24 hours and keep working for up to three months.
• Amdro Quick Kill Insect Killer for Home Perimeter Granules provide a convenient option for treating smaller areas around your home's perimeter. This deep-reaching product combines sand with two active ingredients in an easy-to-use shaker container. Apply the granules, then water the treated area immediately. The penetrating formula kills ground pearls by contact and keeps protecting for three months.

GROUND PEARL CONTROL TIPS

If you have ground pearls, treat your lawn before doing any lawn care tasks that move turf or soil. Cultivation and core aeration can spread these pests unwittingly.

Always read product labels and follow the instructions carefully.

Amdro and Amdro Quick Kill are registered trademarks of Central Garden & Pet Company.