Bug Spray Disease

Over the weekend I spotted our first disease out break.  It is not caused by a fungal pathogen and is not represented in any turf management book.  This is one turf problem that has a simple explanation: Whenever the weather is muggy and buggy, we experience an outbreak of "bug spray disease." Most golfers do not know that their insect repellent will harm turf, especially when directed at legs and ankles. The over spray usually leaves a pattern of a green footprint or footprints surrounded by straw-colored injured turf. 

 

The solution to this problem is to spray legs and ankles on a cart path or other non-turf surface where the over spray will not contact grass. Depending on conditions and the amount of spray on the grass, these spots usually recover in 1-4 weeks. In extreme cases, though, they can result in turf loss.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation