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Chiggers thrive in overgrown lawns, so regular mowing will deter these annoying mites. It may not remove every single chigger, however, so follow that up with weeding and trimming any nearby trees and bushes. Pay special attention to moist, shady spots, as these are a chigger’s preferred habitat. When all else fails, sprinkle your yard with diatomaceous earth. It kills chiggers by dehydrating their exoskeletons. Diatomaceous earth is basically ground-up shells, so there’s no risk of injury to animals.

When spring arrives, it’s best to hold off on mowing until temperatures have consistently reached a temperature of at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Attempting to mow grass that hasn't fully thawed from its winter dormancy can harm the delicate blades. Ensure your grass is dry before mowing and aim to mow when the grass is about three to four inches tall, trimming no more than one-third of the grass blade's height at a time. This timing encourages healthy growth and prevents shock to the grass, preparing your lawn for a happy, healthy growing season.

Carpetgrass is distinguishable by its pale green to yellowish color and coarse appearance that grows well under shady conditions in poor and compact soils. If it grows uncontrolled, it tends to develop a hairy seedhead, giving patches of grass a messy appearance. If carpetgrass is regularly cut, it looks very similar to centipedegrass and St. Augustine grass, and people may confuse them. Carpetgrass blades are flat and rounded at the tip. Note that the grass only typically grows as a weed in Southern states.

During normal temperatures, you should mow about once per week. However, if your grass is distressed by extreme heat, you should avoid mowing it altogether. Wait until after an irrigation session or rainfall. That way, your grass will be good and hydrated before you mow. Remember, you should not mow the grass when it’s wet. Wait until it dries first.