🚨BOLO: Be On The Lookout 🚨

Can you name each of these pests?

As we head into the summer months in Southwest Florida, your landscape can become more vulnerable to certain pests—especially with the added stress of heat and drought conditions. Staying proactive and knowing what to look for can make all the difference in protecting your lawn and shrubs.

One of the most common issues this time of year is chinch bugs in St. Augustine grass, particularly during dry periods. These pests thrive in hot, sunny conditions and feed on grass blades by sucking out moisture, leaving behind yellowing patches that can quickly turn brown if left untreated. With current drought conditions in SWFL, lawns are especially susceptible, making early detection critical.

For those with Zoysia grass, white grubs can become a hidden but damaging problem. These larvae live beneath the surface and feed on grassroots, causing areas of turf to feel spongy or lift easily. You may also notice irregular brown patches that don’t respond to watering—often a sign of grub activity below.

Shrubs aren’t immune either. Aphids, caterpillars, and whiteflies are all common this time of year and can quickly impact the health and appearance of your plants. Aphids and whiteflies feed on plant sap, often leaving behind a sticky residue, while caterpillars chew through leaves, creating visible damage almost overnight.

SPRING & SUMMER ANNUALS: Brighten Your Landscape with Plumed Celosia

Looking to add bold color and texture to your landscape this season? Plumed Celosia is one of our favorite spring and summer annuals—and for good reason.

Known for its vibrant, flame-like blooms in shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink, Plumed Celosia instantly brings energy and visual interest to any garden bed, entryway, or outdoor living space. These eye-catching plants thrive in the warm Florida sun, making them a perfect choice for this time of year when landscapes need color that can handle the heat.

Beyond their beauty, Celosia are also incredibly versatile. Whether used in mass plantings for a dramatic pop of color or as accent plants to complement your existing design, they create a full, lush look that elevates the entire property. As you can see in the featured customer installations above, they truly transform everyday spaces into something special.

Now is the ideal time to refresh your landscape with seasonal color. Our team is currently installing spring and summer annuals—let us help you design a vibrant, welcoming outdoor space that stands out all season long!

💦 DON'T WATER WHEN IT'S WET: The Importance of Your Irrigation Rain Sensor

As Floridians, we know that we often go from dry spells to torrential downpours in a flash. That's where your irrigation rain sensor comes in, playing a crucial role in water conservation and landscape health. A rain sensor is a simple device that prevents your sprinkler system from starting when it detects rainfall.

Rain sensors are typically installed near your irrigation controller. When a preset amount of rain accumulates, the sensor sends a signal to the controller, temporarily halting scheduled watering.

Why Repair or Replace?
Like any outdoor device, rain sensors are exposed to the elements. Most Rain Sensors will require maintenance because:

💦Malfunction: Over time, sensors can become clogged with debris, corroded by saltwater air, or damaged by intense sunlight. This can lead to inaccurate readings or complete failure.

💦Incorrect Settings: Sensors have adjustable settings to control the amount of rainfall that triggers them. If these settings are incorrect (too sensitive or not sensitive enough), your irrigation may run unnecessarily or fail to activate when needed.

💦Age: Rain sensors have a limited lifespan. Older models may become unreliable and need replacement.

💦Wiring Issues: Damaged or loose wiring can disrupt the signal between the sensor and the controller.

We're here to partner with you during the wettest time of the year. If you have questions regarding your irrigation system's rain sensor replacement,

call Jose at ‭(239) 572-2158 or send an email to [email protected]

📣 NEW SERVICES AT EARTHCARE
At Earthcare, our goal has always been to provide comprehensive, high-quality solutions that make managing your property as seamless as possible. As part of that commitment, we’re excited to introduce several new services designed to better support your needs and enhance your outdoor spaces.

🔨 Gate Repair & Replacement
Gates play an important role in both the security and appearance of your property. Whether your gate needs a simple repair or a full replacement, we can restore both function and curb appeal with solutions tailored to your space.

🐝 Bee Removal & Relocation
Unwanted bee activity can quickly become a safety concern for both residents and guests. Our team provides safe and effective bee removal services, with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility—bees are carefully relocated, never harmed.

🚧Concrete Repair
Cracked or damaged concrete not only affects appearance but can also create safety hazards. Our concrete repair services help restore surfaces, improving both durability and the overall look of your property.

↕ Wood Stair Construction
From functionality to aesthetics, well-built stairs make a significant impact. We now offer custom wood stair construction to improve accessibility while complementing the overall design of your landscape.

With these new additions, Earthcare continues to expand as your trusted, full-service partner for property care. If you’re interested in any of these services or would like to learn more, please reach out to your Account Manager.