Purdue News

August 7, 1998 Bug spray repels golf greens, too, turf expert says WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Golfers and homeowners should avoid using bug spray when they are around sensitive turf, warns Purdue University turf specialist Zac Reicher. According to Reicher, the sprays that repel mosquitoes and other biting insects also do a good job of damaging turf. "Sometimes on a golf green you can see a brown spot with two green footprints in the middle of it," Reicher said. "That's where a person was applying bug spray." Reicher said that insect repellent will turn the blades of grass yellowish white or brown within days, and that the grass will stay that way for up to a week. "Low-mowed areas like greens, tees and fairways are especially sensitive to damage from insect repellents," he said. Reicher acknowledged that insect repellent is necessary, but he suggested that golfers stand off to the side of the green or fairway in the deep rough or on cart paths when applying the spray. CONTACT: Zac Reicher, (765) 494-9737; e-mail, zreicher@dept.agry.purdue.edu; Web, https://www.agry.purdue.edu/agronomy/turf/turf.htm Compiled by Chris Sigurdson, (765) 494-8415; E-mail, sig@ecn.purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page