The value of a pest control professional

When most superintendents think about pest issues on a golf course, they picture turf-damaging grubs or burrowing gophers. But as any seasoned superintendent knows, pest pressure isn’t confined to fairways and greens. The entire course, from the clubhouse kitchen and 19th hole to the cart barn and maintenance shed, can be a haven for unwanted critters.

Photo: Jared Olson

For superintendents, keeping a course beautiful, playable and safe means expanding their pest control lens beyond turf. Here are some tips on what to look for, how to spot the signs of pests early and how to partner with a pest control professional to protect your course, your guests/members and your reputation.

How pests impact operations and reputation

Pests aren’t just unsightly and annoying; they can threaten food safety and lead to unbudgeted expenses. Rodents can spoil bags of turf seed (a favorite food source) and lead to costly reseeding delays. Mice or roaches in food service areas create health code and food safety nightmares. And stinging insect nests near paths or greens create an immediate safety issue.

During a routine service call to a golf course clubhouse, a Sprague technician was initially dispatched to investigate reported mouse activity in the bar area only to uncover another pest issue.

While setting snap traps beneath a sink cabinet to control the mice (which were entering through wall voids connected to an adjacent maintenance shed) the technician uncovered a more serious issue — German cockroaches.

Thanks to a sharp eye and a thorough inspection, the technician was able to trace the source of the cockroach activity and deliver a program to eliminate the infestation. By catching the issue early, Sprague helped the facility avoid a potentially widespread problem that could have impacted guest experience and food safety standards.

It’s important to educate maintenance, clubhouse and kitchen staff to say something when they see something. Whether it’s unusual noises inside a wall or spotting a cockroach, a culture of early reporting keeps small problems from becoming infestations.

Why DIY doesn’t make the cut

Golf course superintendents already have enough on their plate. Trying do-it-yourself pest control, especially for high-risk pests like stinging insects, can create safety issues for golfers and crews and deliver less than desirable control results.

Pest control professionals have access to advanced tools, products and monitoring systems that go well beyond over-the-counter solutions. Their timing, application expertise and adherence to safety protocols are often worth more than the cost of service itself.

Choosing the right provider

Not all pest control companies are created equal. The lowest bid might save money upfront but cost more in recurring issues and liability. When choosing a pest control partner, here’s what superintendents and club managers should look for:

Golf course experience. Pick a company that understands the unique environments of golf courses. Ask for referrals from other superintendents or club managers.

IPM-focused approach. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is more than a buzzword. It means using environmentally responsible strategies to prevent pests before they become a problem. That includes sanitation, exclusion, monitoring and targeted treatments.

Detailed documentation. You should receive detailed inspection reports and service updates, ideally through a digital customer portal. Having all the details of your pest control program available will keep your entire team informed and in a proactive mindset.

Custom service plans. One-size-fits-all pest control doesn’t work in an environment as dynamic as a golf course. Look for a provider who will assess your property’s specific challenges and tailor their frequency, methods and pest targets to your needs.

Credentials. Ensure the provider is licensed, insured and holds certifications like QualityPro or GreenPro from the National Pest Management Association.

A proactive approach

Your course is a complex (and crowded) pest ecosystem. From maintenance shed and cart barn to food outlets and member locker rooms, every part of your operation is vulnerable to pest activity. By being vigilant, educating your team and working with a pest control partner who understands the golf course environment, you can protect not only your turf, but also your team, your guests and your brand.

Jared Olson brings deep industry expertise to his role as the Phoenix branch manager of Sprague Pest Solutions. An Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE), Olson was nominated for the Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 for his leadership and impact and is a USGA member.

Golf courses offer pests a perfect trifecta — food, water and shelter. Remote locations, ample irrigation, seed storage, tree coverage and open dumpsters combine to make a golf course a year-round resort for everything from rodents to roaches.

Superintendents and their maintenance crews already walk the course daily, and with a few extra minutes and a better trained eye, they can spot pest issues early and get ahead of the issue. Here are a few pests common on golf courses and how to watch for signs of an infestation.

Rodents — Rodents are drawn to golf courses by dense vegetation, food waste from dining areas and stored materials like turf seed. They often nest in sheds, cart barns and equipment compartments, where they chew through wiring and insulation, posing fire and equipment failure risks.

Watch for signs such as droppings, gnaw marks, nesting materials in machinery, chewed irrigation lines or unusual engine performance, all of which may signal hidden rodent activity.

Cockroaches — German and American cockroaches thrive in clubhouse kitchens, bars, locker rooms, utility rooms and other areas with moisture and food waste. Turkestan and smokybrown cockroaches can be found in outdoor mulch beds, irrigation boxes and vegetation. Cockroaches hide in cracks and crevices, feeding on organic debris and breeding rapidly in warm, humid environments.

Superintendents should watch for signs such as shed skins, droppings resembling pepper flakes, musty odors and live insects scurrying when lights are turned on, especially near drains, appliances and storage areas. The presence of cockroaches pose sanitation and food safety concerns, and since they can reproduce rapidly, problems can quickly escalate.

Ants — While an often overlooked pest, ants can quickly establish expansive colonies in bunkers, tee boxes and other sandy or well-drained areas, compromising playability and aesthetics.

Species like pavement ants, Argentine ants and odorous house ants are common nuisances, while fire ants pose serious health risks with painful stings and aggressive behavior. Look for small mounds in turf, trails of foraging ants along hardscapes or clusters near irrigation heads.

Flies — A common issue on golf courses with outdoor dining and high foot traffic, flies are more than just a nuisance; they pose serious food safety and sanitation risks. They’re frequently found around trash areas, restrooms, drain lines and beverage stations, where moisture and organic matter accumulate. House flies, drain flies and fruit flies are the usual culprits.

Signs of activity include adult flies hovering near entry points, larvae in drain lines or fly specks (tiny dark spots) on walls or equipment. Consistent monitoring and sanitation are essential to prevent breeding and protect the guest experience.

Stinging insects — Stinging insects including yellowjackets and wasps often build nests in ground burrows, sprinkler boxes, trees, wall voids and under eaves.

The aggressive nature of stinging insects, especially when nests are disturbed, poses a serious risk to those mowing, trimming or working near trees. Look for increased insect activity near structures, buzzing sounds around utility boxes or visible nests. Prompt identification and safe removal are critical to protecting both patrons and staff.

Mosquitoes — Mosquitoes thrive around ponds, water features and poorly drained turf, creating a persistent nuisance and potential health threat for golfers and maintenance crews. These pests breed in standing water and can quickly multiply if conditions go unchecked.

Beyond their irritating bites, mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus. Watch for swarms during early morning or dusk, especially near shaded, damp areas. Regular maintenance of drainage systems and standing water sources is key to minimizing their presence and protecting everyone on the course.