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Lawn Problems

Lawn Pest Control Guide

From grubs eating roots underground to armyworms devouring blades on the surface, lawn pests can cause serious damage fast. Learn to identify the culprit and take action before it's too late.

Quick Pest Identification

Underground Damage

Turf feels spongy and lifts easily like a carpet. Brown patches appear despite adequate watering.

  • Pull back turf to check for white C-shaped grubs
  • Look for increased bird or skunk activity (they eat grubs)
  • Worst in late summer through fall

Yellowing & Wilting Patches

Irregular yellow or brown areas that don't respond to watering. Expands outward from a central point.

  • Part the grass and look for tiny black chinch bugs
  • Damage appears drought-like but water doesn't help
  • Worst in full sun areas during hot, dry weather

Rapid Grass Blade Loss

Large areas of lawn eaten down to stubs seemingly overnight. Green caterpillars visible at dawn or dusk.

  • Check for armyworms in early morning or evening
  • Look for green-brown caterpillars 1-2 inches long
  • Damage front moves across the lawn like a wave

Pest Control Guides

Soil-Dwelling Pest Moderate

Grubs

Scarabaeidae larvae

White C-shaped larvae that feed on grass roots beneath the surface. Causes spongy turf that pulls up like carpet.

Peak Season: Late Summer/Fall
Quick Tips:
  • Apply grub preventers in early summer
  • Check for grubs by lifting a 1 sq ft section of turf
  • Treat if more than 5-10 grubs per square foot
Complete Control Guide →
Surface Pest Hard

Chinch Bugs

Blissus leucopterus

Tiny black and white insects that suck plant juices from grass stems. Damage mimics drought stress with irregular yellowing patches.

Peak Season: Summer
Quick Tips:
  • Do the "float test" to confirm presence
  • Treat in early morning or evening
  • Dethatch to remove hiding spots
Complete Control Guide →
Surface Pest Moderate

Armyworms

Spodoptera spp.

Caterpillars that feed on grass blades in large numbers, "marching" across lawns and consuming everything in their path.

Peak Season: Late Summer/Fall
Quick Tips:
  • Scout for damage in early morning or evening
  • Apply insecticide at first sign of damage
  • Healthy lawns recover quickly after treatment
Complete Control Guide →

Pest Prevention Strategy

A healthy, well-maintained lawn is your best defense against pest damage. These practices make your lawn less inviting to pests.

1

Apply Preventive Treatments

Grub preventers applied in early summer stop infestations before they start. Timing is critical for effectiveness.

2

Maintain Proper Mowing Height

Taller grass is more resilient to pest damage and can mask minor feeding injury while recovering.

3

Water Deeply But Infrequently

Deep roots help grass survive pest damage. Overwatering creates conditions that attract pests like chinch bugs.

4

Dethatch Regularly

Thick thatch provides hiding spots for surface pests and makes treatments less effective. Keep thatch under half an inch.

5

Scout Early and Often

Check your lawn regularly for signs of pest activity. Early detection means easier and cheaper control.

6

Encourage Beneficial Insects

Predatory insects, birds, and nematodes naturally control pest populations. Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides when possible.

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