You’ve taken all the correct steps to maintain a healthy and attractive yard: You’re
managing weeds
,
irrigating correctly
, and
mowing your grass
To the proper height. However, unexpectedly, your previously vibrant lawn now appears somewhat dismal, thin, and uneven. What could be the cause?
Take a second look: You might find some critters feasting on your lawn. “Identifying the culprit causing the damage is crucial,” explains Shimat V. Joseph, Ph.D., who is an associate professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia. “The type of pests can vary greatly depending on your location, and their control methods differ too. Using the wrong insecticide for particular pests will just lead to wasted effort and resources without addressing the issue.”
Uncertain about what’s turning your lawn into a feast for pesky creatures? Reach out to your nearby university cooperative extension service (locate yours).
here
) that can assist you in identifying the problem, according to Joseph. Additionally, these experts possess localized knowledge, enabling them to advise you on optimal strategies like timing for applying treatments specific to your area. Keep in mind that although a robust lawn can withstand small numbers of most pests, a less thriving one might struggle.
already stressed by drought
For instance, may not perform as well.
If you’re not feeling confident about dealing with a pest yourself, consider hiring a nearby lawn maintenance service. Alternatively, if you decide to handle pest control on your own, be sure to thoroughly review the smallprint of your products prior to applying them throughout your property. ”
Go through the warning label and directions for use to ensure you fully comprehend which pests it targets and how to properly administer the treatment.
” says Joseph.
Continue reading to discover the most typical lawn pests and how to address them.
White Grubs
White grubs
include larvae from various types of scarab beetles such as those of the Japanese beetle, green June beetle, May and June beetles, along with chafer beetles. Although certain adult beetle species might inflict direct harm themselves—like feeding on roses and other decorative vegetation—the
grubs damage the turfgrass
, says Joseph.
You’ll often notice the grass turning yellow and brown, with the sod becoming so loose that you can easily lift it off the ground. The damage tends to be most noticeable during autumn. Additionally, you might spot animals like
jackdaws, anteaters, stinkbugs, or badgers
excavating your lawn to eat the grubs.
What to do:
Utilize a shovel to slice three edges of a one-foot square section, then flip the turf back to inspect for grubs. Observe for
Plump, C-shaped larvae that range from white to dingy white in color.
with bodies that have a brownish hue on their heads and legs.
These beetles have a
one-year life cycle
In early summer, adult beetles deposit their eggs in the ground. Once hatched, the larvae consume grass roots until colder temperatures force them deeper underground for winter dormancy. As spring returns, these larvae migrate upward toward the soil surface to continue feeding. They eventually emerge as mature beetles in late spring and early summer, ready to initiate the life cycle anew.
Although there are “curative” treatments available for addressing the large, plump grubs present during summer and fall, they aren’t as efficient as applying a preventive insecticide in spring. The most advisable approach would be to use a preventative measure early on.
Use a substance that contains chlorantraniliprole, imidacloprid, clothianidin, or thiamethoxam during the spring season.
, following label instructions.
Ignore the use of bacterial milky spore products as they prove ineffective, according to Joseph. Additionally, traps do not effectively reduce numbers of adult beetles.
research
have discovered that this method actually draws more beetles to the location.
Chinch Bugs
Chinch bugs use their piercing, sucking mouthparts to penetrate grass stems, where they inject a harmful saliva and consume the plant’s juices. These pests thrive in dry weather; thus, they tend to appear when your area has experienced between two to three weeks without rainfall, according to Joseph.
The adult chinch bug is 1/6-inch long, and it has a black body, black-and-white wings, and reddish legs. Those in their immature stage are orange-ish with a white stripe. They also move fast. “They can kill the grass quickly. One day everything looks good, then two days later, the turf is brown,” says Joseph. The damage may appear first as reddish or yellowish, especially in sunny parts of the lawn.
What to do:
It can be challenging to notice the swiftly moving
adults and nymphs
, even though they gather in clusters at the bottom of grass stems. To check for their presence, use the flotation method, according to Joseph.
This is achieved by undertaking
large metal can
For instance, use a coffee can with both ends removed. Drive it into the grass until only around three inches remain visible above the ground. Fill the can with soapy water. Observe and wait for approximately 10 minutes; top off the water if it drains away before the 10 minutes elapse. Should you have chinch bugs present, they will rise to the surface.
A threshold level of
25 to 30 of these insects per square foot
may lead to harm, hence applying pesticides is justified. Seek out formulations with effective components like
imidacloprid or bifenthrin
, and follow the directions provided on the label.
Grass Mite
Chigger mites are more prevalent on warm-season grasses like
bermudagrass
and
zoysiagrass,
where they can do a lot of damage. They’re most active in spring and fall, feeding on plant sap. There are various types of mites, but they’re wormlike, and some are less than
1/100 of an inch
In terms of size, they are small, hence requiring magnification for clear viewing.
Grass mites introduce toxins into plant tissues or alter their growth patterns, leading to distinct damage characteristics based on the species of mite. Infected areas typically appear as patches with sparse vegetation, and you might notice curled stems or shortened grass stalks.
“witch’s broom” appearance
, says Joseph.
What to do:
Since these pests are incredibly small, obtaining a definitive identification necessitates help from your nearby university cooperative extension service. Sadly, no approved miticides currently exist for dealing with bermudagrass mites or zoysiagrass mites. Nonetheless,
abamectin and spiroteramat
It might work well, suggests Joseph. Follow the directions on the label. Additional techniques that could be beneficial involve mowing at the appropriate height for your specific type of grass and ensuring not to leave cuttings from affected areas on the lawn.
Billbugs
This damaging pest has a
long, bill-like snout
, earning it its amusing moniker. These adult insects grow to about 3/8 of an inch and can be difficult to spot within your lawn; however, they frequently stroll across driveways and sidewalks when the temperature rises during springtime. The larvae appear as white grubs and lack legs altogether.
Female insects deposit their eggs inside the stem of grass, and the
Larvae feed within the stem.
, then burrow into the ground and consume the roots. The damage typically becomes visible from early to mid-summer as irregularly shaped, brownish, or straw-like spots that gradually connect together.
What to do:
Joseph recommends performing the “tug test”—if the grass easily detaches and the stems snap effortlessly, it’s probable that you’re dealing with billbugs. Confirm this identification before treating the area using a white grub product containing active ingredients like
Chlorantraniliprole, Imidacloprid, Clothianidin, or Thiamethoxam
, following label instructions.
Scales and Mealybugs
Both scale insects and mealybugs can harm warm-season grasses like bermudagrass. They are both types of sap-sucking pests commonly found on lawns. Scale insects possess a tough, waxy covering, whereas mealybugs exhibit a whitish, fluffy appearance without any hardened shield. At first glance, your lawn might seem under-watered or lacking nutrients; however, failing to identify the issue correctly could lead to misdiagnosis.
Your grass will become yellow or brown.
People frequently misinterpret the symptoms as being indicative of an illness, according to Joseph.
What to do:
Obtain a confirmed identification, then use the suitable treatment. Topical contact treatments require even distribution, which might be difficult to accomplish. Consider instead systemic insecticides that are consumed when insects feed. Search for items that contain
imidacloprid, clothianidin, or thiamethoxam
, and adhere to the label directions.
Fall Armyworm
Summer through fall sees the arrival of fall armyworms, which can make the ground seem alive with movement as they consume every blade of grass in their way. Interestingly, these larvae transform into moths that travel by riding prevailing winds.
wind patterns or weather disturbances originating from tropical areas
For instance, areas like Central and South America, along with South Florida and Southern Texas may be affected. Since their occurrence relies heavily on weather conditions, fall armyworms pose an intermittent issue rather than an annual one, according to Joseph.
As soon as the female moth deposits her eggs, the hatchlings, known as larvae or caterpillars, emerge small and pale with dark heads.
grow quickly
up to 1.5 inches in length and can be found in shades of green or black with striped patterns. These creatures feed on various nutrients.
any time of day
, resulting in patches of brown grass that resemble drought damage, according to Joseph.
What to do:
Watch for the white, fluffy, cotton-like egg clusters that the moth may deposit in various spots such as on patios, sheds, or fences. These
can be removed and annihilated
These clusters usually appear close to grass since the larvae have to start feeding right away, according to Joseph.
As soon as you spot the eggs or observe the caterpillars, take action promptly since these creatures can devour plants at an astonishing rate.
can destroy a lawn
Within one day. Search for items that include
chlorantraniliprole or bifenthrin
Read and adhere to the instructions on the label for application.
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