Identifying Common Lawn Pests and How to Control Them

Maintaining a lush, green lawn requires more than just regular mowing and watering—it also involves protecting your turf from a variety of common pests that can wreak havoc on its health and appearance. From tiny insects to larger mammals, there’s a wide range of pests that can take up residence in your lawn and cause damage if left unchecked. In this article, we’ll play a game of “Guess the Pest” as we explore some of the most common lawn pests, how to identify them, and the best strategies for controlling their populations.

Grubs

One of the most notorious lawn pests, grubs are the larval stage of various beetle species, including Japanese beetles, June beetles, and European chafer beetles. These creamy-white, C-shaped larvae feed on grassroots, causing brown patches and dead turf. Signs of grub infestation include:

• Spongy or wilted turf that easily lifts away from the soil.
• Increased activity from birds, skunks, or raccoons digging for grubs.
• Irregular patches of dead or dying grass that do not respond to watering. To control grub populations, apply a targeted insecticide in late summer or early fall when grubs are most vulnerable.

Chinch Bugs

Chinch bugs are tiny insects that feed on grass blades, causing yellowing, browning, and eventually death of the affected turf. These pests thrive in hot, dry conditions and are most active during the summer months. Signs of chinch bug damage include:

• Yellow or brown patches of grass that expand over time.
• Presence of chinch bugs on the soil surface or grass blades, especially near the edges of affected areas.
• Rapid wilting and death of grass, even with adequate watering. To control chinch bug populations, apply a targeted insecticide labeled for chinch bug control and water your lawn deeply and infrequently to discourage their activity.

Moles

While not insects, moles are common lawn pests that can cause significant damage with their underground tunnels and molehills. These small mammals feed on earthworms and other soil-dwelling insects, leaving behind unsightly mounds of soil and uprooted grass. Signs of mole activity include:

• Raised ridges or tunnels of disturbed soil running across your lawn.
• Presence of molehills or mounds of soil scattered throughout your yard.
• Uprooted or damaged grass and plants along mole tunnels. To control mole populations, use humane traps or repellents designed specifically for moles and address any underlying grub or insect infestations that may be attracting them to your lawn.

Armyworms

Armyworms are the larval stage of certain moth species and are known for their voracious appetite and tendency to march in large groups, devouring everything in their path. These pests feed on grass blades and foliage, causing irregular patches of brown, dead turf. Signs of armyworm infestation include:

• Ragged or chewed grass blades and foliage.
• Presence of armyworm larvae on the soil surface or grass blades, especially in the early morning or late evening.
• Rapid spread of brown patches across your lawn, resembling drought or heat stress damage. To control armyworm populations, apply targeted insecticides labeled for armyworm control and regularly monitor your lawn for signs of infestation.

Conclusion

Protecting your lawn from common pests requires vigilance, knowledge, and the right strategies for identification and control. By playing “Guess the Pest” and familiarizing yourself with the signs and symptoms of common lawn pests, you can take proactive measures to keep your turf healthy and beautiful year-round. Whether it’s grubs, chinch bugs, moles, or armyworms, knowing how to identify and control these pests is key to maintaining a thriving lawn that you can enjoy for years to come.