Maintaining a lush, healthy lawn requires more than just regular mowing and watering. It also involves keeping an eye out for common lawn pests that can wreak havoc on your grass. From grubs to webworms, these insects can cause significant damage if left unchecked. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 10 of the most prevalent lawn pests, their identifying characteristics, and effective control methods.
1. White Grubs
White grubs are the larvae of various beetle species, such as the European chafer and Japanese beetle. They feed on grass roots, causing the lawn to turn brown and die in patches. Identifying white grubs is easy – they are C-shaped, white, and have six legs.
To check for their presence, pour a bucket of hot soapy water onto the affected area, and they should appear within 10 minutes. To control white grubs, use an insecticide containing the active ingredient Chlorantraniliprole, such as Acelepryn GR. This granular insecticide provides long-term residual control and has a low environmental impact.
2. Sod Webworms
Sod webworms are the larvae of certain moths. They feed on grass blades, leaving behind irregular brown patches. The caterpillars are thin, up to 25 mm long, with a pale green-brown body marked with dark spots along its length.
The adult moths are slender-bodied with grey wings and black spots. To control sod webworms, use an insecticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad. Apply it in the evening when the caterpillars are actively feeding.
3. Chinch Bugs
Chinch bugs are small insects that feed on grass by sucking the sap from the stems. They cause the lawn to turn yellow and eventually brown. Chinch bugs are black with white wings and are about 1/5 inch long.
To identify them, part the grass and look for the bugs near the soil surface. Treat chinch bugs with an insecticide containing bifenthrin or cyfluthrin. Apply it to the affected areas and surrounding healthy grass.
4. Armyworms
Armyworms are the larvae of certain moths. They feed on grass blades, causing irregular brown patches. The caterpillars are soft-bodied, up to 45 mm long, with a dark-colored body and unique white and yellow striped patterns along the back.
To control armyworms, use an insecticide containing carbaryl or spinosad. Apply it to the affected areas and surrounding healthy grass.
5. Billbugs
Billbugs are weevils that feed on grass stems and leaves. They cause the lawn to turn yellow and eventually brown. The larvae are white, legless grubs that feed on the grass stems. The adults are dark-colored beetles with a long snout.
To control billbugs, use an insecticide containing chlorantraniliprole or imidacloprid. Apply it to the affected areas and surrounding healthy grass.
6. Mole Crickets
Mole crickets are large insects that tunnel through the soil, feeding on grass roots and stems. They cause the lawn to turn yellow and eventually brown. Mole crickets are brown, about 1-2 inches long, and have large front legs adapted for digging.
To control mole crickets, use an insecticide containing bifenthrin or fipronil. Apply it to the affected areas and surrounding healthy grass.
7. Cutworms
Cutworms are the larvae of certain moths. They feed on grass blades, causing irregular brown patches. The caterpillars are smooth-bodied, dark-colored, and up to 50 mm long.
To control cutworms, use an insecticide containing carbaryl or spinosad. Apply it to the affected areas and surrounding healthy grass.
8. Crane Flies (Leatherjackets)
Crane fly larvae, also known as leatherjackets, are the larvae of certain flies. They feed on grass roots, causing the lawn to turn yellow and eventually brown. Leatherjackets are brown, legless grubs that are about 1-2 inches long.
To control leatherjackets, use an insecticide containing chlorantraniliprole or imidacloprid. Apply it to the affected areas and surrounding healthy grass.
9. Cicada Killer Wasps
Cicada killer wasps are large insects that feed on cicadas. They do not directly harm the lawn, but their tunneling can cause damage to the grass. Cicada killer wasps are black and yellow, about 1-2 inches long, and have a large stinger.
To control cicada killer wasps, use an insecticide containing permethrin or bifenthrin. Apply it to the affected areas and surrounding healthy grass.
10. Ants
Ants are not directly harmful to the lawn, but their tunneling can cause damage to the grass. They also tend to aphids, which can feed on the grass. Ants are small, brown or black insects that live in colonies.
To control ants, use a bait containing hydramethylnon or fipronil. Apply it to the affected areas and surrounding healthy grass.
Lawn Pest Prevention and Control
To prevent and control lawn pests, follow these tips:
- Regularly inspect your lawn for signs of pest activity, such as irregular brown patches or the presence of insects.
- Maintain a healthy lawn by mowing at the proper height, watering regularly, and fertilizing as needed. A healthy lawn is more resistant to pests.
- Use insecticides only when necessary and follow the instructions on the label carefully. Spot-treat affected areas rather than applying insecticides to the entire lawn.
- Consider using biological control methods, such as beneficial nematodes or milky spore disease, to control certain pests.
- Avoid overwatering or over-fertilizing your lawn, as this can make it more susceptible to pests.
By identifying and controlling common lawn pests, you can keep your lawn looking its best and prevent significant damage. Remember to always follow the instructions on insecticide labels and consider the safety of people, pets, and the environment when using these products.
