Although a green lawn can be a source of pride for many home and business owners, it is also a sign of good health. Proper identification is the key to successfully treating the problem, as well as restoring health and vitality on your property. We have a list of common crawling, flying, and burrowing insect species that can help you identify them.

Lawn Pest Identification

These signs can indicate you might have unwanted pests, either above or below your lawn.

• Chewed grass blades
• Wilting grass
• Dead or dying patches
• Brown spots
• Holes in the ground
• Insect sightings

Common pests include:

Grubs

There are many different types of beetle larvae. They vary in size and color, but they are all C-shaped and usually measure one inch. These unsightly pests can be found in the soil. They eat the roots of lawn grasses and attract other unwanted pests like moles or crows.

• Symptoms: Brown spots and lawn die-off
• Treatment: Soak the infested area with commercial grub kill.

Armyworms

Armyworms come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, and green. They can reach approximately one and a half inches long with horizontal stripes. They prefer to travel in large numbers and eat grass above the ground.

• Symptoms are brown patches that could resemble dryness.
• Treatment: Professional pest control is highly recommended.

Fiery Skippers

This caterpillar has a black head and a green body, and it lays its eggs underneath grass blades or leaves.

• Symptoms are brown spots on your lawn measuring approximately 2 inches in length. If there is an infestation, these patches could form irregular shapes of any size.
• Treatment: Commercial caterpillar treatments may be used.

Leatherjackets

This crane fly larva is named for its smooth appearance and grayish-brown color. They measure about one and a half inches in length, with no discernable head or legs. They love to eat roots and blades.

• Symptoms: Unusual-shaped dead grass patches
• Professional pest control is highly recommended.

Chinch bugs

These tiny bugs measure only one-quarter inch in length and have black and white wings. The dark triangular patches on their backs are made of white-gray. They remove the moisture from the grass blades by first sucking it out and then putting down an anticoagulant, which prevents any further water absorption.

• Symptoms include patches of purple/red lawn that turn yellow and then brown when completely dry.
• Treatment: Diatomaceous Earth

Burrowing or digging Mammals

As they hunt for food or make their home, chipmunks, moles, and groundhogs can damage your lawn.

• Symptoms: Tunneling and mounds of soil, holes
• Treatment: A professional pest control company may be needed to properly identify the animal and provide a viable solution.

Tips for preventing lawn pests

It is impossible to keep your landscape pest-free. Many species are beneficial for plants and the environment. With these tips, you can reduce or eliminate the likelihood of pests causing damage to your garden and lawn.

• Stop standing water from becoming a breeding ground for bugs.
• Cover garbage cans well.
• Your lawn should be mowed at the maximum height.
• Your lawn will thrive with the right amount of fertilization and seasonal aeration.
• Regularly water your grass, and more often as it heats up.
• You should inspect your property regularly for any signs of damage.