Numerous insect species live in your lawn, with many contributing to its lush and healthy appearance. Parasitic insects or infestations, however, can cause serious damage if left unchecked. Learn about these common insects and how to manage their presence or remove them altogether.
1. Grubs
Grubs are the larvae of beetle species, such as Japanese beetles and different species of June bugs. These pests typically live just below the soil surface, where they can feed on the roots of grass and other vegetation. Grubs are C-shaped, white and wrinkled larvae with legs near their heads, and they usually measure between 0.25 inches and 1 inch. Grubs emerge from their eggs in mid to late summer. When temperatures drop in autumn, they burrow and stay below the frost line throughout the winter. They resurface in the fall and continue feeding on roots until they reach pupal and adult stages.
Populations often grow during moderate temperatures, increasing into the summer and tapering off in the fall. Because grubs thrive in moisture, they do well in over-watered lawns. Beetles also prefer to lay eggs in areas rich with organic materials, where grubs have plenty of feeding and hiding opportunities.
While you can’t control seasonal temperatures, you can implement grub deterrents. Maintaining a healthy lawn through proper watering, aeration, drainage and fertilization promotes strong root systems. Mow to the correct height — cutting grass too short exposes the roots, stresses your lawn and makes it more vulnerable to grub infestation. If grubs infest your lawn, targeted pest treatments can help remove them.
2. Chinch Bugs
Measuring about 4 millimeters, chinch bugs are tough to see but potentially devastating for your lawn. Adult chinch bugs are black with white patches between their wings, and adolescents are light red with a white stripe. They may give off a strong odor, especially in cases of infestation. Minor chinch bug populations are normal, about 10 to 15 bugs per square foot. Extreme heat and drought, however, may allow populations to spike, leading to dead grass patches.
Thriving in hot and arid areas, chinch bugs often establish in sunny areas of your lawn that are most prone to dryness. They feed on sap from turfgrass, such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and crabgrass, effectively dehydrating it, and inject a toxic that prevents the grass from absorbing more water and rehydrating. Watering a dry patch with chinch bugs won’t fix brown spots or rehydrate grass — the patch will keep spreading as long as it’s infested.
To prevent chinch bugs, practice proper aeration, fertilization and mowing. Maintain a consistent watering or irrigation schedule during hot weather, ensuring your lawn doesn’t dry out in unshaded areas. If your lawn is infested, professional pest treatments help prevent and control populations. Multiple treatments may be necessary to account for rapid lifecycles and unhatched eggs.