Maintaining your yard involves a multitude of factors, from providing enough water and eradicating weeds to preventing pests from destroying your yard. Pests can negatively impact the health of grass, and knowing how to identify the signs of an infestation can help you tackle the problem before it gets worse. If you observe any of the following signs in your yard, consider talking to a lawn care professional about insect control services.

What Pests Can Damage Your Yard?

1. Grubs

Grubs are one of the most prevalent lawn pests property owners have to deal with. They are born from May, June, and Japanese beetles, and typically appear as the weather begins to cool off.

They cause damage by feeding off the root system in your yard. One of the most common indicators of a grub infestation is brown spots in your lawn—even with regular watering.

2. Sod Webworms

During wintertime, sod webworms grow their larvae in silk-lined tunnels in the soil for protection. As spring begins, these webworms complete their formation and invade your yard, emerging as small, tan, moth-like insects.

Mature webworms feed on above-ground roots and pose little threat to your lawn’s health. However, the larvae act like grubs and attack the underground roots, killing your grass.

3. Billbugs

In the springtime, billbugs begin to lay eggs that form into grubs. These pests feed off the roots of grass and nearby plants, negatively impacting the health of your vegetation. If you notice brown patches or dying plants, you may be dealing with a billbug larvae infestation.

By summer, adult billbugs will appear. They feed on grass blades and stems but rarely contribute to noticeable damage like the larvae.

4. Chinch Bug

Chinch bugs develop after four to six weeks and can quickly damage above-ground plants and grass. They typically don’t present a problem since other insects like ants and ladybugs control their population by feeding on them. However, droughts and extreme heat conditions can minimize the number of beneficial bugs, leaving chinch bugs to invade. 

These black bugs are nearly 1/5th inch long with white wings. They feed on your grass, plants, and nearby shrubs. If you have a chinch bug infestation, patches of your lawn will turn yellow, then brown, and then the patches will die.

 

If you’re concerned your yard has fallen victim to one of these pests, consult the team at C & L Lawn Service In Austinburg, OH, about their insect control solutions. Serving Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties, these professionals provide all the lawn care services you need, from fertilizing to weed and insect control. Learn more about their services online, or call (440) 997-2019 to schedule an appointment and get a free estimate.