Pests and Insects

Armyworms are caterpillars that feed at night and can destroy an entire lawn in 48 hours. Check at dusk with a flashlight. Treat immediately with bifenthrin spray applied in the evening when larvae are active on the surface.

Brown patch is a fungal lawn disease that creates circular tan patches during hot humid weather (85+ day, 65+ night). Most common in tall fescue. Water only in the morning, avoid summer nitrogen, and apply fungicide at first sign.

Chinch bugs are tiny black and white insects that suck plant fluids from grass stems, causing yellow patches that spread during hot dry weather. The coffee can float test confirms their presence. Treat with bifenthrin when damage first appears.

Grubs are white, C-shaped beetle larvae that feed on grass roots from August through October. The tug test confirms them: damaged grass pulls up like loose carpet. More than 5 grubs per sq ft requires treatment.

Moles are insectivores that tunnel through lawns eating grubs and worms, leaving raised ridges and volcano mounds. Trapping is the most effective removal method. Grub treatment helps but doesn't guarantee moles leave because they also eat earthworms.