Lawn Insect Control

Web Worms

Webworms are the larvae of lawn moths. The live in the root level of your lawn and munch up the leaves of your grass. They can kill an entire lawn in a just a few days. If your lawn has circular brown patches, you may have webworms. They eat away at the blades of grass. At the root level, you can see small white tubes made of silky web, but in the evening they usually make an appearance. They’re about ¼ – ¾ of an inch long, light brown with a black head.

Chinch Bugs

Chinch bug infestation typically occurs during the hot, dry months. Signs of chinch bug infestation include irregular patches of dead grass surrounded by a circle of yellowing grass. These patches are frequently observed in areas of the lawn that receive full sun. Chinch bug infestation may be confused with brown patch or lack of moisture. Chinch bugs have sucking mouthparts that they use to suck the sap from turf grass.

Chinch bugs are 1/6 to 1/5 inch long with black bodies. They have white wings with black triangles. Nymphs are wingless and are yellow or pinkish in color with light-colored bands around their backs.

To determine whether the lawn problem is chinch bugs, either pull back a layer of thatch or run your foot over the affected yellow area where it meets the healthy grass and watch for bugs to appear on your shoe.

How do we get rid of them?

Like so many lawn pests, these insects are best controlled when they are young, right after they have hatched. The key to controlling them is knowing the species and life cycle for your area. Insecticides also can work well when used near the surface, and some can even provide season-long protection if timed correctly. Take note, however, that these treatments are best if they are professionally applied.

So, sorry pests, my lawn is not accepting reservations for dinner tonight.