The Hidden Dangers of Lawn Pests & How to Stop Them
Your lawn should be a lush, green oasis—not a breeding ground for damaging pests. While many homeowners focus on weeds and fertilization, pest infestations can quietly wreak havoc on your grass, shrubs, and even your home. If left untreated, common lawn pests can turn a thriving yard into a patchy, brown disaster.
In this guide, we’ll uncover the most common lawn pests in Texas, how to spot them early, and the best ways to eliminate them before they take over your yard.
5 Common Lawn Pests That Could Be Destroying Your Yard
1. Grubs – The Silent Root Killers
Grubs are beetle larvae that feed on the roots of your grass, causing large brown patches. If your lawn feels spongy when you walk on it or you notice dead spots that easily peel up, grubs could be the culprit.
🛑 How to Get Rid of Grubs: Apply a grub control treatment in early summer before they cause major damage. Beneficial nematodes are a great natural option.
2. Chinch Bugs – Tiny but Destructive
Chinch bugs thrive in hot, dry conditions, sucking the moisture from grass blades and leaving behind yellow, straw-like patches. They prefer sunny areas of your lawn, making them a huge problem during Texas summers.
🛑 How to Get Rid of Chinch Bugs: Maintain proper lawn hydration and use insecticidal treatments if you spot damage. Regular aeration also helps prevent infestations.
3. Armyworms – The Rapid Lawn Destroyers
If your lawn seems to disappear overnight, armyworms might be the cause. These fast-moving caterpillars feed in groups, devouring entire sections of grass in just days.
🛑 How to Get Rid of Armyworms: Apply a targeted lawn insecticide at the first sign of damage, and keep your grass well-maintained to discourage infestations.
4. Fire Ants – A Painful Nuisance
Fire ant mounds not only ruin the look of your lawn but also pose a serious safety hazard with their painful stings. These aggressive pests spread rapidly, making control difficult.
🛑 How to Get Rid of Fire Ants: Use a professional-grade bait treatment or opt for TopChoice insecticide, which offers long-term fire ant control.
5. Sod Webworms – The Nighttime Lawn Eaters
Sod webworms are moth larvae that feed at night, causing irregular brown patches in your grass. If you notice moths fluttering over your lawn at dusk, it’s a sign of an infestation.
🛑 How to Get Rid of Sod Webworms: Use a broad-spectrum insecticide and mow your lawn regularly to remove larvae.
How to Prevent Lawn Pest Infestations
🔹 Keep Your Lawn Healthy – A strong, well-maintained lawn is less vulnerable to pest damage. Regular fertilization, aeration, and watering help prevent infestations.
🔹 Remove Excess Thatch – Thick thatch layers provide a perfect hiding spot for pests. Dethatching once a year reduces this risk.
🔹 Invest in Professional Lawn Pest Control – Regular inspections and preventative pest treatments ensure your yard stays pest-free year-round.
Take Action with Professional Lawn Pest Control
If you’ve spotted signs of lawn pests, don’t wait until the damage is irreversible. At Pest Frog, we specialize in lawn pest management, ensuring your yard stays healthy and beautiful all year long.
📞 Call us today for a free inspection and customized lawn pest treatment plan!