TYPES OF LAWN INSECTS AND GRUBS

It’s helpful to know what type of pest you are dealing with. Since each has different behaviors, knowing the species can help you find an effective solution to your infestation. Our Florida lawn care services help protect your grass from troublesome lawn pests, as well as providing lawn care guides and advice to keep your outdoor spaces looking pristine.

In the battle against lawn pests, understanding the life cycle of these intruders is key to effective prevention. From the larval stage to fully developed insects, lawn pests can feast on your lawn’s roots compromising your healthy lawn and causing the grass to turn brown. Combatting these pests requires a strategic approach to pest control – that’s where Heron can help, ensuring your lawn remains resilient and thriving.

WHAT TYPES OF LAWN PESTS LIVE IN FLORIDA?

The most common lawn pests in Florida include:

Fire Ants

Fire ants are a type of aggressive, stinging ant known for their reddish-brown to reddish-black coloration. They are highly territorial and get their name from the ‘burning’ sensation that many people experience after a sting. Some people may even experience allergic reactions, making them one of the last pests you want to find on your property. 

Armyworms

Armyworms are a type of destructive caterpillar known for their propensity to move in large, coordinated groups, resembling an “army” as they march across fields and gardens. These voracious pests can cause significant damage to various crops and grasses. Armyworms are typically light green, brown, or black in color, with stripes or markings along their bodies.

Chinch Bugs

Chinch bugs are small, highly damaging insects commonly found in lawns, particularly in warm regions like Florida. These tiny pests are usually black with white wings marked by distinctive triangular or diamond-shaped patterns. Chinch bugs feed on grass by piercing the blades with their needle-like mouthparts and extracting sap, which can lead to grass blades turning yellow and eventually dying. 

Sod Webworms

These caterpillars are typically pale green or tan and can reach up to an inch in length. Sod webworms are characterized by their behavior of constructing silk-lined tunnels or burrows in the thatch and soil of a lawn. They feed primarily on grass blades and can skeletonize them, leaving behind brown or bare patches in affected areas. 

Mole Crickets

Mole crickets are subterranean insects known for their underground tunneling and damage to lawns and gardens. These burrowing pests have front legs adapted for digging, making them proficient at creating tunnels beneath the soil’s surface. Mole crickets can vary in size but generally have brown or grayish bodies. They primarily feed on plant roots and organic matter found in the soil, which can lead to the uprooting of grass, causing lawns to become uneven and spongy.

How to Get Rid of Lawn Pests

Remember that it’s essential to address pest issues promptly, as unchecked infestations can cause long-term damage to your lawn. Taking a proactive and environmentally responsible approach to pest management is the best way to maintain a healthy and vibrant lawn.

If the infestation is extensive or you’re unsure how to proceed, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional lawn care company. Their experts are trained in the best ways to get rid of and prevent lawn pests, and they can provide you with personalized recommendations based on your specific situation.