Lawn Insect Pests

- Follow a few simple rules to avoid most lawn damage from pests -

Summary: Healthy lawns can tolerate considerable damage from insect pests. Proper irrigation, fertilizing and mowing are far more important than pesticides to control lawn pests. Follow these simple rules and prevent most problems from lawn insects.

Jack DeAngelis, PhD

OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)

Which lawn pests cause damage?

There are many insects, and a few related arthropods, that can potentially damage lawns in the US. If you need a comprehensive review of all pests at a professional level see the book listed below. For many of us, however, the following few will be the most important ones you'll deal with in home lawns.

Certain crane fly species (right) are emerging pests in some parts of the US and can be particularly damaging to newly planted lawns. Crane fly larvae feed on grass roots during cool parts of the year and can kill large patches of lawn as temperatures rise and the soil dries out (see Related Articles below).

Mole crickets are pests mainly in the warm, humid southeastern states where their burrowing causes physical damage to soil and lawns (see Related Articles below).

European crane fly adult ~ 1-1/2 inch long.

White grubs feed on grass roots causing considerable damage and dead patches. These large larvae are the immature stage of often ornate beetles like the Japanese beetle. Lawn moth larvae are the caterpillar stage of small moths that feed at the soil surface on stems and grass leaves. And, chinch bugs feed above ground on grass blades. See Related Articles below for pictures, life history and control of these lawn pests.

Lawn care "rules"

Healthy lawns can sustain and outgrow most damage from lawn pests. This means that by following a few simple rules you can avoid most lawn pests and diseases without using pesticides. The three most important rules for successful home lawn care are:

(2) Test the soil at least every 5 years and add lime and micro-nutrients as needed. This is probably the most overlooked aspect of lawn care. Check with your local Cooperative Extension (US state Extension office directory) about where you can get your soil tested locally for a small fee. Yearly applications of lime (dolomite lime, not hydrated lime) are needed in many areas in addition to micro-nutrients.

(3) Mow at the proper height for your grass type but most importantly don't cut the grass too short. Many turf managers mow at the highest setting possible for their equipment. Your grass needs some leaf surface (grass blades) in order to be healthy!

If you follow these simple guidelines your grass can resist damage from many insect pests and diseases without using insecticides or fungicide. Plus, if an insect pest or disease does creep in, the lawn will be healthier to begin with and it will be easier to treat the problem.

Chinch Bug Pests of Lawns

Crane Flies & Leatherjackets

White Grubs

Mole Crickets

Jack DeAngelis, Ph.D.

Please see the Disclaimer statements as well.