Lawn Grass Insects

Types

• Leafhoppers cause damage to lawn grass and can live for several years. Caterpillars such as fall armyworms and cutworms are especially damaging to lawn grass. Damage from these insects can occur any time during the spring, summer and fall. Grasshoppers and crickets are found in most areas of the country and eat foliage from plants, as well as lawn grass.

Symptoms

• Insect infestations may produce symptoms such as patches of chewed grass, depressed spots in grass, and circular patches of dead grass. Grass roots often wilt, are tunneled by larvae and die.

Control

• Pesticides are effective in controlling insect infestations. Using pesticides on lawn grass, often results in eliminating beneficial insects as well as pests. Identify the type of insects affecting your lawn before applying pesticides. Contact your local cooperative extension office for advice on chemical controls.