{"id":4874,"date":"2021-08-27T00:53:52","date_gmt":"2021-08-27T00:53:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=4874"},"modified":"2026-09-08T18:45:20","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T18:45:20","slug":"common-fall-lawn-pests","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-fall-lawn-pests\/","title":{"rendered":"Common Fall Lawn Pests and How to Get Rid of Them"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 <strong>Pests don&#8217;t quit in fall:<\/strong> Grubs, armyworms, chinch bugs, and other pests stay active in cool weather and can keep damaging your lawn.<br>\u2022 <strong>Identify before you treat:<\/strong> Match the signs, such as brown patches, spongy turf, and digging animals, to the right pest before choosing a natural or chemical control.<br>\u2022 <strong>You have options:<\/strong> Beneficial nematodes, Bt, milky spore, and targeted insecticides handle most fall pests, and a Lawn Love pro can take over when an infestation spreads.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You might expect bugs to disappear as the weather cools, but many common fall lawn pests keep working. Grubs, armyworms, and mole crickets damage your lawn year-round, so you need to stay vigilant, identify the problem, and treat it with chemical or organic options.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let&#8217;s take a closer look at 11 common fall lawn pests, including signs you may have an infestation and how to get rid of the problem.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-d4288ec5-e0e9-4286-86cb-9c5b8510d98e\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-fall-lawn-pests\/#0-11-of-the-most-common-fall-lawn-pests\" style=\"\">11 of the most common fall lawn pests<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-fall-lawn-pests\/#34-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 id=\"0-11-of-the-most-common-fall-lawn-pests\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"11-of-the-most-common-fall-lawn-pests\">11 of the most common fall lawn pests<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most common fall lawn pests are grubs, chinch bugs, armyworms, cutworms, sod webworms, billbugs, leatherjackets, mole crickets, ants, fleas, and ticks. Each one leaves telltale signs, so start by matching the damage to the pest below before you treat.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"1-grubs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"grubs\">Grubs<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_lawnlove-japanese-beetle-lifecycle-illustration-v2.png\" alt=\"Japanese beetle lifecycle illustration\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Japanese beetle lifecycle illustration Photo Credit: Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">White lawn grubs are the larvae of several scarab beetle species, including <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-japanese-beetles\/\">Japanese beetles<\/a> and European chafers. The beetle larvae look like C-shaped tiny worms with three pairs of legs. They have 1 to 2-inch long milky white bodies with a distinctive brown or tan head.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adult beetles lay eggs in the soil, and then the larvae, or grubs, hatch and feed on the roots of your grass. The tops wither and die once the roots are severed from the blades.<\/p>    <h4 id=\"2-signs-you-have-grubs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"signs-you-have-grubs\">Signs you have grubs<\/span><\/h4>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Irregularly shaped yellow patches or areas of brown dead turf<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Thinning grass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Spongy material around grass roots<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Turf lifts or peels back from the soil easily<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Signs of drought stress even when the grass is well-watered<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Increased thatch layer<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Lots of beetles in your lawn in late summer<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Animals like moles, skunks, and crows digging in your lawn<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;White grub (larvae) presence is usually not noticed until vertebrates like skunks and raccoons start tearing up turf in search for a meal,&#8221; says Ben McGraw, professor and program coordinator of Turfgrass Science at Pennsylvania State University.<\/p>    <h4 id=\"3-how-to-get-rid-of-grubs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-get-rid-of-grubs\">How to get rid of grubs<\/span><\/h4>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-grubs-in-your-lawn\/\">treat a grub infestation<\/a> if your lawn has 5 or more grubs per square foot.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Natural solutions:<\/strong> Beneficial nematodes like <em>Steinernema<\/em> spp. and <em>Heterorhabditis<\/em> spp. will kill grubs. If you have Japanese beetle grubs, you can also treat them using <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/milky-spore-for-grub-control\/\">milky spore<\/a>, a bacterium that comes in powder or granular form.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chemical solution:<\/strong> Pesticides containing carbaryl or trichlorfon are effective for killing grubs. You can apply them yourself to your lawn, but always be careful when working with chemicals and follow the instructions on the package.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Chemical controls (e.g., chlorantraniliprole) offer season-long grub prevention when applied preventively in early-to-mid summer; curative options are more limited once grubs mature (e.g. trichlorfon), and often involve more broad-spectrum products that are less efficacious,&#8221; McGraw says.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"4-chinch-bugs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"chinch-bugs\">Chinch bugs<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hairy-chinch-bug.jpg\" alt=\"hairy chinch bug on a plant\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The hairy chinch bug is found in the northern and northeastern U.S. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Hairy_Chinch_Bug_-_Blissus_leucopteru_(50594763067).jpg\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Christina Butler from Georgia<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chinch bugs are <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/askabiologist.asu.edu\/explore\/true-bugs\">true bugs<\/a> that infest lawns across much of the United States. The 3 most common types are the hairy chinch bug, southern chinch bug, and common chinch bug.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>The hairy chinch bug is found in the northern and northeastern United States.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>The southern chinch bug is found in the southern United States, from southern North Carolina to the Florida Keys and west to central Oklahoma, California, and Hawaii.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>The common chinch bug is found from South Dakota to Virginia and south to a line running from mid-Texas to mid-Georgia.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chinch bugs are about one-sixth of an inch long when full-grown with a grayish-black coloring on their bodies and white and black wings. They secrete a substance that clogs the grass&#8217;s vascular tissue when they feed, blocking water from reaching the leaves.<\/p>    <h4 id=\"5-signs-you-have-chinch-bugs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"signs-you-have-chinch-bugs\">Signs you have chinch bugs<\/span><\/h4>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chinch bug damage typically occurs during hot, dry weather. The signs often resemble drought stress symptoms.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Irregular yellow grass patches that grow larger and turn brown<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Wilting grass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Purplish grass<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Irrigated drought-stressed turf usually greens back up in 24-48 hours; chinch bug damage does not,&#8221; McGraw says. &#8220;Chinch damage at this time of the year looks like the turf is more melted and matted than just heat stress.&#8221;<\/p>    <h4 id=\"6-how-to-get-rid-of-chinch-bugs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-get-rid-of-chinch-bugs\">How to get rid of chinch bugs<\/span><\/h4>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you&#8217;ve confirmed that a chinch bug infestation is what&#8217;s killing your lawn, here&#8217;s how to treat it.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Natural solution:<\/strong> Diatomaceous earth (DE) dehydrates and kills all chinch bugs it contacts. It remains in the turf after you apply it, also killing future larvae.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chemical solution:<\/strong> Many <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/ohioline.osu.edu\/factsheet\/HYG-2503-11#:~:text=insecticides%20and%20application\">broad-spectrum insecticides<\/a> work on chinch bugs. Look for pesticides with trichlorfon, bifenthrin, or carbaryl. You can apply them yourself, but always follow label instructions.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"7-armyworms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"armyworms\">Armyworms<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_30337904383_349905aa73_c.jpg\" alt=\"armyworm along a green stem with a pile of green eggs on its back\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Armyworms feed on Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, ryegrass, and Bermudagrass. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/52450054@N04\/30337904383\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Judy Gallagher<\/a> | Flickr | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several species of armyworms kill lawns across the United States. They get their name because they move in masses like armies to destroy lawns and crops.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In their larval stage (the stage your lawn needs to worry about), armyworm caterpillars are about 1.5 to 2 inches long. They have red, brown, yellow, or green stripes going down their bodies. Larvae can also be distinguished by a <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/extension.cropsciences.illinois.edu\/fieldcrops\/insects\/armyworm\/\">dark band<\/a> on the outer side of their five fleshy prolegs.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Armyworm larvae feed on <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/kentucky-bluegrass-guide\/\">Kentucky bluegrass<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/tall-fescue-guide\/\">tall fescue<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/perennial-ryegrass-guide\/\">ryegrass<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/bermudagrass-guide\/\">Bermudagrass<\/a>, stripping away leaf tissue.<\/p>    <h4 id=\"8-signs-you-have-armyworms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"signs-you-have-armyworms\">Signs you have armyworms<\/span><\/h4>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Tips of grass blades appear transparent<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Brown spots amidst otherwise green and healthy grass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Completely bare spots<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h4 id=\"9-how-to-get-rid-of-armyworms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-get-rid-of-armyworms\">How to get rid of armyworms<\/span><\/h4>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are a few <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-armyworms\/\">effective treatments for armyworms<\/a>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Natural solutions:<\/strong> Release beneficial nematodes into the soil to feed on eggs, pupae, and larvae. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/ipddl\/publications\/5040e\/#:~:text=outbreaks.-,management,-By\"><em>Bacillus thuringiensis<\/em><\/a> is a natural bacterium that kills armyworms, too.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chemical solution:<\/strong> Many targeted insecticides, including halofenozide, kill caterpillars (including armyworms) without harming beneficial insects or other animals.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"10-cutworms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"cutworms\">Cutworms<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_9604906420_79104161af_c.jpg\" alt=\"brown cutworm eating the inside of an ear of corn\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cutworms feed on the stems of turfgrass and other plants. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/entogirl\/9604906420\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sarah Zukoff<\/a> | Flickr | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cutworms are the larvae of several types of brown or tan moths. The larval caterpillars are up to 2 inches long, mostly gray or brown, with other colored stripes or spots.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most moth species <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.unh.edu\/resource\/cutworms-fact-sheet\">lay their eggs<\/a> on the grass stems, while some lay them on bare ground. After hatching, the caterpillars feed on the stems of turfgrass and other plants right at the soil surface, cutting the plant off at the ground.<\/p>    <h4 id=\"11-signs-you-have-cutworms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"signs-you-have-cutworms\">Signs you have cutworms<\/span><\/h4>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are some common symptoms of a cutworm infestation:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Small pockmarks dotting the lawn thatch (the cutworms&#8217; burrows)<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>1-inch to 2-inch brown patches with even edges<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Grass sheared down to the base<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Wilted grass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>The grass may feel spongy<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Birds like magpies pecking at your lawn<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h4 id=\"12-how-to-get-rid-of-cutworms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-get-rid-of-cutworms\">How to get rid of cutworms<\/span><\/h4>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you find cutworms, here are some methods for removing them.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Natural solutions:<\/strong> Diatomaceous earth (DE) kills cutworms when they contact it on the soil. James Dill, a pest management specialist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Orono, Maine, notes that &#8220;diatomaceous earth is more of a sprinkling type of material.&#8221;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also release the <em>Steinernema carpocapsae<\/em> nematode or the <em>Bacillus thuringiensis<\/em> bacterium.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chemical solution:<\/strong> Apply pesticides to the affected area in the late afternoon or evening, as close as possible to their active time. Check the label before buying a pesticide to ensure it&#8217;s effective against cutworms, and follow the label&#8217;s application directions.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"13-sod-webworms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"sod-webworms\">Sod webworms<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_15178008571_1ce4c65dbc_c.jpg\" alt=\"sod webworm moth, light brown with dark brown stripes on the wings\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sod webworms do the most damage to turfgrass at night. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/wildreturn\/15178008571\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Andy Reago and Chrissy McClarren<\/a> | Flickr | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sod webworms are another one of the most common lawn pests, and like the ones mentioned before, the larval stage is the most problematic. The larvae eat grass leaves and stems <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.psu.edu\/sod-webworms-in-home-lawns#:~:text=Most%20feeding%20by%20sod%20webworm%20larvae%20occurs%20at%20night.\">at night<\/a>, and severe infestations can seriously damage turf.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The larvae are less than an inch long during their feeding stage. Their bodies range from brown to green, with dark spots and a brown head. They build silken tunnels in late fall to overwinter. The adults are dull-colored moths (<em>Crambus<\/em> and <em>Parapediasia<\/em> species) frequently called &#8220;lawn moths.&#8221;<\/p>    <h4 id=\"14-signs-you-have-sod-webworms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"signs-you-have-sod-webworms\">Signs you have sod webworms<\/span><\/h4>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Irregular brown grass patches that gradually grow larger<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Silk webbing and tiny green fecal pellets in the thatch layer or top inch of soil<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Grass scalped down to the base<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h4 id=\"15-how-to-get-rid-of-sod-webworms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-get-rid-of-sod-webworms\">How to get rid of sod webworms<\/span><\/h4>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you find 15 or more sod webworms in one 3-square-foot section, your yard needs immediate treatment.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Natural solutions:<\/strong> Several species of parasitic nematodes, such as <em>Steinernema<\/em>, will feed on sod webworms. Some formulations of the bacterium <em>Bacillus thuringiensis<\/em> can also kill sod webworm larvae.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chemical solution:<\/strong> Only resort to pesticides for extreme infestations. Apply broad-spectrum pesticides in the evening when pests are active. Mow the lawn and remove thatch before application to make sure the chemicals reach the soil, where the larvae burrow.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"16-billbugs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"billbugs\">Billbugs<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_11212516326_88f0fbbc48_c.jpg\" alt=\"close-up of a black billbug\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Billbugs feed on lawns from summer into fall. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/79452129@N02\/11212516326\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fyn Kynd<\/a> | Flickr | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Billbugs feed on lawns in their larval stage. Billbug larvae have cream-colored bodies with brown heads and are about one-quarter to one-half of an inch long at maturity, depending on the species. They look very similar to white grubs but without legs.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the most noticeable damage from billbugs usually occurs in June or July when it&#8217;s hot and dry, they can sometimes feed well into fall. Most species only have a single generation each year, although in rare cases, a second partial generation occurs during prolonged seasons.<\/p>    <h4 id=\"17-signs-you-have-billbugs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"signs-you-have-billbugs\">Signs you have billbugs<\/span><\/h4>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The following symptoms can be evidence of billbugs:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Hollow stems<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Sawdust-like debris in the lawn<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Patches of fading grass that eventually turn brown and die<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Grass easily breaks away from the crown when you pull on it<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h4 id=\"18-how-to-get-rid-of-billbugs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-get-rid-of-billbugs\">How to get rid of billbugs<\/span><\/h4>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are some methods for <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-billbugs\/\">treating a billbug infestation<\/a>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Natural solutions:<\/strong> Beneficial nematodes such as <em>Steinernema carpocapsae<\/em>, <em>Steinernema feltiae<\/em>, and <em>Heterorhabditis bacteriophora<\/em> will prey on billbug larvae. A fungal organism called <em>Beauveria bassiana<\/em> can help control billbug populations.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chemical solution:<\/strong> Many broad-spectrum pesticides kill billbugs on contact. Systemic insecticides (especially those with imidacloprid) are also effective. Grass absorbs the chemical through its roots, and the billbugs die when they eat the grass.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"19-leatherjackets\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"leatherjackets\">Leatherjackets<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_23964577681_9e97a1e029_c.jpg\" alt=\"leatherjacket larvae\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Leatherjackets thrive in rainy conditions, so they&#8217;re common in the Pacific Northwest. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/137246163@N04\/23964577681\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Simon<\/a> | Flickr | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Crane fly larvae, called leatherjackets, feed on grass roots, crowns, and leaves. Leatherjackets resemble large, gray, legless maggots and grow 1 to 1.5 inches long. They thrive in rainy fall conditions, so they&#8217;re very common in the Pacific Northwest.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;They are more likely to be found in soil with high soil moisture, particularly during egg-laying (around September) and when small larvae are present (October-November),&#8221; says Albrecht Koppenh\u00f6fer, professor\/extension specialist in the Department of Entomology at Rutgers University. &#8220;They also prefer soil high in organic matter.&#8221;<\/p>    <h4 id=\"20-signs-you-have-leatherjackets\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"signs-you-have-leatherjackets\">Signs you have leatherjackets<\/span><\/h4>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Common signs of a leatherjacket infestation in your lawn include:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Thinning grass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>The grass is easy to pull out of the ground<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Patches of yellowish-brown or straw-colored grass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Large areas of dead grass or bare soil<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Predators like birds, skunks, and raccoons digging for food in the affected area<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h4 id=\"21-how-to-get-rid-of-leatherjackets\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-get-rid-of-leatherjackets\">How to get rid of leatherjackets<\/span><\/h4>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before applying control treatments, look for visual confirmation of leatherjackets. Cut up 1 square foot of turf in the affected area and check for the larvae in the soil underneath.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your lawn needs treatment if you find 25 or more leatherjackets in one sample section.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Natural solutions:<\/strong> Water the affected area thoroughly, cover it with black plastic, and leave it overnight. Leatherjackets will attach to the plastic, and you&#8217;ll remove them when you slowly pull up the plastic the following day.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also use the beneficial nematode <em>Steinernema feltiae<\/em>. The nematode will infect leatherjackets with bacteria and kill them.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chemical solution:<\/strong> In November, apply a pesticide containing bifenthrin or carbaryl to kill leatherjacket larvae at their second instar level (an intermediate development phase).<\/p>    <h3 id=\"22-mole-crickets\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"mole-crickets\">Mole crickets<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_mole-cricket-1260757_1280.jpg\" alt=\"close-up of a mole cricket\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mole crickets dig tunnels underground, which can cause root rot and dehydration in your grass. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/photos\/mole-cricket-gryllotalpidae-1260757\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mole crickets are a unique family of crickets that significantly damage lawns. They dig tunnels underground, which can cause root rot and dehydration in your grass. They also eat grass roots and leaves.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on the species, adult mole crickets are about 1 to 2 inches long. They have folded wings and modified, long front legs designed for digging and tunneling through the soil. They&#8217;re usually brown or gray, but the color and pattern vary by species.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Note: The northern (Neocurtilla hexadactyla) mole cricket, found throughout the eastern U.S., is native and generally not considered a lawn pest.<\/em><\/p>    <h4 id=\"23-signs-you-have-mole-crickets\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"signs-you-have-mole-crickets\">Signs you have mole crickets<\/span><\/h4>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Long, thin mounds of soil extending across the lawn (caused by tunneling)<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Grass easily detaches from its roots and the soil<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Patches of brown grass<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h4 id=\"24-how-to-get-rid-of-mole-crickets\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-get-rid-of-mole-crickets\">How to get rid of mole crickets<\/span><\/h4>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have a mole cricket infestation, here&#8217;s what you can do to eliminate them.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Natural solution:<\/strong> The <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/hgic.clemson.edu\/factsheet\/mole-cricket-management-in-turfgrass\/#:~:text=insects.-,control%20measures,-There\">only natural method<\/a> to control a mole cricket population is using nematodes such as <em>Steinernema scapterisci<\/em> and <em>Heterorhabditis bacteriophora<\/em>. They infect and eventually kill any mole crickets they come in contact with.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chemical solutions:<\/strong> Mole cricket baits are especially effective during spring and fall. The most effective insecticides contain the chemicals imidacloprid, clothianidin, trichlorfon, lambda or gamma cyhalothrin, bifenthrin, beta-cyfluthrin, zeta cypermethrin, or permethrin.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"25-ants\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"ants\">Ants<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_black-ants.jpg\" alt=\"close-up of two black ants, face-to face\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ants don&#8217;t damage your lawn, but they do create unsightly mounds across your lawn. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Black-ants.jpg\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rakeshkdogra<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ants won&#8217;t damage your lawn (aside from building unsightly anthills) as the previous pests will, but their painful bites can be a nuisance to your family and your pets year-round, especially if you have <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-fire-ants-in-your-yard\/\">fire ants<\/a>.<\/p>    <h4 id=\"26-signs-you-have-ants\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"signs-you-have-ants\">Signs you have ants<\/span><\/h4>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Several anthills all over your yard<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Ants getting into your home<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Tons of ants swarming every time you drop food outside<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h4 id=\"27-how-to-get-rid-of-ants\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-get-rid-of-ants\">How to get rid of ants<\/span><\/h4>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ants don&#8217;t typically emerge from underground when the temperature is 90 degrees or hotter, so treat them when it&#8217;s cooler.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Natural solutions:<\/strong> Rake open the anthill to expose the inside of the nest and as many ants as possible. Pour boiling water with a touch of liquid soap or a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water over the anthill and ants.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both boiling water and vinegar can kill plants, so they might damage your lawn. An alternative is to soak the ant nest with water from the hose for about 30 minutes. Repeat after 24 hours, as ants can sometimes survive underwater for 24 hours.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chemical solutions:<\/strong> Apply broadcast bait when ants are actively foraging in the mornings and evenings when it&#8217;s cooler. When using bait, make sure the ground is dry and no rain is forecasted for 24 hours.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another option is pesticides that kill ants on contact. They are less effective than bait, though, because they only kill the ants they touch.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"28-fleas\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"fleas\">Fleas<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_1024px-flea.jpg\" alt=\"close-up of a dead flea\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fleas can be active in your lawn year-round. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Flea.JPG\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Erturac<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These wingless, flat-bodied, dark brown insects can be active in your lawn year-round, and they&#8217;re always itching to latch onto you or your pet and use you as a host.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fleas prefer temperatures around 75 degrees, so it&#8217;s important not to skimp on your pet&#8217;s flea medication just because summer is over.<\/p>    <h4 id=\"29-signs-you-have-fleas\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"signs-you-have-fleas\">Signs you have fleas<\/span><\/h4>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These signs could mean there are fleas on your lawn:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Your pet excessively scratching, especially just after going outside<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Small red bites in rows of three or four on your ankles and lower legs<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Tiny black dots (flea dirt) on flat surfaces inside or outside your home<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h4 id=\"30-how-to-get-rid-of-fleas\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-get-rid-of-fleas\">How to get rid of fleas<\/span><\/h4>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are some ways you can <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-fleas-in-your-yard\/\">squash a flea infestation<\/a> in your lawn.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Natural solutions:<\/strong> Spread diatomaceous earth (DE) all around your lawn and concentrate heavily on areas where your pet spends most of its time. Apply DE again after rain or watering your yard, as it isn&#8217;t effective when wet. Beneficial nematodes work on fleas, too.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chemical solution:<\/strong> Spray your lawn with an insecticide containing pyrethrin to kill adult fleas and another containing an insect growth regulator for the larvae and eggs. Keep your pets out of the yard until the pesticides dry entirely.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"31-ticks\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"ticks\">Ticks<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_7209178448_44faa728e5_c.jpg\" alt=\"4 sizes of ticks on the tip of someone's finger\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Keep your lawn mowed and free of debris to avoid attracting ticks in your yard. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/fairfaxcounty\/7209178448\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fairfax County<\/a> | Flickr | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nd\/2.0\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-ND 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like fleas, ticks can be active all year. You&#8217;ll usually encounter them in woodlands or other bushy areas, but they can infest your lawn, too. They are small and wingless, with roundish bodies and eight legs.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ticks are parasitic and can bite you or your pets at any stage of their life cycle after they hatch, not just when they&#8217;re adults. Instead of flying or jumping, ticks climb bushes or tall grasses to reach and latch onto hosts.<\/p>    <h4 id=\"32-signs-you-have-ticks\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"signs-you-have-ticks\">Signs you have ticks<\/span><\/h4>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The only way to know if you have ticks in your yard is to inspect it regularly.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Common hiding spots include:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>On and around tall or dense bushes<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Areas with tall grass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Firewood piles<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Anywhere dead leaves and other plant debris collect<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h4 id=\"33-how-to-get-rid-of-ticks\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-get-rid-of-ticks\">How to get rid of ticks<\/span><\/h4>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you find ticks in your yard, in your home, or on your pet, you might have a lawn infestation. It&#8217;s important to get rid of them as soon as possible to keep your family and pets safe from tick-borne illnesses.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Natural solution:<\/strong> Spray cedar oil or diluted eucalyptus oil over the area where you found ticks. These natural remedies won&#8217;t hurt animals or plants, but they will kill and repel ticks.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chemical solution:<\/strong> Treating your whole lawn with pesticides is usually an ineffective way to control ticks. If you want to try pesticides anyway, mow the lawn first, then spray a pesticide labeled for use against ticks in your yard and 20 feet around your lawn (if possible).<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-chinch-bugs\/\">How to Get Rid of Chinch Bugs<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-sod-webworms\/\">How to Get Rid of Sod Webworms<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-mole-crickets\/\">How to Get Rid of Mole Crickets<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"34-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17883799207303626\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do you treat a lawn for insects?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Treating your lawn for insects isn&#8217;t a one-size-fits-all solution. The first step is identifying the problem and making sure you know what bug(s) you are dealing with. After determining the type of insect(s), you can opt for a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/natural-and-organic-pest-control\/\">natural approach<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/guide-using-pesticides-lawn\/\">chemical pesticide<\/a> specific to the insect pest you&#8217;ve identified in your yard.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17883799207302918\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Why is my yard full of bugs?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yards are the perfect habitat for most, if not all, insects, as vegetation and mulch provide plenty of shelter and food. But you could see an influx of insects for various reasons, including overwatering, a thick <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-thatch\/\">thatch layer<\/a>, or weakened or stressed grass.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17883799207309600\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do fall lawn pests die off in winter?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Many do not. Species like sod webworms and grubs overwinter in the soil or thatch and resume feeding once temperatures rise, which is why fall scouting and treatment matter. Others, such as fleas and ticks, can stay active year-round in mild climates.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1788379920730629\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Should I routinely spray my yard for bugs?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><p>Whether or not you spray your yard preemptively is an individual decision. Much of it depends on personal considerations such as budget, how much time you spend outside, your sensitivity to pests, and whether you have pets that come in and out.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"35-what-to-do-when-you-cant-handle-pests-yourself\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"what-to-do-when-you-cant-handle-pests-yourself\">What to do when you can&#8217;t handle pests yourself<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes, fall lawn pest infestations are complicated. You might try all the recommended natural and chemical treatments and still find them lurking in the grass. Or maybe you&#8217;ve tried your hardest to maintain proper lawn care management (regular lawn mowing, watering, fertilizing, dethatching, etc.) to prevent them, but keeping up with the schedule is challenging.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In either case, Lawn Love can connect you with <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnlove.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\">local lawn treatment pros<\/a> who will identify the problem and treat your lawn for you. With expert help, your lawn can stay green, healthy, and pest-free year-round.<br><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Photo Credit: Chinch bug | <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/commons.m.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Chinch_bug_(3910201873).jpg\">Rego Korosi<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Identify 11 common fall lawn pests, from grubs to armyworms and chinch bugs, then learn natural and chemical ways to get rid of them and protect your lawn.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":96,"featured_media":27993,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[126],"tags":[147,161],"class_list":["post-4874","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-tips","tag-lawn-care","tag-pest-control"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Chinch_bug_3910201873-1.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Amanda Shiffler","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/amanda-shiffler\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4874","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/96"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4874"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4874\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48868,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4874\/revisions\/48868"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27993"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4874"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4874"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4874"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}