Protect Your Lawn from These Top 5 Summer Pests

A green, thriving lawn is one of the best parts of summer. It sets the scene for backyard barbecues, kids playing in the yard, and quiet moments spent enjoying the sunshine.

But just below the surface, or sometimes right on top, there could be pests at work, silently damaging your grass and undoing all the care you’ve put into your yard.

Summer is prime time for a variety of lawn pests. The warm weather and climate create the perfect environment for insects to breed, feed, and spread quickly.

If you start seeing yellow patches, thinning areas, or visible mounds, pests could be to blame.

With the expert help of a Fort Worth exterminator, here is a closer look at the top five lawn pests that become active during the summer months, along with tips for recognizing and dealing with each one before your lawn suffers long-term damage.

Gubs: The Hidden Threat Beneath Your Lawn 

Grubs are the larvae of various beetles, including the Japanese beetle, June beetle, and European chafer. They are easy to miss because they live underground. However, the damage they cause is far from invisible.

These white, C-shaped insects feed on grass roots, cutting off the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. As a result, your grass starts to wilt, turn brown, and die, often forming irregular patches across your lawn.

One of the most significant signs of grub infestation is grass that feels spongy and lifts easily like a loose carpet.

Birds, skunks, and raccoons digging up your yard can also be a warning sign. They are looking for an easy grub meal.

How to control them: 

The best time to treat grubs is early summer when the larvae are still small and vulnerable.

Applying a grub control product containing ingredients like imidacloprid or chlorantraniliprole can prevent damage before it starts.

Also, keep your lawn tidy and avoid overwatering, as soggy soil attracts beetles looking for a place to lay their eggs.

Chinch Bugs: The Tiny Bugs Dry Out Your Grass 

Chinch bugs might be small, but they pack a punch. These tiny insects, usually less than ⅕ inch long, feed by piercing grass blades and sucking out the sap.

These insects inject a toxin that blocks the plant’s ability to move water, causing large dry patches that often resemble drought damage. You might not realize you have a problem until it’s too late.

They tend to gather in hot, sunny areas of the lawn and are most active during prolonged dry spells. Damage often starts near sidewalks or driveways where heat radiates off hard surfaces, stressing the grass further and making it easier for chinch bugs to cause harm.

How to Control Them:

Keeping your lawn properly watered is one of the best defenses against drought. Chinch bugs prefer dry conditions, so deep, consistent watering can make your lawn less hospitable to them. You should also dethatch your lawn annually to reduce their hiding spot.

For severe cases, insecticidal soap or granular treatments labeled for chinch bugs can help knock down the population.

If you are unsure of how a pest control professional can confirm the problem and offer targeted solutions.

Armyworms: The Fast-moving Feeders That Strip Your Lawn 

Armyworms are the larvae of moths, and they earned their name for good reason. They move across lawns in groups, devouring everything in their path. Unlike many other lawn pests, armyworms feed above ground, munching on grass blades and leaving behind chewed, brown patches.

They are particularly dangerous because they can destroy large areas of turf in just a few days.

These pests are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. You may also spot adult moths fluttering low across your lawn at dusk. Signs of an infestation include rapid browning, sawdust-like droppings on grass blades, and visible caterpillars during a soap flush test.

How to control them:

To confirm their presence, mix dish soap with water and pour it over a small area of grass. If armyworms are present, they’ll surface quickly. Once confirmed, treat affected areas with a lawn-safe insecticide specifically formulated for caterpillars.

Keeping your grass healthy and mowed to the proper height can help reduce its impact.

For larger infestations, consider working with a pest control company to apply a more aggressive treatment plan.

Fire Ants: The Dangerous Mound-builders You Don’t Want Around

Fire ants are a serious nuisance and a safety hazard. These aggressive insects form large, dome-shaped mounds that can appear overnight. Disturbing these mounds, even accidentally, often results in multiple painful stings.

Fire ants are especially problematic in lawns where children or pets play, and their sting can cause allergic reactions in some people.

They are most active during warm, sunny weather and after heavy rainfall, which softens the soil and makes it easier for them to build mounds.

In severe infestations, multiple mounds can take over an entire lawn.

How to control them:

Start with bait treatments designed specifically for fire ants. These baits are carried back to the colony and fed to the queen, which helps eliminate the entire nest. For best results, apply bait in the early morning or evening when ants are actively foraging. Avoid disturbing the mound before treatment, as this can cause the colony to relocate.

For persistent infestations or large colonies, contact a pest control service for targeted treatments that provide long-term relief.

Take Back Your Lawn Before Pests Take Over

Lawn pests are sneaky and destructive, but you don’t have to let them ruin your summer. Regular lawn maintenance, early detection, and the right treatments go a long way toward protecting your grass.

Water deeply, mow consistently, and address thatch buildup to keep your lawn healthy and less inviting to pests.

If your lawn shows unusual damage and you’re unsure of the cause, reach out to a licensed pest control expert.

They can identify the problem and create a plan to restore your yard. With proper care and a proactive approach, you can enjoy a green, pest-free lawn all summer long.