Maintaining a healthy lawn is a top priority for many people. However, when pests such as chinch bugs or armyworms invade, it can quickly turn your beautiful lawn into a nightmare. In the state of Texas, these insects are among the most common causes of lawn damage. Understanding their behavior and how to control them is essential for keeping your lawn healthy and looking its best.

Chinch bugs are small insects that suck the sap out of grass blades, causing them to turn yellow and eventually wither. Armyworms, on the other hand, are caterpillars that eat the grass blades and strip them of their green color, leaving behind brown patches. If you suspect that either of these lawn insects is infesting your lawn, it's best to contact professionals who can properly identify which it is and set up a treatment plan to eradicate them.

What are chinch bugs, and what kind of lawn damage do they cause?

Chinch bug found in a lawn's grass in Plano, TX.

Chinch bug damage is a common problem for lawns, and it's important to know the signs so you can take action before it's too late. Chinch bugs suck out juices from the grass blades before injecting a toxin that blocks water from circulating. The first indication of chinch bug activity is the appearance of irregular patches of yellow and brown grass on your lawn. These areas may seem small at first, but if left untreated, they will quickly spread and can eventually cover large areas of your turf, leaving it discolored and wilted. It's important to note that watering your grass will not resolve brown or yellow discoloration if it's caused by chinch bugs. In fact, if you're regularly watering but seeing no improvement, it could be a sign that these pests are the cause of the wilting.

What are armyworms, and what kind of damage do they do to lawns?

Armyworm eating a grass leaf on a lawn in Plano, TX.

Armyworms are the larval stage of a certain species of moths, but their feeding habits can wreak havoc on your lawn long before they reach the adult stage. Early signs of armyworm damage may appear as small brown patches on the grass, but closer inspection reveals much more than that.

As armyworms consume the grass, their ravenous appetites leave jagged edges on the leaves. Armyworms are also highly selective, targeting only the green parts of the grass and leaving behind a ghostly, almost translucent remainder. In the worst cases, armyworms can cause irreparable damage by devouring the grass all the way down to the root, leaving barren patches of turf.

If you notice a lot of birds or other animals on your lawn, it could be a sign of armyworms.

What should you do if you think chinch bugs or armyworms are infesting your lawn?

If you suspect that your lawn is being attacked by chinch bugs or armyworms, it's important to take action quickly to prevent further damage. Contacting a team of professionals who specialize in lawn insect control will help you accurately identify the type of insect causing the problem and set up a treatment plan that will effectively eradicate it. Professionals will utilize a highly effective curative treatment based on the type of insect infestation, ensuring that it is applied evenly and in the right quantities.

Schedule our chinch bug or armyworm control service by calling today!

Are you tired of seeing your lawn damaged by chinch bugs or armyworms? If so, our team here at CitiTurf will help you out! Our chinch bug and armyworm control services are designed to eliminate infestations and protect your lawn from further damage. If you are a homeowner in Plano, TX, or nearby areas like Allen, Frisco, or McKinney, give us a call at 972-516-0001 to schedule our respective lawn insect control treatments today!