SURFACE INSECTS
What Are Surface Insects?
Surface Insects are small, but powerful bugs that feed on the grass plant. In many cases they will eat the crown of the plant, which can cause irreversible damage to your lawn. Catching any insect activity early is the key to avoiding any permanent problems.
If You See Any...
If you see any of the Surface Insects listed below, contact us as soon as possible so we can get a technician there ASAP to diagnose the issue. If treated soon enough, your lawn will recover without any further issues.
Watering & Mowing
In the instance we treat your lawn for surface insects, we will provide mowing and watering instructions for you to follow, ensuring that the product works as intended and as quickly as possible. Please follow them closely to avoid a resurgence of these insects and perhaps more damage.
Chinch Bugs
(Blissus leucopterus)
Chinch Bugs, often recognized by their White/Red backs, are known for causing a lot of damage by feeding on the crown of the grass plant. Attacking the crown of the plant means there's not much you can to do save the grass unless it's taken care of as soon as possible.
Appearance
These bugs may be difficult to spot at first. Adults only grow to about 1/6th of an inch in size. They have black bodies and white wings, with an hourglass shape on their backs. Immature Chinch bugs (nymphs) are red in color and wingless.
Signs Of Activity
Irregular patches of grass begin to form in a yellow and brown color. Regardless of how much you water, it will continue to spread. They are often found in areas with sun exposure. It's usually mistaken for drought stress or other disease.
PEST FACTS
CHINCH BUGS PRODUCE ABOUT 250 EGGS IN THEIR LIFETIME.
Sod Webworm
(Crambus)
Aptly named for their web-like tunnels made for hiding, these insects feed on emerging grass and stems. They lay 200+ eggs during the Summer. Like other surface insects, their diet can cause serious damage to your lawn if not taken care of promptly after seeing them.
Appearance
Sod Webworm larvae are gray, brown, or green with dark spots on their body. They're about 1/2 - 1 inch long. Once they become moths, they usually have a tan or dark brown complexion with white and gray hindwings. They have a short but narrow snout, often taking flight in short bursts close to the edge of the grassline.
Signs Of Activity
Sod Webworms, mostly active during the Summer, are feeding at night, taking the time to hide during the day. Signs of them feeding will include thin spots of yellow and brown patches of grass. These spots will take on an irregular shape as they move through the lawn. You may see an increase in birds trying to feed on them too.
PEST FACTS
THERE ARE OVER 90,000 KNOWN SPECIES OF WEEVILS.
Weevil
(Curculionoidea)
Weevils (Bluegrass) are beetles which inhabit annual bluegrass and creeping bent grass. They're most commonly found on golfing greens but still found near homes. They pose a risk to your plants outdoors and in some cases they can make their way into your home.
Appearance
Weevils have a variety of body shapes and coloring. They're usually slim-bodied, around 5-8mm in length. Most of them are darker in color. Their most distinctive feature is their heads, their long head forms a pointed snout, which vary in length depending on the type.
Signs Of Activity
Since the larvae burrow into the ground and feed on roots, you won't see them often. They do leave quite a big impression on plants though. They're infamous for feeding on crops, but are also known to eat plants such as hemlocks and rhododendrons.
