Turf: Insect ID & Control Programs

Grounds Services offers a variety of solutions if insects are becoming more than just a nuisance. Bug Shield offers protection from the foundation up to keep insects out while Surface Feeding Insect Control offers protection from turf-destroying pest like chinch bugs or army worms. Looking for tree and shrub insects? Get more information here.

Insects can be beneficial to the lawn, or they can systematically destroy it in as little as a week and render the lawn unresponsive to watering and fertilizing. It is important to know the signs of damage and take action immediately to ensure your lawns health. Below are common insects to look for. If you have any questions or have had problems in the past, feel free to contact us for a lawn evaluation and quote at 419-536-4344.

	Ants There are a variety of ant species throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Although they can be very beneficial to the environment and your lawn (the will forage for insects and their eggs... Read more
	Army Worm These pest are most active at night when they consume the rhizome and the crown of turf grasses. Their continued feasting will cause your lawn to thin out and die back if not treated properly... Read more
	Billbugs Damage usually occurs during times of summer drought and can often be mistaken for other culprits. Damage can range from small, circular patches of turf die back to complete destruction by August... Read more
	Chinch Bugs Signs of damage usually occurs in June as irregular patches of tan or straw colored turf. As these insects continue to eat at the turf, the lawn will be unable to produce food and start dying off... Read more
	Cicada Killer Although these wasp are large (around 2"), they are not as aggressive as one would assume. The males do not have stingers, though are very territorial and have been known to dive bomb individuals within... Read more
	Clover Mites These pest are tiny, smaller than a pinhead. They have been known to invade homes in spring and fall, leaving a red stain if smashed against a surface. They do not bite animals or humans nor transmit... Read more
	Cut Worms Cutworms receive their name from the way they cut down plants as they feed. Depending on the species of cutworm, some plants are chewed at the base of the stem while others are eaten at the leaf... Read more
	Fleas Although these pest are not turf-destroying pest, they are a problem for many homeowners and their furry family members. If you have or previously had a flea problem, one part of the solution may... Read more
	Grubs Grubs are the larvae stage of Japanese Beetles. They feast on the root of grass and can cause extensive to total lawn damage. The majority of the damage occurs in early to late fall as dead areas Read more >>
	Lady Bugs (Beneficial) Lady Bugs are beneficial and one of natures natural pest controls. Although some sub-species are vegetarians, many actually eat other bugs! From aphids to spider mites and other soft-bodied... Read more
	Mosquitoes Ah, mosquitoes. That one insect we wish would just go away… or at least leave us alone. While these pests serve as food to frogs, birds, and bats, they also carry diseases and are a nuisance to their host... Read more
	Slugs & Snails Slugs can damage seeds, vegetation, flowers, fruits and vegetables when they feed. Typical damage on leaves appear around the margin, or if small enough the slug may consume the whole leaf... Read more
	Spiders (Beneficial) Although spiders invoke fear in many people, they are actually one of natures best pest control options. There are only a couple which are poisonous - neither of these are common to Northwest Ohio... Read more
	Sod Web Worm The larvae stage of the sod web worm can cause damage to turf throughout the growing season, though most of the damage occurs during the hot dry months of July and August. Visually... Read more
	Ticks Ticks can evoke fear by the mere mention of them. They are small, easily overlooked, and are parasites (living off of another host). Ticks do not fly, jump, or blow along with wind... Read more
	Wasp & Hornets Wasp and hornets are not lawn destroying pest, though they can be a nuisance or even a hazard to some. Although they are beneficial by feeding on many crop and lawn destroying pest, their stingers... Read more

Other sites that provide a wealth of information on Turf Insects:
Ohioline.osu.edu bugguide.net

Insecticides can either be systemic (absorbed through the plant and then ingested by the insect through feeding) or contact (applied directly to the insect or picked up by the insect moving through an area which has the insecticide on it). Insecticides may be selective (attacks only specific insects) or broad-spectrum (affects a wide range of insects).