Top 5 Lawn Pests in Texas and How to Detect Them Early

Living in the heart of Texas means enjoying the warm weather, vibrant culture, and scenic landscapes. However, it also means grappling with troublesome critters that can wreak havoc on your lawn and peace of mind. 

From the stealthy destruction caused by chinch bugs and grub worms beneath the surface to the more overt invasions of fire ants and armadillos, you have your lawn maintenance work cut out for you. These pests can wreak havoc on your outdoor spaces, pose potential health risks, and create nuisances that stretch well beyond the garden. 

Getting prompt and professional pest control in Texas is your best bet when dealing with these unwelcome guests. Knowing the most common pests that can ruin lawns and disrupt lives will help you spot the signs early and take the necessary steps to protect your home and yard. 

Chinch Bugs 

Chinch bugs are infamous among the many pests that ruin lawns, particularly St. Augustine grass, which is prevalent in Texas. These tiny insects are easy to miss, but the damage they cause is unmistakable.

These insects thrive in hot, dry environments. They suck the sap out of grass blades, causing yellow patches that eventually turn brown and die. Without effective pest control measures, they can transform a lush lawn into a patchy eyesore, resulting in the need for lawn repairs and decreased curb appeal. 

Beyond the apparent damage to the lawn, chinch bugs can also invade homes, making them a dual threat. These pests crave moisture and may seek refuge in your home during hot, dry periods, creating an additional nuisance. 

Chinch bugs thrive in the heat and are particularly active from late spring to early fall. If your lawn begins to show irregularly shaped patches of dead or stunted grass despite proper watering around this time, it’s best to have an Emerald Lawn Technician get pest control for your lawn as soon as possible. 

Grub Worms 

Grub worms refer to the early stages of those brown flying bugs that often end up on your front porch, known commonly as “June bugs.” They live underground and tend to feed on grass roots. This can make your lawn appear wilted since it isn’t getting the nutrients needed to stay healthy.

Unfortunately, because of this underground lifestyle, the damage they cause can continue to go unnoticed until it becomes severe.

When dealing with grub worms, spotting brown patches in your lawn is a key indicator that they may be affecting your lawn. According to Cornell University, having just a few grubs usually isn’t a cause for concern. To check if grubs are the main troublemakers of your lawn issues, try digging up a square foot of grass where you notice the discoloration. You’re probably in the clear if you count between 0-5 grubs per square foot. However, if you spot 6-9 grubs per square foot, especially if critters such as raccoons are nosing around for them, it might be time to consider lawn treatment. If you unearth 10 or more grubs per square foot, it’s definitely time to take action.

The tricky part about grub worms is that their underground antics can go unnoticed until the damage becomes obvious. Lawns affected by these pests can start feeling spongy and show large dead patches. 

It’s also worth noting that their presence invites other wildlife, like armadillos and birds. These animals dig up lawns to snack on the grubs, exacerbating the problem. 

If you have Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine, or Buffalo grass, prompt identification and intervention are crucial to saving the aesthetic and integrity of your lawn. High-quality pest control can include treatments targeting grub populations, preventing them from damaging your lawn further. 

Fire Ants 

Fire ants are aggressive insects known for their unsightly large mounds that can dot the yard. They, too, favor the Texan climate and are quick to colonize areas around homes, posing a threat to both people and pets with their painful stings.

That’s not all – fire ants can damage plant roots and lead to shriveled-up lawns. Colonies left unchecked can eventually cause problems to electrical equipment, as fire ants chew on insulation and nest in the metal housings surrounding electrical and utility equipment. 

Maintaining a regular mowing schedule and removing debris can make your lawn less welcoming to fire ants. If mounds appear, professional pest control in Texas should be considered to safely and effectively eliminate these fiery pests. 

Fleas & Ticks 

Fleas and ticks are external parasites that thrive in warm, humid environments, which Texas often provides. Both feed on the blood of animals and can transmit diseases, making them a risk to your family and furry companions. 

While these pests do not damage lawns directly, they can cause concerns as they carry various diseases, like Lyme disease and flea-borne typhus. It’s best to regularly check your pets for fleas and ticks, especially after they’ve spent time outside. Watch out for scratching, biting, or unexplained irritation in your pets, as these may indicate an infestation. 

Keeping the grass cut short, removing leaf litter, and pruning trees and shrubs in your yard can keep fleas and ticks from settling in. 

Armadillos 

While they’re not insects like the others on this list, armadillos are pests that ruin your lawn with their burrowing habits. Their digging can lead to extensive damage as they seek food sources, such as grubs and worms.

The holes and tunnels constructed by armadillos not only ruin the aesthetics of your lawn, but can also affect its structure and stability. 

Ultimately, besides ruining your lawn, armadillos can inadvertently break irrigation systems, cause uneven ground that poses trip hazards, and carry leprosy, which, while not widespread, is a concern for human health. 

BONUS: Mosquitoes

We all know the irritating itch of a mosquito bite, but these insects are more than just a nuisance—they’re also carriers of diseases, such as the Zika and West Nile viruses. They breed in standing water and can rapidly turn your yard into a breeding ground after rainfall.

Like fleas and ticks, mosquitoes don’t damage your lawn itself. However, they can quickly transform outdoor spaces you may want to avoid, as their bites can cause itching and potential illness. With Texas’s warm climate, mosquito control is crucial to keeping your home environment comfortable and safe. 

Protect Your Texas Home With Emerald Lawns 

While these common Texas pests can cause frustrations and potential lawn damage, knowledge is power. By recognizing the signs of infestation early and understanding the behaviors of these pests, you can take steps to protect your home and lawn.

However, when the situation escalates beyond DIY solutions, it’s time to call in the experts. Emerald Lawns offers specialized pest control in Texas to address the unique challenges posed by these pests. With a focus on proven, eco-friendly solutions, our team can help restore the health and beauty of your lawn.

Don’t let pests ruin your lawn and disrupt your peace. Contact Emerald Lawns today – we’re ready to help you reclaim your outdoor spaces and enjoy the pest-free lawn you deserve.