Mites are very small pests that often go undetected until the results of their damage become visible. They flourish in hot, dry, drought-stressed lawns. Signs of mite-related grass or lawn damage include:
Photo credit: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)
Armyworms get their name from their battalion-like advances, which devastate lawns and crops. But minor damage starts long before these pests reach "army" level. Signs of armyworm grass and lawn damage include:
Photo credit: Susan Collins-Smith, Mississippi State University Extension Service (Available for use with proper credit)
Grubs are beetle larvae that typically damage sunny, well-irrigated lawns. These underground pests eat grass roots, severing turf from the soil beneath. Birds, raccoons, skunks and other grub eaters add to lawn damage. Signs of grub-related grass and lawn damage include:
After effective pest treatment, some types of pest-related grass or lawn damage repair easily. Affected grasses benefit from improved cultural practices, including appropriate irrigation and aeration, if needed. Heavily damaged lawns call for overseeding with new grass seed or bare lawn spot repairs with an all-in-one lawn repair product.
