Common Lawn Pests in Texas and How to Stop Them

Texas lawns face more than heat and drought—they also battle a variety of destructive insects that can quickly turn lush turf into thin, brown patches.

Knowing how to identify common lawn pests and when to act is the key to protecting your grass from permanent damage. Here’s a breakdown of the most frequent invaders and how to stop them before they take over.

1. Grubs – The Hidden Root Destroyers

Grubs are beetle larvae that feed on grass roots, causing widespread brown patches that lift up like carpet.

Signs of grub damage:

• Soft, spongy turf that pulls up easily
• Increased activity from raccoons, armadillos, or birds digging for food
• Irregular brown spots

Solution:
Professional grub control treatments target grubs at the right stage of their lifecycle—usually late spring or early summer—to prevent them from maturing and reproducing.

2. Chinch Bugs – The Summer Killers

Chinch bugs thrive in hot, dry conditions and suck the sap from grass blades, leaving behind wilted, straw-colored patches.

Signs of chinch bug activity:

• Damage begins in sunny areas
• Yellow patches that spread rapidly
• No improvement even after watering

Solution:
Targeted insect control treatments applied during peak season stop chinch bugs fast. A professional program also helps maintain beneficial insects while removing harmful ones.

3. Armyworms – The Rapid Destroyers

Armyworms can destroy an entire lawn in just days. These striped caterpillars eat grass blades down to the soil, leaving behind bare, brown areas.

Signs of infestation:

• Sudden overnight thinning of grass
• Visible caterpillars at dusk or early morning
• Brown streaks or chewed turf

Solution:
Prompt insecticide treatment is crucial. Professionals like Anointed Lawn Care use safe, precise applications that stop armyworms without harming your lawn’s health.

4. Fire Ants – The Painful Invaders

Fire ants aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a safety concern for families and pets. Their mounds disrupt turf and their bites are painful and dangerous for those allergic to stings.

Signs of fire ant presence:

• Dome-shaped mounds, especially after rain
• Ants that swarm quickly when disturbed

Solution:
Professional fire ant control treatments eliminate colonies at the source, not just the surface. Year-round protection prevents reinfestation and keeps your yard safe to enjoy.

5. Sod Webworms – The Nighttime Feeders

These small moth larvae chew on grass blades at night and hide during the day, making damage hard to spot until it’s severe.

Signs of webworm activity:

• Chewed or ragged grass tips
• Brown spots appearing in sunny areas
• Moths flying up when mowing

Solution:
Targeted treatments combined with proper mowing and watering help restore damaged lawns. Preventative care is best since these pests often strike during summer and fall.

6. Fleas and Ticks – The Hidden Threats

Even if your grass looks healthy, fleas and ticks can live in shaded, moist areas—posing risks to both pets and people.

Signs:

• Pets scratching excessively
• Small bites on ankles or legs after walking through the yard

Solution:
Regular flea and tick control keeps your yard safe and comfortable year-round. Treatments target pests at every life stage for complete elimination.

7. Mole Crickets – The Underground Invaders

Mole crickets tunnel through soil, uprooting grass and disrupting root systems. They’re especially active in sandy areas.

Signs:

• Raised soil tunnels
• Dead or wilted grass patches
• Chirping sounds at night

Solution:
Professional treatments penetrate deep into the soil to eliminate mole crickets and prevent recurring damage.

8. Prevention is Key

The best pest control is prevention. Combining seasonal perimeter pest control, lawn fertilization, and moisture management keeps your turf strong enough to resist pest damage naturally.

Anointed Lawn Care’s customized pest control plans protect against all major Texas lawn invaders using safe, targeted treatments tailored to your yard.

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