Lawn Pests 101

Common bugs you'll find in Columbus and Phenix City
and how to keep them off your lawn.

Your lawn is supposed to be a lush, green paradise for you and your family, not a buffet for bugs. Unfortunately, plenty of pests see your grass as an all-you-can-eat special. If you’re dealing with brown patches, chewed-up blades, or mysterious mounds of dirt, chances are you’ve got some unwelcome visitors. But don’t worry, Mitchum Lawn is here to help! Let’s break down the most common lawn pests you’ll find in Columbus, GA, and Phenix City, AL. Once you know who to kick out, we can show you how to send them packing.

Grubs: The Root of the Problem

If your lawn feels spongy underfoot or starts wilting despite regular watering, grubs could be the culprit. These beetle larvae feast on grass roots, weakening your lawn from below.

How to Control Them:

  • Apply beneficial nematodes or milky spore to naturally reduce the grub population.
  • Use grub-specific pesticide in late summer or early fall for effective treatment.
  • Keep your lawn healthy and well-aerated to make it less inviting to beetles.

Armyworms: The Lawn Invaders

These caterpillars aren’t from Fort Moore, but they will devour grass in record time. Armyworm damage looks like sudden, expanding brown patches, especially in late summer.

How to Control Them:

  • Apply beneficial nematodes or milky spore to naturally reduce the grub population.
  • Use grub-specific pesticide in late summer or early fall for effective treatment.
  • Keep your lawn healthy and well-aerated to make it less inviting to beetles.

Chinch Bugs: The Silent Destroyers

Chinch bugs are tiny but mighty. They suck the juices from grass blades and inject toxins that cause yellowing, eventually leading to brown, dead patches.

How to Control Them:

  • Avoid over-fertilizing, as chinch bugs thrive in thick, lush grass.
  • Use insecticidal soap or diatomaceous earth to control infestations.
  • Dethatch your lawn regularly to eliminate their hiding spots.

Fire Ants: The Fiery Menace

If you’ve ever accidentally stepped on a fire ant mound, you know the pain. These aggressive pests can quickly take over your yard, making it dangerous for pets and people alike

How to Control Them:

  • Apply fire ant bait in the spring and fall to target colonies effectively.
  • Drench mounds with a citrus oil-based solution for an organic approach.
  • Keep your lawn well-maintained to discourage nesting.
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Mole Crickets: The Underground Wreckers

These weird-looking pests tunnel beneath your lawn, causing grass to uproot and die. If you see raised ridges in your soil, mole crickets might be at work.

How to Control Them:

  • Apply a targeted insecticide in early spring when mole crickets are most active.
  • Keep your lawn well-watered and aerated to promote root health.
  • Use natural predators like nematodes to keep their population in check.

Protect Your Lawn with Mitchum Lawn

Lawn pests don’t stand a chance when you’ve got the right knowledge and team on your side. Whether you’re battling grubs, armyworms, or fire ants, Mitchum Lawn in Columbus, GA is here to help you reclaim your yard. Contact us today for expert lawn care services that keep your grass green, healthy, and pest-free!