Lawn Pest Watch: Fall Tips to Protect Your Southern Lawn
As temperatures drop and fall settles in across the Southeast, your lawn may seem safe from summer stress—but don’t let your guard down. Fall is prime time for hidden turf pests like mole crickets and chinch bugs to wreak havoc if left unchecked. At Southern Lawns, we’re here to help you spot the signs early and take action before damage spreads.
Know Your Fall Lawn Invaders
1. Mole Crickets
What to look for: Spongy turf, thinning grass, and small tunnels or raised soil ridges.
Behavior: These nocturnal pests tunnel through the soil, damaging roots and loosening turf. They also feed on grass and organic matter, compounding the damage.
Bonus tip: Perform a soap flush test—mix water with dish soap and pour it over a small area. Mole crickets will surface within minutes if present.
Video to help identify mole crickets: https://youtu.be/869-whzmr9E?si=KNRwJyKV5dXtEcH0
2. Chinch Bugs
What to look for: Yellowing grass that turns brown and dies, especially in sunny areas.
Behavior: These tiny insects suck the sap from grass blades and inject toxins, causing rapid turf decline.
Bonus tip: Part the grass and look for tiny black bugs with white wings crawling near the soil surface.
Video to help identify chinch bugs : https://youtu.be/sXrwa1mbb10?si=VW910tMPtByjzULN
3. Armyworms
What to look for: Ragged, chewed grass and sudden brown patches that seem to appear overnight.
Behavior: Armyworms move in large groups and feed aggressively, especially after rain.
Bonus tip: Early morning inspection may reveal the caterpillars themselves—striped and fast-moving.
Video to help identify armyworms: https://youtu.be/GqMLqI-jmkE?si=7Jelq42sqgUWvrHb
Preventative Measures to Protect Your Lawn
• Keep grass healthy and well-fed: A strong lawn is less vulnerable to pests. Apply fall fertilizer to support root growth and resilience.
• Mow at the right height: Avoid scalping your lawn—short grass makes it easier for pests to invade.
• Water wisely: Overwatering can attract chinch bugs, while drought stress weakens turf defenses.
• Inspect regularly: Walk your lawn weekly and check for signs of chewing, discoloration, or moth activity.
• Act fast with treatment: If you suspect an infestation, contact Southern Lawns for targeted pest control before damage spreads.
Stay Ahead of Fall Lawn Pests
Fall is a season of transition—and vigilance. By knowing what to look for and taking proactive steps, you can keep your lawn lush, green, and pest-free well into winter.
Southern Lawns offers expert inspections and customized treatments to protect your turf year-round. Schedule a free estimate today and let our team help you stay one step ahead of fall pests.
