Summer Lawn Pests: Tips to Spot and Stop Them
A lush, green lawn in summer is every Indiana homeowner’s dream—but that dream can quickly turn into frustration when unwanted pests start invading your turf. From yellow patches to mysterious holes and chewed grass blades, signs of summer lawn pests can appear quickly and cause lasting damage if left untreated.
In this blog, we’ll help you identify the most common pests that attack lawns during the summer and explain how professional lawn care services can help you fight back effectively and safely.
Common Summer Lawn Pests in Central Indiana
Hot, humid conditions create the perfect breeding ground for a variety of turf-damaging insects. Here are some of the most problematic pests you might encounter:
1. Grubs
Grubs are the larvae of beetles like Japanese beetles and June bugs. They live just below the surface and feed on grass roots, causing brown, spongy patches.
Signs of grub damage:
Wilting grass that doesn’t bounce back after watering
Birds, skunks, or raccoons digging in your lawn
Peeling back a section of turf reveals white, C-shaped larvae
Solution:
A preventive grub treatment in early summer, followed by a curative application if needed, is most effective. Professional lawn care services can time and apply treatments safely.
2. Chinch Bugs
Chinch bugs are tiny but mighty. They suck the sap from grass blades and inject toxins, turning your lawn into dry, brown patches that look like drought stress.
Signs of chinch bug activity:
Irregular yellow or brown patches in sunny areas
Grass that seems dry but doesn’t improve with watering
Solution:
Reducing thatch and keeping your lawn healthy helps prevent infestations. Insecticide applications may be necessary in severe cases.
3. Sod Webworms
These pests are moth larvae that live in silk-lined tunnels and feed on grass blades at night.
Signs of sod webworms:
Chewed grass tips that look ragged
Small brown moths flying up from the grass at dusk
Thin or bare patches appearing quickly
Solution:
Water your lawn deeply and regularly. For serious infestations, a targeted treatment applied by a lawn care professional is best.
4. Armyworms
Armyworms can destroy lawns in just a few days. These fast-moving caterpillars eat everything in sight and usually strike mid to late summer.
Signs of armyworm damage:
Rapidly expanding dead patches
Grass blades chewed to the crown
Seeing striped caterpillars crawling in groups
Solution:
Act fast. These pests require immediate treatment with an appropriate insecticide, best handled by experts.
Preventing Summer Lawn Pest Damage
While not all pest problems can be avoided, keeping your lawn strong and healthy makes it less vulnerable to attack. Here’s how to stay ahead:
Aerate compacted soil to encourage deep root growth
Mow at the right height to reduce stress
Water deeply but infrequently to build resilience
Avoid over-fertilizing which can attract pests
Schedule seasonal inspections from your local lawn care provider
Why Choose Professional Lawn Care Services?
Many pests are hard to detect and even harder to eliminate. With expert lawn care services, you’ll get:
✅ Proper identification of pests
✅ Timely and safe treatment plans
✅ Preventive maintenance to protect your lawn year-round
At Blue Duck Lawn Care, we offer customized pest control and lawn treatment plans that are family- and pet-friendly—because we know your yard is more than just grass.
Take Back Your Lawn This Summer
Don’t let summer lawn pests undo your hard work. A proactive approach and professional support can restore your lawn’s health and beauty—even during the hottest months.
📞 Call Blue Duck Lawn Care today to schedule your pest inspection and get expert treatment that keeps your lawn protected all summer long!