Japanese Beetles

• The Japanese beetle is perhaps the most troublesome insect in lawns today. It was introduced to the United States accidentally in 1916. It is found primarily in the Eastern parts of the country, since that area provides an ideal climate for the pests, as well as lots of open land and no natural enemies. It has done so well, it can now be found as far west as Iowa and as far north as Minnesota and into Canada. The grub of the Japanese beetle feeds on grass roots, which will inhibit the lawn's ability to protect itself against stress, resulting in large patches of dead grass. Early detection is key to preventing irreversible damage. Beetles can cause trouble at both the grub and adult stages, but killing grubs is the most effective method and requires well-timed application of soil insecticide to the infected spots.
  
  

Billbugs

• Billbugs are a serious cause of lawn health issues across the United States. Eight species have been identified, each of which will cause damage. Billbugs, like other insects that live in grass, may be difficult to detect until problems are well under way. Early detection is the best way to prevent lawn death, and a few telltale signs may be visible at early stages of infestation. Grass may develop small yellow or brown spots, which can be observed and sampled to determine infestation. If grass breaks easily or hollow stems are present, these may be indicative of billbugs. Treating with an application of insecticide is normally the most effective.
  
  

Chinch Bugs

• Chinch bugs are found across most of the United States and into some areas of Canada and are among the most widespread pests in the country. They are most active in the spring and summer, with females laying up to 300 eggs at once. The damage chinch bugs cause is due to feeding off the roots and crown of grass, but damage is also done by the saliva they produce. The bugs will weaken grass and cause brown or yellow spots where infestation occurs. Basic control methods can be cultural, including eliminating thatch grass where the bugs like to reproduce, to chemical, which means using a deep-penetrating insecticide that will rid the lawn of bugs at all stages.
  
  

Armyworms

• Armyworms can have a devastating effect on lawns and are found in almost all regions of the United States. They feed on most types of grass, including the blades and parts of the root, and are occasionally difficult to spot. When armyworms are present, a frosted look or scattered set of brown or yellow patches will occur usually in summer or early fall. If the infestation is left unchecked, the spots will spread and eventually become completely stripped. Damage tends to move from the outside in and occurs in a relatively straight line, a telltale sign of infestation. The worms can be difficult to kill, but most landscapers will use a chemical called pyrethroid, which is usually the most effective.