Shimat V. Joseph, associate professor in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences’ entomology department, spoke with House Beautiful about common pests that kill grass.
“It’s important to identify what is doing the damage,” Joseph said. “Depending on where you live, there are many different turfgrass pests, and management differs. If you don’t use the appropriate insecticide against specific pests, you’ll waste time and money and not solve the problem.”
Some common pests that kill grass include white grubs, chinch bugs, grass mites, billbugs, scales and mealybugs, and fall armyworms.
For those who choose to do DIY pest control, make sure to triple-check the fine print on products before spraying them all over the yard. “Read the precautionary statement and instructions so you understand exactly what pests it treats and how to apply the product correctly,” Joseph said.