How to Identify Common Lawn Pests (page 1 of 2)

Learn how to identify and how to get rid of common bugs that can destroy your landscape.

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What are those creepy crawly things?

There are two low cost ways to see what bugs are living in your lawn. First, take a paint can and remove the bottom of it so it is a hollow cylinder. Put the can on the ground and using a trowel, dig around the can. Wedge the can into the ground. Pour in water until the can is filled. Some water will spill out of the sides and some will be absorbed into the ground. Fill the can again and chinch bugs and spittlebugs will come to the top.

low cost ways to see what bugs are living in lawn

Finding the Culprits

Conduct the second test by filling a bucket with soapy water and pouring it on a section of your lawn. The soap will irritate the skin of the bugs and make them wiggle to the surface. These won't help you get rid of the bugs, just identify what's in your yard and potentially causing problems.

Grubs

Grubs are small, white "C" shaped creatures with six legs. They're common around the country and damage the grass roots. Grass feels like loose carpet if you have more than five eating around the same spot, and you can pull it out with your hands. If you have different kinds of beetles in your yard, you'll likely find grubs. Five to eight grubs eating within a square foot of your lawn will do serious damage.