Nothing spoils a nice summer day on the lawn more than finding out you have a pest problem on your hands. Lawn pests may pop up in your lawn and it’s important to act fast to avoid them doing costly damage. Tulsa lawns are susceptible to various lawn insects like armyworms, chinch bugs, grubs, and more. To overcome common lawn pests invading your lawn, homeowners need to know what attracts them, how to identify them, and most importantly, how to kick those suckers to the curb – literally! Read on to learn all about common lawn pests from the best Tulsa lawn care experts.

Common Lawn Pests in Tulsa  

Armyworms  

Armyworms are caterpillars that can quickly damage large areas of your lawn. They are most active during late summer and early fall in the Tulsa area. Armyworms look like caterpillars with grayish-brown bodies and an upside-down “Y” marking on their head. They feed on grass blades, leaving behind brown patches and chewed-off leaves. To handle armyworm infestations, it’s best to contact a lawn pest control provider that can apply insecticide as soon as possible to stop further damage.  

Grubs 

Grubs, also known as white grubs, resemble thick worms with C-shaped bodies. They are the larvae form of the more commonly known insects, June Bugs and Japanese beetles. They feed on the grassroots, causing the turf to become weak and easily detachable. Signs of grub infestation include irregular patches of brown or dying grass that can be easily rolled back like a carpet. Another tell-tale sign is an increased presence of birds, raccoons, or skunks digging in your lawn, as they feed on grubs. Tulsa lawns experiencing grub damage should receive attention immediately to limit stress to the root systems. There are curative and preventative insecticide options to protect your lawn from white grubs. It’s important that the lawn is thoroughly watered prior to treatment to make sure the grubs are closest to the surface. 

Chinch Bugs  

Chinch bugs are tiny insects that feed on grass blades, sucking out the plant’s sap and leaving behind yellow or brown patches. They thrive in hot and dry conditions, making Tulsa’s summer climate ideal for their growth. To identify chinch bug infestation, look for discolored areas in your lawn that don’t respond to watering. Look at the soil near the damaged areas for small, red, or black insects with white wings. Chinch bugs should be treated with an insecticide and are covered in most pest control plans. Proper watering and lawn maintenance practices will help to keep your grass healthy and help damaged areas recover. 

Sod Webworms  

Sod webworms are common lawn pests in Tulsa that can cause significant damage to turfgrass. They feed on grass blades and thatch, leading to brown patches and weakened areas in lawns. Sod webworm larvae are small, caterpillar-like insects that range in color from gray to brown or green. They have a cylindrical body with a slightly darker head. They are typically around 3/4 inch long when fully grown. Homeowners can help protect their lawns from these grass-munching caterpillars by maintaining a healthy lawn through proper mowing, watering, and fertilization. A well-maintained lawn is better equipped to recover from pest damage. You may consider using insecticides specifically labeled for sod webworm control. Follow the instructions carefully whenever using products on your lawn. If you’re unsure about DIY control, contact a local lawn care service for pest control treatment options.  

Lawn Pest Control Services in Tulsa Oklahoma  

There’s no way to guarantee a pest-free lawn but good lawn maintenance, mowing, and annual aeration can help keep your lawn strong and resistant to some of the most common lawn insects and lawn diseases. The best thing Tulsa homeowners can do to ensure their lawn is protected from pest infestation is to hire the professionals at Green Group Oklahoma. Our services include lawn fertilization and weed control, flea and tick control, lawn aeration, and mosquito control in Tulsa. We provide premium lawn care services to Tulsa, Bixby, Broken Arrow, Sand Springs, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today for a free quote!  

*Our applications are not designed for termites or termite remediation.