Grubs & Hunting Billbugs Are Common Turf Pests in Tennessee!

Grubs and hunting billbugs are two common turf pests in Tennessee that can wreak havoc on your lawn if left unchecked. Grubs are the larval stage of beetles that feed on the roots of grass and cause patches of thinning turf that can easily be pulled out. On the other hand, hunting billbugs are weevils that target warm-season grasses, laying eggs inside grass stems and leading to yellowing, thinning, and dead patches of grass. To protect your lawn from these pests, you can schedule preventative treatments from professionals who can help keep these pests at bay and preserve the health and appearance of your lawn.

How Grubs Can Damage Your Grass & Attract Unwanted Wildlife in Tennessee

Grubs, the larval stage of several beetle and chafer species, can wreak havoc on your lawn in Tennessee by feeding on its roots. While healthier grass can withstand more grub feeding, all grass can tolerate some level of infestation. One common sign of a grub infestation is patches of thinning turf, which gradually expand over time. Damaged grass often pulls out easily from the soil, indicating root damage.

Many homeowners associate grubs with animals like moles digging in the lawn. However, this isn't always a reliable indicator, as animal damage can result from various causes, and not all grub infestations lead to visible animal activity. These animals also feed on other insects in the lawn, such as earthworms, which are actually beneficial to the grass. Nevertheless, if you do have grubs and animals are digging for them, this can harm your turf's health and the overall appearance of your yard.

Protect Your Tennessee Turf from Hunting Billbugs

Hunting billbugs are small weevils that can cause significant damage to turfgrass, particularly in Tennessee and other southern states. These pests primarily target warm-season grasses such as zoysiagrass, and bermudagrass.

Adult billbugs are about 6 to 11 millimeters long and are usually black or brown with a long snout. They lay their eggs inside grass stems, and once the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the plant's inner tissues, including the crowns and roots. This feeding behavior can lead to yellowing, thinning, and eventually, large patches of dead grass.

In Tennessee, hunting billbugs can be a major problem for lawns, and other turfgrass areas. Damage is most common in the late spring and early summer when the adults are actively laying eggs, and the larvae are feeding. Infestations are often more severe in areas with poor soil conditions or inadequate lawn care practices.

Hire professionals to protect your lawn from these common Tennessee turf pests.

Early identification and treatment of lawn insect infestations is important to prevent extensive damage to your turf in Tennessee. To reduce the risk of infestation, it is crucial to maintain a healthy lawn by properly watering, fertilizing, and mowing it. However, if you suspect an infestation, it is recommended to contact a professional pest control service for proper identification and treatment. Don't waste your hard-earned time and energy on insect control trial and error. Professionals have access to the necessary tools and resources to rid your lawn of these pests, ensuring that you can enjoy a healthy and robust lawn throughout the year.

Protect your turf from lawn insects. Call us to schedule our lawn insect control service today!

Don't let turf pests ruin your lawn. At Herbi-Systems, we provide a lawn insect control service that safeguards your grass and prevents damage. We recommend preventative treatments twice a year to halt infestations before they begin. For those already dealing with an infestation, we offer curative treatments.

Our services are available to residential and commercial property owners, as well as HOAs, in Memphis, Collierville, Germantown, TN, and nearby communities. Get in touch with us to protect your lawn; call us at (901) 382-5296 today.