The
fact sheet HGIC 2151 "Common Lawn Insects" is currently being reviewed
and will be posted here as soon as it is complete. The following is a
transcript of the taped message on this subject which can be accessed by South
Carolina residents using the Home & Garden Information Center's toll-free
message system.
The five most important lawn insect pests in South Carolina are chinch bugs, spittlebugs, mole crickets, white grubs and fall armyworm.
Chinch bugs are mainly a problem on St. Augustinegrass, which limits them to the coastal plain. They are about 1/8 to ¼ inch in length, and brown to black in color with white wings. Both adults and the immature forms suck plant sap. They prefer grass in sunny areas and warm, dry conditions.
Three species of mole crickets occur in South Carolina. They are mainly a coastal plain problem. They are tan to black and about 1 to 1½ inches in length. Their front legs are short and stout and adapted for digging. Their tunneling uproots plants causing them to dry out. One species of mole cricket also feeds on roots and above ground plant parts.
Spittlebugs are a sporadic problem, mainly on centipedegrass. The immature forms are found at the base of the plant in a white, foamy spittle mass. Adults and nymphs suck plant sap causing yellowing of the grass.
White grubs are found throughout the state on all grasses. White grubs are the immature forms of several beetles and chafers. They feed on plant roots.
Fall armyworm occurs sporadically throughout the state on all grasses. It is a caterpillar, ranging in color from green to brown to black and in length from 1 3/8 to 2 inches in length. It eats grass leaves.
Diseases, nematodes, dry weather and nutritional disorders can cause similar symptoms to insect damage in grass. Thus, it is very important that the cause of the problem be correctly identified before treating.
Often, insect problems can be reduced without pesticides by following certain cultural practices.