Identifying Common Turf Insects in Utah and How to Protect Your Lawn

A healthy, green lawn is a source of pride for many Utah homeowners. Yet, beneath the surface, a hidden threat often lurks: turf insects. These pests can cause serious damage to your grass, leaving brown patches and weak spots that are difficult to repair. Understanding the most common turf insects in Utah, their life cycles, feeding habits, and signs of infestation can help you protect your lawn before the damage becomes severe.

Billbug beetle on turfgrass leaf

Common Turf Insects in Utah

Utah’s turfgrass faces challenges from several insect species. The most common include:

• Billbugs and Grubs

• Snout Moths and Sod Webworms

• Owlet Moths and Cutworms

• Chrysoteuchia topiaria

• Cranberry Girdlers

  
  

Each insect has unique behaviors, life cycles, and feeding preferences that affect different parts of the turfgrass.

Billbugs and Grubs

Billbugs are small beetles whose larvae cause the most damage. Adult billbugs mate in late spring and lay eggs in the stems or crowns of grass plants. The larvae hatch and burrow into the crown and roots, feeding on these vital parts. This feeding weakens the grass, causing it to wilt and die.

Grubs are the larvae of various beetles, including Japanese beetles and June bugs. They live in the soil and feed on grass roots, cutting off the water and nutrient supply. Grub damage often appears as brown patches that can be easily pulled up because the roots are damaged.

Snout Moths and Sod Webworms

Snout moths lay eggs on grass blades, and their larvae, called sod webworms, feed on the grass blades at night. These larvae create silk-lined tunnels in the thatch layer, hiding during the day. Sod webworms chew on the grass blades, causing irregular brown patches.

Owlet Moths and Cutworms

Owlet moths are nocturnal and lay eggs on grass blades or soil. Their larvae, cutworms, feed on grass stems near the soil surface, often cutting the grass off at the base. This feeding causes dead spots and thinning turf.

Chrysoteuchia topiaria

This species of moth lays eggs on grass, and the larvae feed on grass blades and stems. Their feeding creates small brown patches that can expand if untreated.

Cranberry Girdlers

Cranberry girdlers are beetles whose larvae feed on grass roots and crowns. They lay eggs in the soil near the base of grass plants. The larvae tunnel through the roots and crowns, causing the grass to weaken and die.

Life Cycles and Feeding Habits

Understanding the life cycle of these insects helps in timing control measures effectively.

• Mating and Egg Laying: Most turf insects mate in spring or early summer. Eggs are laid on grass blades, stems, or in the soil near the roots.

• Larval Stage: Larvae cause the most damage by feeding on roots, crowns, or blades depending on the species.

• Adult Stage: Adults may feed on grass blades or not feed at all, but they are important for reproduction.

  
  

For example, billbug larvae feed inside the crown and roots, while adults feed on grass stems. Sod webworm larvae feed on blades at night, while adults are moths that do not cause damage.

Signs of Turf Insect Damage

Damage varies by insect type and feeding habits:

• Roots and Crowns: Billbugs, grubs, and cranberry girdlers damage roots and crowns, causing turf to pull up easily.

• Grass Blades: Sod webworms, Chrysoteuchia topiaria, and cutworms feed on blades and stems, causing brown patches and thinning.

• General Symptoms: Irregular brown patches, thinning turf, wilting, and turf that pulls up like a carpet.

  
  

How Homeowners Can Test for Turf Insects

Detecting turf insects early can save your lawn. Here are some simple tests:

• Pull Test: Gently pull on the grass in damaged areas. If it lifts easily with little root resistance, grubs or billbug larvae may be present.

• Soil Search: Dig a small section of turf and sift through the soil to look for larvae such as grubs or cranberry girdlers.

• Visual Inspection: Look for adult billbug beetles on grass stems or moths flying over the lawn at dusk.

• Night Inspection: Use a flashlight at night to spot sod webworm larvae feeding on grass blades.

  
  

Homeowner inspecting turfgrass for insect damage in Utah lawn

When to Call for Professional Help

If you notice widespread damage or cannot identify the pest, it is best to call a professional. Early intervention can prevent costly lawn repairs.

Exodus Pest Control in Utah offers expert treatment for all types of turf insects. With offices in Midvale, Provo, and St. George, they provide services throughout Utah. Their trained technicians can identify the pest, recommend the best treatment, and protect your turfgrass effectively.

Protecting Your Lawn

Regular lawn maintenance, proper watering, and mowing can reduce the risk of turf insect damage. However, when pests invade, professional treatment ensures your lawn recovers quickly and stays healthy.

Exodus Pest Control - Utah County

2452 W Center St

Provo, UT 84601

(385) 319-3693

(Also Servicing Sundance, Midway, Heber, Mona, and Nephi)

Exodus Pest Control - Salt Lake County

7026 Commerce Park Dr Suite 114

Midvale, UT 84047

(385) 319-3693

(Also servicing Davis County, Weber County, and Summit County)