3 Common Lawn Pests in Charlotte, NC

When you’re striving for a beautiful lawn in Charlotte, North Carolina, lawn pests can often get in the way. Even with the best mowing and watering practices, turf-damaging insects may decide to feast on your hard work. The key to protecting your lawn from insect damage is knowing what signs to watch out for. As summer is in full swing, we’ve compiled a few of the most common lawn insects in Charlotte that can spoil your summer fun. 

White Grubs

Grubs, the larval stage of various beetles, including Japanese beetles and June bugs, are among the most insidious lawn pests in Charlotte. These white, C-shaped larvae feast on the grassroots, silently weakening your lawn’s foundation. Signs of grub infestation include brown patches of grass that peel away easily, similar to a loose carpet.

Grub Control Tips

• Inspect your lawn regularly for signs of damage.
• Apply beneficial nematodes or chemical insecticides in late summer or early fall when grubs are most vulnerable.
• Ensure proper lawn care practices like regular watering and fertilization to help your grass recover from any damage.

Fire Ants

Charlotte residents are all too familiar with the notorious fire ants. These aggressive ants create unsightly mounds in your lawn and deliver painful bites. While they don’t directly damage the grass, their presence can be a significant annoyance and a potential health hazard, especially if you have children or pets.

Fire Ant Control

• Use bait traps or ant-specific insecticides.
• Keep an eye out for ant mounds and knock them down promptly.
• Keep your yard tidy and clean to deter these unwanted guests.

Chinch Bugs

Tiny but mighty, chinch bugs can cause some serious trouble. Chinch bugs are small insects that suck the sap out of your grass blades. This leads to yellow or brown spots that may be mistaken for a common lawn disease or drought stress. Chinch bugs prefer hot and dry climates, making them a welcome lawn pest during the summer months in Charlotte.

Chinch Bug Control

• Regularly water your lawn to keep it well-hydrated, as healthy grass can withstand chinch bug feeding better.
• Apply insecticides specifically labeled to target chinch bugs when infestations are severe.
• Keep your lawn well-maintained, and perform annual aeration to avoid excessive thatch layer buildup.

Professional Lawn Pest Control in Charlotte

The best solution to keeping unwelcome lawn insects out of your outdoor space is to hire a professional. For top-quality lawn care and lawn pest control in Charlotte, contact our team at Turf Brothers Lawn Care. Our monthly lawn care program includes lawn insecticides, fungicides, and fire ant control at no additional cost. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your lawn is protected should damaging insects invade your turfgrass. From lawn grubs to armyworm damage, we know what to watch out for. We also provide aeration, overseeding, and mosquito control in Charlotte, Indian Land, Waxhaw, Rock Hill, and surrounding areas. Contact us today for a free quote!