Billbugs

Symptoms

Areas of lawn may turn brown in circular areas and the dead grass will break at the base when it’s pulled. The hollowed out stems have sawdust like material at the damaged ends.

What Will Happen To My Lawn?

Billbug adults chew holes into the base of the stem where they insert their eggs. The eggs hatch inside the stem and begin to feed around the base of the stem and ultimately enter the soil. Light infestations in lawns often produce small dead spots that look like the turf disease, dollar spot. Sometimes the damage looks like irregular mottling or browning in the turf. Heavy infestations can result in complete destruction of the turf, usually by August.

What Can I Do?

Make sure your lawn is getting enough water. A properly watered lawn will resist or, at least, minimize, the damage from an insect infestation of any kind. Sometimes an insecticide will be necessary to achieve complete control. Most local hardware stores carry insecticides that will control Billbugs. Be sure to read the label and apply according to the directions. Depending on the severity of the damage, more than one insecticide application may be required for complete control. Lawns with severe turf loss may need to be repaired with seed or sod.

How Can Natural Way Help?

We have certified professionals who are used to dealing with insect damage and other problems. Natural Way can treat your lawn with an insecticide that will control Billbug activity and prevent any more damage from happening.