A Field Guide to Lawn Insects
Identification, Treatment & Prevention for Houston Lawns
Chinch bugs, grubs, webworms, and armyworms destroy Houston lawns every year. Our comprehensive insect control service combines scientific identification with targeted treatments to protect your turf from these destructive pests.
Documented Lawn Pests of Houston
Houston's warm, humid climate creates ideal conditions for turf-destroying insects. Early identification is essential—by the time damage becomes visible, pest populations are often severe.
Chinch Bugs
Blissus insularis
Cause irregular brown patches in St. Augustine grass that spread rapidly. Patches often mistaken for drought stress.
White Grubs
Phyllophaga spp.
White C-shaped larvae eat grass roots, causing grass to die and peel back like carpet.
Sod Webworms
Herpetogramma licarsisalis
Caterpillars chew grass blades at night, causing irregular brown patches and thinning turf.
Fall Armyworms
Spodoptera frugiperda
Aggressive caterpillars that eat entire lawns in 2-3 days if left untreated. Named for "marching" in groups.
Part of Our 8-Step Program
Every round of the 8-Step Lawn Care Program (Rounds 2-8) includes comprehensive insect prevention—at no additional cost.
Year-Round Prevention
Preventive insecticide with every application (Feb-Dec)
Targeted Treatments
Active infestations addressed immediately
Free Follow-Ups
If pests persist, we re-treat at no charge
Emergency Response
Rapid treatment for armyworm outbreaks
Individual Treatment Options
For those not enrolled in our complete lawn care program, we offer targeted insect control services.
Curative Treatment
Emergency treatment for active pest infestations including chinch bugs, grubs, webworms, and armyworms.
- Treatment applied within 24-48 hours. Results visible in 7-14 days.
- Best for: Active infestations, armyworm outbreaks, sudden pest damage
- $75-$140 per treatment
Seasonal Prevention
Preventive treatments in spring, summer, and fall to stop pests before damage occurs.
- April, July, October applications. Results visible within 30 days.
- Best for: Lawns with history of pest problems, preventive protection
- $60-$100 per application
Grub Prevention
Single preventive application in April-May to stop grub worms before they hatch.
- Applied once per year in spring. Protects through summer months.
- Best for: Properties with armadillo/bird activity indicating grubs
- $70-$120 per application
The Treatment Process
Our systematic approach ensures accurate identification and effective treatment.
Specimen Identification
We inspect your lawn to identify the pest type, population severity, and damage extent.
Treatment Selection
Different pests require different insecticides. We match the product to the pest.
Application
Professional-grade insecticides applied with calibrated spray equipment.
Post-Treatment Care
We provide specific watering and post-treatment care instructions.
Observation Period
Most pests show visible results in 7-14 days. Armyworms in 3-7 days.
Follow-Up Assessment
We inspect 14 days after treatment. If pests persist, we re-treat free.
Why Choose GreenBee
Professional-Grade Formulations
Commercial insecticides not available to homeowners. More effective and longer-lasting.
Expert Identification
Misidentifying pests leads to ineffective treatment. We know the difference.
Targeted Applications
Chinch bug products don't kill grubs. We match the insecticide to the pest.
Emergency Response
Armyworms destroy lawns in 48-72 hours. We respond within 24 hours.
Preventive Programs
Preventive programs stop pests before damage occurs.
Guaranteed Results
If pests persist 14 days after treatment, we'll re-treat at no charge.
Diagnostic Reference
Use these observations to identify what may be affecting your lawn.
Brown Patches in Sunny Areas
Likely Cause: Chinch Bugs
Field Test: Part grass at edge of brown patch. Look for tiny black bugs with white wings.
Recommended Action: Call for treatment immediately. Chinch bugs spread rapidly.
Grass Peels Back Like Carpet
Likely Cause: Grub Worms
Field Test: Pull up dead grass. If roots are gone and white C-shaped grubs in soil (more than 5 per square foot), you have grubs.
Recommended Action: Curative treatment needed. Consider preventive treatment next spring.
Sudden, Widespread Damage
Likely Cause: Armyworms
Field Test: Look for green-brown caterpillars (1-2 inches) with stripes. Check early morning or evening.
Recommended Action: URGENT - Call immediately. Armyworms destroy lawns in 48-72 hours.
White Moths Flying at Dusk
Likely Cause: Sod Webworms
Field Test: Pour soapy water on suspected area. Green-brown caterpillars will surface in 5-10 minutes.
Recommended Action: Treat within 24-48 hours before damage spreads.
Birds/Armadillos Digging Lawn
Likely Cause: Grub Worms
Field Test: Animals dig lawns to eat grubs. Check soil for white grubs.
Recommended Action: Treat grubs to eliminate food source. Preventive treatment next spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Protect Your Lawn?
Schedule a consultation with our specialists or call us directly to discuss your lawn's needs.