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Common Lawn Pests in Georgia: Identification & Control
Lawn pests can destroy an otherwise healthy lawn, causing brown patches, weak grass, and extensive root damage. In Georgia, some of the most problematic pests include moles, armyworms, ants, and grubs. These pests thrive in different seasons, and without proper control, they can spread rapidly.
Understanding how to identify and control these lawn invaders is key to maintaining a green, healthy yard. Below, we explore the most common pests found in Georgia lawns and the best treatment options.
Moles
Identification: Moles are small burrowing animals that leave raised tunnels and mounds of dirt across your lawn. They feed on earthworms and grubs, not grass roots, but their tunneling damages the lawn.
Season: Most active in spring and fall when the soil is moist and easy to dig.
Signs of Damage: Raised, spongy tunnels crisscrossing the yard, dying grass along tunnel paths.
Control Options: Remove food sources like grubs, use mole repellents, or set mole traps. Avoid using poison baits, as they may not be effective.
Armyworms
Identification: Armyworms are caterpillars that rapidly consume grass blades, leaving brown, scalped patches in the lawn.
Season: Peak activity in late summer to early fall, especially after heavy rainfall.
Signs of Damage: Sudden brown spots that worsen overnight, caterpillars visible early morning or evening.
Control Options: Use insecticides like bifenthrin or spinosad, or apply beneficial nematodes to reduce larvae populations.
Fire Ants
Identification: Fire ants are aggressive ants that build large mound nests and deliver painful stings.
Season: Active spring through fall, most noticeable after rain.
Signs of Damage: Raised mounds in the lawn, ant trails, and presence of ants swarming disturbed areas.
Control Options: Use fire ant bait treatments containing hydramethylnon or spinosad for long-term control. Individual mounds can be treated with insecticidal dust or boiling water.
Grubs
Identification: Grubs are the white, C-shaped larvae of beetles that feed on grassroots, causing patches of weak or dead grass.
Season: Most damage occurs in late summer and fall, when grubs are feeding heavily.
Signs of Damage: Brown patches that easily lift from the soil, presence of birds or animals digging in the yard.
Control Options: Apply grub-killing insecticides like imidacloprid or chlorantraniliprole in early summer before grubs hatch.
How to Prevent Lawn Pests
Keep Grass Healthy: A thick, well-maintained lawn is more resistant to pests.
Reduce Moisture: Overwatering encourages pests like grubs and armyworms.
Aerate and Dethatch: This improves drainage and removes insect breeding grounds.
Use Preventative Treatments: Insecticide applications in early summer can stop infestations before they start.
Why Choose Absolute Green Landscaping?
At Absolute Green Landscaping, we provide expert lawn aeration in Buford, GA and surrounding areas. With over 16 years of experience, our team knows exactly how to tackle Georgia’s tough clay soil. Our process is efficient, professional, and guaranteed to give your lawn the boost it needs.
📞 Get a Free Lawn Aeration Quote Today!
Don’t let compacted soil ruin your lawn’s potential! Contact Absolute Green Landscaping today for a free lawn aeration quote. Let’s make your lawn the envy of the neighborhood!
