Several species of sod webworms, the larvae of "lawn moths," attack grass in North Carolina. The adult moths fold their wings closely about their bodies while at rest and hide in shrubbery or other sheltered spots during the day. In early evening, they fly over the grass and the female scatters her eggs. The larvae feed at night while living in a protected silken web formed about their bodies. The larvae cut off blades of grass and eat them. Damage often occurs in small patches. Sod webworms feed as soon as they hatch. As they grow larger, they build burrows or tunnels near the surface of the soil in which to hide. Sod webworms prefer newly established, well-managed lawns and golf greens. Insecticide treatments should be started immediately after damage is noticed. This pest is most troublesome in summer and early fall.
Armyworms and Cutworms
The armyworm, fall armyworm and several kinds of cutworms feed on lawn grasses. All common lawn grasses may be attacked and if damage occurs during hot, dry periods, the grass may be killed. These insects hide in the soil, in thatch, or at the base of plants during the day and feed at night. Fall armyworms usually attack grasses from early summer to fall.
Chinch Bugs
These small (1/6 inch long) insects with black and white markings are a severe pest of St. Augustine grass in North Carolina. In the absence of St. Augustinegrass, the chinch bug will attack other grasses, including centipede. Damage first appears as yellowish spots in lawns, which rapidly turn into brown, dead areas. Most damage is caused by the young, bright-red nymphs.
Detection and Monitoring.
Insert a large metal can with both ends cut out (other similar material will work) into the turf in an area where the grass is yellowed and declining. Fill the can with water. Wait 5 minutes for the chinch bugs to float to the top of the water. Examine 3 or 4 places in the suspected area. Parting the grass to observe the soil surface for the chinch bugs also works. Treat if an average of 20 or more chinch bugs per square foot are found.
LEAFHOPPERS
Photo courtesy of Dr. Jim Baker, North Carolina State University
Spittlebugs
Spittlebugs attack clovers and grasses, sucking juices from leaves and stems, especially in areas with dense growth and heavy mats of thatch. The spittlebug nymphs live within a mass of white froth of "spittle" found on the plants. Control measures are seldom necessary.
Scale Insects
Several different species of scale insects attack grasses. Some of these are Bermudagrass scale, Rhodesgrass scale and ground pearls (discussed above with soil pests). Grass attacked by scales becomes yellow, then brown, and finally dies. Damage is more severe in dry periods.
Mites
Little information is available on the mites infesting grass in North Carolina, but in other states some species are pests on Bermudagrass.
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