Armyworms and chinch bugs are two of the most common insects found on lawns in Texas. Armyworms are green-colored caterpillars that can be seen crawling on the grass blades and can cause extensive damage to your lawn by feeding on the grass leaves. On the other hand, chinch bugs are tiny insects that suck the juices from the grass blades, leaving behind yellow and dead spots in your lawn.

Identifying whether it's armyworms or chinch bugs causing damage to your lawn can be quite challenging. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you seek professional help instead of trying to get rid of them yourself. Professionals can accurately determine the type of infestation and provide effective curative treatments to eliminate it and help restore the health of your lawn.

What are armyworms, and what kind of damage do they cause?

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Armyworms are a type of caterpillar that feed on grass once they hatch from eggs laid by a certain species of moths. These green worms have black spots arranged in rows on their bodies, and some species have additional red or white markings. Unfortunately, if not treated, armyworms can cause significant damage. As they move through your lawn, they consume a large amount of plant material, including grass blades and stems. Their feeding habits leave behind areas that resemble swaths of cut turf, as they tend to chew off large sections of grass blades. They also leave a transparent appearance on the blades, as they strip them of their green color. This not only affects the appearance of the grass but also weakens it, making it less able to withstand environmental stressors. In severe cases, armyworms can completely defoliate your turf.

Armyworm damage becomes most noticeable in the late summer and early fall.

What are chinch bugs, and what kind of damage do they cause?

Chinch bugs are small insects that use their piercing mouthparts to suck sap from grass blades. They typically attack lawns during hot and dry conditions when reduced moisture is available. As they feed, they inject a toxin that inhibits the flow of water to the blades. Because of this, damage closely resembles drought stress. Chinch bug-infested areas usually appear as irregularly shaped patches of thinning or withered grass, which turns brown.

If you think your lawn is infested with armyworms or chinch bugs, contact professionals immediately!

If you notice patches of damaged or dying grass on your lawn, it could indicate a potential armyworm or chinch bug infestation. To confirm the pest's identity and ensure proper treatment selection, it is crucial to schedule a consultation with a professional lawn care company immediately. They have the expertise and access to specialized equipment to provide accurate diagnoses.

Once the pest has been identified, the pros will apply targeted curative treatments designed to eliminate the infestation. Depending on the severity of the damage, additional lawn care services may be recommended to help your turf recover.

Call today to schedule our lawn insect control treatments to fight off chinch bugs and armyworms!

As the weather starts to warm up and insects become more active, keep us here at Dr. Tex Lawn & Pest in mind for all of your lawn insect control needs. Our chinch bug control and armyworm control services are just what you need to mitigate an infestation on your turf. Depending on which insect is infesting, we'll utilize highly effective curative treatments to eradicate them.

Our services are available to homeowners, business owners, and HOAs in Austin, TX, and other nearby areas, such as Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville. Give us a call at (512) 717-5071 to schedule our armyworm or chinch bug control service, and let's keep these grass-eaters off your lawn!