Metro Atlanta Turf Pest Guide
Brown patches, thinning turf, loose grass, and sudden lawn decline are not always caused by drought or disease. Several insects found in Georgia can feed on grass blades, stems, crowns, or roots, and different pests require different treatment strategies.
Use this guide to recognize common warning signs and learn when professional turf insect control may be needed
Look Above and Below the Soil
Turf insects can be grouped by how they feed:
Because insect damage can resemble drought, disease, or fertilizer injury, identifying the pest is an important first step.
Fast- Moving Foliage Damage
Armyworms are caterpillars that eventually develop into moths. They feed on grass blades and can move across a lawn quickly when populations are high. In North Georgia, damaging activity is commonly noticed during late summer or early fall, although timing varies.
Signs of armyworm activity:
Armyworms are easier to manage while they are young. Once larger caterpillars begin feeding heavily, visible lawn damage can develop in a short period.
Protect Frequently Used Outdoor Areas
Fire ants build visible soil mounds in lawns, around sidewalks, near landscape edges, and in other sunny areas. Disturbing a mound may cause worker ants to emerge rapidly and sting.
In addition to making outdoor areas uncomfortable for families, pets, visitors, or employees, large mounds can interfere with mowing and temporarily cover nearby grass.
Signs of fire ant activity:
Treating only the visible mound may not provide broader control across the property. The appropriate approach depends on the size of the area, colony activity, and treatment objective.
Explore Residential Fire Ant Control
Commercial property managers can also review our commercial fire ant control service.
Damage Beneath the Surface
White grubs are the immature stage of several beetle species. They are typically cream- colored, C- shaped, and have a brown head with three pairs of legs near the front of the body.
Grubs live beneath the soil and feed on grass roots. As root damage increases, affected turf may struggle to absorb water and nutrients.
Signs of white grub damage:
The presence of one or two grubs does not always mean treatment is necessary. Identification, grub density, life stage, season, and visible lawn damage should all be considered.
Stem, Crown, and Root Feeding
Adult billbugs are small weevils with an elongated snout. Their larvae are white, legless grubs that feed inside grass stems before moving toward the crown and roots.
Bermuda and Zoysia lawns can be affected. Heavy infestations may produce small areas of declining turf that grow into larger, irregular patches.
Signs of billbug activity:
Billbug damage can resemble lawn disease or white grub injury. Confirming the pest helps prevent an unnecessary or poorly timed treatment.
Watch for Foamy Masses in Turf
Spittlebug nymphs produce foamy masses around grass stems while feeding on plant fluids. High populations can weaken turf and contribute to yellowing, wilting, or reduced growth. Spittlebugs are often associated with moist, shaded turf and heavy thatch. Centipedegrass is particularly susceptible, although Bermuda and Zoysia may also be affected.
Reducing excessive thatch and correcting persistently damp conditions can support a broader management plan. Severe activity may require targeted treatment.
Several problems can produce brown or thinning grass. Before treating the lawn, consider how quickly the damage appeared, whether grass roots remain attached, and whether insects are visible.
A visual symptom is a useful starting point, but it is not always enough for a reliable diagnosis.
Rapidly stripped grass blades
Turf that lifts easily
Small patches with firm soil
Foamy material around stems
Raised soil mounds
Circular or expanding patches
Widespread wilting
Respond Before Damage Expands
If you notice unusual lawn decline:
Healthy mowing, watering, and fertilization practices can help turf tolerate some pest pressure, but maintenance alone may not stop an active infestation.
Treatment Based on the Pest
Simply Green Lawn Care treats armyworms, white grubs, billbugs, spittlebugs, and fire ants across our Georgia service area. We assess the visible damage, turf type, pest activity, and property conditions before recommending treatment.
Homeowners can explore our complete range of residential lawn care services. Property managers can review available commercial lawn and outdoor pest services.
Turf insects can be difficult to identify, and some can cause extensive damage before they are noticed. If your lawn is thinning, turning brown, lifting from the soil, or declining unusually quickly, schedule an evaluation with Simply Green Lawn Care.
