Top 7 Lawn Pests That Damage North Texas Yards

In North Texas cities like Keller, Southlake, and Fort Worth, keeping lawns healthy during the long, hot summers is a constant challenge. While fungal diseases and drought stress are common threats, insect pests can be just as destructive, and often cause damage faster than homeowners realize.

The difficulty is that pest damage often resembles other problems such as drought or nutrient deficiencies, leading many homeowners to misdiagnose the issue and waste time with the wrong treatments. By the time the real cause is discovered, pests may have already spread clear across the lawn.

The good news is that most insect infestations show early warning signs if you know what to look for. Catching them early makes control easier and helps prevent widespread turf loss.

This guide highlights the seven most common lawn pests in Texas, explains how to identify them, and provides professional solutions for effective control. For a complete overview of turf challenges beyond insects, see our North Texas Lawn Problems Identification Guide.

1. Chinch Bugs

Chinch bugs are among the most destructive lawn pests in Texas, and they are especially problematic in St. Augustine and Bermuda grass, two of the most common turf types in Keller, Southlake, and Fort Worth. These tiny insects damage lawns by sucking out plant juices and injecting toxins that disrupt the grass’s ability to absorb water. Left untreated, chinch bugs can spread quickly and wipe out large areas of turf during the peak of summer.

Identification

• Small insects with black bodies and distinctive white wings folded across their backs

• Most active in sunny, dry areas of the lawn

• Damage first appears as yellowing patches that quickly turn brown, even when the lawn is watered regularly

Damage

• Lawns appear drought-stressed despite consistent irrigation

• Patches of brown grass expand outward, often starting along sidewalks, driveways, or other heat-reflective surfaces

• Turf may die completely if infestations are not controlled quickly

Solutions

• Apply targeted insecticides designed specifically for chinch bug control

• Keep turf strong with proper fertilization and irrigation to resist infestations

• Mow at the recommended height for your grass type to reduce stress and make lawns less vulnerable

• Consider professional monitoring during hot, dry months when chinch bugs are most active

Protect your lawn with our Residential Lawn Care programs.

2. White Grubs

Grubs are the larval stage of beetles such as June bugs and Japanese beetles, and they are among the most destructive lawn pests in North Texas. Feeding on grassroots, they weaken turf from below, leaving lawns soft, spongy, and easy to lift. In Keller, Southlake, and Fort Worth, grub infestations are most noticeable in late summer and fall, when patches of turf begin to die off despite proper watering and fertilization.

Identification

• White, C-shaped larvae with brown heads found in the soil beneath turf

• Grass lifts up easily, like loose carpet, due to root damage

• Brown, irregular patches appear across the lawn, often expanding quickly

• Increased digging activity from skunks, raccoons, or birds, which feed on grubs

Damage

• Destroys root systems, leaving turf unable to absorb water or nutrients

• Causes large areas of grass to die off, sometimes wiping out entire sections of lawn

• Secondary damage occurs from animals tearing up turf in search of grubs

Solutions

• Apply beneficial nematodes or professional-grade grub control treatments to kill larvae

• Water properly after treatment to activate products and push them into the root zone

• Overseed or resod damaged areas once grubs are eliminated to restore turf density

• Schedule seasonal monitoring to catch infestations early before severe damage occurs

Learn how our complete services help control grubs and other turf pests.

For more detailed information, see the Texas A&M Grub Management Guide.

3. Armyworms

Armyworms are one of the most destructive lawn pests in North Texas, capable of devastating an otherwise healthy lawn in just a few days. These caterpillars feed aggressively on grass blades, and their name comes from their habit of moving in large groups, similar to an army, as they chew their way across lawns. Homeowners in Keller, Southlake, and Fort Worth often notice armyworm outbreaks in late summer and fall, especially after periods of heavy rain.

Identification

• Appearance: Green to brown caterpillars with light and dark stripes running lengthwise along the body

• Behavior: Often seen crawling across sidewalks, driveways, or patios as they migrate from one area to another

• Timing: Damage appears suddenly and progresses rapidly, with lawns sometimes stripped almost overnight

Damage

• Grass blades are chewed down to the crown, leaving stubble-like remnants behind

• Large sections of turf can be destroyed within days if infestations go untreated

• Lawns often look scalped or grazed, with irregular brown or bare patches

Solutions

• Apply targeted insecticides quickly: Timing is critical, as the sooner treatments are applied, the more grass can be saved

• Mow and water regularly: Proper mowing and irrigation help encourage turf recovery after an infestation

• Monitor during peak season: Inspect lawns daily in late summer and fall when outbreaks are most likely

• Consider professional treatments: Lawn care experts can identify outbreaks early and apply stronger, long-lasting insecticides for control.

Consider professional treatments through our Commercial Lawn Care programs.

4. Sod Webworms

Sod webworms are the larval stage of small lawn moths, and they can cause significant damage in North Texas lawns, especially during the hot summer months. These pests feed primarily at night, chewing through grass blades and leaving turf looking thin, ragged, and unhealthy. In Keller, Southlake, and Fort Worth, sod webworms are most active in sunny, open areas where turf is already under stress from heat.

Identification

• Larvae: Small, greenish caterpillars with brown heads

• Behavior: Feed on grass blades at night and hide during the day

• Signs: Silken tunnels or webbing visible at the soil surface

• Adults: Small tan moths that fly up from the lawn when disturbed, indicating larvae are present below

Damage

• Grass blades show ragged, chewed tips from nighttime feeding

• Lawns develop thin, patchy areas, particularly in sunny spots

• Severe infestations can cause turf to yellow and die back, mimicking drought stress

Solutions

• Insecticide treatments: Apply products targeted specifically for larvae, ideally in the evening when they are most active

• Encourage turf recovery: Maintain healthy fertilization and watering practices to help grass regrow quickly after damage

• Regular mowing: Reduces stress on turf and minimizes hiding places for larvae

• Professional monitoring: Experts can detect infestations early, preventing widespread lawn damage

Prevent infestations with our seasonal fertilization and weed control services.

5. Cutworms

Cutworms are another type of caterpillar pest that can wreak havoc on North Texas lawns. Unlike armyworms and sod webworms that chew through grass blades, cutworms cause damage at the base of the plant by cutting stems near the soil line. This makes them particularly destructive to newly seeded or recently sodded lawns, which lack the root strength to recover quickly.

Identification

• Appearance: Fat, gray or brown larvae that curl into a “C” shape when disturbed

• Behavior: Hide in the soil or under debris during the day, emerging at night to feed

• Feeding habits: Chew through stems at the crown, severing blades from the root system

Damage

• Grass is cut off at the base, leaving irregular bare spots across the lawn

• Seedlings and young grass are the most vulnerable, often destroyed before they can establish roots

• Damage may be mistaken for drought stress or mowing scalping, but closer inspection reveals cut stems

Solutions

• Apply nighttime-targeted insecticides: Treatments are most effective when applied in the evening, timed for when cutworms emerge to feed

• Reseed damaged areas promptly: Overseeding helps restore turf density and prevent weeds from filling in bare patches

• Maintain lawn health: Fertilization and proper watering encourage grass to recover from cutworm damage

• Reduce hiding places: Keep lawns mowed and remove excess debris where larvae may shelter during the day

6. Billbugs

Billbugs are a lesser-known but highly destructive lawn pest in North Texas. These small beetles damage turf at both the adult and larval stages. Adult billbugs chew on grass stems, while their larvae bore inside the stems and crowns, eventually hollowing them out. In Keller, Southlake, and Fort Worth, billbug infestations often go unnoticed until lawns begin to yellow and die back in irregular patches, resembling drought stress or disease.

Identification

• Adult beetles: Small, gray to black beetles with long, curved snouts

• Larvae: White, legless, grub-like larvae that resemble white grubs but are smaller

• Signs: Turf that yellows, thins out, and pulls apart easily due to hollowed stems

Damage

• Grass turns yellow and dies in irregular patches, often mistaken for heat or water stress

• Turf pulls up easily, revealing stems that are hollowed out by larvae

• Severe infestations can cause widespread thinning, forcing costly repairs through reseeding or resodding

Solutions

• Professional insecticide programs: Timed applications can break the life cycle of both adults and larvae

• Monitor during spring and summer: Early detection is key to preventing major turf loss

• Reseeding or resodding: Necessary in areas where grass has been destroyed beyond recovery

• Strengthen lawn health: Fertilization and proper irrigation help turf withstand pest stress and recover faster

7. Fire Ants

While fire ants don’t feed directly on turf like other lawn pests, they are still considered a major problem for North Texas homeowners. Their large mounds disrupt lawns, interfere with mowing, and create safety hazards. Even worse, their painful stings make fire ants dangerous to children, pets, and anyone spending time outdoors. In Keller, Southlake, and Fort Worth, fire ants thrive in sunny, open areas and can quickly spread if left untreated.

Identification

• Mounds: Large, raised soil mounds scattered across the lawn, often more visible after rain

• Ants: Aggressive red ants that swarm rapidly when disturbed

• Behavior: Extremely territorial, with colonies that expand quickly through connected underground tunnels

Damage

• Disrupt turf: Mounds damage grass roots and create uneven spots across the lawn

• Interfere with mowing: Large colonies make it difficult and unsafe to mow

• Hazardous stings: Fire ants deliver painful bites and stings that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals

• Spread rapidly: Colonies reproduce quickly, making infestations difficult to eliminate without professional help

Solutions

• Broadcast ant control treatments: Reduce populations across the entire lawn for broader protection

• Professional spot treatments: Target large or persistent mounds with stronger, longer-lasting solutions

• Ongoing monitoring: Regular inspections help prevent colonies from re-establishing

• Protect outdoor areas: Professional lawn care programs ensure lawns remain safe, usable, and pest-free year-round

Regular inspections through commercial lawn care programs will help keep properties safe in Watauga, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and Westlake.

For more detailed guidance, see Texas A&M Fire Ant Management.

Seasonal Pest Activity in North Texas

Different lawn pests peak at different times of the year across Keller, Grapevine, Bedford, and North Richland Hills. Knowing when each pest is most active allows preventive action before major damage occurs.

Spring

• Grubs begin feeding on grassroots left over from the previous fall.

• Cutworms emerge and chew through new grass shoots, damaging seedlings and young turf.

Summer

• Chinch bugs thrive in hot, sunny conditions and quickly spread across St. Augustine and Bermuda lawns.

• Sod webworms feed at night, leaving ragged patches of turf.

• Fire ants build large colonies and disrupt outdoor spaces.

Fall

• Armyworms strike suddenly, capable of destroying large areas of turf almost overnight.

• Late grub activity continues, causing turf to loosen and brown as larvae feed on roots.

Winter

• Most pests remain dormant, but their eggs and larvae survive in the soil, ready to re-emerge in spring. Preventive care during fall and winter strengthens turf to resist infestations the following year.

Pest Prevention Tips

A healthy, resilient lawn is the best defense against insect damage. Homeowners in North Texas can reduce pest pressure with these practices:

• Maintain balanced fertilization: Strong turf resists pests more effectively.

• Water deeply and infrequently: Encourages deep root growth and reduces stress that attracts pests.

• Aerate compacted soil: Improves airflow, reduces standing water, and creates healthier growing conditions.

• Mow at proper height: Taller grass shades soil, discouraging certain pests and reducing turf stress.

Pair prevention with our residential lawn care or commercial lawn care programs to keep turf resilient year-round.

When to Call a Professional

DIY treatments may work for small outbreaks, but larger infestations require expert diagnosis and stronger products. Lawn care professionals know how to correctly identify pest activity and apply safe, effective controls.

Our team provides customized solutions for homes, HOAs, and businesses in Keller, Southlake, Colleyville, Trophy Club, and surrounding areas. Explore our full landscaping services to build a year-round plan that protects your property from pests.

Why Professional Help Matters

• Accurate pest identification: Many insect problems mimic drought stress or disease. Professionals know the difference.

• Stronger, safer insecticides: Licensed applicators can use commercial-grade products that work faster and last longer while protecting your family and pets.

• Customized lawn health plans: Experts recommend long-term strategies to prevent recurring infestations, improve soil health, and keep turf strong year-round.

Contact our Residential Lawn Care experts to stop pests before they spread.

Conclusion

From chinch bugs and white grubs to armyworms and fire ants, lawn pests in Keller, Southlake, and Fort Worth can transform a healthy green yard into a patchy, bare lawn in a matter of days. Because many pest symptoms look similar to drought stress or disease, the key is early identification and fast action. The sooner you recognize the warning signs, the easier it is to apply the right treatments and prevent widespread turf loss.

A strong lawn care program that combines fertilization, proper irrigation, aeration, and seasonal monitoring is your best defense against pests returning year after year. While DIY treatments can help with small outbreaks, professional expertise ensures the problem is diagnosed correctly and treated with stronger, longer-lasting solutions.

At Conroy’s Lawn and Landscape, we provide customized lawn pest control and maintenance programs tailored to the unique conditions of North Texas lawns. Our team protects your turf from pests, strengthens its resilience, and ensures it remains lush, green, and healthy through every season.