Ants
A fire ant mound in turfgrass near a sidewalk. Photo by Bart Drees.
The primary ant pest in Texas turf is the red imported fire ant, although other ant species like the Texas leaf-cutting ant and Rasperry crazy ant also can affect turfgrass areas.
Fire ants are found throughout the eastern half of the state and in some urban areas in West Texas. Several native fire ant species also occur in the state, and in south Texas the tropical fire ant is also occasionally considered to be a pest in turfgrass.
Fire ants do not damage turf directly, but their numerous mounds are unattractive, can hinder mowing operations and can smother the grass. Their presence is also a potential hazard to people and pets since these ants can inflict painful bites and stings.
Related:
Chinch Bugs
Chinch bugs are sucking insects that feed on the crowns of grasses injecting toxic saliva that can cause wilting and death of turfgrass, usually in spots of infestation
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the immature stages of moths and butterflies. They have chewing mouthparts and feed mainly on foliage. Blades of grass damaged by caterpillars often appear ragged or may be skeletonized with only the leaf veins and one surface of the leaf remaining. Close examination of the thatch around damaged grass often reveals silk webbing and “frass” (excrement) left by the caterpillars. Damage often is spotty or localized. Several species of caterpillars can be found in Texas turfgrass.
Beetles
- White grubs (also known as grubworms, May beetle or Junebug larvae)
- Japanese beetles – potential new exotic invasive species with white grub immature stages
- Hunting billbug
Other Pests of Turfgrass
- Mole crickets – Southern, Northern and Tawny mole cricket species
- Mites – clover mites and Bermudagrass mites
- Leafhoppers – species including invasive red-streaked leafhopper
- Scale insects – Rhodesgrass mealybug, ground pearls and others
- Ground-nesting wasps and bees – Cicada killers, sand wasps and others
- Exotic invasive pests
