Common Turfgrass Insects: ANTS
Red imported fire ants
The primary ant pest in Texas turf is the red imported fire ant. This species is 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.
Several other species of ants occasionally cause concern. Many of these species are native to the state and are not considered to be major pests. Pyramid ants are grayish black and produce small mounds featuring an edge or rim around the top. These ants are not harmful. Another native species, the little black ant, is common and its colonies are seldom encountered. This species is known to prey upon the queens of the red imported fire ant. The red harvester ant produces denuded areas of coarse soil particles around the central openings to its colonies. Harvester ants can bite and sting and can be dangerous to sensitive individuals. These ants also serve as food for the ever rarer horned lizard.
Texas leaf-cutting ants produce numerous hills or "towns" around their colony sites. Foraging worker ants harvest vegetation on which to grow a fungus and then feed on the fungus. The leaf-cutting ant is not very common, but colonies can be a problem in turfgrass areas. Although vegetation can be protected by repeated applications of contact insecticides, eliminating the colony is the only way to prevent recurring damage. There are few methods of safely eliminating colonies.
Other Common Insects of Turfgrass
- Caterpillars
- Chinch bugs
- White grubs/June beetle larvae
- Mole crickets
- Mites
- Scale insects
- Earthworms and crawfish (Beneficials)
- Digger wasps
- Clover mites
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