Common Turfgrass Insects: MOLE CRICKETS, MITES, SCALES, EARTHWORMS AND CRAWFISH, DIGGER WASPS
Mole crickets
Mole Crickets
Mole cricket problems in Texas are highly localized, but can be persistent over time. The southern mole cricket is found along the Texas coast westward to College Station and north to Longview. This species preys on other turf pests. Unfortunately, in searching for its prey it disrupts turf by tunnelling just under the soil surface. A mole cricket can tunnel several meters per day. Bermudagrass and bahiagrass, particularly in areas with sandy soil, are more affected than is St. Augustinegrass. One proposed action level for initiating treatment is two crickets per square foot as determined using the soapy water drench method. More at AgriLife Extension Publication EEE-00039.
Mites
The bermudagrass (stunt) mite is a host specific mite. Its characteristic damage is shortened internodes that produce a typical rosetting and tufted growth, or a "witch broom" effect. When left uncontrolled, large areas of turf are killed. This has become a problem on some lawns in north and central Texas. A similar mite causes almost identical damage to buffalograss. Another mite that can damage turfgrass is the clover mite. It is red, smaller than the head of a pin and has long front legs. It feeds on grass blades, causing grass to appear silvery. These mites build up in high numbers in the spring, often next to house foundations. Occasionally, clover mites migrate into homes.
Scale Insects
The Rhodesgrass scale (also called Rhodesgrass mealybug) was introduced into the United States in 1942. Sixty-nine species of range, lawn and golf course grasses in much of southern and coastal Texas became infested, resulting in yield loss and plant death. The scale forms white cottony masses of wax, about 1/8 inch in diameter, at the base of the grass stem and in the leaf axis. A scale insect parasite, Neodusmetia sangwani, was introduced into Texas from India in 1959. Biological control of Rhodesgrass scale has been successful since that time. Help maintain biological control by minimizing the use of long residual insecticides.
Ground pearls are subterranean scales that feed on the roots of grasses, primarily in west Texas. Scales are hard, globular and whitish to purplish and somewhat iridescent. They resemble small pearls and are up to 1/8 inch diameter. Their feeding causes grass to turn yellow and die. Damage occurs during the spring and dry periods of the year, when small, irregular areas of unthrifty or dead grass appear. No insecticide products are specifically registered for control of ground pearls in turfgrass (although malathion was suggested in a 1980 publication). Good cultural practices can help minimize damage from ground pearls. Avoid using infested sod when establishing a new planting.
Earthworms and Crawfish
Earthworms are generally considered to be beneficial organisms. Their tunnelling aerates the soil and reduces compaction. However, in the upper coast area of Texas earthworms occasionally become so numerous as to make the turf sponge-like. They deposit large numbers of castings or fecal pellets on the turf surface. Crawfish can become numerous in poorly drained soil. They build unsightly tubes that may reach several inches in height. Although some insecticides such as carbaryl and ethoprop are known to be relatively more toxic to earthworms, and bendiocarb, benomyl, carbaryl and pyrethroids are known to be relatively more toxic to crawfish than are other turf insecticides, NONE is registered or recommended for earthworm or crawfish control. Improving drainage may reduce earthworm populations and crawfish activity.
Related: Good Bug, Bad Bug?
Digger Wasps
Digger wasp
Solitary wasps and cicada killers dig nesting burrows in turf. Large numbers of wasps occasionally nest in sandy embankments, where they may be a source of concern. The wasps are highly selective in choosing nesting sites and the same locations often are used year after year. Insecticides may temporarily suppress nesting activities. Care should be taken when applying insecticides to avoid being stung. Social wasps and yellow jackets, bumble bees and honey bees also occasionally nest in the ground.
Other Common Insects of Turfgrass
Related:
UC Guide to Healthy Lawns
Native Plant Database - Buffalograss
