How to Manage Pests

The UC Guide to Healthy Lawns

Insects and other invertebrates

Insects do not frequently cause major problems in lawns in California. However, they can occur and occasionally damage or kill turfgrass.

Find out more about invertebrates that may occur in turfgrass.

Distinguishing features of common lawn insects

For more information on lawn insects, refer to:
Pest Notes: Lawn Insects

Diseases, poor maintenance practices, or inappropriate use of fertilizers or herbicides may also cause symptoms resembling invertebrate damage.

Before taking any insect-control action, be sure you actually have an insect problem and not something else. The best way to diagnose an insect problem is to perform a drench test or roll up the grass. It is imperative that the causal organism is found to confirm that an insect is responsible for the damage. Low numbers of most insect pests will not cause damage. Never treat until treatment thresholds are reached.

Refer to the following section for more information:

Diagnosing your problem

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