By the team at Abel’s Lawncare – Slidell, Louisiana
Maintaining a healthy lawn in Slidell isn’t just about mowing, watering, and fertilizing. It also means staying one step ahead of the pests that thrive in Southern Louisiana’s warm, humid climate. Certain insects target lawns across the region with precision—feeding on roots, blades, and thatch—often going unnoticed until significant damage is already done. Identifying the most common lawn pests and understanding their patterns can help protect your yard before things get out of control.
Chinch Bugs
Chinch bugs are among the most common and destructive lawn pests in Slidell, especially in St. Augustine grass. These tiny insects feed on grass by piercing the blades and sucking out plant fluids, injecting toxins that cause the grass to yellow, wilt, and eventually die.
Infestations typically begin in hot, dry areas of the lawn during the summer. Damage can look similar to drought stress, which makes early detection difficult. One way to check for chinch bugs is to part the grass near the edge of a dying patch and look for small, fast-moving black insects with white wings.
Controlling chinch bugs involves both cultural and chemical methods. Keeping the lawn properly watered and dethatched makes the environment less favorable. Insecticides may be used in severe cases, targeting active infestations during peak heat.
Armyworms
Fall armyworms are seasonal invaders that can cause major damage in a short period of time. These caterpillar-like pests usually appear in late summer or early fall and are known for devouring grass blades quickly—often leaving large brown patches behind overnight.
Armyworms are especially active after heavy rainfall followed by warm temperatures, which are common in Slidell’s climate. They’re most active during the early morning and late afternoon, hiding in the thatch during the heat of the day.
Signs of armyworm damage include chewed leaf blades, skeletonized grass, and increased bird activity as they feed on the larvae. If armyworms are detected early, a targeted insecticide can stop the infestation before widespread damage occurs.
Sod Webworms
Sod webworms are the larvae of lawn moths that tend to surface during warmer months. They chew grass blades near the soil line, causing lawns to look scalped or patchy. Infestations are most noticeable in areas of short-cut grass, particularly in St. Augustine and Bermuda lawns.
Webworm larvae are small, greenish or brown caterpillars that curl up when disturbed. The adult moths can often be seen flying just above the grass in the evening.
To manage sod webworms, reduce thatch buildup and avoid over-fertilizing, which encourages excessive blade growth. Insecticides labeled for lawn caterpillars may be used if the damage is significant.
Mole Crickets
Mole crickets are a lesser-known but highly destructive pest in the Slidell area. These insects tunnel through the soil, feeding on roots and uprooting grass as they go. Their activity causes the lawn to feel spongy and uneven and often results in irregular dead patches.
Damage is most visible in spring and fall, particularly in sandy soils. Mole crickets are nocturnal and can be difficult to detect until the damage is done. A soap flush—a mixture of water and dish soap poured over a small area—can force mole crickets to the surface for identification.
Reducing soil moisture and applying targeted treatments during active breeding seasons can help control populations.
Grubs
Grubs are the larval stage of beetles and are a problem in lawns across Southern Louisiana. These white, C-shaped insects feed on the roots of grass, causing the turf to wilt, thin, and easily pull away from the soil. Grub damage is most common in late summer and early fall.
Early signs include increased animal activity, such as armadillos or birds digging for food. Grub infestations can be confirmed by pulling up a section of turf and counting the number of larvae present. More than five to ten grubs per square foot usually indicates a problem.
Applying grub control products at the right time—typically late spring or early summer—can help prevent root damage later in the season.
Fire Ants
Though not a traditional lawn pest in the sense of feeding on grass, fire ants are a common nuisance in Slidell yards. Their mounds disrupt the appearance of a lawn and their painful stings are a safety concern, especially for children and pets.
Mounds typically appear after rain, and colonies can grow rapidly if not addressed. Treating fire ants involves both contact insecticides and bait products designed to reach the queen and eliminate the colony. Long-term control may require seasonal treatments.
Preventing and Managing Lawn Pests
Regular lawn care practices help prevent many pest problems before they start. Proper mowing height, consistent irrigation, aeration, and reducing thatch all contribute to a healthier lawn that can resist pests. Over-fertilization can sometimes make lawns more attractive to certain insects, so balanced feeding is essential.
Early detection remains key. Monitoring changes in color, texture, and bird or insect activity can signal when it’s time to investigate further. If pests are found, selecting the correct product and applying it at the right time makes a major difference.
Slidell’s climate makes it an ideal home for lush lawns—but also for the pests that thrive in warm, moist environments. Knowing what to look for and acting early helps protect your grass year-round.