Turf-Destroying Insects in Northeast Florida: What’s Hiding in Your Lawn?

In Northeast Florida, a healthy lawn—especially St. Augustine grass—is one of the most important parts of your home’s curb appeal. Unfortunately, our warm climate also creates the perfect environment for turf-destroying insects, both above and below the soil surface. These pests often go unnoticed until visible damage appears, and by then, serious harm may already be done.

At Boujee Lawn and Ornamental, we know exactly what to look for—and how to stop these insects before they ruin your lawn.

Above-Ground Turf Pests in Northeast Florida

These insects attack grass blades and stems, often causing rapid and noticeable damage.

Chinch Bugs

Chinch bugs are one of the most destructive pests to St. Augustine grass in our area. They suck the juices from grass blades and inject toxins as they feed.

Damage signs:

• Yellow patches that quickly turn brown

• Grass looks drought-stressed even with proper watering

• Damage spreads outward rapidly

Fall Armyworms

Armyworms can devastate a lawn almost overnight. They chew grass blades down to the stem and move in groups, leaving destruction in their path.

Damage signs:

• Ragged or uneven grass blades

• Rapid thinning of turf

• Large brown or bare patches

Sod Webworms

Sod webworms are night feeders and are often overlooked early on. Their larvae chew grass blades close to the soil surface.

Damage signs:

• Small brown patches

• Thinning turf

• Grass appears scalped or uneven

Grasshoppers

While not exclusive to lawns, grasshoppers can cause noticeable turf damage when populations increase.

Damage signs:

• Irregular chewing on grass blades

• Uneven, patchy lawn appearance

Below-Ground Turf Pests (The Hidden Threat)

Some of the most damaging insects live beneath the surface, attacking grass roots and crowns—often long before damage is visible above ground.

White Grubs

Grubs feed directly on grass roots, cutting off the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.

Damage signs:

• Grass lifts up like loose carpet

• Wilting despite watering

• Increased activity from birds or armadillos digging in the lawn

Mole Crickets

Mole crickets tunnel through soil and sever grass roots as they move.

Damage signs:

• Spongy or uneven soil

• Wilting or dying turf

• Visible tunnels or raised soil

Billbugs

Billbug larvae hollow out grass stems and crowns from the inside.

Damage signs:

• Grass that pulls out easily

• Wilting and dead patches

• Damage often mistaken for drought stress

Root Weevils

Root weevil larvae feed below ground on roots, while adults chew blades above ground.

Damage signs:

• Thinning, declining turf

• Poor root development

• Wilting grass that doesn’t recover

Why Professional Treatment Matters

Many insect problems in Northeast Florida are misdiagnosed as fungus, drought stress, or nutrient deficiency. Applying the wrong treatment can waste time and allow infestations to worsen.

At Boujee Lawn and Ornamental, we:

• Correctly identify turf-damaging insects

• Use targeted treatments for both surface and subsurface pests

• Protect beneficial insects while controlling destructive ones

• Help lawns recover with proper nutrition and care

Let Boujee Lawn and Ornamental Handle It For You

You shouldn’t have to guess what’s destroying your lawn or risk expensive damage. Our experienced team understands the unique challenges of Northeast Florida turf and specializes in protecting St. Augustine grass year-round.

✔ Professional pest identification

✔ Safe, effective lawn insect control

✔ Customized lawn and ornamental care programs

✔ No guesswork—just results

📞 Contact Boujee Lawn and Ornamental today for a FREE estimate and let us keep your lawn healthy, vibrant, and pest-free.

Contact Boujee Lawn and Ornamental today for a FREE ESTIMATE!