When lush, green lawns suddenly go downhill, lawn-damaging pests are often the culprit.

Your lawn might look healthy—but just below the surface, pests could be silently sabotaging your turf. These tiny troublemakers chew through roots, blades, and soil, leaving patchy, brown, or thinning grass before you even know there’s a problem.

In the Mid-Atlantic, lawn-damaging pests are one of the most common causes of unexpected turf decline. And while DIY solutions exist, many infestations require expert attention to stop them quickly and prevent long-term damage.

Here are five common insect pests to watch out for and how to tell when it’s time to call in the pros.

1. White Grubs

White grubs, the larvae of beetles like Japanese beetles and June bugs, are some of the most destructive pests around. They live just under the surface and feed on grassroots, cutting off your lawn’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.

What to look for:

• Grass that feels spongy or lifts up easily
• Brown patches that spread despite watering
• Increased mole or skunk activity (they love eating grubs)

Why call HillSide: Grub damage often goes unnoticed until it’s widespread. Our lawn care experts can detect early signs and apply the right treatment based on the pest’s life cycle.

2. Chinch Bugs

These small invaders feed on grass blades, sucking out moisture and injecting toxins that block water flow. They’re especially active during hot, dry periods, which can be common during Mid-Atlantic summers.

What to look for:

• Yellowing areas that don’t respond to watering
• Grass that dies off in irregular patches
• Tiny insects near the soil, which can be hard to see without magnification

Why call HillSide: Chinch bugs are often resistant to over-the-counter insecticides. Our team knows when and how to treat them effectively, based on their life stage and local conditions.

3. Sod Webworms

The larvae of small moths, these nuisance bugs chew on grass blades at night and live in tunnels just below the surface, making them easy to miss.

What to look for:

• Small brown patches that expand quickly
• Chewed or notched blades
• Moths flying low over the lawn at dusk

Why call HillSide: Sod webworm damage often looks like drought or fungus. Our trained professionals can properly identify the cause and treat it effectively.

4. Japanese Beetles

These beetles spell double trouble: the adults strip leaves down to a network of veins, and their larvae (white grubs, mentioned above) attack turf roots underground. Adult beetle activity peaks late June through August.
What to look for:

• Chewed, transparent-looking leaves on nearby shrubs and flowers
• Turf damage from grubs beneath the surface
• Visible beetle activity on landscape plants

Why call HillSide: If you see even a few beetles in your yard, it’s wise to schedule a lawn inspection. Where there are beetles, there will soon be grubs.

5. Mole Crickets

Less common but still destructive, mole crickets tunnel underground and feed on roots, disrupting soil and turf health.

What to look for:

• Raised or loose turf
• Discolored or thinning grass
• Tunneling just below the surface

Why call HillSide: Mole cricket damage can look similar to a grub injury, but the treatment is entirely different. A professional diagnosis ensures you get the right solution the first time.

Early action makes all the difference.

Lawn-damaging pests often go unnoticed until the harm is already done. By the time you spot thinning grass or brown patches, they may have already invaded across large sections of turf. That’s why early identification and the right treatment are so important.

At HillSide Lawn Service, we know how to tell the difference between damage from pests like insects, disease, and environmental stress. We apply targeted, seasonally-timed solutions suited to the specific pest and its life cycle. The result? Better results, faster recovery, and a lawn you can feel good about.

Could something be bugging your lawn? Find out before the problem gets out of hand. Contact HillSide Lawn Service today at 410.399.2207 or Hillsidelawn.com to schedule a free inspection and custom pest control plan.

About HillSide Lawn Service: Since 1994, HillSide Lawn Service has offered expert lawn care, including aeration and overseeding and tree and shrub care. With a focus on sustainable, science-based methods and personalized service, HillSide is the trusted source for creating green, healthy lawns throughout Maryland, Delaware and parts of Pennsylvania. For more information or to request a free estimate, visit www.hillsidelawn.com or call 410-399-2207.