What’s Eating Your Lawn? Common Sod Invaders in Alabama & How to Stop Them
A thick, green lawn is a point of pride for many Alabama homeowners. But our warm, humid climate doesn’t just help grass grow; it also creates perfect conditions for pests. Left unchecked, these insects can turn a healthy yard into a patchy, brown mess in days.
The good news is that early spotting and smart lawn pest control can save your grass before the damage spreads. Here’s a look at what insects eat grass in Alabama, the signs they leave behind, and how to get rid of lawn bugs naturally or with targeted treatments.
Lawn-Eating Insects to Be Aware Of
What they are:
White grubs are the larvae of beetles like June bugs and Japanese beetles. These C-shaped pests live underground, feeding on grass roots and cutting off your lawn’s nutrient supply.
Signs of damage:
- Grass that feels soft or spongy underfoot.
- Yellow or brown spots that peel back like carpet.
- Birds, raccoons, or moles digging for a snack.
When they’re active:
Late summer through early fall.
How to get rid of them:
- Apply preventive grub control in late spring before eggs hatch.
- Keep grass strong with proper fertilization and aeration.
- For a natural option, add beneficial nematodes to your yard; they target grubs without harming helpful insects.
What they are:
These are the caterpillars of lawn moths. They hide in the thatch by day and feed at night, chewing grass blades and leaving irregular bare spots.
Signs of damage:
- Brown patches that spread quickly.
- Notched or chewed grass tips.
- Tiny green pellets (insect droppings) in the thatch.
When they’re active:
Late spring through early fall, with summer being the worst.
How to get rid of them:
- Mow regularly and remove excess thatch to reduce hiding places.
- Encourage birds and other natural predators.
- Use targeted insect control if the damage worsens.
What they are:
Armyworms are destructive caterpillars that feed in groups. They can strip a lawn bare in just a few days.
Signs of damage:
- Brown patches that expand almost overnight.
- Grass blades chewed to the crown.
- Caterpillars are visible in the early morning or evening.
When they’re active:
Late summer to early fall, often after heavy rain.
How to get rid of them:
- Check your lawn daily during peak season.
- Treat at the first sign of activity with the right insecticide.
- Water deeply afterward to help the lawn recover.
What they are:
These tunneling insects feed on grass roots and shoots while digging through the soil.
Signs of damage:
- Raised tunnels or soft mounds in the yard.
- Grass is wilting despite regular watering.
- Bare spots where roots are destroyed.
When they’re active:
Spring and early summer, especially after warm, wet weather.
How to get rid of them:
- Use the soapy water test (mix dish soap with water and pour it over the soil, then mole crickets will surface).
- Treat in late spring when young crickets are smaller and easier to control.
Preventing Future Pest Problems
A healthy lawn is your best defense against pests. When grass is strong and thriving, it naturally discourages insects, weeds, and diseases from taking hold. By practicing a few simple but consistent lawn care habits, you can create an environment where pests struggle to survive. Keep your yard in top shape by:
- Aerating once a year for stronger roots
- Avoiding overwatering
- Fertilizing according to your grass type
- Mowing at the correct height
- Inspecting your yard often so you can act fast
How to Get Rid of Lawn Bugs Naturally
For homeowners who want to avoid synthetic chemicals, here are some eco-friendly lawn pest control options:
- Beneficial nematodes for grubs and armyworms.
- Neem oil for chewing insects.
- Diatomaceous earth around affected areas.
- Encouraging predator insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Additional Unwanted Lawn Guests You Might Encounter in Alabama
Fungal Diseases
When most people think about lawn problems, their minds immediately go to pests—grubs chewing at the roots or insects leaving unsightly patches. But pests aren’t the only threat lurking in your yard. In Alabama’s warm and often humid climate, fungal lawn diseases can spread just as quickly, and sometimes with even more devastating results.
Conditions like brown patch, dollar spot, and rust fungus thrive in wet weather and can transform a lush green yard into a patchwork of sickly circles almost overnight. These diseases creep in quietly, and by the time you notice them, your lawn may already be struggling to recover.
You can usually spot fungal trouble by keeping a close eye on the texture and color of your grass. Instead of a uniform green, infected areas often turn yellow or brown, creating irregular circles or thinning patches that spread outward. Sometimes the blades themselves tell the story, coated with a powdery residue or slimy film that signals fungal growth. During stretches of muggy Alabama weather, lawns are particularly vulnerable, and homeowners often mistake these symptoms for pest damage when the real culprit is fungal disease.
How to Prevent Your Lawn From Fungal Disease
The good news is that most fungal problems can be kept in check with the right lawn care habits.
- Timing matters, especially when it comes to watering. By watering in the early morning, you give your grass time to dry out during the day, reducing the moisture fungi need to thrive.
- Sharp mower blades also play a surprisingly big role—clean cuts keep your turf healthier and less prone to infection, while dull blades tear at the grass and create open wounds for fungi to exploit.
- If you notice persistent signs of disease despite your best efforts, a carefully chosen fungicide can help restore your yard’s health and protect it from future outbreaks.
Invasive Weeds
Invasive WeedsJust when you think you’ve got your lawn under control, another challenge shows up—stubborn invasive weeds. Unlike the occasional dandelion that pops up occasionally, weeds such as crabgrass, dallisgrass, and nutsedge are relentless competitors.
They don’t just look out of place; they rob your grass of the essentials it needs to thrive—water, sunlight, and nutrients. What makes matters worse is that pest-damaged or thinning areas of your lawn are like an open invitation for weeds to settle in. Once they take root, they spread fast, turning weak spots into full-blown weed patches.
Preventing an invasion is always easier than battling one. A smart first step is applying pre-emergent herbicides in early spring, before the weeds even get a chance to sprout. But chemicals alone aren’t the whole solution.
The healthiest lawns naturally crowd out weeds with thick, resilient turf. Keeping your grass lush and well-fed makes it much harder for invasive seedlings to sneak in. And if you do spot a few weeds breaking through, quick action pays off. Spot-treating them immediately prevents a handful of invaders from becoming an unruly takeover later in the season.
Why Quick Action Matters: Professional Lawn Pest Control in Birmingham
A lawn that looks fine on Monday can be half gone by the weekend if pests move in. If you’re wondering how to get rid of insects in your yard, the answer starts with catching problems early and using the right treatment for the pest at hand.
If pests are damaging your lawn, professional help can save you time and protect your investment. South Dallas Turf & Supply offers expert lawn pest control services in Birmingham, with treatments designed for the pests and conditions we see here in Alabama. Contact us today to protect your lawn year-round.
Defend Your Lawn Against Destructive Pests With South Dallas Turf & Supply
Don’t let lawn pests and disease ruin the healthy, green grass you’ve worked so hard to grow. South Dallas Turf & Supply offers expert lawn pest control services in Birmingham, using proven treatments to eliminate destructive insects and protect your yard year-round. Contact us today by calling (205) 852-8473 for a customized solution that keeps your lawn looking its best in every season.