The 5 Most Common Lawn Pests in North Texas and How to Prevent Them Organically
Lawn pests are more than just a nuisance, they’re a warning sign. In North Texas, common invaders like grubs, chinch bugs, and armyworms tend to show up when your lawn is already struggling. But here’s the good news: you can prevent many pest problems before they start, and you don’t have to reach for harsh chemicals to do it.
At Golub Green, we are lawn specialists and we believe in working with nature, not against it. That means building healthy soil, encouraging thick turf growth, and creating an environment where pests don’t feel at home in the first place.
Let’s take a closer look at the five most common lawn pests in North Texas and how to prevent them organically for a stronger, more resilient lawn.
1. Grubs
What they are:
Grubs are the larvae of beetles, and they feed on grass roots just below the surface. Their damage usually shows up as brown patches that peel back like carpet.
Organic Prevention Tips:
Feed Your Soil: Healthy soil supports beneficial nematodes and microbes that naturally keep grub populations in check.
Mow High: Taller grass encourages deeper roots, which makes it harder for grubs to cause widespread damage.
Avoid Overwatering: Grubs thrive in overly moist soil. Water deeply but infrequently to make your lawn less inviting.
Golub Tip: Apply compost or organic soil builder each fall to encourage microbe activity that discourages grub populations.
2. Chinch Bugs
What they are:
These tiny, sap-sucking insects damage grass by draining moisture from blades and injecting toxins that block water flow. They thrive in hot, dry conditions.
Organic Prevention Tips:
Maintain Even Moisture: Regular, deep watering helps prevent the dry, stressed conditions chinch bugs prefer.
Aerate & Compost: Improving soil structure allows roots to grow deep and grass to stay lush and thick.
Grow Dense Turf: Overseed patchy areas so chinch bugs can’t find space to settle in.
Golub Tip: Avoid heavy synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, they encourage rapid, weak growth that’s more vulnerable to chinch bugs.
3. Armyworms
What they are:
Armyworms are moth larvae that march across lawns in large numbers, eating grass blades and leaving bare trails behind.
Organic Prevention Tips:
Encourage Biodiversity: Birds and predatory insects like ground beetles are natural enemies of armyworms.
Choose the Right Grass: Warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia are more tolerant of surface-feeding pests.
Strengthen Soil Health: Regular applications of compost tea or seaweed extract can improve plant resistance.
Golub Tip: Keep grass mowed, but not too short. Taller grass blades offer resilience and shade out pest-friendly weeds.
4. Sod Webworms
What they are:
These are small caterpillars that feed at night and hide in silken tunnels during the day. They leave irregular brown patches and chew marks on blades.
Organic Prevention Tips:
Water Early in the Day: This helps your lawn dry out before evening when webworms feed making conditions less favorable.
Improve Air Circulation: Trim trees and shrubs to allow sunlight and air to dry out shaded areas where webworms hide.
Mulch with Compost: Organic mulching improves microbial activity and discourages insect larvae from thriving.
Golub Tip: Avoid overwatering shady areas—damp, dark conditions are webworm heaven.
5. Fire Ants
What they are:
Fire ants are aggressive, soil-building insects that form unsightly mounds and pose a sting risk to pets and children.
Organic Prevention Tips:
Keep Soil Balanced: Fire ants often invade compacted or disturbed soil. Regular aeration and composting promote healthier turf.
Spot-Treat Mounds: Use boiling water or citrus oil solutions on small mounds if they appear. These organic treatments are effective and non-toxic.
Deter with Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle this natural powder in problem areas to break down ant exoskeletons without harming the soil.
Golub Tip: Monitor regularly and act early—catching fire ants before the mound grows large is key.
Build Pest Resistance from the Ground Up
The truth is, most lawn pests are opportunists. They take hold when your lawn is stressed, sparse, or out of balance. That’s why the best defense is a strong, thriving ecosystem—from the soil up.
Here’s what we recommend for prevention:
✔️ Feed with Organic Fertilizer 3x/year – Boosts root strength and soil health
✔️ Mow Smart – Keep grass tall enough to shade soil and outgrow pest damage
✔️ Water Deeply, Not Daily – Promotes deep root growth and discourages pests
✔️ Stay Consistent – Healthy lawns aren’t built overnight, but they last longer with the right care
A Safer Way to Protect Your Lawn
Preventing pests organically isn’t just possible, it’s practical. You’ll save your grass from damage, protect your family from unnecessary chemical exposure, and support a more balanced, sustainable yard.
If you’re looking for a safe and effective lawn care partner in Richardson, Plano, Allen, or nearby North Texas communities, Golub Green is here to help.
