"What are billbugs? How do I know if I have them in my lawn?"

A sample yard with billbug damage. It is often difficult to distinguish between billbug and fungal diseases because damage can look similar.

The biggest problem with billbugs, as opposed to most other pests we see in our area such as crane flies, is that by the time you notice the damage, it can be very extensive and require expensive renovation. Unlike most pests, the adults do damage as well as the larvae and, also unlike crane flies, the adults are not easily or obviously observable.

Billbug larvae are small and can be difficult to see until damage has already been done.

What are Billbugs?

Billbugs are small weevils or "snout-beetles." The adults overwinter in leaf litter, then emerge and walk to suitable turf on sunny days in May or June to lay their eggs. The females actually chew into the grass blades and lay their eggs inside. The larvae hatch and begin to feed within the grass stem, working their way down to the crown and then into the roots. The resulting damage can be difficult to diagnose, looking like dry areas or disease, until it’s too late for effective control.

"If you can grab a handful of browned turf and it pulls right up, you most likely have billbugs."

How to Identify Bill Bug Damage:

An easy way to identify billbug damage is the “tug test.” If you can grab a handful of browned turf and it pulls right up, you most likely have billbugs. You may also be able to see the larvae, about the size of a grain of rice, white with a brown head and no legs. Unfortunately, by the time you can see all this, the damage has been done and renovation will be required to repair the damage.

How to Protect Your Lawn From Billbugs:

The best way to avoid billbug damage is a single, specific type of insecticide application done in April to control the adults before they can lay their eggs. This application is guaranteed to provide season-long protection from billbugs, as well as a number of other potentially damaging insects.

Just call, text, email or contact us through our website to get a quote on this game-changing application. One application vs extensive, expensive renovation. Easy choice!