Common Lawn Pests in Houston That Can Destroy Your Yard if Left Untreated

Houston’s warm climate and frequent rainfall create ideal conditions for lawn pests to thrive. Many homeowners don’t realize their lawn is under attack until visible damage appears—often after pests have already caused significant harm below the surface. Identifying common Houston lawn pests early is key to protecting turf and avoiding costly repairs.

This guide covers the most common lawn pests found in the Houston area, when they are most active, the signs of infestation, and when professional lawn pest control may be necessary.

Table of Contents

• Why Lawn Pests Are Common in Houston
• Common Lawn Pests in Houston
• Seasonal Lawn Pest Activity in Houston
• Signs Lawn Pests May Be Damaging Your Yard
• Why Untreated Lawn Pests Are a Serious Problem
• How to Help Prevent Lawn Pest Infestations
• When to Call a Professional Lawn Pest Control Company

Why Lawn Pests Are Common in Houston

Houston’s hot summers, mild winters, and frequent rainfall create an environment where lawn pests can remain active for much of the year. Unlike regions with prolonged cold seasons, Houston rarely experiences temperatures low enough to significantly reduce pest populations.

Moist soil, dense turfgrass, and extended growing seasons allow pests to feed, reproduce, and spread quickly if conditions are favorable.

Common Lawn Pests in Houston

Chinch Bugs

Chinch bugs are a major threat to St. Augustine grass, one of the most common turf types in Houston. They feed on grass blades and inject toxins that cause lawns to turn yellow, brown, and eventually die.

Grubs

Grubs feed on grass roots beneath the soil surface, weakening turf and causing large sections of lawn to lift easily. Increased bird or wildlife activity often indicates a grub problem.

Armyworms

Armyworms can cause rapid and widespread damage, often appearing suddenly after rainfall. They feed aggressively and can strip lawns in a short period of time.

Mole Crickets

Mole crickets tunnel through soil while feeding on grass roots. Their burrowing disrupts root systems and causes thinning, uneven turf.

Sod Webworms

Sod webworms chew grass blades at night, leaving behind brown patches and thinning turf that may go unnoticed until damage becomes severe.

Seasonal Lawn Pest Activity in Houston

Lawn pest activity in Houston varies by season but remains a year-round concern:

• Spring: Grubs and mole crickets become active as soil temperatures rise.
• Summer: Peak damage from chinch bugs, armyworms, and sod webworms.
• Fall: Continued feeding before pests move deeper into soil.
• Winter: Reduced surface activity, but many pests remain active underground.

Early-season inspections help detect infestations before damage spreads.

Signs Lawn Pests May Be Damaging Your Yard

Common signs of lawn pest infestations include:

• Brown or yellow patches that do not improve with watering
• Thinning or dying grass despite proper care
• Spongy or uneven turf
• Increased bird or wildlife activity
• Grass that pulls up easily from the soil

These symptoms are often mistaken for drought stress or disease, allowing infestations to worsen.

Why Untreated Lawn Pests Are a Serious Problem

Left untreated, lawn pests can cause extensive root damage that leads to turf loss, weed invasion, and erosion. Severe infestations often require re-sodding or major lawn restoration.

Additionally, lawn pests can attract wildlife and spread into landscaped areas, increasing overall property damage.

How to Help Prevent Lawn Pest Infestations

Homeowners can reduce lawn pest risk by following proper lawn care practices:

• Water deeply but avoid overwatering
• Mow at the appropriate height for your grass type
• Avoid excessive fertilizer use
• Address stressed or thinning areas early
• Schedule routine lawn inspections

Healthy lawns are more resilient and less attractive to pests.

When to Call a Professional Lawn Pest Control Company

If lawn damage continues to spread or pests are suspected below the surface, professional lawn pest control may be the most effective solution. Specialists can identify the specific pest causing damage and apply targeted treatments.

Preventative lawn pest programs can also help protect Houston lawns throughout the year.

For Houston homeowners concerned about lawn pest damage, a professional inspection can help identify issues early and protect your yard from costly damage.