When it comes to lawn health in Florida, pests are one of the top threats we deal with—and they can be sneaky. If your grass is yellowing, thinning, or mysteriously dying in patches, it might not be a watering issue or fertilizer imbalance. It could be lawn pests lurking just below the surface.
In this blog, we’re diving into the most common Florida lawn pests we see across Gainesville, St. Augustine, and surrounding areas—and how you can catch them early before they cause major damage.
Want a quick breakdown from our owner, Rusty Thompson?
Check out his expert tips in this short video:
Watch Rusty’s Lawn Pest Guide on YouTube
1. Chinch Bugs: Tiny Insects, Big Trouble
Chinch bugs are one of the most destructive pests for St. Augustine grass, which is the dominant turf type in North Florida. These tiny insects suck the moisture out of grass blades and inject a toxin that blocks water uptake—quickly turning lush green turf into brown, dry patches.
Signs of a chinch bug problem:
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Yellowing or browning patches that spread quickly
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Damage usually starts near heat-reflective surfaces (like sidewalks or driveways)
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Turf that looks drought-stressed but doesn’t improve with watering
What to do:
If you suspect chinch bugs, act fast. Left untreated, they can destroy large areas of turf in just a few weeks. Our lawn health team uses targeted, professional-grade treatments to stop the damage and restore your lawn’s vitality.
2. Mole Crickets: The Silent Soil Destroyers
Mole crickets tunnel beneath your lawn, uprooting turf and damaging root systems as they go. They’re most active at night and can be hard to spot until the damage is done.
Signs of mole cricket damage:
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Soft, spongy areas in the lawn
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Thinning turf or dead patches with no clear pattern
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Small surface tunnels or raised trails in the soil
What to do:
Early detection is key with mole crickets. Our team performs detailed inspections and uses both bait and barrier treatments to eliminate infestations while minimizing disruption to your yard.
3. Sod Webworms & Armyworms: Nighttime Leaf Feeders
These caterpillars hide in the thatch layer during the day and feed at night, often going undetected until the damage is significant.
Signs to look for:
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Chewed or ragged grass blades
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Small brown patches that grow rapidly
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Increased bird activity in the yard (they’re hunting worms)
What to do:
Don’t wait. These pests can wipe out large areas of turf in a matter of days. Our Lawn Health Program includes regular monitoring and preventative treatments to keep caterpillar pests in check.
Bonus Pest to Watch: Spittlebugs
While not usually a major threat, spittlebugs can show up in summer and damage centipede and St. Augustine lawns. Their foamy “spit” protects them while feeding on grass stems.
They’re a sign your lawn may be overly moist or thatch-heavy, so we recommend a soil evaluation and possibly a thatch reduction treatment.
How We Help
At The Master's Lawn & Pest, we take a proactive approach to pest control. That means:
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Identifying issues early
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Applying customized, eco-conscious treatments
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Monitoring your lawn year-round
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Educating our clients so they know what to watch for
We’ve built our reputation on protecting North Florida lawns with care, science, and attention to detail.
If you're noticing signs of lawn damage or just want peace of mind, give us a call or schedule a consultation. Our team is here to help protect your yard—before pests take over.
Still unsure what’s bugging your lawn?
👉 Click here to watch Rusty's lawn pest overview and learn what to look for—from the guy who’s seen it all.