A lawn can start looking tired for many reasons. Heat, lack of water, poor soil and mowing habits can all cause stress. But if patches appear suddenly, turf feels loose, birds keep pecking at the grass, or the damage seems to spread quickly, pests may be involved.
Lawn pests can affect the roots, stems and leaves of turf. Some chew through the grass blades. Others feed below the surface, weakening the roots until the lawn lifts easily or turns brown in patches. The earlier you notice the signs, the easier it is to reduce damage and help the lawn recover.
At Lawn Industries, we supply freshly harvested, weed-free turf across NSW and help homeowners choose lawns suited to Australian conditions. While healthy turf is usually more resilient, even a well-kept lawn can experience pest problems from time to time.
This lawn pest identification guide explains the warning signs, common pest types and when it may be time to get professional advice.
Signs of Lawn Pests to Watch For
The first sign of a pest problem is often a change in colour or texture. A healthy lawn may begin to show brown patches, thinning areas or irregular sections that do not improve with watering.
Some pests feed above the surface, so you may notice chewed grass blades, bite marks or caterpillars in the lawn. Others feed below the surface and damage the root system. In those cases, the turf may feel spongy or lift easily when pulled.
Common signs of lawn pests include:
● brown or thinning patches
● grass that lifts easily from the soil
● spongy or loose turf
● birds pecking repeatedly at the lawn
● chewed stems or leaf blades
● sudden patchiness after rain or warm weather
● visible caterpillars, beetles or moths
● soil disturbance or tunnelling
Bird activity can be a useful clue. If birds are constantly feeding on one part of the lawn, they may be finding grubs, caterpillars or other insects below the surface.
It is also worth checking at different times of day. Some pests are more active in the evening or early morning, so damage may appear before you see the insects themselves.
Common Lawn Pests in Australia
There are several common lawn pests Australia homeowners may come across, and the damage can look similar at first. The key is to look at where the damage appears, how fast it spreads and whether the pest is feeding on leaves, stems or roots.
Armyworms can cause fast and visible damage. They are caterpillars that chew through grass blades and may leave large areas looking scalped or brown. Armyworm lawn damage can spread quickly when numbers are high, especially during warm and humid conditions.
Lawn grubs often refer to beetle larvae feeding below the surface. These pests can damage the roots, causing turf to loosen or die off in patches. If the grass lifts like a loose mat, root feeding may be the reason.
Billbugs can damage grass by chewing through stems. One clue can be sawdust-like material, sometimes called frass, around the affected area. Damage may appear as thinning or dead patches.
Sod webworms are small caterpillars that feed near the surface. Adult moths may be seen flying low over the lawn. The damage can show as patchy brown areas or short, chewed grass.
Mole crickets are less obvious at first because they disturb the soil through tunnelling. Their activity can affect the roots and leave the lawn uneven or weakened.
How to Treat Lawn Grubs and Other Pests
The right treatment depends on the pest, the lawn variety and the severity of the damage. Guessing can lead to wasted time and unnecessary product use, so it is worth identifying the issue as clearly as possible before treating.
If you are looking at how to treat lawn grubs, start by checking whether the turf is lifting easily or whether grubs are visible in the soil. For armyworms or sod webworms, inspect the grass blades and thatch area for caterpillars.
Treatment options may include:
● suitable lawn insecticides
● granular or liquid pest control products
● targeted treatment for the identified pest
● follow-up applications if required
● watering after application, depending on product directions
● lawn repair once pest activity is controlled
Always read the label and follow safety directions, especially if children or pets use the lawn. Some products may require people and pets to stay off the treated area until it is safe to return.
The best lawn pest control is targeted. A product that works for one pest may not be ideal for another, and some damage may be caused by disease, watering problems or soil issues instead of insects.
If the infestation is severe or keeps coming back, professional advice can help identify the underlying cause and whether turf repair is needed.
How to Prevent Lawn Pests Returning
You cannot prevent every pest, but a strong lawn is usually better able to handle pressure. Thin, stressed or poorly maintained turf is often more vulnerable to damage.
To prevent lawn pests, focus on the basics first. Mow at the right height, water deeply when needed, avoid over-watering, fertilise seasonally and manage thatch before it becomes too thick.
A lawn that is cut too short can become stressed and exposed. A lawn that is over-watered may create conditions that encourage some pests or diseases. Poor nutrition can also leave turf weaker and slower to recover.
Regular checks are important during warmer months, when many pests are more active. Look for early changes in colour, birds feeding in one spot, loose turf or new brown patches. Acting early can reduce the amount of lawn that needs repair later.
If damage has already occurred, the lawn may need help recovering. This can include pest treatment, watering adjustments, fertilising, soil improvement or replacing sections of turf.
Lawn Industries can help with quality turf supply if damaged areas need replacement. Our team can also provide practical advice on choosing turf varieties suited to NSW conditions and everyday use.
Not sure whether your lawn damage is from pests, heat stress or poor soil? Contact us for turf advice, lawn replacement options and guidance on keeping your NSW lawn healthy.