Bermuda grass is a popular and resilient turfgrass often chosen for its durability and ability to thrive in warm climates. While known for its hardiness, this grass is not immune to damage from various pests that feed on or harm its growth.
Common Insect Pests of Bermuda Grass
Several insect species commonly target Bermuda grass, causing distinct types of damage. Armyworms are caterpillars that rapidly consume grass blades, quickly defoliating lawns. Sod webworms, also caterpillars, create silken tunnels and feed on grass blades at night, causing brown, irregularly shaped patches. Silken webs may be visible on the grass surface.
Cutworms are caterpillars that hide in the thatch or soil during the day, emerging at night to cut grass blades at their base, leading to small, circular bare spots. Chinch bugs suck sap from grass blades, injecting a toxin that disrupts water flow. This causes irregular patches of yellowing or brown grass resembling drought stress. White grubs, the C-shaped larvae of various beetles, live in the soil and feed on grass roots. Their activity weakens the grass, causing it to wilt, yellow, and feel spongy, often allowing turf sections to be easily lifted.
Larger Animal Pests of Bermuda Grass
Beyond insects, larger animals can also cause significant damage to Bermuda grass lawns. Rabbits are common culprits, identified by cleanly clipped grass blades and small, pellet-like droppings. Voles create shallow, visible runways through the grass, often leading to burrows, and feed on grass blades and roots.
Gophers create crescent-shaped soil mounds and plug tunnel entrances, pulling entire plants underground to cause distinct bare spots. Deer can browse on Bermuda grass, leaving raggedly torn leaves and scattered droppings.
Strategies for Managing Bermuda Grass Eaters
For insect issues, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles are beneficial, including regular monitoring and cultural controls like proper watering and mowing. For localized infestations, hand-picking caterpillars or applying beneficial nematodes (microscopic organisms that attack soil pests) can be effective. For widespread outbreaks, targeted biological or organic insecticides may be necessary. Always apply products according to label instructions for effectiveness and safety.
Fencing deters animals like rabbits and deer. For burrowing animals like voles and gophers, trapping is an effective control method; humane traps allow relocation if regulations permit. General repellents, using unpleasant scents or tastes, offer temporary deterrence. Modifying the surrounding habitat by removing dense vegetation or debris makes the lawn less appealing.
Preventing Future Infestations
Proper watering is important; Bermuda grass needs 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week to encourage deep root growth. Overwatering weakens grass and invites pests.
Balanced fertilization, based on soil tests, provides nutrients without promoting excessive growth that attracts insects. Mowing Bermuda grass at 0.5 to 1.5 inches reduces available grass blades for insects and promotes denser turf that withstands pest pressure.
Regular dethatching removes accumulated organic matter, improving air circulation and reducing pest hiding spots. Aeration creates small holes, alleviating soil compaction and allowing water and nutrients to reach roots, contributing to grass vigor. Regularly inspecting the lawn for early pest signs allows prompt intervention before severe infestations.