GreenMaker Blog

๐Ÿ› Common Lawn-Damaging Bugs in Northwest Indiana — and How to Stop Them

 

If your lawn is suddenly turning brown in patches or seems to be struggling no matter how much you water and mow — the problem might not be what you think.

Insects are a common but sneaky enemy of a healthy lawn in NW Indiana. From tiny grubs feeding below the surface to chinch bugs baking your turf in the summer heat, these pests can undo all your lawn care efforts in a matter of weeks.

At GreenMaker Lawn Care, we’ve seen it all — and we’re here to help you spot the signs before serious damage is done.

 

1. White Grubs

These are the larvae of beetles like Japanese beetles or June bugs, and they live just below the surface, feeding on your lawn’s root system.

  • Signs: Brown, dead patches that lift up like carpet, spongy turf, or digging animals
  • When: Late summer to early fall
  • Solution: Preventative grub control in late spring or early summer

2. Chinch Bugs

These tiny insects suck the juices from grass blades, leaving behind dry, yellowing patches that quickly die off — especially in sunny areas.

  • Signs: Irregular dry spots, brittle grass
  • When: Mid to late summer
  • Solution: Spot treatment and strong lawn health practices

3. Sod Webworms

Small moths lay eggs in your lawn, and the caterpillars (webworms) eat grass blades at night.

  • Signs: Chewed grass tips, brown scalped spots, moth activity at dusk
  • When: Summer
  • Solution: Targeted insecticides and deep watering

4. Armyworms

These hungry caterpillars can mow down healthy grass in a matter of days if not caught early.

  • Signs: Rapid loss of green grass overnight, shredded grass, caterpillars visible
  • When: Late summer to early fall
  • Solution: Fast-action treatments and turf restoration

 

๐Ÿงช Not Sure What’s Causing the Damage?

If you're not sure what's to blame, don’t guess. Our trained technicians at GreenMaker Lawn Care can inspect your lawn, identify the issue, and recommend the right treatment — no wasted money or guesswork.

 

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Protect Your Lawn — Before Bugs Take Over

Regular lawn maintenance isn’t just about appearance — it’s your best defense against infestations. We offer:

  • Preventative insect control
  • Targeted treatments for active pests
  • Seasonal lawn care plans tailored to NW Indiana

 

๐Ÿ†“ Get a Free Lawn Evaluation

Spotted damage? Want peace of mind? Contact us today and schedule a free quote — we’ll take a close look at your lawn and build a plan that keeps it healthy, green, and bug-free.

  • ๐Ÿ“ž (219) 798-9317
  • ๐Ÿ“ง info@greenmakerlawncare.com
  • ๐ŸŒ www.GreenMakerLawnCare.com
  • ๐Ÿ“ Serving Northwest Indiana and the surrounding regions