Florida Lawn Pests Every Miami Homeowner Should Know
Maintaining a healthy, green lawn in Miami can feel like a full-time job. Between the hot sun, heavy rains, and sandy soils, lawns already face their share of challenges. But one of the biggest threats to your grass comes from something much smaller: lawn pests.
At One Two Tree, we know how quickly these insects can take over, leaving behind thin, brown, or dead patches in what should be a lush landscape. Let’s take a closer look at the most common lawn pests in South Florida, how to spot them, and how professional treatment can save your lawn.
Chinch Bugs
Chinch bugs are one of the top lawn pests in Miami, especially in St. Augustine grass (the most common grass type in South Florida). These tiny insects suck the sap from grass blades and inject toxins, causing the turf to yellow, wilt, and eventually die.
Signs of chinch bugs:
- Irregular yellow or brown patches that spread outward
- Damage that looks worse in hot, dry weather
- Grass that doesn’t respond to watering
Sod Webworms
Sod webworms are the larvae of moths that feed on grass blades at night. Their chewing creates ragged patches of short, brown grass. If left untreated, their feeding can spread quickly across your lawn.
Signs of sod webworms:
- Small brown patches that grow in size
- Ragged, chewed-down grass blades
- Increased moth activity in the evenings
Armyworms
Armyworms earned their name because they move together in large numbers, devouring everything in their path. In Miami’s warm, humid climate, they can wipe out a lawn almost overnight.
Signs of armyworms:
- Fast-spreading bare patches
- Grass blades chewed down to the stems
- Caterpillar activity seen in the early morning or late evening
Grubs
Grubs are the larvae of beetles, and they live underground feeding on grass roots. This cuts off your lawn’s ability to take up water and nutrients, causing sections to die off from the ground up.
Signs of grubs:
- Irregular brown patches that lift up like loose carpet
- Grass that wilts despite regular watering
- Increased activity from birds, raccoons, or armadillos digging for grubs
Fire Ants
While not a direct lawn-killer like the insects above, fire ants are a major concern for Miami homeowners. Their mounds ruin the look of a lawn, and their stings pose a painful risk to children, pets, and anyone spending time outdoors.
Signs of fire ants:
- Raised, dome-shaped mounds in your lawn
- Aggressive swarms if the mound is disturbed
Why Professional Lawn Pest Control Matters
In Miami’s year-round warm climate, lawn pests are always active. DIY treatments often provide only short-term relief, and using the wrong products or timing can even make the problem worse. At One Two Tree, we use targeted, eco-friendly pest control treatments designed specifically for South Florida lawns. Our experts can identify the exact pest causing damage, stop the infestation, and help your lawn recover with proper lawn fertilization and care.
Don’t let lawn pests take over your yard. Whether it’s chinch bugs, grubs, or fire ants, the team at One Two Tree has the experience and proven solutions to keep your grass healthy year-round. Contact us today to schedule your lawn inspection and let our experts protect your Miami lawn from damaging pests.
