Pest control in Chattanooga isn’t just about keeping bugs out of your home—it starts with your lawn. Tennessee’s rich soil and humid climate make it a beautiful place to grow lush, green lawns. But it also makes your yard a prime target for a wide range of pests. From grubs and chinch bugs to fire ants and armyworms, lawn pests in the Southeast can do serious damage fast.
If you’re in or around Chattanooga, understanding these pests—and how to treat them—is key to maintaining a healthy, vibrant lawn. This guide will walk you through the most common culprits, signs of infestation, and how to fight back using both traditional and organic methods.
Whether you’re a homeowner maintaining your dream yard or a property manager handling multiple sites, this is your go-to resource for pest control Chattanooga residents can trust.
Why Lawn Pests Are a Big Deal in Chattanooga
The combination of warm weather, frequent rainfall, and rich vegetation creates a perfect storm for lawn pests in Tennessee. Left untreated, these pests can:
- Destroy grass and root systems
- Leave behind bare patches and dead spots
- Attract larger pests like moles
- Invite diseases like brown patch fungus or dollar spot
And here’s the kicker: many pests are most active in spring and early summer, right when your lawn is trying to thrive.
1. White Grubs
What They Are:
Grubs are the larvae of beetles like June bugs or Japanese beetles. They live underground and feed on grass roots.
Signs of Infestation:
- Spongy or soft turf
- Patches of dead grass that peel back easily
- Increased animal activity (moles, skunks)
How to Treat:
- Chemical Treatment: Use a preventative grub control product with imidacloprid or chlorantraniliprole in early summer.
- Organic Option: Apply beneficial nematodes or milky spore bacteria to target grubs naturally.
Read more about grub control from the University of Tennessee Extension
2. Chinch Bugs
What They Are:
Tiny, sap-sucking insects that thrive in hot, dry weather. They’re often found in St. Augustine and zoysia grass.
Signs of Infestation:
- Yellowing grass that turns brown
- Expanding dead patches
- Visible bugs in the thatch layer
How to Treat:
- Chemical Treatment: Use an insecticide containing bifenthrin.
- Organic Option: Diatomaceous earth or neem oil can help reduce populations naturally.
3. Armyworms
What They Are:
Caterpillars that eat grass blades and move in large numbers. Common in late summer.
Signs of Infestation:
- Grass chewed down to the crown
- Birds feeding in your lawn
- Visible striped caterpillars
How to Treat:
- Chemical Treatment: Use products with cyfluthrin or carbaryl.
- Organic Option: BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) is a biological insecticide that targets caterpillars.
The National Pesticide Information Center offers more insights on safe treatment methods.
4. Fire Ants
What They Are:
Aggressive ants that create large mounds and painful stings. Common in southern lawns.
Signs of Infestation:
- Dome-shaped soil mounds
- Swarms of red ants when disturbed
- Painful stings near ankles or feet
How to Treat:
- Chemical Treatment: Broadcast bait with hydramethylnon or spinosad followed by a contact insecticide.
- Organic Option: Pour boiling water on mounds or use citrus oil-based products.
5. Sod Webworms
What They Are:
Moth larvae that live in the thatch and chew on grass blades at night.
Signs of Infestation:
- Small brown patches
- Silken tunnels in the thatch
- Grass looks scalped or chewed
How to Treat:
- Chemical Treatment: Use insecticides with bifenthrin or permethrin.
- Organic Option: Apply neem oil or encourage birds as natural predators.
6. Moles (Attracted by Other Pests)
While not technically a pest of grass, moles show up when there’s a grub or worm buffet beneath the soil.
Signs of Activity:
- Raised tunnels and mounds
- Loose, spongy soil
- Plant damage from root disturbance
How to Treat:
- Eliminate grubs and worms first
- Use castor oil-based repellents
- Consider humane traps for relocation
Read more about mole control from UTIA
Best Practices for Lawn Pest Prevention
It’s not just about reacting to pests—it’s about preventing them. Here’s what every Chattanooga homeowner should be doing:
- Mow regularly: Keep grass at proper height for the type
- Water deeply but infrequently: Overwatering can encourage pests
- Aerate annually: Improves soil drainage and root health
- Remove thatch buildup: A thick thatch layer harbors insects
- Fertilize smart: Don’t overdo nitrogen
When to Call a Professional for Pest Control in Chattanooga
If you’re dealing with multiple pests or damage is already spreading, it’s time to bring in expert pest control. Chattanooga homeowners shouldn’t have to guess when it comes to their lawn’s health.
A good pest control team can:
- Properly identify the pest
- Use targeted treatments (not overkill)
- Recommend organic or pet-safe options
- Monitor the lawn for re-infestation
Organic and Eco-Friendly Pest Control
More Tennessee homeowners are going green. Whether you have pets, kids, or just want to reduce chemical use, here are natural pest control options to explore:
- Beneficial nematodes for grub control
- BT for caterpillars
- Neem oil for soft-bodied insects
- Diatomaceous earth as a natural desiccant
Check out Rodale Institute or EPA’s guide to lawn care for more tips on natural lawn health.
Pest Control Chattanooga Homeowners Can Rely On
Pests are more than just a nuisance—they’re a threat to your investment in your lawn. By identifying problems early and using the right treatment methods, you can protect your yard and enjoy your outdoor space all year round.
Whether you’re looking for natural options or professional solutions, Champion Green is here to help. We understand Tennessee lawns, and we know what it takes to keep them pest-free.
Need expert pest control in Chattanooga? Reach out to our team today and let’s protect your lawn together.