CHRONOLOGY OF EARLY SEASON TURFGRASS INSECT PESTS

As the grass starts actively growing again lawn insect pests also start to become more active. Lawn insects are hungry after their winter hibernation and your lawn is just too appetizing to pass up. 

The quicker these lawn insects, and their associated damage, can be spotted the more effective our control methods can be. Early detection of lawn insects also means less damage to your lawn.

The following chart provides some guidance on when common lawn insect pests start to become active in southeast Michigan.

INSECT	TIMING	LIFE STAGE/LOCATION
European Chafer	April 20-May 10	Grubs move up to feed on roots
European Crane Fly	April 20-May 15	Leatherjackets resume feeding on roots & leaves
Chinch Bug	May 5-25	Adults become active, deposit eggs
Japanese Beetle	May 5-15	Grubs move up to feed on roots
Bluegrass Billbug	May 10-30	Adults become active, deposit eggs
European Chafer	May 15-June10	Peak damage time, skunks active
Japanese Beetle	May 25-June 25	Peak damage time, skunks active
Chinch Bug	May 25-June 15	First larvae begin developing & feeding on grass
Sod Webworm	May 25-June 10	Adult moths become active

Actual timing of insect activity may be earlier, or later, depending on the general weather conditions this spring.