Common Lawn Pests in Summer—and How to Stop Them Naturally

Summer brings out the best in your lawn—but it also brings out some of the worst pests. As temperatures rise in Western Chicago, a healthy yard can quickly become a buffet for bugs that chew, suck, and burrow their way through grass, roots, and garden beds. The good news? You don’t always need chemicals to fight back.

At Skyline Exteriors Landscaping, we believe in maintaining healthy, beautiful landscapes using smart, sustainable methods. Here’s how to spot the most common summer lawn pests—and stop them using natural, eco-friendly solutions.

1. Grubs

The problem: Grubs are the larvae of beetles like Japanese beetles or June bugs. These white, C-shaped pests feed on grass roots, causing your lawn to wilt, yellow, and die in patches. You can often pull back a piece of turf and see them just under the surface.

Natural solution: Introduce beneficial nematodes, microscopic worms that feed on grubs but are harmless to pets, people, and plants. Apply in the evening and water them in well. Milky spore is another natural method that targets Japanese beetle grubs specifically and builds up in the soil over time.

2. Chinch Bugs

The problem: Chinch bugs are tiny but destructive. They suck the sap out of grass blades, leaving behind yellow or brown patches that often look like drought damage. These pests love hot, dry conditions, especially in sunny areas.

Natural solution: First, aerate your lawn and water deeply to improve its resilience. Then, encourage predatory insects like ladybugs and ground beetles that feed on chinch bugs. If needed, try diatomaceous earth, a natural powder that damages insects’ exoskeletons—just sprinkle it in affected areas when the grass is dry.

3. Sod Webworms

The problem: These small caterpillars feed on grass blades at night, leaving behind tiny chewed areas that become brown patches over time. You might see small moths fluttering just above your lawn during the day—they’re laying the eggs that become webworms.

Natural solution: Encourage birds and natural predators by minimizing pesticide use and planting nearby native shrubs. You can also spray a mix of neem oil and water over affected areas in the evening—neem disrupts their life cycle and is safe for your lawn.

4. Armyworms

The problem: True to their name, armyworms can march across your lawn and devour large areas of grass seemingly overnight. They’re especially active in late summer after heavy rains, and they leave ragged, chewed-down patches in their wake.

Natural solution: Handpick small infestations and encourage birds to feed by keeping feeders nearby. For larger infestations, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a natural bacteria that kills caterpillars without harming beneficial insects or pollinators. It’s widely available in spray form and safe for organic use.

5. Moles and Voles

The problem: While technically not insects, moles and voles can wreak havoc on your yard by burrowing tunnels and damaging roots. Moles are after grubs, while voles feed on roots and stems.

Natural solution: Remove their food source by controlling grub populations. To repel them, plant castor bean plants or use castor oil-based repellents. For a natural barrier, bury mesh or wire around garden beds. Keep grass trimmed and remove hiding spots like wood piles to discourage nesting.

Preventive Tips for Natural Pest Control

The best defense against summer lawn pests is a strong, healthy lawn. Here are a few preventive strategies:

• Aerate compacted soil in spring or fall to improve drainage and root growth

• Mow high (3 to 4 inches) to shade out weeds and pests

• Water deeply and infrequently to encourage strong roots

• Avoid over-fertilizing, which can attract pests like grubs

• Encourage beneficial insects by planting pollinator-friendly flowers nearby

Let Skyline Help You Keep Your Lawn Healthy Naturally

Dealing with lawn pests doesn’t have to mean reaching for harsh chemicals. With the right approach, you can protect your yard, your family, and the environment. At Skyline Exteriors Landscaping, we help homeowners in Western Chicago maintain thriving, pest-resistant landscapes using safe, sustainable practices.

Need help diagnosing a lawn problem or applying natural treatments? Contact Skyline today to schedule a service visit or consultation. We’ll help your yard stay strong, green, and bug-free—naturally.