South Carolina summers can be tough on your lawn—not just from the heat, but also from hidden lawn pests like grubs and armyworms. These insects can quickly damage healthy turf, turning green grass into brown patches seemingly overnight.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to identify, prevent, and treat grub and armyworm infestations to protect your lawn all season long.
What Are Grubs and Why Are They a Problem?
Grubs are the larval stage of beetles such as Japanese beetles and June bugs. They live beneath your lawn’s surface and feed on grass roots. This feeding weakens the grass, causing sections of your lawn to turn brown, wilt, or even lift up like a loose carpet.
If you’ve noticed skunks or birds digging up your yard, that’s often a sign they’re hunting for grubs. Grubs hatch and begin feeding in mid to late summer in South Carolina. This is when lawns are already stressed from heat and drought, making the damage even worse.
What Are Armyworms?
Armyworms are caterpillars that feed on the blades of grass, especially in late summer and early fall. They’re known for their fast and destructive feeding habits; an infestation can strip a healthy lawn in just a few days.
How to Spot an Armyworm Problem
If you notice areas of your lawn suddenly turning brown or looking chewed down, it may be armyworms. You might also see more birds in your yard, feeding on the caterpillars. A simple trick to confirm: pour soapy water on a small patch of grass and see if any worms surface.
Summer Is Peak Season for Lawn Pests in South Carolina
Both grubs and armyworms are most active from June through September in Lake Wylie and the surrounding areas. Grubs attack your lawn from below while armyworms chew it from above. That’s why it’s so important to stay alert and take action during the summer months.
Preventing Grub and Armyworm Damage
A proactive approach is the best way to stop these pests before they cause serious harm to your lawn.
1. Build Lawn Resilience with Healthy Practices
The best defense starts with a healthy lawn. Proper fertilization, regular watering, and mowing at the correct height can make your turf more resistant to pests. Weeds and weak grass create open space that pests love, so keeping your lawn thick and well-maintained is essential.
(Hippo Turf Care offers fertilization and weed control services that support lawn health.)
2. Apply Preventive Treatments
Prevention is much easier than trying to reverse damage later. Summer is the ideal time to apply season-long insecticides like Acelepryn, which target early-stage grubs and also protect against armyworms. These treatments offer weeks of protection and are safe for your lawn when applied correctly.
Treatment Options If You Already Have Damage
If you’ve noticed brown patches, chewed grass blades, or signs of pest activity, you’ll need to act quickly.
For grubs, insecticides that target feeding larvae can still be effective mid-summer. For armyworms, products containing bifenthrin or cyfluthrin work best and should be applied in the early morning or evening when the caterpillars are active. Professional treatment is usually the most effective way to stop the damage before it spreads.
Aftercare: Helping Your Lawn Recover
Once the pests are under control, your lawn may still need a little help to bounce back.
- Water deeply to help roots recover.
- Avoid mowing too short, as stressed grass needs more blade surface to photosynthesize.
- If you have dead patches, light lawn renovation may help fill them in and restore curb appeal.
Our team can guide you through recovery options, including professional lawn renovation if needed.
Why Trust Hippo Turf Care for Grub & Armyworm Defense?
Based in Lake Wylie, we understand the pest patterns and climate conditions that affect South Carolina lawns. Our treatments are customized for your property and applied at the optimal time for lasting protection.
Whether you’re dealing with brown patches or want to protect your lawn before problems start, our team is ready to help. We combine expert knowledge with high-quality products to keep your lawn green, healthy, and pest-free.
Ready to protect your lawn? Contact us today for expert lawn care service in York County and Lake Wylie.
Schedule Your Grub & Armyworm Treatment Today!
Don’t let grubs or armyworms ruin your lawn this summer. Timely treatment now can prevent costly damage and keep your grass looking its best.
- Call or Text Hippo Turf Care at 803-810-1145
- Get a Fast and Free Quote online at hippoturfcare.com
We proudly serve homeowners across York County, SC, including York, Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Lake Wylie, Clover, Tega Cay, and nearby areas.
Let Hippo Turf Care protect your lawn with expert pest defense—so you can enjoy a lush, green yard all summer long!
FAQs
1. What time of year do grubs become a problem in South Carolina?
Grubs usually become active in mid to late summer when they hatch and begin feeding on grass roots. This is the best time to treat them.
2. How do I know if I have armyworms in my lawn?
Look for chewed grass blades, sudden brown patches, or increased bird activity. A soap and water flush test can also bring the worms to the surface.
3. Can I treat armyworms and grubs at the same time?
Yes, some products like Acelepryn offer protection against both grubs and armyworms when applied at the right time during summer.
4. Will grub or armyworm damage kill my lawn?
If left untreated, these pests can cause severe damage. Early detection and treatment are key to helping your lawn recover.
5. Does Hippo Turf Care offer grub and armyworm treatment?
Yes. Hippo Turf Care provides professional insecticide treatments and seasonal lawn care to protect SC lawns from common summer pests.
