White grubs are the larval stage of several types of beetles, with the most familiar being the Japanese Beetle. Grubs chew on the roots of turf and can sometimes kill entire sections of lawn. To control moderate populations of grubs, apply beneficial nematodes in early spring or fall . Or you can apply NEEM, a newly introduced insecticide made from the Neem tree. It works by interrupting the molting process of the developing grubs.
Chinch bugs appear during the summer months.
They suck the grass blades to withdraw the moisture and they inject a toxic saliva that can then kill the grass. Severe infestations can be controlled by spraying a quart of premixed Insecticidal Soap with a tablespoon of isopropyl alcohol. Spray the lawn every 3-4 days for two weeks. You may actually increase your insect problems rather than solve them. Diseases Lawn diseases are difficult to recognize because the symptoms often resemble nutrient deficiencies and insect damage.