If the turf looks damaged, wilted, and water-starved, then an insect may be involved. During root feeding , insect species that feed on roots detach the thatch and blades from the roots and permit the sod to peel off the soil without any root attachment. In addition, some insects defoliate or suck the grass blades. You must search in the blades and thatch to find these insects. Blade defoliation damage appears as brown scars where the blades are clipped off by the insect.
Blade sucking damage appears as brown lesions where the blade s sap was removed by the insect.
Many times an area of turf is brown and damaged, but damaging insects cannot be found. Search for the insects along the margin of brown and green grass. When turf damage is noticed and before applying pesticides, make sure insects and not diseases or some abiotic factor are the cause of the damage. Turf damage may be caused by fungal diseases, abiotic conditions, and improper maintenance. Find the insect Be sure to examine an area of turf that contains living as well as damaged grass.