Above Ground Several insects feed on grass by sucking the juices from growing plants. Fortunately, grass grows very rapidly, and most insects that feed on grasses in this manner cause no economic damage. When lawns are under stress, however, or when newly seeded, insect damage may be more severe. Insects that damage grass are leafhoppers, mites, spittlebugs, and chinch bugs. Usually only the chinch bug is severe enough to require control measures.
Leafhoppers are long, wedge-shaped insects that hop or fly short distances.
They are often brightly colored and have stripes. The basic color may be green, yellow, or brown. Leafhoppers suck plant juices from many plants including grasses. The damage they cause is chlorosis, a disease marked by white or yellow patches on green blades. Mites also suck plant juices.