Mole Crickets

1. What They Look Like: Light brown, about 2 inches long, with large front legs that look like tiny shovels—perfect for digging.
2. Where You’ll Find Them: These pests tunnel underground, usually in lawns or vegetable beds, and are active at night. Their presence is often spotted by raised, loose soil and ½-inch wide tunnels.
3. How to Control Them:

• Apply beneficial nematodes or insecticides labeled for mole cricket control in early evening.
• Water the lawn before treatment to draw them closer to the surface.
• Late spring and early fall are key treatment windows.

Grubs

1. What They Look Like: “C”-shaped, dirty white larvae with darkened rear ends and reddish-brown heads, ranging from ¼ to 2½ inches long.
2. Where You’ll Find Them: In the root zone of your lawn or garden beds, often under the turf. They feed on plant roots and tubers, causing grass to brown or lift easily.
3. How to Control Them:

• Apply grub-specific insecticides in late summer or early fall when young grubs are near the surface.
• Beneficial nematodes are a great organic control option.
• Keep your lawn healthy and well-aerated to discourage infestation.

Aphids

1. What They Look Like: Tiny, pear-shaped insects (1/32 to 1/8 inch) that may be green, yellow, black, pink, or brown.
2. Where You’ll Find Them: On the undersides of leaves, tender stems, or flower buds—often in clusters.
3. How to Control Them:

• Spray plants with a strong stream of water to dislodge them.
• Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavier infestations.
• Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to keep aphid populations in check.
• Watch for curled leaves or stunted growth—aphids also spread plant viruses.