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Common bent · Agrostis capillaris

Why are there bugs on my Common bent grass?

It is less common for Common bent to suffer from major pest infestations, but you might occasionally see sod webworms or cutworms. Check the base of the grass blades for small larvae or chewed edges to confirm the culprit.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the grass blades for chew marks or missing sections.
  2. Look for small moths flying low over the lawn at dusk.
  3. Check the thatch layer for small, curled larvae.

Likely causes

  1. Sod webworms

    Possible

    How to tell: You will notice small, irregular brown patches and silk tunnels near the soil surface. Look for small, tan moths flying low over the grass at dusk.

    What to do: Apply a lawn safe insecticide containing bifenthrin or spinosad. Follow the label instructions for the correct square footage application rate. Water the area lightly after application to help the product reach the soil.

  2. Cutworms

    Possible

    How to tell: These caterpillars chew grass blades off at the base, leaving small holes or bare spots in your lawn. They are most active at night and hide in the thatch during the day.

    What to do: Use a soapy water drench to bring them to the surface for identification. Treat the affected area with a granular insecticide labeled for cutworms. Apply in the late afternoon for the best results.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common bent

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

Worry if you see large, rapidly expanding brown patches that do not respond to water. A few stray insects are normal in any outdoor lawn.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your lawn healthy with proper mowing heights and balanced fertilization to help it recover from minor damage. Avoid overwatering, which can create a humid environment that attracts some pests.

Common bent: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common bent and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Will these bugs kill my whole lawn?
Usually not, unless the infestation is severe and left untreated for a long time. Most lawns can recover once the pest population is managed.
Can I use home remedies to get rid of them?
Soapy water can help flush them out for inspection, but it is rarely enough to clear a full infestation. Commercial lawn insecticides are much more effective.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Common bent

Back to the Common bent guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.