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Creeping bentgrass · Agrostis stolonifera

What is eating my creeping bentgrass?

It is less common for this grass to suffer from major pest infestations, which usually occur due to high humidity or improper maintenance. Check for signs of fungal activity or insect damage first.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

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

Check these first

  1. Look for small bleached spots in the grass.
  2. Check the humidity levels in your area.
  3. Inspect the base of the grass for signs of fungal mycelium.

Likely causes

  1. Dollar spot

    Most likely

    How to tell: Small, bleached spots about the size of a silver dollar appear on the turf during humid weather.

    What to do: Improve air circulation by pruning nearby shrubs or trees. Apply a fungicide labeled for dollar spot if the infection is widespread.

  2. Brown patch

    Possible

    How to tell: Irregular patches of brown, dead grass appear, often with a darker border during humid conditions.

    What to do: Avoid watering in the late evening to keep the foliage dry overnight. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer during high humidity periods to slow fungal growth.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your creeping bentgrass

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 the spots begin to merge and cover large areas of the lawn. Early intervention is key to preventing total lawn loss.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the lawn well aerated and avoid over fertilizing during humid summer months.

Creeping bentgrass: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your creeping bentgrass 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

Are these spots caused by bugs?
Usually, these spots are caused by fungal diseases rather than insects. Check for fungal growth before applying insecticides.
Can I prevent these spots?
Yes, by maintaining a healthy lawn and ensuring good airflow. Watering in the morning helps the grass dry out before nightfall.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Creeping bentgrass

Back to the Creeping bentgrass 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.