How do I know if it is a pest or a disease?

Pests usually leave physical signs like chewed leaves or the bugs themselves. Diseases like dollar spot appear as sunken, bleached patches.

Should I use pesticides as a precaution?

No, only treat if you have confirmed the presence of pests. Using chemicals unnecessarily can harm beneficial insects.

Are there pests on my Poa trivialis? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Look for small moths flying over the grass at dusk.
Part the grass to look for tiny insects near the soil.
Check for chewed or ragged leaf edges.

Likely causes

Sod Webworms
Possible
How to tell: You might see small brown patches or grass that looks like it has been chewed off near the soil line. Look for small, light colored moths flying over the lawn at dusk.
What to do: Apply a lawn safe insecticide labeled for webworms if you see significant damage. Follow the package instructions for the correct application rate.
Chinch Bugs
Possible
How to tell: Patches of grass turn yellow and then brown, often in sunny areas. You can find these tiny black bugs with white wings near the base of the grass stems.
What to do: Use a gentle insecticidal soap or a targeted lawn treatment. Ensure the lawn is well watered, as these pests prefer dry, stressed conditions.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your roughstalk bluegrass

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.

When to worry

If you see large, spreading patches of dead grass that do not respond to water, it is time to treat for pests. Small amounts of insect activity are usually manageable.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your lawn healthy and properly watered to make it less attractive to pests. Avoid over fertilizing, which can draw in certain insects.

Roughstalk bluegrass: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your roughstalk bluegrass 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

How do I know if it is a pest or a disease?: Pests usually leave physical signs like chewed leaves or the bugs themselves. Diseases like dollar spot appear as sunken, bleached patches.
Should I use pesticides as a precaution?: No, only treat if you have confirmed the presence of pests. Using chemicals unnecessarily can harm beneficial insects.

Are there pests on my Poa trivialis?