Lawn Insects
Preventing Billbugs in Your Lawn in Waterford
| Jul 23, 2026
Adult bluegrass billbug in lawn. | David Shetlar, Ohio State Univ., Bugwood.org
Billbug larvae are a small grub-like lawn pest about the size of a cooked rice grain. They can be a serious threat to lawns in Waterford, Michigan, causing extensive damage as their larvae feed inside the stems and on the roots of your grass. If left unchecked, billbugs can turn a perfectly green lawn into a patchy, unhealthy mess. Here’s how to prevent billbugs from infesting your Waterford lawn.
Begin by keeping your lawn healthy. Billbugs are drawn to stressed grass, so ensuring your lawn gets proper care is crucial. Make sure to water your grass deeply and infrequently, as this promotes deep root growth. Regular fertilization helps strengthen your lawn, making it less attractive to billbugs.
Aeration is another important step in keeping your lawn healthy. Aerating your lawn once a year helps reduce compaction and allows water and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively. Lawn aerating also keeps the thatch layer under control and excessive thatch creates a perfect environment for billbug larvae, so keep it under control. This creates a healthier lawn that’s less likely to fall victim to insect pests like billbugs.
Finally, applying an insecticide in early spring (typically April or early May in Waterford) can prevent billbugs from damaging your grass. Choose an insecticide specifically designed to target billbugs and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results. With these steps, your lawn will stay healthy and free from billbugs.
If you need an insect control treatment for your lawn send us a message or give Owen Tree and Lawn Care a call today at 800-724-6680.