2025 Pasco Lawn Pest Forecast: Chinch Bugs, Mole Crickets & Armyworms Explained

Spring has officially returned to Pasco County, and as your turf starts greening up, so does the pest activity just below the surface. Florida’s warm, humid climate and sandy soils create a perfect storm for turf-damaging insects—especially as we head into late spring and summer.

If your lawn care goals include lush, green grass and pest-free turf, you’ll need to get ahead of what’s coming. Pest Away Exterminators’ experts have reviewed climate data, soil trends, and recent pest patterns to give you this 2025 Pasco Lawn Pest Forecast. Consider it your cheat sheet to a healthier lawn and fewer surprises.

🌿 Why Pasco Lawns Are Vulnerable

Pasco County lawns face unique turf challenges, and the sandy, well-drained soils across the region play a big role. While great for preventing standing water, sandy soils offer minimal nutrient retention and little natural pest resistance. They also warm up faster—making them an early-season invitation for pests like chinch bugs, mole crickets, and fall armyworms.

🔍 Spring & Summer Pest Forecast: What to Watch For

Based on historical data and current trends, here are the three top turf pests expected to surge in Pasco this season:

1. Chinch Bugs

🔥 Forecast: High Activity Expected by Late Spring

Chinch bugs are small, sap-sucking insects that thrive in St. Augustine grass, which is common in Pasco landscapes. They’re most active when temperatures climb above 80°F, which usually means April through September is peak season.

🛑 Signs of Chinch Bug Damage:

• Irregular brown patches that worsen despite watering

• Turf that feels dry or brittle, even when soil is moist

• Visible tiny insects (1/5 inch long) with black bodies and white wings along the soil surface

💡 When to Act:

Chinch bugs are resistant to many over-the-counter treatments, and DIY sprays can often miss hidden populations. Pest Away’s Lawn Spray Program includes targeted treatments and follow-ups for chinch bugs—customized to Pasco lawns.

2. Mole Crickets

🐛 Forecast: Rising Early Summer Infestations

Mole crickets tunnel just below the surface and wreak havoc both by feeding on roots and disrupting the soil structure. They prefer Bermudagrass and Bahiagrass and are especially destructive in sandy soil.

🛑 Signs of Mole Cricket Damage:

• Soft, spongy patches when you walk across the lawn

• Raised tunnels or mounds of soil

• Grass that lifts easily from the ground, like a loose carpet

💡 When to Act:

April to June is ideal for preventive control, as young mole crickets (nymphs) are easier to eliminate. Once they mature, they burrow deeper and are harder to reach without professional equipment.

3. Fall Armyworms

🐛 Forecast: Mid-to-Late Summer Spike

Despite their name, fall armyworms often arrive as early as June and hit their stride in July–August. These fast-moving caterpillars travel in groups, stripping lawns of grass blades in a matter of days.

🛑 Signs of Armyworm Damage:

• Sudden yellow or brown patches, especially near edges of lawns

• Chewed, ragged leaf tips on grass

• Birds pecking frantically at one area of the lawn (they're after the worms!)

💡 When to Act:

Armyworms are most active in the early morning and late evening. If you see them or their damage, Pest Away’s rapid-response team can apply treatments that eliminate the infestation before it spreads.

🧪 Why DIY Isn’t Always Enough

While big-box garden centers stock pest control sprays, many lawn insects in Florida have developed resistance to common insecticides.

Worse, improper DIY treatments can:

• Kill beneficial insects or pollinators

• Fail to reach root-level pests

• Leave behind residue that does nothing to stop re-infestation

Professional lawn spraying services like ours include:

• Correct identification of the pest species

• Proper timing and application rates

• Rechecks and follow-ups to ensure effectiveness

• Protection against reinfestation

🌱 Inside Pest Away’s Lawn Spray Program

Our lawn care team at Pest Away Exterminators offers a customized, season-specific Lawn Spray Program tailored to Pasco's soil, climate, and turf types. Here’s what’s included:

✔️ Comprehensive Lawn Inspection

• Identify pest species

• Assess lawn health, soil condition, and grass type

✔️ Targeted Treatments

• Surface and subsurface spraying

• Granular applications for root pests

• Biologically safe options for pet-friendly households

✔️ Scheduled Maintenance

• Pre-scheduled treatments throughout spring and summer

• Storm-adjusted visits to reduce weather interference

• Optional fungus and weed add-ons

✔️ Customer Education

• Know what signs to watch for between visits

• Lawn care tips to boost resistance naturally

• Ongoing support by phone or email

🟢 Want a healthier lawn this season? Learn more about our services on the Lawn Care page.

🕐 When to Schedule Service

Timing is everything. Here’s when we recommend action:

📞 Ready to Win the Turf War?

A patchy, bug-ridden lawn can undo all your landscaping efforts—but with proactive care, you can avoid damage before it starts.

Pest Away Exterminators is here to keep your lawn green, healthy, and pest-free all season long. Our technicians specialize in Florida turf pests, offering fast, effective solutions with proven results.

💬 Call us today at (727) 203-4442 or schedule your Lawn Spray Program online. Book early to ensure your spot during peak pest months.