June marks the start of Tampa Bay’s wet season... and with the rain comes the bugs. Three of the biggest threats to your yard and outdoor enjoyment this month are mosquitoes, chinch bugs, and sod webworms. Here’s what to watch for and how to fight back.

Mosquitoes: Summer’s Most Persistent Pest

Tampa Bay’s heat and humidity create a perfect mosquito breeding ground. All it takes is a bottle cap’s worth of standing water and 7–10 days to hatch a new generation. Beyond the itch, Florida mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, so this is one pest you don’t want to ignore.

Pro Tips:

• Dump standing water weekly. Bird baths, planters, gutters, and kiddie pools are prime breeding spots.
• Keep grass trimmed. Mosquitoes rest in tall vegetation during the heat of the day.
• Consider a professional barrier treatment that targets resting spots and provides 3–4 weeks of relief.

First-time customer? SOS Turf & Pest is offering a FREE mosquito treatment for new clients in the Tampa Bay area. Call us today to schedule yours.

Chinch Bugs: The Silent Lawn Killer

Chinch bugs are tiny... about the size of a pencil tip... but they can wipe out a St. Augustine lawn in weeks. They pierce grass blades and suck out the moisture, leaving irregular yellow or straw-colored patches that spread fast in hot, dry conditions.

Signs to look for:

• Yellow or dead patches near driveways and sidewalks (hot, sunny spots are hit first).
• Damage that doesn’t improve after watering.
• Tiny black-and-white insects visible at the edge of damaged areas.

Pro Tips:

• Water deeply but infrequently. Soggy lawns are more susceptible.
• Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizer in summer; it creates lush growth chinch bugs love.
• Treat early! Once the damage spreads, lawn recovery takes significantly longer.

Sod Webworms: The Lawn Moth You’ve Never Heard Of

Sod webworms are the larvae of small lawn moths, and they’re active all summer long in Tampa Bay. They feed on grass blades near the soil surface, creating small, irregular brown patches that can be easily mistaken for chinch bug damage or drought stress. If you’ve been watering faithfully and still see browning, sod webworms may be the culprit.

Signs to look for:

• Small, irregular brown patches that appear suddenly, especially after mowing.
• Small white or tan moths flying just above the grass at dusk... those are the adults laying eggs.
• Green pellet-like frass (droppings) visible at the soil surface.

Pro Tips:

• Mow at the correct height for your grass type. Scalping weakens turf and makes it more vulnerable.
• Water in the morning so the lawn dries out by evening, reducing conditions webworms prefer.
• Act fast! Sod webworms can devastate a lawn quickly if left untreated.

Don’t Let June Bugs Ruin Your Summer

SOS Turf & Pest serves homeowners across the Tampa Bay area with targeted treatments for mosquitoes, chinch bugs, sod webworms, and more. Whether you’re dealing with an active infestation or just want to stay ahead of the season, our team is ready to help.