Which one of the following pests causes the most damage to lawns?

• A. Chigger
• B. Tick
• C. Beetle grub
• D. Ladybug

Answer: (C)

Root-feeding beetle grubs cause the most lawn damage because their larvae feed on the grass roots, weakening the root system and making the turf die in irregular patches. When the roots are damaged, the grass can’t take up water and nutrients effectively, so it turns brown and may lift away easily. By contrast, chiggers and ticks are surface-dwelling pests that irritate or parasitize rather than harming the roots, and ladybugs are beneficial predators that help control other pests without damaging the lawn. If you probe a thinning area of turf and find white, C-shaped grubs in the soil, that’s a strong sign grubs are the culprit.