Rodents, Grubs & Armyworms: Late Fall Lawn Pests You Can’t Ignore in Southeast Michigan

As the leaves fall and the chill sets in across Southeast Michigan, most homeowners assume their lawns are safe from pests until spring. But not so fast! November is prime time for a trio of troublemakers—rodents, grubs, and armyworms these three can wreak havoc on your turf when you least expect it.

Let’s dig into what’s happening beneath your feet and how to fight back before these pests turn your lawn into their personal buffet.

Rodents: Sneaky Winter Crashers

What’s going on?
With colder temps creeping in, rodents like mice and voles are on the move—looking for cozy places to nest and food to nibble. Lawns with thick grass, leaf piles, or cluttered landscaping are prime real estate for these furry invaders. These little critters don’t hibernate, so they stay active all winter long!

Signs of rodent activity:

• Narrow runways or trails through grass
• Small burrow holes near foundations or garden beds
• Chewed-up plants or bark
• More birds or outdoor predators hanging around
  
  

Helpful homeowner tips:

• Rake up leaf piles and clear out the yard clutter to eliminate hiding spots.
• Trim back overgrown shrubs and keep grass mowed short.
• Seal cracks and gaps around your home’s foundation to block entry.
• Try natural repellents like peppermint oil or rodent-repelling mulch to make your yard less inviting.
  
  

Grubs: The Underground Root Wreckers

What’s going on?
Grubs are the squishy, white, C-shaped larvae of beetles like the Japanese beetle and European chafer. Even in November, they’re still active beneath your lawn, munching away at grass roots. This weakens your turf and attracts animals like skunks and raccoons, who love to dig for a grub snack—leaving your yard looking like a battlefield.

Signs of grub damage:

• Brown patches that lift up easily, like a loose carpet
• Grass feels soft or spongy underfoot
• Increased digging from animals
  
  

Simple ways to fight back:

• Check for grubs by lifting a square foot of turf—if you see more than 5, it’s time to act.
• Apply curative grub control products like those containing carbaryl or trichlorfon—these work best in late fall when grubs are still feeding.
• For a natural approach, try beneficial nematodes or milky spore treatments, they target grubs without harming your lawn.
• Keep your lawn strong with regular watering and aeration—healthy turf is less attractive to grubs.

Armyworms: Marching Into Mayhem

What’s going on?
Fall armyworms are little caterpillars that move in groups and chomp through grass like mini lawnmowers. They’re usually more common in southern states, but thanks to warmer temps and extra rain this fall, Southeast Michigan is seeing some surprise activity.

Signs of armyworm damage:

• Brown patches that spread fast
• Grass blades chewed down to the stems
• Visible caterpillars crawling around (green to brown with stripes and a Y-shaped mark on their heads)
• Increased bird activity

Helpful homeowner tips:

• Do a soap flush test: Mix water with dish soap and pour it over a suspect area. If armyworms are there, they’ll come to the surface.
• Use eco-friendly insecticides like spinosad or Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) to treat infestations safely.

• Mow and water your lawn regularly to discourage armyworms from laying eggs.
• Reduce thatch buildup (the layer of dead grass) to eliminate hiding spots.

Don’t Let Pests Win This Fall

Rodents, grubs, and armyworms may be small, but they’re mighty when it comes to lawn destruction. The good news? With a little vigilance and the right treatments, you can protect your turf and head into winter with confidence.

Need help identifying or treating a pest problem? Lush Lawn’s expert team is here to help with customized solutions for Southeast Michigan homeowners. Let’s keep your lawn lush—even when the weather isn’t!