Insects can destroy a lawn and the symptoms of insect pests can be difficult to identify. Following are some of the more common lawn insect pests and how to control them. The following can be controlled with an application of Diazinon. Dylox and Dursban are also very effective.

Ants - Residing in hot, dry areas of the lawn, ants can smother and kill grass plants by building moufids on the soil. Treat the area and water lightly afterward. As new mounds appear, repeat. Once ants are gone, reseed any bare or dead areas.

Earwigs - These one-inch-long, reddish-brown insects not only damage lawns, but other plants as well. Their main food sources are plants and decaying organic matter. Their favorite hiding places are damp, dark places. Treat any areas you think they may be hiding; re-apply if damage persists.

Leafhoppers - Leafhoppers do their damage by sucking sap from the leaves and stems. Mow the lawn and water it well before applying treatment. If reinfestation occurs, repeat the treatment in one month.

Grubs - Large brown irregular patches of grass that roll up easily like a carpet are a good indication of the presence of grubs. And if it is, they'll be easily visible when you lift the grass. They're one-eighth of an inch to one inch long, and milky-white in color. The younger the grubs are, the easier they are to destroy. At the first sign of damage, treat the area, then water thoroughly to help carry the product into the root zone where the grubs are feeding.