Fall Pest Control Tips for a Healthy Texas Landscape

As the weather cools down in Montgomery County, TX, many homeowners breathe a sigh of relief. Summer heat is fading and lawns are lush from recent rains. But don’t let your guard down just yet. Fall brings a wave of lawn and garden pests, and if you’re not proactive, they can undo all the hard work you put in this summer.

At C4 Landscape & Design, we don’t offer pest control services—but we do design outdoor spaces that are healthier and more resistant to pest pressure. If you’re researching what bugs to treat your yard for in the Houston area this fall, this guide has the answers you need to stay ahead of the problem.

Common Bugs Affecting Texas Landscapes in the Fall

When cooler temperatures arrive in the fall, many pests become more active. They’re feeding, breeding, and looking for shelter. If you’re in the Houston area, here are the top lawn and landscape pests to watch out for this season.

Leather Jackets

Credit: So & Mo

Often mistaken for grubs, leatherjackets are the larval stage of crane flies. They live just below the soil surface and feed on grass roots and young shoots. Signs of infestation include yellowing grass and thin patches that worsen quickly. These pests thrive in moist, shaded areas—especially after fall rains.

Tip: Dethatch your lawn in early fall and avoid overwatering to make your turf less inviting to leatherjackets.

Army Worms

Credit: Southern Living

Armyworms are highly destructive caterpillars that chew through grass blades in large swaths—often overnight. In fall, you’ll often see them after a stretch of rainy weather, particularly in Bermuda and St. Augustine lawns. Look for chewed grass tips, brown patches, or caterpillars crawling across sidewalks and driveways.

Tip: Mow frequently and monitor the lawn after rain. A soap flush test (mix water and dish soap and pour on a small area) can reveal hidden larvae.

Grub Worms

Credit: Sod Solutions

Grubs are the larvae of beetles like June bugs and can cause serious damage by feeding on grassroots underground. Fall is when they’re most active, fattening up before winter. They’re a top culprit behind brown patches and spongy turf that lifts easily from the soil.

Tip: Apply beneficial nematodes or milky spore as a natural control. Avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizer in the fall, which can attract grubs.

Chinch Bugs

Credit: Sharp Lawn Care

These tiny insects love hot, dry patches of lawn—especially St. Augustine grass. While more common in summer, chinch bugs remain active into early fall in Texas. They suck the juices out of grass blades, causing yellow-brown patches that spread quickly.

Tip: Maintain even irrigation and avoid over-fertilizing, which can make grass more attractive to chinch bugs. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can help with small outbreaks.

Fall Lawn Pest Solutions for Montgomery County Homeowners

A healthy fall lawn starts with smart, season-specific care. Here’s how to deal with pests the sustainable way:

• Spot-treat active infestations with targeted insecticides or organic alternatives
  
• Monitor pest populations weekly—especially after rain
  
• Keep turf healthy and stress-free, so it can naturally resist pests
  
• Address drainage issues—standing water can invite fungus, mosquitoes, and more

Working with a pest control company? Make sure they tailor treatments to your soil, grass type, and planting zones. This improves effectiveness and avoids unnecessary chemical use.

Natural Pest Control for Yards in Fall

Looking for chemical-free solutions? These natural options are safe for families, pets, and pollinators:

• Beneficial Nematodes – Naturally attack grub larvae in the soil
  
• Neem Oil Spray – Effective on soft-bodied insects like aphids and mites
  
• Diatomaceous Earth – Destroys insects by damaging their exoskeleton
  
• Ladybugs & Lacewings – Natural predators of common fall pests
  
• Compost Topdressing – Strengthens soil, which boosts plant immunity

Signs of a Fall Lawn Pest Infestation

Credit: The Grass Outlet

Think something might be munching on your landscape? Look for these red flags:

• Brown, dead, or thinning patches that persist despite rain or irrigation
  
• Grass that lifts easily from the soil
  
• Discolored or curling leaves on shrubs or ornamentals
  
• Visible bugs, bite marks, or fine webbing on plants
  
• Fire ant mounds near walkways, driveways, or beds

Even in fall, what’s happening underground can cause major surface damage. Keep an eye out—and act early.

How a Professional Landscaping Company Can Help with Lawn Pests

While we don’t provide chemical treatments, at C4 Landscape & Design, our approach to landscaping reduces pest pressure naturally. Here’s how we help protect your yard from fall lawn pests in Montgomery County:

• Drainage-conscious landscape design to avoid standing water
  
• Native and hardy plant selections that naturally resist pests and disease
  
• Custom irrigation systems that prevent overwatering and fungal growth

A well-designed, low-maintenance residential landscape does more than look good—it helps you avoid the conditions pests love. We’ll work with you to build a landscape that thrives year-round.

If you do need professional pest control help, we’re happy to refer you to trusted local experts who can treat problems without disrupting your landscape design.

Protect Your Lawn from Fall Pests with Professional Landscape Design 

Fall pests like armyworms, chinch bugs, and grub worms are a real threat to Houston-area lawns—especially if your landscape isn’t built to handle seasonal stress. The best defense? A healthy, well-planned yard that naturally resists pests, starting with thoughtful landscape design by a top-rated landscape design team in Montgomery County.

At C4 Landscape & Design, we don’t just make outdoor spaces look good. We design them to thrive in the North Houston climate, resist pest pressure, and stay beautiful year-round. Whether you’re focused on natural pest control for your yard or long-term resilience, our team is here to help. For a full guide to preparing your yard to thrive this season, check out our tips on fall landscape maintenance in Montgomery County, Texas.

When you’re ready to protect your yard from fall pests and create a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor space, contact us to get started on your custom landscape design.