Lawn invader bugs - Rob - Perth, Australia

I noticed  recently that my Velvet Buffalo lawn has developed some dying patches ....out of the blue.   As it is summer I thought that the areas must be drying out, so I gave the areas a really good soaking with the hose.  I was suprised to see all these bugs coming up to the surface there seems to be heaps of them.  I think they are doing the damage in my lawn.  I have enclosed a photo of these catapillar looking bugs.  Can you tell me what they are, and how to fix them.  They are about 2cm long and 5mm wide with brown stipes on the body.  Thanks Rob. 

 

Rob,

           Thanks for the photo, it makes it much easer to identify the pest.  These are Army Worm.   They are active around Christmas in most areas around Australia.  For some reason when they attack a lawn, they don't just attack a section, they tend to spread very quickly through the whole lawn.    They can do quite a bit of damage in a short period.  Best you get on to them soon and treat the lawn.

    You can use beetle grub granules, they kill most lawn bettles, including Curl grubs, which also eat lawns.   However,  we suggest a more natural and safe product in the form of Professor Mac's 3 in 1.   It is a hose on product and works well, you may have to treat the lawn twice to make sure you get them..   Focus on the dying areas most.  This product is available from nurseries in Australia and is also sold in the USA,   apparently.   

      

 

 

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