Winter can be picturesque, with its blanket of snow covering homes, trees, and lawns. While many assume that the colder months spell the end of garden and lawn pests, some troublesome critters actually remain active or find ways to overwinter, only to emerge with vigor in the spring. For those invested in the health of their landscape, it's essential to remain vigilant and understand the potential threats.

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One pest to watch out for is the Winter Cutworm. These caterpillars, larvae of the large yellow underwing moth, remain active even in colder temperatures. They feed on grass and plant crowns during the winter, leaving irregular patches of damage that become noticeable once the snow melts.

White Grubs, which are beetle larvae – primarily of the Japanese beetle, June beetle, and the European chafer – can also be a problem. While they feed on grass roots primarily in late summer and early fall, their presence in the soil during winter can attract moles and skunks, which dig up lawns searching for a grub feast.

Winter Cutworm

White Grubs

Snow Mold

Scale Insect

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