Greenbug aphids are a periodic problem in cool-season turfgrass areas. Similar to the chinchbug, greenbugs pierce leaf tissue, suck out the sap and inject salivary fluids, causing surrounding tissue to die. They are one-sixteenth of an inch long with a fleshy green body. Greenbugs can feed anywhere, but are especially fond of turf under trees. The grass turns an orange color before dying. Green bugs can feed from late spring to mid-fall.

Tips

Prune away colonies. Aphids maintain the right to assemble. If you see a section of the plant containing aphids galore, snip it off and dispose of it. It doesn’t cure the problem but it will slow the advance.