Billbugs

Billbugs are weevils (commonly called snout beetles) that belong to the family Curculionidae that commonly infest high-cut turfgrass species. The bluegrass billbug, Sphenophorus parvulus Gyllenhal, is the most frequently encountered billbug.   Damage to turf is caused by the larval stage of this pest, as they burrow down through the grass stem toward the crown and roots. Destruction of turf roots, especially during periods of drought, will kill the entire grass plant. Billbug damage usually first appears in mid- to late June.  

Below is a photo of a Bluegrass Billbug in the larvae form and the second picture is the damage to turf that the billbugs can cause.   We are currently treating for billbugs in various areas throughout the golf course.