Why Your Lawn Is Struggling Right Now (And How to Fix It Fast)

If your lawn has started turning brown, thinning out, or just doesn’t look as healthy as it should—you're not alone.

Here in Northwest Florida, this time of year brings rising temperatures, increased humidity, and a surge in lawn pests. The good news? Most lawn issues we see right now can be fixed quickly when you know what to look for.

Let’s break down the most common problems—and how to get your lawn back on track.

Problem #1: Brown Spots That Keep Spreading

Brown patches are one of the most common issues homeowners notice this time of year—and they can be caused by a few different things.

It could be:

• Lawn pests feeding on your grass

• Fungal disease from humidity

• Watering issues (too much or too little)

  
  

👉 What to do: Start by identifying the cause. If the area is spreading quickly or looks uneven, pests are often the culprit. If it looks more circular or patchy, fungus may be involved.

Problem #2: Lawn-Damaging Bugs

Chinch Bugs

What you’ll see:

• Dry, brown patches that don’t improve with watering

• Most common in St. Augustine lawns

What to use:

• A bifenthrin-based insecticide for fast control

Armyworms

What you’ll see:

• Grass disappearing quickly (sometimes overnight)

• Chewed or ragged blades

• Birds feeding heavily in your yard

What to use:

• A broad-spectrum lawn insecticide like bifenthrin

• Treat immediately to stop the spread

Mole Crickets

What you’ll see:

• Tunneling and raised soil

• Spongy-feeling lawn

• Weak or dying grass

What to use:

• A product labeled for mole crickets

• Water it in so it reaches below the surface

Sod Webworms

What you’ll see:

• Small brown patches

• Grass blades that look chewed

• Small moths flying in the evening

What to use:

• Bifenthrin-based treatments, applied in the evening

Fire Ants

What you’ll see:

• Mounds popping up throughout the yard

• Increased activity as temperatures rise

What to use:

• Fire ant bait for long-term control

• Granular insecticide for faster results

Pests That Aren’t Hurting Your Grass… But Are Hurting Your Yard

While some pests damage your lawn directly, others make it hard to enjoy your yard—especially this time of year.

Mosquitoes

What you’ll notice:

• Bites in the early morning and evening

• Mosquitoes hanging out in shaded areas

• Standing water nearby

What to do:

• Dump any standing water (even small amounts)

• Use yard sprays or foggers for quick relief

• Add mosquito dunks to water-prone areas

  
  

Ticks What you’ll notice:

• Ticks on pets after being outside

• Found in taller grass or shaded areas

What to do:

• Keep your grass trimmed

• Treat your lawn and yard perimeter

• Use pet-safe treatments when needed

Problem #3: Fungus From Heat + Humidity

Florida humidity creates the perfect environment for lawn fungus.

Signs of fungus:

• Circular or irregular patches

• Yellowing grass

• Areas that look “wet” or slimy

What to do:

• Avoid watering late in the evening

• Improve airflow by not overwatering

• Apply a fungicide if needed

Problem #4: Watering Mistakes

Watering seems simple—but it’s one of the most common causes of lawn problems.

Common mistakes:

• Watering too often (leads to fungus)

• Watering too shallow (weak roots)

• Watering at the wrong time of day

Best practice:

• Water deeply, 2–3 times per week

• Early morning is best

• Let the soil dry slightly between watering

  
  

A Simple Plan to Fix Your Lawn Fast

If your lawn is struggling, here’s where to start:

1. Identify the issue (pests, fungus, or watering)

2. Treat quickly—especially for bugs

3. Adjust watering habits

4. Stay consistent with care

The sooner you act, the easier it is to fix—and the better your lawn will recover.

Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered

At Manning’s Feed and Seed, we carry a full line of lawn care products to help with everything from insects to fungus to overall lawn health.

If you’re not sure what you’re dealing with, bring in a picture or stop by and talk with us—we’re always happy to help you figure out the right solution for your yard.

Final Thoughts

Lawn issues can feel frustrating, but most of what you’re seeing this time of year is completely fixable. With the right approach—and the right products—you can turn things around quickly and get your lawn looking healthy again.