Insecticides

Bermudagrass lawns can host a variety of insects and pests that can be detrimental to the health of the grass. Some common insects found in bermudagrass include:

Armyworms: These caterpillars feed on the leaves and can quickly strip a lawn of its foliage.

Bermudagrass Mites: Tiny mites that cause the grass to become stunted and form witch’s brooms (tufts of stunted growth). For more on dealing with mites, see our dedicated post about mites.

White Grubs: The larvae of various beetles that feed on the roots of the grass, leading to patches of dead or dying turf. For more on dealing with grubs, see our post about grubs.

Types of Insecticides

Type	Summary	Examples of Active Ingredients
Pyrethroids	Synthetic chemicals modeled after natural pyrethrins, effective against a wide range of insects.	Bifenthrin, Permethrin, Cyfluthrin, Deltamethrin
Neonicotinoids	Target the nervous system of insects, particularly effective against sucking insects.	Imidacloprid, Thiamethoxam, Acetamiprid
Organophosphates	Affect the nervous system of insects, used for a variety of pests but with safety concerns.	Malathion, Chlorpyrifos
Carbamates	Similar action to organophosphates, impacting the nervous system with varied pest targets.	Carbaryl, Methomyl
Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)	Disrupt the growth and reproduction of insects, suitable for long-term control.	Methoprene, Pyriproxyfen
Biologicals and Botanicals	Natural substances and organisms, offering specific targeting with reduced environmental impact.	Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), Spinosad

Best Insecticide for Bermuda Grass

Bifenthrin, or “bifen” for short, commonly found in products marketed under the name Talstar P among others, is one of the more popular choices for home use on bermudagrass, primarily because of its broad-spectrum effectiveness and relatively low toxicity to mammals. It targets a wide range of lawn pests, including several that commonly affect bermudagrass such as armyworms, chinch bugs, and sod webworms. Bifenthrin is often a recommended choice due to its effectiveness against a variety of pests without severely affecting beneficial insects when used correctly.

Pest	Effective with Bifenthrin?
Armyworms	Yes
Bermudagrass Mites	Partially, see here.
White Grubs	No, see here.
Chinch Bugs	Yes
Cutworms	Yes
Mole Crickets	Yes but imidacloprid or fipronil usually gives longer control.
Sod Webworms	Yes
Mosquitos	Yes
Ticks	Yes

Order Bifenthrin here from Amazon

Most Safe Around Pets and Kids

For insecticides that are safer around children and pets while treating Bermudagrass lawns, consider using Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) like Methoprene and Pyriproxyfen, which specifically target the development of insect larvae with minimal risk to mammals. However, there’s still some risk if misused or overapplied, so always follow label directions carefully.

Spinosad, a naturally derived product from soil bacteria, is also a safe choice, effective against caterpillars and some beetles while being less toxic to non-target species. Lastly, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) offers a highly specific action against caterpillar pests and is safe for use around both pets and children, posing no significant threat to mammals or birds. Always apply these products according to label instructions for the safest and most effective results.

Targeting Specific Pests

Common Lawn Pest	Safest Product	Most Effective Product
Armyworms	Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)	Spinosad or Bifenthrin
Chinch Bugs	Bifenthrin	Imidacloprid or Acephate
Sod Webworms	Spinosad	Bifenthrin
Mole Crickets	Bifenthrin	Fipronil or Imidacloprid
Cutworms	Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)	Bifenthrin
Common Ants	Bifenthrin	Bifenthrin or Fipronil
Red Imported Fire Ants	Spinosad-based bait	Indoxacarb or Hydramethylnon bait
Nest-building Wasps	Permethrin (applied to nests)	Cypermethrin or Wasp freeze sprays
Wood-boring Carpenter Bees	Cypermethrin	Cypermethrin or Dust formulations
Mosquitoes (Larvae)	Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)	Bti or Methoprene
Ticks in Lawns	Permethrin	Bifenthrin
Flea Beetles	Pyrethroids (e.g., Bifenthrin)	Bifenthrin
Aphids	Neem oil or Insecticidal soap	Imidacloprid or Pyrethroids
Scale Insects	Horticultural oil	Imidacloprid
Thrips	Spinosad or Insecticidal soap	Spinosad
Leafhoppers	Pyrethroids (e.g., Permethrin)	Permethrin
Japanese Beetles (Adults)	Carbaryl	Carbaryl or Bifenthrin
Billbugs	Imidacloprid	Imidacloprid or Bifenthrin
Crane Flies (Larvae)	None clearly labeled	Cyfluthrin or Chlorantraniliprole
Lawn Moths (Adult Stage)	Pyrethroids	Bifenthrin or Lambda-cyhalothrin