white insect or weed - Ask Extension
What is this fuzzy insect or weed that is killing the grass?
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white insect or weed #805939
Asked August 12, 2022, 12:01 PM EDT
What is this fuzzy insect or weed that is killing the grass?
Scott County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thanks for your question.
I believe that this is a white wooly aphid (Prociphilus tessellates). They seem to be quite common this year. What is giving me slight pause is that this insect does not normally live on grass. Rather they are typically found on trees, especially maples. Do you have any maples in your yard from which these aphids could have been blown by wind? You indicated that you believe that these critters are killing your grass. This would be highly unusual. What is your basis for believing that they are killing your grass? See the following:
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/aphids
http://minnesotaseasons.com/Insects/woolly_and_gall-making_aphids_Eriosomatinae.html
I would very much appreciate your response and upon which I may need to make a new assessment. Many thanks.