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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.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 12, 2022, 4:07 PM EDT

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