What are the two primary categories of insects that can damage turf?

The correct answer is based on the classification of insects that can harm turfgrass, which are indeed divided into two main categories: surface pests and subsurface pests.

Surface pests tend to feed on the foliage, roots, or other above-ground parts of the turf. They are often visible and can cause immediate damage to the aesthetic quality of the lawn, impacting growth and health. Examples of surface pests include grubs, armyworms, and sod webworms, which affect the grass from above or just below the soil surface.

On the other hand, subsurface pests operate below the ground and can damage the root system of the grass. Their impact often goes unnoticed until the turf shows signs of stress or decline. Common examples of subsurface pests are white grubs and certain species of beetle larvae that damage the roots directly.

This classification is important for effective pest management strategies, as it informs when and how to apply control measures depending on the type of pest present. Understanding the differences between these two categories helps turf managers target their pest control methods more effectively.