Grubs, also known as white grubs, might be lurking beneath your beautiful lawn, waiting to wreak havoc on your precious green carpet. These aren’t earthworms to befriend; they’re the chubby, curled-up larvae of beetles like Japanese beetles and June bugs. While a few grubs here and there are nothing to worry about, a full-blown infestation can leave your lawn looking patchy and lifeless.
How To Find Grubs In The Lawn
So, how do you identify these lawn enemies? The first line of defense is vigilance. Look for telltale signs of damage like brown, spongy patches where the grass lifts easily like a carpet. This is because grubs munch on the roots, leaving the grass vulnerable and detached. Additionally, animal visitors like raccoons and skunks might be attracted to your lawn for a free grub feast, leaving behind telltale digging marks.
If you suspect grubs, it’s time for a closer inspection. Grab a shovel and carefully cut a square foot section of your lawn, including a bit of soil. Peel back the sod and inspect the soil for the culprit – plump, white grubs with brown heads. If you find 10 or more grubs per square foot, it’s time to take action.
How To Kill or Prevent Grubs
You can use insecticidal treatments to prevent and/or kill grubs. Remember to follow application instructions carefully. If your lawn is currently infested with grubs, Bayer Advanced Grub Killer is a great option and kills grubs in 24 hours, but won’t prevent future infestations. A great option to use as a preventative is Scott’s GrubEx.
When To Apply a Grub Preventative
The best time to apply a grub preventative is in early June. Although grubs may exist in the lawn in April, there won’t be enough of them to cause damage to the lawn. The lawn is also growing strong at that time so applying a grub preventative in April is in my opinion a waste of money, you will likely have to apply it again in July. July through September is when grubs can cause the most damage to a lawn. Lawns are usually stressed out during the hot summer months which is also the time that those little ugly grubs are hatching and hungry to feed on those roots. For this reason, early June is a good time to apply a grub preventative.
Preventing future grub troubles is key. Keeping your lawn healthy with proper watering, mowing, and fertilization also discourages grubs, as they prefer weak lawns.
