Weeds, moles, and wasps are obvious pest problems. Lawn Grubs, on the other hand, are a whole different ball game. Lawn grub damage is less noticeable, but fortunately, there are effective ways to prevent permanent damage. In this post, we’ll cover tips on how to deal with a grub problem in your lawn.
What are Lawn Grubs?
Lawn Grubs, also known as white grubs, are larval of several species of beetles and chafers. They can cause damage to lawns by chowing down on the roots of your grass. The healthier the grass, the more tolerable it is to lawn grubs.
When disturbed, Grubs curl up into a distinctive C shape. When these small white creatures are lively, they are spotted a few inches below the soil. As the season grows colder, they dig deeper up to 8 inches below the surface.
Eventually, lawn grubs develop into beetles and feast on foliage and flowers. Female beetles will lay their eggs, and the eggs will hatch during the summertime. Severe lawn grub damage can happen during this time as the feeding continues into fall.
During the wintertime, lawn grubs go dormant until spring comes around, when they become active again. If left untreated, lawn grubs can become a severe problem.
Signs You Got A Grub Problem
Lawn grub damage can sometimes be mistaken for something else. Here are some sure ways to tell if you got a real grub problem.
- Focus on the area you suspect is infested with grubs. Make a cut in a one-foot section of your lawn using a shovel or lawn edger. Peel the layer of grass and soil. If the grass peels easily, this is a sign of significant damage from grubs.
- Before dead patches of grass start to form, your lawn may feel a bit spongy.
- Raccoons, skunks, and birds find mature lawn grubs to be a tasty snack. If you find them digging up your lawn frequently, it could be lawn grubs.
- Although not a for sure sign, moths or beetles flying around grass level could indicate that grubs are near.
- Brown patches in your lawn will develop when grubs are attacking your property.
How to Stop Lawn Grub Damage
The key to preventing lawn grub damage is to stop grubs before they hatch. During the spring or early summer seasons, enforce preventative measures to save your lawn from future damage.
- Apply a preventative grub control insecticide in the spring or summer season. This treatment will either slow down or stop grubs from getting too comfortable.
- An under-watered lawn can reveal lawn grub damage faster than a healthy lawn. This method provides a clear view of where grubs are getting a little too comfortable.
- Encourage contact with natural predators such as ants, wasps, and birds. They can feed on grubs before they’ve had a chance to do damage. This is a natural preventative measure.
How to repair grub damage
If your lawn has suffered from pretty severe grub damage, it is not too late to revive the property.
First things first, you will need to remove any dead grass and dispose of it. Next, aerate your lawn by walking it across your yard like a mower. This technique will help keep your lawn healthier overall and allow for treatments to absorb effectively.
Plant grass seed in the areas where the grass is removed. Irrigate the lawn to germinate the grass seed. Ultimately, this can also strengthen the existing grass areas. The soil should be kept moist for at least two weeks until the seed begins to grow.
Then, you’ll want to apply granular fertilizer fit for lawns before watering. Spread the fertilizer in rows, covering the infected areas or entire lawn.
Contact All Green Pest Control and Lawn Care
Our friendly team at All Green Pest Control and Lawn Care will put together a plan for grub control. We take pride in delivering quality service that matches quality results.
It is time to take your lawn back. Contact us today at 801-477-1289 for a quote, or feel free to visit our website for additional information on the services we provide.