Grub Control

Homeowners want a healthy and beautiful lawn because it makes their home look friendly and welcoming. A green lawn adds to the house's beauty, increases property value, and provides a safe play space for kids and pets. A well-kept lawn can make outdoor activities more enjoyable and give homeowners a sense of pride.

Grubs are small, white, worm-like insects that live in the soil. They are the baby stage (larvae) of beetles. Grubs eat grass roots, which can make the lawn weak and brown. If there are too many grubs, the grass may die and come loose from the soil. They can damage the freshness and beauty of a garden.

Growcycle offers the best solutions for grub control. It has all the necessary tools to keep the lawns free from grubs and maintain the neat look of gardens.

What Are Grubs?

Grubs are the larvae (baby stage) of different types of beetles, such as Japanese beetles, June bugs, and chafer beetles. They look like small, white worms with soft bodies and brown heads. These tiny pests live in the soil and feed on the grass roots.

During the summer, adult beetles lay their eggs in the soil. After a few weeks, the eggs hatch into grubs. The grubs stay underground, feeding on grass roots for several months before becoming adult beetles. They are most active and damaging in late summer and early fall.

How Do Grubs Affect a Lawn?

Grubs can cause serious harm to a lawn by eating the roots of the grass. When they attack in large numbers, they weaken the grass, making it turn brown and die. Here are the main ways grubs affect a lawn:

• Brown, Dead Patches: As grubs feed on roots, the grass can not get enough water and nutrients. This causes brown, dry grass patches that may feel soft and spongy when walking on.
• Remove Firmness: A healthy lawn is firmly attached to the soil. But when grubs eat the roots, the grass becomes loose and can be pulled up like a carpet. If sections of the grass are easily lifted, grubs may be the problem.
• Increased Animal Activity: Birds, raccoons, skunks, and moles love to eat grubs. If animals dig up the lawn, they may look for these pests.
• Weakened Lawn Health: The damage is not immediately visible but grubs can weaken a lawn over time. A weak lawn can suffer from drought, disease, and weed growth.

Best Practices to Remove Grubs

When grub activity is observed in the lawn, quick action is essential. Below are the best practices for removing grubs and restoring the lawn to health:

1. Identify the Problem

Before applying any treatment, confirm that grubs are causing the damage by:

• Look for signs like brown patches, soft or spongy grass, and increased animal activity, such as birds or raccoons digging.
• Perform a grub Test by digging up a small section of the lawn (about 1 square foot and 2-4 inches deep). If there are more than 5-10 grubs, treatment is needed.

2. Use Natural Remedies

Consider these natural methods to remove grubs in an eco-friendly way:

• Beneficial Nematodes: These microscopic worms naturally kill grubs by entering their bodies and releasing bacteria that cause them to die. Apply nematodes in the late summer or early fall when grubs are young and more straightforward to kill. Water the soil before and after application to help nematodes penetrate the ground.
• Milky Spore Disease: This natural bacteria specifically targets Japanese beetle grubs. Once applied, it spreads in the soil and kills grubs over time. This method is effective, but it takes a few years to control the grub population fully.
• Encourage Natural Predators: Birds, skunks, and moles feed on grubs, which can help control the grub population. Keeping bird feeders nearby can attract birds that naturally eat grubs.

3. Apply Chemical Treatments

If grubs are causing significant damage, chemical insecticide can be the best option. Choose the proper treatment based on the time of year:

• Preventive Grub Control: It is best applied in spring or early summer. Products containing imidacloprid, chlorantraniliprole, or halofenozide can prevent eggs from hatching and stop grub development. Apply these treatments in June or July before grubs become active. Water the lawn after applying the product to help it soak into the soil.
• Curative Grub Control: It is best applied in late summer or early fall. If grubs are present, use insecticides containing carbaryl or trichlorfon for quick control. These treatments work best in August or September, when grubs are still small and actively feeding. Avoid applying these chemicals too late in the season, as mature grubs are more challenging to kill.

4. Improve Lawn Care Practices

A healthy lawn can resist severe damage from grubs. Follow these best lawn care practices:

• Mow at the Right Height: Keep the grass about 3 inches tall to encourage deep roots and discourage beetles from laying eggs.
• Water Properly: Deep, infrequent watering (about 1 inch per week) helps grass develop strong roots. Avoid overwatering in late summer, as beetles prefer moist soil for laying eggs.
• Fertilize and Aerate the Lawn: Fertilizers strengthen grass and help it recover from grub damage. Aerating the lawn improves soil health and reduces compacted soil, making it harder for grubs to thrive.

FAQs

When do grubs cause the most damage?

Grubs cause the most damage when they feed on grass roots from late summer to early fall. In spring, they are larger but do less damage before turning into beetles.

Can grubs go away on their own?

No, grubs will not go away on their own. If left untreated, they can return year after year, causing more damage. Preventing and controlling them is the best way to protect the lawn.

Are grubs harmful to humans or pets?

No, grubs do not bite or harm humans or pets directly. However, if chemical treatments are used, follow safety instructions to keep pets and children safe.

The Bottom Line

Grubs are small but can cause significant problems for homeowners who want a healthy, green lawn. These tiny pests feed on grass roots, leading to brown patches, weak grass, and unwanted animal activity. Grubs can be prevented and treated with the proper care. Regular maintenance and early prevention are the best ways to keep grubs away and ensure the grass stays vibrant and healthy all year round. Visit Growcycle to explore all the methods and tools required to control grubs.