All You Need To Know About Grubs & How To Treat Them

Lawn grubs are the larvae of various beetles, such as Japanese beetles, European chafers, and June beetles, that can cause significant damage to lawns. These pests live beneath the soil and feed on the roots of grass and plants, resulting in the weakening and often death of grass patches.

People residing in the Durham Region area are at risk of grub infestions and it is important to know what to look for and what their options are should they become affected.

Lifecycle of Lawn Grubs:

1. Egg Stage: Adult beetles lay eggs in late spring to early summer, typically in moist, fertile soil.
2. Larval Stage (Grubs): After a few weeks, the eggs hatch into larvae (grubs), which are white, C-shaped worms. This is the most damaging stage. The larvae feed on the roots of the grass throughout the summer, weakening the lawn.
3. Pupal Stage: In late summer to early fall, grubs burrow deeper into the soil to pupate, undergoing a transformation into adult beetles.
4. Adult Stage: Adult beetles emerge from the soil in late summer or fall, mate, and lay eggs, beginning the cycle again.

How Lawn Grubs Harm a Lawn:

1. Root Damage: Grubs feed on the roots of grass, which causes the grass to become weak, yellow, and eventually die.
2. Attracting Predators: The presence of grubs can attract animals like skunks, raccoons, and birds that dig up the lawn in search of food, causing additional damage.
3. Poor Lawn Health: The feeding of large grub populations can cause large patches of dead or dying grass, creating an uneven, unsightly lawn.

How Lawn Services Can Control Grubs:

1. Grub Detection: Lawn services often start by inspecting the lawn for signs of grub damage. This may include patches of dead or dying grass, visible insect activity, or even digging by animals. In some cases, they may dig up a small section of the lawn to look for grubs.
2. Preventive Treatment: (Grub Preventers): In early summer, lawn services may apply preventers like insecticides which stop grubs from hatching or maturing. These are typically applied to the lawn as a granular treatment or liquid.
3. Curative Treatment (Grub Control Insecticides): If grubs are detected, lawn services may apply curative insecticides to kill existing grubs.
4. Cultural Practices: Lawn care companies may also recommend improving soil health and maintaining proper lawn care practices to make the grass more resilient. This could include aerating the lawn, overseeding, and ensuring proper watering and fertilization.
5. Biological Control: Some lawn services offer natural solutions, like introducing nematodes, microscopic worms that parasitize and kill grubs. This can be an environmentally friendly option for grub control.
6. Monitoring and Follow-up: Regular grass and lawn inspections and follow-up treatments can help manage grub populations over time and reduce future infestations.

Long-Term Solutions:

Lawn services may also advise on creating a lawn care program that includes proper maintenance, such as watering your grass and lawn deeply but infrequently and providing adequate nutrients to promote healthy grass that is less vulnerable to grub damage.

By addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes of grub infestations, our lawn services can help restore a healthy lawn free of these pests.

If you have been affected, Sheppard Lawn Services offers affordable and effective seasonal Grub Control services throughout Durham Region.