There are so many pests that can damage your lawn. Being a vigilant homeowner means keeping an eye out for all of the things that can cause damage from carpenter ants to grass diseases. Of all of the types and varieties of pests and disease that can do extensive damage, the grub is one of the grossest and more damaging pests. Let’s take a look at the warning signs and methods of prevention for these little buggers.
Identification –
Grubs are the larvae of Japanese beetles, June beetles, and chafers, among others. These dirty white, soft bodied, C-shaped creatures feast on the roots of grass and plants. The size of a white grub varies with the species and its age. The adult beetle lays its eggs in the ground during the summer. As soon as the grubs hatch, they start feeding on the roots until cold weather drives them two to eight inches deeper into the soil where they overwinter. When warm weather arrives again in the spring, the grubs move up from the lower soil regions and resume feeding near the surface until they become mature from May through early-June. That means you may have grubs in your grass right now ready to do some damage.
Warning Signs-
Spotting the first signs of grub infestation may be the best way to tackle the problem before it gets out-of-hand. Early symptoms include gradual thinning, yellowing, and weakening of the grass stand followed by the appearance of scattered, irregular dead patches. As damage continues, the dead patches may increase in size, and apparently healthy turf areas may exhibit sudden wilting. The turf may feel spongy as you walk over the infested area. Sod that is infested will not be well anchored to the ground and will pull up easily like a rug. Another indicator might be the signs that skunks, raccoon, or flocks of birds such as blackbirds are finding something yummy in your turf! It may be grubs.
Prevention and Treatment –
Call Pro-Tech immediately if you see any of these c-shaped pests in your lawn. If applied on time, this will stop grubs from doing any damage to your lawn and keep insects from laying any more eggs there as well. Preventative care may be needed if you have had grubs in the past few years. A worst case scenario may include replanting a lawn if the infestation is extensive.