If you've ever had your lawn damaged by brown patches, chances are you're familiar with lawn grubs. But what exactly are lawn grubs? Where do they come from? And how can you get rid of them? This post will answer all of those questions and more.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about lawn grubs, and check out this page for an example of services your local lawn care provider might offer.
What Are Lawn Grubs?
Lawn grubs are the larvae of beetles, and they're a type of white grub. White grubs are small, C-shaped insects that live in the soil and feed on plant roots. There are several different species of white grub, but the three most common in North America are Japanese beetle larva, northern masked chafer larva, and European chafer larva.
Lawn grubs damage your lawn by eating the roots of grass plants. This can result in brown patches as the grass dies. In addition, lawns with a high density of grubs are more likely to experience winter damage because the grubs leave the grass plants more susceptible to frost damage. Grubs can also make your lawn more susceptible to disease.
Common types of Lawn Grubs
The three most common types of grubs that attack lawns in North America are Japanese beetle larva, northern masked chafer larva, and European chafer larva.
- Japanese Beetle Larvae: These grubs are about 1/2 inch long and have a white body with a brown head. They live just below the surface of the soil and feed on the roots of grass plants.
- Northern Masked Chafer Larvae: These grubs are about 1/4 inch long with a white body and brown head. They live in the top few inches of soil and feed on the roots of grass plants.
- European Chafer Larvae: These grubs are about 1/2 inch long and have a white body with a yellow head. They live deeper in the soil, usually no more than 6 inches below the surface, and feed on both grasses and weeds.
How Do You Get Rid Of Lawn Grubs?
The best way to get rid of lawn grubs is to prevent them from infesting your lawn in the first place. The easiest way to do this is to keep your lawn healthy so that it's less attractive to beetles looking for a place to lay their eggs.
You can also use an insecticide specifically designed to kill beetle larvae. These products are most effective when applied in late summer or early fall, before the beetles have had a chance to lay their eggs. If you already have a problem with lawn grubs, you can use a product containing neem oil to kill the larvae. You may need to treat your lawn multiple times over the course of several weeks to get rid of all of the grubs.
Conclusion
Lawn grubs can cause serious damage to your lawn if left unchecked. But by understanding what they are, where they come from, and how to get rid of them, you can keep your lawn healthy and free from these destructive pests.
