White Grubs
White grubs are the larvae of scarab beetles. The majority of grub damage comes from animals like birds, moles, raccoons, voles, and deer who dig up and feed on white grubs, whereas the White grub causes damage to turf by chewing off grass roots close to the soil surface. The feeding of the larger late 2nd and 3rd stage, when combined with hot and dry conditions, can result in quick and extensive loss of turf from late August through mid-October. In spring, damage only occurs under exceptionally warm and dry conditions. All cool-season and many warm-season grasses are susceptible to White Grubs.
Being alert to the symptoms of White Grub infestations helps avoid unexpected loss.
Early signs such as :
Thinning of the grass,
Yellowing,
Wilting in spite of proper irrigation
Appearance of scattered irregular dead patches
Turf feels spongy underfoot and can be pulled up like a carpet
Chemical insecticides vary in control dependent on white grub species and application. Preventative and curative insecticides are steadily available and need to be watered in to activate. Organic control methods of white grubs include the use of beneficial nematodes which seek out and kill over 200 pest insects in the soil and with no detrimental affect on non-target species such as ladybugs, earth worms and other helpful garden insects, although the success rate varies highly dependent on the white grub species.
