White grubs may be small, but they can quickly turn healthy green grass into a mess of brown patches. If you spot these common pests under your turf, fast-acting turf insect treatment is the best way to stop the damage from spreading. But what exactly are white grubs, and how do you identify them in your lawn? Here are the key facts to know about this lawn-damaging pest.
What Happens When White Grubs Invade Your Lawn
When a homeowner sees brown patches in what was once a lush green lawn, it’s natural to conclude that the problem is just not enough water. So over the next couple of weeks, the homeowner diligently waters the brown patches, but never sees any noticeable improvement. To make the situation even worse, local wildlife seems irresistibly drawn to the spot. Birds, raccoons and possums have all been seen, apparently feeding from that bad patch. Since the extra water doesn’t seem to be helping, maybe the critters are to blame.Yet it’s not the visiting wildlife causing the damage—chances are very good that white grubs below the surface are the true culprits.
White grubs are beetles in the midst of their larval stage. Many scarab beetles spend some portion of their life span as a white grub. Japanese beetles, northern masked chafer beetles, and May and June beetles are all common species whose larvae attack lawns. The mature beetles themselves pose no threat to your grass. However, if you’re noticing a large population of beetles around your yard and garden, then you may be facing a white grub infestation in your lawn in the coming months. And without a strategy for keeping grubs out of your lawn, they can quickly take over.
During the summer, adult beetles lay eggs in your lawn. Once the grubs hatch, they immediately begin feeding on the roots of your turf. They are voracious feeders, and the more of them there are, the greater the damage to your lawn. When cold weather arrives the larvae burrow deeper underground to protect themselves from dropping temperatures. As soon as the weather heats up, they go right back to eating your lawn’s roots, beginning the cycle all over again until they mature and lay eggs of their own.
Common Signs Your Lawn Is at Risk for White Grubs
People who have a white grub infestation in their lawn will often first notice a stubborn brown patch. Despite applications of water and fertilizer, nothing seems to heal that spot. It’s also common to notice quite a bit of wildlife activity around that area, as birds and animals love to feast upon grubs. Another telltale sign for most homeowners is grass that can be rolled back just like a carpet. This can happen because the white grubs have decimated the root system, and there’s no longer any connection between the visible turf and the nutrient-rich soil below.
If you have a patch of lawn that is dried out and dying, try rolling back a bit of it. When you do, you may notice many small, plump white grubs. Usually, the grubs are rolled up into a C-shape. It’s possible to investigate the grubs in minute detail to find out what kind of beetle they will someday become, but it’s not necessary. The best thing you can do for your lawn at this point is to call in your North Texas lawn care professionals for expert grub treatment. Finding a white grub infestation in your lawn is never a pleasant experience. Nonetheless, it’s possible to get rid of these pests and recapture the healthy green turf you once enjoyed.
Expert White Grub Prevention and Control Services
If you’ve noticed any of the common signs of a white grub infestation, contact Green Top Lawn Care for support. We provide fast, dependable turf insect treatment for homes across Tarrant County and beyond. Call (817) 684-4044 or request a free turf insect control quote today.
