Grub Preventative

Grubs are a common problem in Texas lawns. Many homeowners don’t know what’s causing their lawn issues when they begin to see brown, wilting patches. They’ve tested their soil and fertilized it appropriately. They are conscientious about watering, and they make sure that they use proper mowing techniques. If you have St. Augustine grass, check out our 8 essential tips for caring for St. Augustine grass to keep it healthy and reduce the chances of a grub infestation.

Grub Preventative in the Lawn

So why do patches of their lawn look like they are dying? The answer may be grubs. Using a shovel or trowel to dig up a section of that dying lawn, you can see if your grass is suffering from a grub infestation. Actually, it isn’t always necessary to use any tools at all. Patches of grass that are being fed on by grubs are typically only slightly attached to the soil. This makes it possible to peel the grass back with your hands simply. If you see a lot of small, white, c-shaped worms, then you’re definitely dealing with grubs.

Grubs are the larval stage of certain beetles that are common in Texas. Last year’s beetles are responsible for this year’s crop of grubs. These tiny grubs like to feed on the roots of your grass. If enough of them exist, they can do serious and widespread damage. Your lawn will be doing its best to grow new roots, but it remains susceptible to moisture stress if the weather is dry and hot. Accordingly, it’s not really the grubs that kill your lawn but a lack of hydration caused by the grubs that have eaten off the roots of your grass.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT Grubs

What are grubs, and how do they damage lawns?

Grubs are the larval stage of certain beetles, and they feed on the roots of grass. This damages the lawn, causing brown patches and wilting due to a lack of hydration as the grass struggles to absorb water.

How can I tell if my lawn has a grub infestation?

To check for a grub infestation, peel back a section of dying grass; if you see small, white, c-shaped worms, you have grubs. Affected grass is often only slightly attached to the soil, making it easy to lift.

Will grubs completely destroy my lawn if left untreated?

If a grub infestation is severe and left untreated, the damage can be significant, leading to large patches of dead grass. However, lawns with healthy root systems and proper care may be able to recover from moderate grub damage.

Can overwatering my lawn attract more grubs?

Over-watering your lawn can create a more favorable environment for grubs by providing ample moisture and softening the soil, making it easier for grubs to feed on grass roots. Maintain a proper watering schedule to discourage grub infestations.

How deep do grubs burrow in the soil?

Grub depth varies depending on the species and the season. Generally, they stay closer to the surface (1-2 inches deep) during the warmer months when feeding actively and burrow deeper (4-8 inches) during the colder months to overwinter.

Important Grub Facts and Control Methods

Grubs don’t harm people or spread diseases. Nonetheless, they can wreak serious havoc on your grass, and it will cost money to correct the problem. Unfortunately, many people who try to deal with grubs on their own choose the wrong approach or use the right approach at the wrong time of year. Either way, they are not going to stop the damage that grubs can cause effectively. There are 2 grub services that can be performed on your lawn. A grub curative will kill larger grubs in your lawn, and a grub preventative service will be put down to stop small grubs from becoming a problem.

In addition to dealing with grubs, it’s essential to maintain overall lawn health by managing weeds. Check out our weed control services to keep your lawn in top condition.

If you suspect that you have a grub infestation in your lawn, then give us a call. We know that the best time to treat grass for grubs is in the later summer and early fall. We need to treat grubs when they are small, vulnerable, and close to the surface. Springtime is often too late as the grubs aren’t feeding on the grass any longer. Winter generally doesn’t work because the grubs have burrowed below the surface. With our knowledge and expertise, we can rescue your lawn.

Protect Your Lawn from Grub Damage

Don’t let grubs destroy your beautiful lawn. Reach out to our expert team today, and let us help you identify, treat, and prevent grub infestations. We’ll work together to ensure your lawn stays lush, green, and grub-free. Contact us at 817-684-4044 and take the first step towards a healthy, thriving lawn!