Protecting your new lawn sod from a grub infestation can be a challenge. Not only are these pests hard to detect, but the damage that they cause usually isn’t visible until it’s too late. However, if you know how to address this infestation you can prevent the issue from growing down the line. Learn more about grubs and sod maintenance in the list below.

What to Know About Grubs & New Lawn Sod

What are grubs?

Grubs are the larvae of beetles. They look like tiny white worms and tend to reside with the top few layers of soil. They’re hazardous to newly laid sod because they feed on the roots and prevent it from taking hold.

How can I tell if there are grubs in my lawn?

If grubs are eating the roots of your grass, you might see unsightly brown spots throughout your lawn. Test the area before installing new lawn sod or check five weeks after installation to give the roots time to take hold. Gently pull on a clump of grass and, if it comes away from the soil with little resistance, grubs may have eaten away at the roots. Verify your suspicions by cutting out a patch of sod and looking for small, white worms in the soil.

What treatments are the most effective?

Insecticides kill off unwanted pests, although they can be dangerous and should be handled with care. You can also use natural methods, such as milky spore powder and Hb nematodes. Milky spore is an organic bacterium that is toxic to grubs. When it is present in the soil, the number of grubs decrease as they ingest the grass grown in that area. Hb nematodes are tiny predators of the grub that will also keep the pests at bay after application.

When is the best time to treat this issue?

If possible, try to remove the grubs from your lawn before installation, as laying down new sod grass when there are grubs present will only add to their food supply. If you weren’t able to catch the issue before installing the new sod, wait until after the five-week mark to begin treating the area.

If you need to replace your lawn after a grub infestation or just want to spruce up your property’s appearance, contact Arkansas Sod & Turf Farm in North Little Rock. This family owned and operated sod farm has been in the business since 1978 and specializes in a wide assortment of grasses. They are licensed by the Arkansas State Plant Board and have a team of experts who are ready to satisfy your landscaping needs. Visit their website for a list of the lawn sods they carry and call (501) 753-5377 to schedule a delivery.