A variety of insects can call your property home and be a constant problem. Grubs are one of the more common and can undo your lawn maintenance efforts. Luckily, they’re easy to manage and prevent. Here’s what you should know about these pests to ensure they don’t stop you from maintaining a beautiful landscape.

A Guide to Grubs & Lawn Care

What are grubs?

Grubs are small worms that have yet to mature into beetles. They hatch in late summer and burrow into the soil to protect themselves from other pests and cold temperatures. When the spring arrives, they’ll emerge and feed on grass roots and other vegetation, which is how they primarily damage lawns.

How do I know I have grubs?

Grass won’t hold well in the soil after grubs have attacked and feasted on the root system. You’ll be able to pull it out of the ground easily and will also see the insects in the soil beneath. Plants may also brown or die from a grub infestation.

Many larger animals like raccoons, birds, and moles eat grubs and will be drawn to your lawn. They’ll then eat any fruits and vegetables you’re growing and tear up the soil looking for the insects.

How do I manage and prevent them?

The presence of 10 or 12 grubs per square foot is a sign of infestation. Lawn maintenance professionals can apply insecticides. It’s best to use these in late summer before a larger grub population can hatch and burrow.

Nematodes—a small, microscopic worm—enter the body of a grub and then live and breed inside, killing the grub. They’re perfectly safe for humans and pets and may be the answer to smaller infestations.

Not watering the lawn and allowing it to go dormant in late summer are the only ways to prevent grubs. This eliminates the food supply and conditions grubs require. Otherwise, you’ll need to monitor the yard actively and manage it. 

How can I repair my lawn from grub damage?

It’s possible to recover from grub damage. A landscaper will rake dead grass from the lawn and use an aerator to punch holes and loosen the soil. Both lead to faster growth and restrict damage from insects.

They’ll also apply your preferred grass seed in early spring and keep the soil moist for two weeks while the seeds germinate and root. You’ll be back to a lush, green lawn in no time.

 

If you need professional lawn care assistance, contact the team at Emerald Coast Landscaping in Orange Beach, AL. They have over 16 years of experience with residential and commercial landscaping. Whether you’re installing sod, building a retaining wall, or need a hand with lawn care, call (251) 269-8128 to discuss your project. Learn more about the company on their website.