How Can I tell if I have Grubs in My Lawn?

Every homeowner in Southwestern Pennsylvania dreams of a lush, green, and healthy lawn. However, the dream may turn into a nightmare with the advent of an uninvited guest—white grubs. These seemingly harmless lawn invaders, including May/June Beetles, masked chafers, oriental beetles, and Japanese beetles, can wreak havoc on your verdant paradise if left unchecked.

So, how do you tell when these unwanted visitors have made a home on your lawn? The clues are in your grass!

Unraveling the Complex Life of Grubs

White Grubs in Lawn White grubs are the larvae of beetles, which, harmless as they may seem, are anything but for your lawn. These tiny, white insects have a major appetite for the grass and roots of turfgrass, which they infest from early to late summer. They reside underground in your soil and feed on the roots of your grass plants. The eggs of beetles hatch between mid-August and October, and the larvae wreak havoc by feeding on the roots of the grass.

Signs of a Grub Infestation

In its early stages, spotting the tell-tale signs of grub infestation can help save your lawn from irreversible damage. Here are the most common signs to watch out for:

Wilting or discolored patches of grass: Grubs feast on the grass plant roots, damaging the plant and causing it to turn brown. This often results in wilting or discolored patches scattered across your lawn.
Brown spots in your yard: An increasing number of brown spots in your yard is another warning sign of grub infestation.
Heightened bird, raccoons, or skunk activity: An unusual increase in skunks, raccoons, or birds digging up your soil might suggest a thriving grub population under the surface of your lawn.

To confirm grub infestation, gently lift a section of your turf. If you spot creamy white grubs with dark brown heads lying on their sides in a C-shaped pattern, your lawn is likely under attack. You can also identify grub damage by touching the grass to see if it is soft or spongy; if so, it is likely damaged by grubs.

The Impact of Unchecked Grub Infestation

Grub infestation is often confused with drought damage, leading homeowners to overlook the issue. While feeding on the plant roots, the grubs not only cause the grass to turn brown but also impair its root system. This leaves your grass susceptible to further damage from extreme weather or drought.

Moreover, the damaged root system makes it difficult for your lawn to absorb the nutrients and water it needs to thrive, leading to stunted growth and thinning grass.

Preventative Grub Control: A Necessity, Not an Option

Preventative grub control is your lawn’s best defense against these tiny, destructive invaders. Timely application of Superior Lawn Care’s guaranteed grub control application to the soil, ideally between mid-June and early August before the grubs hatch, can save your lawn from potential grub damage.

Grub control is not a choice but an essential component of lawn care. Proactively safeguarding your lawn from grubs is critical to maintaining a healthy and attractive lawn year-round.

Contact Superior Lawn Care today to transform your lawn into a grub-free zone!