Are there random, brown patches of grass on your lawn that seem to grow bigger? If so, you might have a grub problem. Grubs are the larvae form of scarab beetles and they feed on the roots of your grass. Taking action at the first sign of grubs in your yard is crucial, as they are one of the most destructive pests that can cause damage to your turf. Aside from the damage that grubs themselves cause, they also attract raccoons and moles that can further harm your yard.

When you want to get rid of grubs, there are both preventative and curative treatment options available. Learn more about these menacing pests and the damage they could do to your lawn.

Grubs Cause Brown Patches of Grass on Your Lawn

Grubs are the larval stages of beetles, particularly the May/June beetle, Japanese beetle, and masked chafer. Adult beetles have a life span from one to three years, depending on their species. First, the female beetle lays eggs in the soil after mating. After about four weeks, the eggs hatch into what we know as grubs. They have C-shaped white bodies with brown heads and six legs.

Once they hatch, grubs start feeding on the roots of your grass. Because your grass blades no longer have access to their roots, this causes brown or yellow patches to appear throughout your lawn. This is not only unhealthy for your lawn but also reduces your curb appeal.

Root-Munching Grubs Cause a Spongy Lawn

Grass rolled up like carpet due to grub damage in Godfrey, IL.

Walking on a squishy lawn might sound like a fun idea, however, a sponge-like lawn probably means you have a grub problem. As grubs make their way through your lawn eating all the roots, your turf will slowly become unanchored from your soil. This is what causes the "spongy" feeling beneath your feet.

If your turf lifts easily when pulled back from the soil, root-munching grubs are most likely the culprits.

Other Animals Damage Your Lawn Looking for Grubs

Aside from irregular brown or yellow patches on your lawn and spongy turf, another sign of a grub infestation is holes and tunnels caused by animals looking for grubs to eat. Watch out for skunks and raccoons that will tear up your lawn looking for grubs. These animals use their sense of smell to find grubs and will dig holes and tunnels in your turf to get them.

Moles are also commonly associated with grubs. However, their presence alone does not necessarily indicate a grub problem. That is why it is in every property owner's best interest to contact a professional company when they see any possible signs of a grub infestation. Lawn experts will be able to know the difference between some wildlife passing through your property and a grub infestation issue.

Preventative & Curative Treatments Help Remove Grubs

Keeping your lawn healthy requires a lot of work; the last thing you want is for grubs to pass through and destroy it. That is why it is important to know about the measures you can take to both prevent and cure their damage. Thankfully, most lawn care companies like our own offer preventative and curative treatments to keep your lawn safe through the grub peak season.

Here is the difference between the two:

  • Preventative treatments are applied before the eggs hatch into larvae. This application will prevent the eggs from hatching, thus preventing any lawn damage.
  • Curative treatments are best applied when the grubs are feeding near the topsoil. This will stop the grub damage from continuing.

We highly recommend scheduling preventative treatments to prevent grub damage in the first place. If you skip over the preventative treatment and start to notice signs of grubs, curative treatments will only be able to stop the grub damage from going any further. To reverse the damage and bring your lawn back to optimal health, you will need to also schedule other services like aeration and overseeding.

Don't let your lawn surrender to grubs. Call us to schedule a grub control treatment!

Grubs are one of the worst pests you can have on your lawn. That is why our company offers both preventative and curative options for our clients. The timing of preventative grub control treatments is crucial for its effectiveness, which is why it is important to schedule it right away. Curative grub control is not as time restrictive, however, you will want to eradicate the problem as soon as possible.

We provide grub control for properties in Alton, Godfrey, Edwardsville, IL, and nearby areas. Call us today at (618) 467-7047 to schedule your grub control treatment!