Types of Grubs

Closely inspect the turf, thatch, and soil for grubs. Generally, less than 5 grubs per sample is a normal amount that doesn't warrant control measures. More than 5 grubs per soil sample is enough to require control measures. Replace squares of sod and pat down. Water in patches to avoid drying.

However, if the grub population is high or if there is a history of damage in an area, it may be necessary to consider using an insecticide for grub control. Finding one or two grubs does not indicate you need to apply a grub control product. Check for the active ingredient in a grub product.

Use spores for Japanese beetle grubs. Bacillus popilliae is a bacterium that can be used to kill the larvae of Japanese beetles. Because it’s a spore, it comes in the form of a powder that you can sprinkle on your lawn to get rid of grubs. Like the worms, using Bacillus popilliae to get rid of grubs is a long-term solution, rather than a quick fix.

Let your lawn grow long. Because beetles don’t like long grass either for egg-laying, let your grass grow longer than you might otherwise once it starts to grow back. Keep your grass about two inches long. Raise the blades on your lawnmower to increase the length that it will cut the grass.

White lawn grubs are the larvae of various beetles, including the Japanese beetle and the green June beetle. They are plump and C-shaped. White grubs also have brown heads and three pairs of legs. Such grubs do damage to lawns by feeding on grass roots, which causes the grass to wilt and die. Determine whether your lawn is suffering from grub infestation as opposed to another issue before using chemicals or other means of control.

Learn how and when to treat Japanese beetles and grubs with Blain’s Farm & Fleet. The immature stage of the Japanese beetle – the white grub – typically has a three year life cycle. However, most of the damage to ornamentals and turf grass happens during the spring and fall the second year.