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Grub control - Tips for a healthy
lawn
White grubs are major
insect pests that feed on the roots of some turf. Quick
detection regular watering and treatment prevent
extensive lawn damage.
Signs Of Trouble
Moles, skunks and
bird feeding in the lawn are often the first sign of a
potential grub problem. Grub-damage turf can typically
be rolled back like a carpet because roots are no longer
present. Control is recommended when more than eight
grubs are found in a square foot area. In July and
August when the lawn is under stress from heat and
drought, yellow or brown areas appear indicating loss of
roots from feeding grubs.
How Do White Grubs
Look?
Grubs are the immature or
larval stage of beetles such as the Japanese Beetle,
European chafer and Asiatic garden beetle. Their
characteristic C-Shape curl, whitish body and brown head
can distinguish most white grubs. They measure ¼ inch
when young and extend to 2 inches when fully developed.
Control Strategies
Once the lifecycle of
grubs is understood it is easier to determine the time
and method of control. Adult beetles lay eggs in
mid-summer and deposit them a few inches below the soil
in lawn and garden areas In 2 weeks young grubs hatch
and develop into full-sized grubs which feed on the
roots below the soil surface. As soil temperatures drop
in fall the grubs move deeper in the ground where they
spend the winter. In spring as the soil warms up, the
grubs move upward to begin feeding on the roots. Adult
beetles emerge, mate and lay eggs during the summer,
thereby starting the cycle over again. Research
indicates that the best time for control is the young
grub stage when they are actively feeding on roots.
Ways To Control White
Grubs
A. Cultural Practices
Research indicates that
healthy turf often counteracts grub damage to some
extent.
- Plant the variety of
turfgrass that is best suited to your growing
conditions (soil heat and lawn use) so it will not
be under extra stress. Ask your Agway lawn expert
for improved mixes for your site.
- Water routinely
during dry spells so turf is healthy and not drought
stressed.
- Fertilize turf as
recommended by soil tests results and as suggested
by Agway.
B. Chemical Controls:
SUMMER
If grub damage warrants
control in summer (usually August when then the young
grubs are actively feeding on the grass roots) use
MERIT, which provides season-long control. Dylox and
Spectracide are also effective for short lengths of
time,or fertilize and control insects with Agway
Greenlawn Insect Control and Lawn Fertilizer.
MERIT is a new type of
insect control that works as a growth regulator. It can
be applied anytime from April through August for season
long grub control.
Chemical Controls:
SPRING
Spring is also a good
time to apply grub control. Treat lawn with products
indicated as soon as grubs are near the soil surface.
Remember, MERIT is the only product where a spring
application will also control the coming falls grubs.
Always read the product label carefully for application
instructions and watering advice. The insecticide should
be thoroughly watered and immediately to direct it down
into the soil when the grubs are feeding. |
