Grubs are a common lawn pest that can cause significant damage to your grass. They are the larval stage of beetles, such as Japanese beetles or June bugs. They are small, C-shaped insects with white or yellowish bodies and brown heads. These pests feed on grassroots and organic matter in your soil. What does grub damage look like? it is brown, dead patches on the lawn. The grass may feel spongy or loose and birds may be feeding on them.
When Do Grubs Appear In The Lawn?
Grubs generally appear in late summer or early fall. During this time, adult beetles lay their eggs in the soil, which then hatch into grubs. These grubs feed throughout the fall and spring before pupating into adult beetles.
What Does Grub Damage Look Like?
As mentioned above, grub damage is brown, dead patches on your lawn. The grass may feel spongy or loose due to the grubs eating away at the roots. You may also notice an increase in bird activity as they feed on the grubs.
Check for Grubs And Treat For Them
To check for grubs, simply dig up a small section of your lawn and examine the soil beneath. If you find more than 5 grubs per square foot, it’s likely that you have a grub problem.
The best time to treat grubs is during late summer or early fall when they are still in their young, vulnerable stage. Applying insecticides at this time can effectively control the population and prevent further damage to your lawn.
How Much Does it Cost to Treat for Grubs?
The cost of treating grubs depends on various factors, including the size of your lawn, the severity of the infestation, and the type of treatment used. Generally, you can expect to pay between $50 and $150 for professional grub control services, depending on the company.
How to Control Grubs
There are several ways to control grubs in your lawn:
- Apply a granular or liquid insecticide specifically designed for grub control.
- Use beneficial nematodes, microscopic worms that feed on grubs.
- Keep your lawn healthy by mowing at the proper height, watering deeply but infrequently, and aerating regularly.
- Attract natural predators, such as birds or toads, that feed on grubs.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Now that you know about grubs, there are other areas of recommended maintenance. One of those areas is how long chiggers live on clothes. They live on clothes for a few hours but it is the body where they can do a lot of damage so getting them off of you is extremely important.
Next, some people have chickens to take care of ticks in their yards. They do a good job of eating them but it takes time before you notice a difference.
Lastly, carpenter bees can cause problems for your home. They like the wood of the house and can cause structural damage.
When to Contact a Professional
While some homeowners may choose to treat grubs on their own, it’s advisable to contact a professional if the infestation is severe or if you’re unsure about the proper course of action. Honor Services have the knowledge and experience to effectively handle grub problems and ensure the health of your lawn.
Conclusion
Grubs can wreak havoc on your lawn if left untreated. By understanding what grubs are, how to identify them, and when to take action, you can protect your lawn from their destructive feeding habits. Whether you choose to treat grubs yourself or seek professional help, early intervention is key to maintaining a healthy, vibrant lawn. Call Honor Services and we will gladly assist you with some pest control recommendations for your lawn while conducting a thorough home inspection in Melbourne, FL, and surrounding areas.
