White grubs - Japanese beetles - are one of the most detrimental insect turf pests in our area.Foliage from shrubs, fruit trees & ornamental trees provide food for adult beetles. The larval stage (grubs) develop in the soil and destroy turf by feeding on the roots of grasses in the lawn.
The best time to use a grub control product is early to mid summer shortly after they hatch. This is when they are close to the surface and most likely to be affected by treatment. Later in the year the grubs burrow up to 8 inches into the ground and stay inactive until spring. Most of the damage done by grubs occurs in mid to late summer. It is important to be proactive -this damage often does not show until early fall when it is harder to fix. Well maintained lawns are most at risk. The added moisture from irrigation makes the ground softer (easier) for the females to burrow and lay eggs. A single female beetle can lay 40 to 60 eggs.
There are 2 main types of grub control - preventative & curative. We prefer a preventative approach, but sometimes both are necessary. Curative products (Dylox & Sevin) work on grubs that are actively feeding and is most effective early in the season (March to mid May) and late (September to late October). Preventative products (Merit) work well on newly hatched grubs and are best applied in summer (early June to mid/late July). Generally speaking both types of products need to be watered in thoroughly to be effective. Closely follow all instructions on label for best results.
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