White grub damage is usually most evident in August and September. Early symptoms include gradual thinning, yellowing, and weakening of the grass stand followed by the appearance of scattered, irregular dead patches. As damage continues, the dead patches may increase in size, and apparently healthy turf areas may exhibit sudden wilting. The turf may feel spongy as you walk over the infested area. 

Sod that is heavily grub-damaged is not well anchored, and you can pull it loose from the soil as if lifting a carpet. If the brown patches do not pull up easily, the problem is usually related to other causes, e.g., a localized dry spot, dog urine damage, fertilizer burn, subsurface rocks, or disease. If the turf does pull up easily, inspect the top 1 to 2 inches of soil for the white, C-shaped larvae. Sampling of potential infestation sites and early recognition of a grub problem can prevent turf loss and costly renovation.  

If your turf had a serious grub problem last year, the adult beetles are likely to return and reinfest the same areas. Sites with a large number of adult beetles in June and July are more likely to have grubs in late summer. Early warning signs include swarms of brown, 1/2-inch long masked chafer beetles skimming over the turf at dusk, or green June beetles buzz-bombing the turf by day in search of mates and egg-laying sites.   

Another indication that white grubs may be present is moles, skunks, raccoons, or flocks of blackbirds finding the turf attractive.

Trailside Lawncare can help you with all your needs for grub control in Lancaster Pa.

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