As we approach summer, we get into grub season. Before you start to notice the signs of these pesky creatures, its time for preventative treatments.
Grubs are the larvae of scarab type beetles, such as Japanese beetles or June bugs. These larvae feed on the roots of grasses and other plants, whereas the beetles feed on the leaves of plants. In the late summer and fall, the adults of this species lay their eggs in your lawn and the larvae survives on eating organic matter such as roots throughout the winter and early spring. They begin to emerge late spring and summer where the grubs enter their pupae stage, soon maturing into adult beetles leaving the soil in June, hence the name “June bugs.”
After consuming your precious vegetable, herb, fruit and flower gardens, they breed and produce a new batch of eggs that they lay in the soil and the cycle starts again for next year.
A small population of these grubs are generally not a big issue and little needs to be done to keep them at bay. A “small” population of grubs is considered to be less than 5 grubs per square foot of lawn, and won’t destroy your grass, but if there are 10 or more per square foot-that’s trouble.
Grubs are bad for your yard because they decimate your precious plants and lawn by consuming and destroying the root systems of these plants. When the root systems are destroyed by grubs, the plants are unable to get the water and nutrients they need to survive which is what eventually kills them. Another reason they’re horrible for your lawn is that a host of other animals such as birds, raccoons and other grub lovers will dig up your yard in search of this large population of grubs to eat. Although they are technically helping keep the population of grubs down, they destroy your property in the process which can be frustrating.
Lucky for you, Grub Treatment is one of the services we offer. If you’re ready to book a service, check out our contact page to set up a consultation.