Grubs In Your Lawn: How to Identify Them & Surefire Ways to Get Rid of Them

grub in soil of lawn

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Grubs can be a significant issue for your lawn. They can cause your grass to die and lead to other problems. 

If you have grubs in your lawn, use this guide to see how to get rid of them. It will help you identify the signs of grubs, choose the right treatment, and properly take care of your lawn.

How do you know if you have a grub problem?

Grubs are the larvae of various species of beetles, and they can wreak havoc on your lawn if left untreated. While a few grubs here and there is nothing to worry about, a large infestation can destroy your grass, leaving you with an unsightly brown patch in your otherwise green lawn. 

So how do you know if you have a grub problem? 

One way to check is to cut a 12" x 12" area of turf and gently pull back the cut area. Count the number of grubs you find in the soil; if you have more than 6-8 grubs, treatment is recommended. Left unchecked, grubs will continue to feast on your grass roots until the entire lawn is killed. 

If you suspect that grubs have damaged your lawn, there are a few other vital signs to look for. 

  • Check for yellow or brown patches of grass. These areas are often one of the first places that grub damage will appear. 
  • Look for other pest species. If you see an increase in the number of ants, beetles, or moths in your yard, it could indicate that grubs are present. 
  • Check the rooting depth of your grass. If the roots are shallow or missing, grubs have likely damaged them. 

If you notice any of these signs, you must take action immediately. The sooner you address the problem, the less damage your lawn will sustain.

What time of year should you treat for grubs?

In order to achieve the most effective grub control, treatments should be timed to correspond with the different stages of the grub's life cycle. The larvae stage is the most vulnerable stage in the cycle and thus, applying treatment during the middle of June or the month of July (depending on weather conditions) will be the most effective. 

Weather conditions are important to consider because they can influence when grub lay their eggs, which in turn can impact the timing of the larvae stage. By applying treatment during the most vulnerable stage, you can reduce the overall population of grubs and help to protect your lawn from being destroyed by these pests.

How to get rid of grubs from your lawn

Grubs are small, white beetles that feast on the roots of the grass. While they are not harmful to humans, they can cause extensive damage to your lawn. If you suspect that grubs are infesting your yard, you can use a few methods to get rid of them. 

  1. Stop irrigating your lawn for a few weeks in July. This will kill eggs and young grubs and reduce the grub population. 
  2. Aerate your lawn to improve drainage and reduce the amount of moisture available for grubs to thrive. 
  3. Apply a grub control product according to the manufacturer's instructions. 

By taking these steps, you can eliminate grubs and keep your lawn looking its best.


If you think you have a grub problem, contact a pest control professional for treatment options. With proper care, you can keep your lawn healthy and grub-free.


And for help in the greater Buxton, Maine area with your landscaping needs, contact us at Prime Cut Landscaping & Lawn Care today!

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