How to test your lawn for grubs and what to do if you find them
What does it mean when brown patches show up in a perfectly healthy lawn? The truth is, it could be anything from drought to dog urine, fungal diseases, pests or too much fertilizer. But many homeowners automatically blame grubs.
When brown patches emerge in a healthy lawn, it may not necessarily be due to grubs. Various factors, such as drought, dog urine, fungal diseases, pests, or excessive fertilizer, could also be responsible. However, many people tend to assume that grubs are the cause. It's important to note that small populations of grubs typically do not pose a problem; treatment should only be considered if an actual infestation is confirmed.
The best way to confirm their presence is to dig up a 12-inch-square section of the affected lawn, approximately 3 to 4 inches deep, which should overlap the border of the healthy grass. If you find the whitish, brown-headed, half-inch to 1-inch-long beetle larvae, which look like shrimp and are often curled into a "C" shape, you have confirmed a grub infestation.
Generally, fewer than 10 grubs per square foot of soil are considered normal and do not require treatment. Instead, it is advisable to investigate other potential causes of the brown patches. If the infestation exceeds 10 grubs per square foot, applying biological controls during late summer can be effective, particularly using Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes, a natural substance that targets grubs.
To maximize the effectiveness of these treatments, it's crucial to water the soil thoroughly before application and avoid using chemical pesticides, which can be harmful to earthworms, honeybees, pets, and wildlife.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
