How To Identify Grub Lawn Damage
Maintaining a lush, green lawn is a point of pride for many homeowners in Plain City, OH. However, your lawn's health can be threatened by various pests, with grubs being among the most damaging. Grubs are the larvae of beetles, such as Japanese beetles, June bugs, and European chafers. These larvae feed on grass roots, leading to brown patches, and, if left untreated, can cause significant damage to your lawn. Here's how to recognize the signs of a grub infestation and what you can do to protect your lawn.
Common Signs of Grub Infestations
If you suspect a grub infestation, here are a couple signs of grub damage you can look for:
1. Brown Patches of Grass
One of the most obvious signs of grubs is the appearance of irregular brown patches on your lawn, especially in late summer or early fall. These patches may look similar to drought stress, but if your lawn is well-watered and still developing dead spots, grubs might be the culprits.
2. Spongy or Loose Turf
If you notice that certain areas of your lawn feel spongy or soft underfoot, it could be a sign of grub activity. Grubs feed on the roots, causing the grass to lose its anchor in the soil. This results in a spongy texture when walked upon.
3. Increased Wildlife Activity
A sudden increase in birds, skunks, raccoons, or moles in your yard can indicate a grub problem. These animals dig up lawns to feed on grubs, leaving behind holes and further damaging your lawn.
4. Wilting Grass
Grubs sever the grass roots, causing the grass to wilt even with sufficient watering. If you notice wilting grass that doesn't respond to watering, it could be a sign of grub damage.
5. Grass Easily Pulled Up
Another telltale sign is grass that can be easily pulled up, revealing the C-shaped white grubs underneath. Healthy grass roots should be difficult to pull out, but a grub-damaged lawn will lift up like a carpet.
6. Bare Spots and Weed Invasion
Grub-infested areas can develop bare spots, making them susceptible to weed invasion. If you notice an increase in weeds in specific lawn areas, it could be due to underlying grub activity.
7. Presence of Beetles
An abundance of beetles in your yard during the summer months can foreshadow a grub problem. These beetles lay eggs in your lawn, which hatch into grubs that begin feeding on grass roots.
8. Slow Spring Green-Up
If your lawn is slow to green up in the spring, it may be a result of grub damage from the previous year. The compromised root system struggles to support new growth, delaying the greening process.
How to Check For Grub Infestations
To see if you have a grub infestation, you'll need to do some detective work. Here are a couple of DIY tests you can do to identify grubs.
The Tug Test
- Select a brown patch or a suspicious area of your lawn.
- Try to lift the grass. If it pulls up easily without much resistance and exposes white, C-shaped grubs, then you have a grub infestation.
The Soil Inspection Test
- Using a spade, cut a one-square-foot section of your lawn about 2-4 inches deep.
- Peel back the turf to expose the soil underneath.
- Look for white, C-shaped larvae in the soil. If you find more than five to ten grubs in the section, it's time to take action.
The Coffee Can Test
- Take an old coffee can and remove both ends to create a cylinder.
- Push one end of the can into the soil in a suspected area.
- Fill the can with water and wait a few minutes.
- Grubs will float to the surface if present. This method is particularly effective after a rain when grubs are closer to the surface.
If you find more than five to ten grubs in that section, it's time to take action.
Professional Grub Control
Recognizing the signs of grubs early can save your lawn from extensive damage. If you need help identifying a grub infestation or are looking to get rid of grubs in Plain City, OH, look no further than Land Art's professional grub removal service. With over 51 years of local experience, our team of grub experts is here to provide you with comprehensive services. Contact our team today to learn more!