White grubs can be one of the most damaging insects to your turf and unfortunately, the better the turf, the more likely the grubs are to attack.

Grubs are the larval stage of several large beetles – June Bugs, May Beetles, Masked Chafer Beetles and Japanese Beetles.  The grubs feed on the roots of your lawn and can kill large sections in a very short amount of time.

While some grubs reproduce on a three-year cycle, the species that reproduce on a one-year cycle do the most damage in Kansas City.

Most people first spot grubs while planting their spring flowers and gardens in late April or May.  This is just prior to the time the grubs will pupate and turn in to the adult beetle.  They generally don’t do excessive damage during this time period.

When the adult emerges in late May or June, they will be most noticeable around street lamps and porch lights.  At this point, they will mate and lay eggs in the most attractive lawn they can find. These eggs will hatch several weeks later and the young grubs will begin feeding voraciously, on the roots of your lawn, through late October.

Grub damage occurs from August through October.  Identification of grub damage can be tricky, as it occurs when the lawn may also be stressed by drought or disease.

The best way to check for grub damage is to grab a handful of the affected turf and gently tug.  The grass will peel back like carpet, exposing the grubs that have eaten the roots.

The first line of defense is to apply Grass Pad Long Lasting Grub Control, in mid-June to early-July.  If grub damage occurs, apply Grass Pad Quick Kill for grubs. Loveland Renovator™ fertilizer and an aggressive watering regime can help reduce the amount of damage that occurs.  A thorough, fall renovating will be necessary to complete the repair process.