5 Signs You Need Grub Control
Read MorePosted on: Apr 22, 2022Raunie
Grubs are one of the most common lawn problems in Southern Ontario. However, an unknown fact about grubs is that every lawn has them but not all lawns suffer from an infestation. Read below for the top 5 signs that you need a grub control to get ahead it before your beautiful lawn is destroyed.
Animals are Digging
The top sign that you’ll see is animals digging up certain areas in search of this delicious (to them) snack. Now, there is a difference between searching and finding though. If your lawn has “search holes”, small 2-inch holes dug into the soil, the chances of an infestation are lower. You just have to deter them from coming back. Animals are creatures of habit and will always return to where they remember finding food in the past. However, if an area is completely torn up in a larger, more consistent area then further investigation is needed.
Low water retention, even with regular watering
Most homeowners believe that when a lawn goes brown it’s just thirsty. While this is sometimes the case, if you’re actively watering your lawn and you’re seeing limited or no bounce back you may have a grub infestation. Grubs do their damage by essentially severing its connection to the grass blade above by eating the roots below. Water solves a lot of problems but in this case, it can be sign you’ve got something more . When it doubt, it is always best to check annually eacto catch it before it becomes a bigger problem.
Large Brown or Torn up Areas
If your lawn is regularly green and healthy and you’re seeing certain areas not come back as lush as you’re used to you might have grubs. Like the animal activity, it’s not always a direct result of grubs but it’s an indicator to dig a little deeper to find out what the cause it. Acting early is always the best practice because you will limit the effect on the rest of your lawn. If you try to pull up the grass to find the pesky bugs but it stays firmly in place you can take a small shovel and dig up a small area the size of a dinner plate. If you dig the areas approximately 2-3 inches down you would be able to see any grubs hanging out underneath
Bumpy or Uneven Sections of the lawn
When animals are consistently searching, birds are constantly pecking, and grubs are actively munching you might see certain areas sink down and create an uneven and bumpy terrain. This not only makes it frustrating to cut your lawn, but it also can be a sign of grubs. Each spring it’s always best practice to add topsoil and seed to any bare or thinning areas, it can also help fill in the uneven spots to be level with the surrounding grass. Though it’s important to note that if you do identify grubs that you apply a grub control in the late summer and soil the following spring to ensure your hard work doesn’t get wasted.
Weak Root System – Easy to pull up with your hands
The easiest way to determine if you have a full-on grub infestation is by gently pulling up any grass in the affected area. If it comes up easily in your hands, like pulling up a carpet. Those critters have already done their damage. Each spring is when we see the result of last year’s grub activity, so it is important that if you see this damage to apply a grub control in late August/early September to reduce the population under the soil. Regular seeding and aeration are also recommended to help repair any severe damage.
The long and the short of it is this. All lawns have grubs but knowing whether or not you have an infestation will help save you a costly repair. It also can help identify when you don’t require the treatment and avoid putting a product down unnecessary while also saving you money. Hopefully these tips will help you customize your lawncare package to ensure your lawn is happy and bug-free this year.