“Skunks, raccoons and birds like to eat the grubs,” Tice said. “You’ll just come out one morning and see a huge patch of lawn ripped up and that’s usually an indication you have a grub problem.”
If you fear you have a grub problem, Ory recommends grabbing a section of damaged grass, or green grass near the damaged grass, and try to lift that area like you’re pulling hair. If you can easily lift up a section, chances are you’ll see active grubs; which are usually small, c-shaped white worms.
“It will lift up like a piece of carpet and you’ll see the larva in there,” Ory says.
Homeowners with lush, green lawns are more at risk for grub issues than areas with dried lawns.
“They like hot, sunny areas,” Tice sats. “When the beetles are flying in the air, they’re looking for green grass in a time of year when the grass is usually not green. Usually, they lay their eggs in that area because they know a root system is there and the babies will have food to feed on. Very rarely do you find any grub damage in shaded areas.”
Grub treatments can range in price, on average from about $75 to $200, depending on the type of treatment and the size of the area affected. Ory recommends applying a preventative product in mid-July. If damage is already done, a more aggressive treatment likely will be required that’s tailored to treat your specific grub issue.
