This is the time of the year when we start getting a lot of calls and emails from customers worried about the grubs they are finding in their yards while doing spring planting.
The concern is valid because grub worms (which are the larvae of June beetles) can cause all kinds of problems in North Texas lawns.
It is important to know that grub worms have a three-year life cycle. Which means In our area the beetle lay its eggs in late spring to early summer, with the grub emerging in a few weeks. They start feeding pretty much instantly on the root system of your grass. The biggest problem is that you often can’t see this damage until it is already done. Another problem with grubs is that armadillos love to eat them, and if you have armadillos around, they’ll start digging up your lawn to feed on the grubs causing even more damage.
Now is the time to treat for grub worms. If you want to do-it-yourself look for product using Imidacloprid. I know that’s a tough name to remember (let alone say) but you need to make sure that is the active ingredient if you are treating for grubs. Don’t make the mistake of picking up the first bag of Ortho or Bayer with an easier name that has a picture of a grub. Take the time to read the labels and make sure you get a product that has Imidacloprid which will create a barrier that prevents the grub worm from damaging your lawn.
It is important to remember that Imidacloprid is a great preventative against grub worms, which means it is NOT effective once they are actively feeding. You need to treat before they become active.
People often ask me what they should do when they see grubs in their lawn or landscape earlier in spring? Does it mean they are already feasting on my lawn? The answer is no. You’d be hard pressed to find a lawn in our area that doesn’t have some grub worms. They only become an issue when their numbers grow to the point where they can cause widespread destruction in late summer (it is impossible for them to grow their numbers to the point of damaging your lawn anytime but late summer in our area.) That is why you need to treat for them in last spring in our area.
If you have any lawn or landscape questions give us a call at 972.495.6990 or email [email protected]. I love to answer your questions and often can share the information for our Quick Tip series that helps all Village Green customers.