Grub Troubles? Expert Tips for Defeating the Underground Invaders

Dealing with a grass grub problem in NZ can be frustrating. Full-blown grass grub invasions can result in devastating lawn damage that can be difficult to manage.

Fortunately, you’re in the right place if you’re looking for expert tips for defeating these underground invaders. Read on to find out what your options are to give grass grubs their marching orders.

What Are Grass Grubs?

Grass grubs are the larval stage of bronze or brown beetles. They present as cream-coloured worm-like insects with light brown heads and can be as small as 6mm or as long as 20mm. In this growth stage, they are most active from spring to summer and chew the roots of lawns and plants. Not only are they a real pest for the average gardener, but they can also present many challenges for farmers.

Do I Have Grass Grubs?

Most people with grass grub infestations won’t be questioning whether they have grubs. They’ll know just by looking at their lawns. However, not every gardener knows the signs to look for.

In most cases, the first sign is the ever-growing presence of birds. If your lawn has become the latest neighbourhood attraction for birds, this can be a good sign that your grass has plenty of tasty snacks for them to enjoy.

You might also notice other signs like dead patches of lawn or spongy soil. Both can be indicative of grass grubs. If you’re still not sure, cut a small cross-section of your lawn and see how many grubs you can see. While a small number is natural, a huge quantity can represent a problem you should address sooner rather than later.

How to Treat Grass Grubs In Your Lawn – And Prevent Them in the Future

Once you know you have grass grubs, you’re likely curious about how you can give them their marching orders. It’s a straightforward process, but you might like to talk to your local garden centre about the best products to use.

Most garden stores offer a number of lawn grub products, most of which are in granular form. They typically recommend applying the products between January to March for up to six months of protection.

However, there can be more to getting rid of grass grubs than simply applying a grass grub-killing product. You also need to ensure your lawn is in the best health to prevent lawn pest issues in the future. Consider purchasing an organic lawn food product with all the goodies your lawn needs to thrive, such as fish meal, blood and bone, seaweed, and composted chicken manure.

If you’re unsure what your soil needs, consider performing a soil test and taking the results to your local garden centre to find out the best products for your needs.

What Happens If You Don’t Treat Grass Grubs?

Life gets busy, and while you might know you have a grass grub problem, you might not have found the time to take care of it. Therefore, you might be wondering what happens if you don’t.

Alongside birds ripping your lawn to shreds in search of the tasty treats, you can also find yourself with a small patch of damaged lawn that continues to grow larger. You might also notice that your grass is thinning out and that previously small bare patches are now much more prominent. Remember, grub-damaged grass will pull out easily at the roots, meaning it might not be long until your once-lush lawn is a barren square of dirt that sees you having to grow your grass again from scratch.

Start the Lawn Recovery Process

You might have given grubs their marching orders, but you’re now left with the devastation they left behind. Fortunately, your lawn doesn’t have to look awful forever. Take the steps below to restore your grass to its former glory.

1. Make Sure the Grubs Are Gone

You can be reasonably confident that the grub-killing product you purchased from your local garden centre would have done the job. However, don’t be afraid to make sure before you start the lawn restoration process.

When lawn grubs are mostly active at dawn or dusk, mix a bucket of soapy water and pour it over the edge of an area that was once affected. Wait around 10 minutes, and if any grubs are present, they will come to the surface.

2. Rake the Dead Grass

Grass grubs can decimate the average lawn, so you likely have a lot of dry and dead plant material in your lawn. Lightly rake it away so your lawn can recover quicker.

3. Irrigate the Lawn

As most of your grass leaves have been killed off by the grass grubs, the soil left behind is likely dry. Irrigate your soil often to replace any lost moisture.

4. Wait, Then Fertilise

When your grass has had a chance to recover, apply a fertiliser product with all the nutrients your grass needs to thrive. During this time, it’s also important to maintain your mowing schedule to encourage the lawn to thicken and promote lateral growth.

Say Goodbye to Grubs

The longer you give grass grubs free rein of your property, the more damage they can do. If you suspect grubs, purchase a recommended grass grub-killing product at a nearby garden centre. You can also reach out to your local lawn care experts for help and advice.