Did you know that white grubs are actually beetle larvae, including the European chafer, common chafer, and Japanese beetle? These small grubs, about 1.25 cm (0.5 in.) long, have a soft, white C-shaped body and feed on lawn roots, causing your grass to die. But don't panic, there are solutions!
Signs of an infestation: How to recognize them
Your lawn might be infested if you notice:
- Irregular brown patches of grass.
- Dead grass that lifts up easily like a carpet.
- Holes dug by animals like skunks and raccoons that feed on the grubs.
To be sure, just lift a few damaged patches of your lawn. If you count more than five grubs per square foot, it's time to act!
Prevention is your best defense
The best way to fight white grubs is to prevent them in the first place. A healthy lawn is more resistant to infestations.
Here are a few steps you can take:
- Maintain a proper mowing height: A taller lawn (8 to 10 cm) protects the roots from sun and drought, and also discourages beetles from laying their eggs.
- Fertilize properly: A well-fed lawn is denser and more resilient.
- Water deeply: Less frequent, but longer watering sessions promote the growth of strong roots.
Scotts® Grub B Gon MAX® Grub Killer: Your effective ally
Since the ban on imidacloprid in Quebec, it can be difficult to find an effective treatment for white grubs. Fortunately, Scotts® Grub B Gon MAX® Grub Killer is here to help. Its active ingredient, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. galleriae, is a living organism that effectively eliminates a variety of beetle larvae, including those of chafers and Japanese beetles.
The treatment calendar: When and how to act?
Lawn grubs have an annual life cycle. To combat them, the key is to target the right application periods for Scotts® Grub B Gon MAX® Grub Killer.
- Spring (April–May): Grubs that have overwintered in your lawn migrate to the surface to feed on the roots. Mid-April is the ideal time to apply the product, as soon as the soil has thawed.
- Mid-summer (July–August): Eggs hatch, and the new larvae start feeding on the roots. An application in mid-August will eliminate these newly hatched larvae.
- Fall (September): The larvae continue to develop by feeding before burrowing deep into the soil for the winter. An application in mid-September is appropriate to minimize the impact of grubs the following spring.
How to apply the product
Applying this product is a breeze. Simply use a rotary spreader. For best results, apply the product to a freshly mowed, dry lawn. Be sure to water thoroughly after application so the grubs ingest the product and die. Remember to check the product label for recommended application rates and spreader settings.
This product should be stored between 4°C and 25°C and used within 17 months of the manufacturing date. *Effective against the following larvae: annual bluegrass weevil, Asiatic garden beetle, black turfgrass chafer, European chafer, green June beetle, Japanese beetle, common chafer, northern masked chafer, oriental beetle, and southern masked chafer, when applied at the rates indicated on the label. Consult the product label for details.
