White Grub

White grubs are C-shaped, creamy-white beetle larvae found in soil and turf, feeding on grass and plant roots. You will find them by turning over sod or soil, particularly in lawns that are irrigated. Adult beetles emerge in summer and feed on foliage of trees and shrubs. Heavy grub populations cause brown patches in turf where grass thins and dies.

For turf damage, apply beneficial nematodes (Heterorhabditis or Steinernema species) to moist soil in late August or early September. Milky spore applied in fall provides multi-year grub suppression on some species. Minimize late-summer irrigation to reduce grub habitat attractiveness. Aerate compacted soil to improve drainage.