Learn how to spot grub damage and the small pests that cause the damage in your lawn.
Lawn grubs are one of the most aggravating pests your lawn can encounter. These larval insects feed on and damage your grass at the root level. When the root system is compromised, your lawn can’t intake the water and nutrients it needs to survive. If you suspect these pests have invaded your property, look for the following tell-tale signs of grub damage. Your local lawn experts at Scientific Plant Service can determine if you have a grub problem and provide grub control and treatment.
Is There Increased Animal Activity?
Increased animal activity in your yard could indicate that animals are attracted to the growing grub population. Animals like raccoons, birds, and skunks may be spending more time on your lawn to feed on grubs.
These animals may indicate a grub issue, but they can cause their own problems. As the animals dig and toss dirt to hunt for grubs, they leave behind significant lawn damage.
Do You Notice Brown Patches?
If you have noticed patches of oddly shaped dead spots on your lawn, this may be grub damage. When grubs attack, grass turns thin and brown, which leads to visible larger patches across your yard.
It’s most common to notice these patches in late summer or early fall. During this period, grubs increase their eating, and the damage becomes more visible. Dead patches can be caused by other factors, like drought or disease, but if you notice dead grass, it’s time to contact the professionals for treatment.
Have You Seen Grubs?
If you suspect you have grubs living on your lawn, you can check for them. Dig up a few small areas where damaged parts of your yard meet undamaged areas. Grubs are recognizable by their off-white color, brown heads, chubby bodies, and three pairs of legs. They typically lay in a c-shape when exposed.
You may have a treatable infestation if you see more than five grubs per square foot. Call Scientific Plant Service to start treatment as soon as possible before severe damage occurs.
Does Your Grass Feel Loose?
Does your grass feel spongy or loose when you walk on it? Grub damage can lead to unusual symptoms because of how they feed. As the grubs feed on the roots, the connection between the root base and the turf is weakened.
Is Your Lawn Experiencing Turf Detachment?
What happens when a grub infestation causes maximum damage? Areas that have been damaged and weakened by grub feeding become entirely detached. This means you can pull up your turf just like a rug.
Repairing this level of damage is challenging, so it’s best to catch and treat grub damage and infestations before you have turf detachment or further problems on your hands.
Scientific Plant Service Is Your Go-To Source In Landscape Healthcare
Scientific Plant Service, located in Baltimore, is a privately owned corporation, chartered in Maryland in 1957 by Frank J. Burke. We started as a full-service Arborists specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a Lawn Care company that is a huge part of the community. From aquatic environments and snow management to deer and mole control, SPS has services tailored specifically for your lawn and landscape.
We offer services in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia, including: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Calvert counties in MD, as well as Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church in VA. For more information, contact us online, or call us at 410-321-0970. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.