Introduction
Noticing dead patches or birds tearing up your lawn? You might have grubs lurking beneath the surface. Learning how to deal with lawn pests like grubs is crucial if you want to protect your grass and keep your yard looking lush and healthy. Grubs feed on grass roots, causing patches of your lawn to wilt and die. If left untreated, they can attract wildlife like raccoons and skunks that dig up your yard for a snack. In this complete step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to spot a grub problem early, the best ways to get rid of them, and smart prevention tips to stop grubs from returning.
Why Dealing with Grubs Matters for a Healthy Lawn
Grubs are the larval stage of beetles like Japanese beetles, June bugs, or European chafers. These tiny pests feed on your lawn’s roots, cutting off your grass’s access to water and nutrients. As they eat away underground, your turf becomes weak, brown, and easily pulled up like a loose carpet.
A grub infestation can quickly spread and devastate a healthy lawn. Plus, grubs attract bigger problems: animals like skunks, raccoons, and birds dig up your yard hunting for them, causing even more damage. By learning how to deal with grubs the right way, you’ll save money, protect your turf, and keep your yard beautiful all season long.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deal with Lawn Pests Like Grubs
1. Look for Signs of Grubs
Before treating, make sure you really have a grub problem. Here’s what to watch for:
- Irregular brown or dead patches that appear in late summer or early fall.
- Grass that lifts up easily like a carpet because the roots have been eaten.
- Birds, skunks, raccoons, or moles digging up your yard.
- Increased beetle activity in early summer—adult beetles lay eggs that hatch into grubs.
2. Confirm by Doing a Grub Test
To know for sure:
- Cut out a square foot section of turf in the affected area.
- Roll it back and look for C-shaped white grubs in the soil.
- Count how many you see.
- Finding 0–5 grubs per square foot is normal—your lawn can usually handle it.
- More than 6–10 grubs per square foot means you need to treat.
3. Choose the Right Treatment
Chemical grub control:
- For best results, use a preventive grub control product that contains imidacloprid or chlorantraniliprole.
- Apply preventives in mid to late summer when grubs are young and more vulnerable.
- For an existing infestation in late summer or fall, use a curative product like carbaryl or trichlorfon for faster results.
Always follow label directions for safety and effectiveness.
Natural grub control:
- Try beneficial nematodes—microscopic worms that hunt and kill grubs.
- Nematodes work best when the soil is moist and temperatures are warm.
- Apply them in the evening and water well to help them penetrate the soil.
4. Water Properly After Treatment
Most grub control treatments need to be watered in to reach the root zone where grubs live.
✅ After applying, water the treated area with about ½ inch of water, unless the product instructions say otherwise.
5. Repair Damaged Lawn Areas
Once the grubs are under control, focus on repairing the damaged spots:
- Rake away dead grass and loosen the topsoil.
- Overseed with a grass seed that matches your lawn.
- Lightly rake the seed into the soil and water regularly until it germinates and fills in.
6. Prevent Future Grub Problems
Once you’ve tackled the current infestation, prevention is the key to keeping grubs away:
✅ Apply a preventive treatment: Use a season-long grub control product in early to mid-summer to target new eggs and young grubs.
✅ Keep your lawn healthy: Mow at the right height, water deeply and less frequently, and feed your lawn with a balanced fertilizer to help it withstand minor grub feeding.
✅ Reduce beetle populations: Pick Japanese beetles off your plants by hand, and avoid leaving beetle-attracting plants untreated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Treating at the Wrong Time
Solution: Preventive treatments work best in summer before grubs mature. Curative treatments should be used when grubs are actively feeding.
Mistake #2: Using Too Little or Too Much Product
Solution: Always follow the label for dosage. Overuse won’t kill more grubs but can harm beneficial insects and your lawn.
Mistake #3: Not Watering in Treatment
Solution: Most grub products need to soak into the soil to reach the root zone. Always water as directed.
Mistake #4: Skipping Prevention
Solution: Grub eggs hatch every year. Even if you solve the problem once, untreated lawns can get reinfested. Apply preventive treatments yearly if you have recurring issues.
Mistake #5: Confusing Grubs with Other Issues
Solution: Brown patches can also come from drought, disease, or pet damage. Always dig up a small section to confirm grubs are the cause.
Extra Lawn Care Tips & Hacks
✅ Attract Birds Safely: While birds naturally eat grubs, they can damage your lawn digging for them. Focus on prevention instead of relying on critters to do the job.
✅ Aerate Your Lawn: Aeration helps reduce soil compaction and improves drainage, making your lawn healthier and less inviting for grubs.
✅ Check Annually: Do a grub check every late summer to catch infestations early.
✅ Don’t Miss Our Related Guide: Read our step-by-step guide on how to aerate your lawn for healthier roots and better pest resistance!
Conclusion
Dealing with grubs doesn’t have to mean giving up on your green, healthy lawn. With the right approach—spotting early signs, using the right treatments at the right time, and strengthening your grass—you can stop grubs in their tracks and prevent them from returning.
Remember: test for grubs before treating, choose the best solution for your situation, and repair any damage with overseeding and good lawn care practices. Combine these steps with smart prevention, and your turf will stay lush and grub-free for seasons to come.
Bookmark this guide and revisit it each year to keep your lawn protected and beautiful!