White grubs (Order Coleoptera, Family Scarabaeidae) are 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches long, have three pairs of legs near the head, and characteristically rest in a C-shaped position. Their heads and rear ends are brown. Green June beetle grubs crawl on their backs with their legs up. Grubs can be identified by the pattern of spines (rasters) on the rear ends. It is important to know the kind of grub in order to know when to treat.
Generally, the procedure for treating for white grubs is:
- Determine the extent of your grub infestation
- Identify the Grub Species
- Select a Control Method
- Treat in the Fall
Not all lawns have grub infestations that warrant control. Lawns differ in susceptibility to white grubs because of differences in grass species, soil health, irrigation, amount of sun or shade, traffic, etc. A dense stand of grass with a healthy root system can generally tolerate up to 10 grubs per square foot. Please read the resource cited below to obtain additional information on how to control white grubs.
Additional Information
Insect Management in Turf Grass: White Grubs
White Grub Identification
