Dead Grass? You May Have Grubs

As the weather continues to get warmer, landscaping projects are well underway. From yearly maintenance to reseeding lawns, everything is coming to life. Well, it should be anyway. Perhaps you’re struggling with dead patches of grass or noticing unwanted pests around the yard. While there’s no need for alarm if you come across a few grubs, if you’re turning soil this spring and each shovel full of dirt is producing one or more of these pests, it’s time to take action. At Aubin Ace Hardware NH, we have the solution to your yard needs.

 

What, exactly, is a grub?

Although grubs look like a type of insect, they are the larva of a beetle. In New England, grubs typically tend to be the larva of the Japanese Beetle. While these beetles feed and lay eggs during the early summer months, if left untreated, it’s not uncommon to find grubs this time of year.

Early spring grubs are those that survived the winter by burying themselves deep into the soil. As the soil warms, the grubs work their way back to the upper levels of the soil, preparing to emerge as beetles in the early summer. And, so, the cycle continues.

The problem with grubs is that they’re invasive and highly destructive. By killing them before they hatch, you’ll prevent the grub population from destroying your lawn. However, once hatched, the grub immediately feeds on the roots of your grass and other organic matter.

 

 

Easy to spot signs that you have a grub problem

Beyond the random spots of dead grass appearing across your lawn, there are other easy to spot signs that you may have an underlying grub population growing. Below are a few of the most common signs:

  • Birds digging holes in your yard.

One of the best meals around for springtime birds is large, mature grubs. If you’re noticing an increase in winged wildlife in combination with holes throughout your lawn, chances are, you have grubs.

  • Dead grass patches pull up easily.

Grubs feed upon the roots of your lawn, causing the particular area to die off. However, without the root system securing the grass into the soil, the dead patches will easily lift off the ground.

  • Your lawn feels spongy.

Another sign of grubs is a spongy lawn, even without the dead grass.

 

 

Prevention & Maintenance

The key to eliminating your grub population is killing them before they hatch. With a preventative grub control product, like Scotts GrubEx, you can kill and prevent grubs for up to 4 months. Applying this product in the spring and early summer will help to control damage before it begins. Once your grubs are gone, you’ll want to repair the dead areas with other products such as Scotts EZ Seed.

 

At Aubin Ace Hardware NH, we carry a large selection of lawn and garden products like those from Scotts. Dedicated to providing our customers with the solution fit for their exact need, stop by, and visit us today. Our team is always available and ready to provide you with expert advice that you can count on!