Spring Grub Damage and Adult Flights Underway

We are getting reports of losses due to grub damage this spring along coastal areas. I have yet to confirm if these are indeed grub infestations or as I suspect a result of winter kill. Dry conditions are taking a toll on turfgrass currently not under an adequate irrigation regime and will exacerbate damage from grubs present in the soil and actively feeding. Please remember it often takes upwards of 10 grubs per square foot to initiate damage if turf is otherwise healthy. The presence of a grub here or there is likely not the cause of your turf troubles. Be aware that any large grubs you may see are extremely difficult to kill at this time and will soon pupate and become adult beetles.

May beetles (Phyllophaga spp.) adults have been actively flying for several weeks and the southern masked chafer (Cyclocephala lurida) flights are now underway. Female beetles will mate and move back into the soil to lay eggs over the next several weeks. Preventive insecticides with a long soil residual will kill young grubs as they hatch over the summer months. Have grub questions or need help give us a call! We also provide customized trapping for golf courses and sod farms and tailor management plans for the unique species you are dealing with!