Grubs are the larvae of a variety of beetles. In the Southeast, the most common is the Japanese beetle. Grubs are C-shaped worms, typically cream-colored, white, or grayish-white, with an orange-brown head. They live in your turf's root zone, just below the soil surface.
Grubs feed on the root system and cause the most damage during August, September, and October.
Signs of a Grub Infestation:
A drought-like wilting of turf, even during rainy periods. If left unchecked, this can result in dead, brown patches that spread quickly.
Turf that is easy to pull up by hand, coming up in sheets as if it were freshly laid sod.
Finding 1 or 2 grubs in one square foot of dirt while gardening is usually no cause for concern. However, finding 4 or 5 in the same area suggests a population that needs control.
A flock of birds, especially starlings, or small mammals tearing up your lawn to feed on grubs is a strong sign of infestation.
Grubs damage turf by attacking its root system and will ultimately destroy it if left untreated.
Treatment:
Grub control can be accomplished with insecticide applications. For the treatment to be effective, the insecticide must soak through the entire soil profile to reach the root zone, where grubs are feeding. Thorough watering after application is essential for success.
The key to controlling any insect is understanding its life cycle.