Skip to main content

Logo for N.C. Cooperative Extension N.C. Cooperative Extension Homepage

Controlling White Grubs in the Lawn

en Español / em Português
Español

El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.

Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.


Português

Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.

Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.


English

English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.

Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.

Collapse ▲

RADIO TRANSCRIPT
June 8, 2023
Taylor Campbell

This is Taylor Campbell, horticulture extension agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension Burke Center. Today’s program is on controlling white grubs in the home lawn.

White grubs, the larval stage of scarab beetles, can cause significant damage to turfgrass in North Carolina. The Japanese beetle is the most damaging beetle species to both turfgrass and ornamentals. Two additional scarab beetles, the black turfgrass beetle and the oriental beetle, are also becoming a problem. These beetles go through a complete metamorphosis, transitioning from egg to grub to pupa to adult.

To inspect for grubs, examine the root zone and the upper 1-3 inches of soil. Grubs feed on grass roots and can cause wilting and yellowing of the grass.

Different types of white grubs have specific treatment thresholds. Treatment thresholds range from 4-10 grubs per square foot, depending on the beetle species and the health of the turfgrass.

Proper cultural practices, such as soil preparation, turfgrass selection, and maintenance, can help prevent grub infestations. Biological controls, such as beneficial nematodes, and chemical controls, such as contact insecticides, can be used to manage grub populations if necessary. Overall, maintaining a healthy turf is key to managing white grubs effectively.

This has been Taylor Campbell, horticulture extension agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension Burke Center. For more information on garden pest management, call us at 764-9480 or visit our website at burke.ces.ncsu.edu.