This autumn we seem to be experiencing a lot of grub activity in our lawns. It’s impossible to tell if you have an infestation just by looking at the grass – the grubs live amongst the roots. The easiest way to tell is from animal damage, this either comes in the form of:
1. Birds (generally large strong birds like crows) pecking at the lawn repeatedly so that little tufts of grass are lifted out and discarded all over the lawn.
2. A large amount of small holes dug to a depth of about 1-2 inches by foxes (Yes, foxes are omnivores and they eats grubs as well!)
3. If you’re really unlucky you will have badger damage where the animals peel back the turf in large patches to access the grubs underneath.
The two most common lawn grubs are chafergrubs and leatherjackets (pictured in that order):
These are in turn crane fly larvae or chafer beetle larvae. Unfortunately, these animals are creatures of habit and once they have decided that they like your lawn the problem will return as they will lay eggs in their own breeding ground.
We do however have some very effective treatments that have a long lasting effect, so if you are in our area then just give us a call if you are at all worried and I will be happy to come and have a look.
Posted by: rosa on: 3rd November 2009 in the: Lawn pests category
