Anyone else fighting grubs?

[soccerchick]

We have a few telltale brown spots where the grass comes right up. DH spread some grub control a few weeks ago, but it doesn't seem to have helped much, if at all.

He wanted the Scotts brand, but they were out. Do you think we should spread some more control? Does anyone know how long it usually takes to improve the problem?

Thanks!

 

[Mamu]

Controlling grubs can be difficult and there isn't any quick fix. #1 you need to treat the whole yard, #2 this needs to be done in early spring when the grubs are close to the surface, you will also need to treat again in late August. This application will need to be watered in deeply.

Good luck! Remember it too late to treat this years grub population. This will control next years grubs.

 

[DebºoºS]

Grubs are such a pain. The brown spot might be from a fungus though. The grubs eat the roots the grass then the fungus moves in when it's weakened. If we get that far I usually tear up the spot and start over with new seed.

 

[soccerchick]

Thanks for the replies. We didn't really think about grubs last year since the yard was new in August! I guess the sod they brought in had some stoways.

We have one small spot that will have to be seeded; the rest is actually looking better.

 

[DebºoºS]

Glad it's coming back. Ahhhh new sod. So nice to walk on.
Wish we could start from scratch with nice new weed free sod.

 

[shrubber]

Controlling grubs can be difficult and there isn't any quick fix. #1 you need to treat the whole yard, #2 this needs to be done in early spring when the grubs are close to the surface, you will also need to treat again in late August. This application will need to be watered in deeply.

Good luck! Remember it too late to treat this years grub population. This will control next years grubs.

I would tend to disagree on the timing of control.
If you are having problems from white grubs, those eggs would have been laid in late june ( June Beetles and Japanese Beetles ). They will reach pupea/gub stage in as little as two weeks. The best time to control that ( in fact , this years grubs ) is mid July. The new grubs are small, close to the surface, feeding and have no built up resistance to chemical control. Remember it is very important to water any control in heavily after application. As much as 1/2 inch of water. You need to literally push it into the soil with the water.
Grub control gets easier when you think about the life cycle.
Baby grubs ( easy to kill ) at the top of the soil 2-3 weeks after the eggs are laid.
As the soil becomes colder September-ish. Tehy move further down to protect themselves against the cold and winter over. ( next years grubs )
Spring, when the soil warms ( a steady week of 60's ) They move back to the top and start feeding, although, harder to kill because they are bigger and stronger.