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Lawn grubs can do a lot of damage to your grass in a short space of time. They chew on grass roots or leaf blades and stems, causing grass to brown and die back, so it’s important to control and kill lawn grubs as soon as you see them. We’re sharing information on how to spot signs of grubs and identify these unwelcome guests, along with tips on how to banish them from your backyard.
Lawn grubs refer to a range of insect pests that attack and feed on lawns. They include the larvae of lawn armyworm and sod webworm, and the larvae and adult forms of the African black beetle, Argentinian scarab and billbug (weevil).
The larvae of the latter beetles are commonly referred to as curl grubs or white curl grubs. They usually have a C-shaped, soft, pale cream or white body with six legs towards the front of their body. Their heads may be black, brown, red or yellow.
Lawn armyworms are the larvae or young of the adult moths. They have a grey-brown body with beige stripes along the length of their bodies. While lawn armyworms feed on above-ground stems and leaf blades, curl grubs feast on the roots below.
Yellow or brown patches in the grass may be the first sign of lawn grub damage. “With lawn armyworm, a patch of your lawn will die off seemingly overnight,” says Steve Jackson, Munns lawn expert.
Increased bird and/or moth activity around the grass may also be a sign of grubs in the lawn.
Lawn grubs are most active in the warmer months, traditionally from October through March. Adult beetles lay their eggs in soil during summer; when the larvae hatch, they immediately start feeding on the roots of grass (or plant roots in pots or garden beds). As winter approaches, they move deeper into the soil to pupate over winter, eventually emerging as adults in spring, when they mate, and the cycle repeats itself.
Similarly, the adult moth lays its eggs on grass, which hatch into caterpillars. They are mostly seen in the evening and at night, hiding during the day in lawn thatch or underneath the soil. Eventually they burrow into the soil and form a cocoon, later emerging as adult moths, allowing the cycle to continue.
Confirm what type of lawn grub is attacking your lawn; this is important to determine what product is suitable for control.
“If [you’re] not sure of the pest, take some close-up photos and ask an in-store expert,” says Ash Makin, Bunnings national garden care buyer. “You can also bring a sample into the store, but ensure the pest is already dead or bring it in a sealed plastic bag.”
“Keeping your lawn healthy is the best defence against lawn pests,” Ash says.
Remove thatch to reduce hiding areas for caterpillars, and regularly mow lawns – removing only one-third of the leaf blade – to reduce egg-laying sites.
Use control products to assist with prevention as needed. The best way to get rid of the larvae of lawn armyworm, sod webworm and curl grubs and their adult forms (including African black beetle) is to apply a product with Chlorantraniliprole as the active ingredient, like Yates Grub Kill & Protect or Lawn Solutions Australia Grub Guard Ultimate.
Apply this evenly over the area when pests are sighted, and ensure you water in thoroughly after application.
To control curl grubs and lawn armyworm naturally, apply Eco-Organic Garden Eco-Neem Concentrate at the first sign of pest infestation, ensuring thorough coverage of the area. This product can also be applied to garden beds (ornamentals only).
Lawn armyworm and the African black beetle can also be controlled naturally with Multicrop EcoGrub, which also contains an organic fertiliser and wetting agents. Alternatively, chemical products containing the active Bifenthrin, like Richgro Lawn Beetle and Grub Killa, will assist in controlling lawn armyworm and adult forms of curl grub.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment, applying at the label rate. Re-enter treated areas once the spray has dried. Always store products out of the reach of children and pets.
Get greener – and healthier – grass with our guide to taking care of your lawn.
Photo Credit: Alex Reinders, Larnie Nicolson, Getty Images
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
