Why Do I Have Brown Spots in My Yard? One Possible Answer: Grubs

Why Do I Have Brown Spots in My Yard? One Possible Answer: Grubs

If you're noticing unsightly brown patches in your yard, it could be caused by several factors, but one of the most common culprits is grubs. Grubs are the larvae of various beetles, and they live in the soil, feeding on grassroots. Left unchecked, these pests can cause extensive damage, turning healthy green lawns into dry, brown patches. In this blog, we'll dive into how grubs might be responsible for your yard's issues and what you can do about it.

What Are Grubs?

Grubs are the larvae of beetles like Japanese beetles, June beetles, and European chafers. After adult beetles lay their eggs in the soil, the larvae hatch and start feeding on the roots of your grass. A small population might not cause noticeable damage, but larger infestations can destroy entire sections of your lawn.

Typical appearance of grubs

How Grubs Cause Brown Spots

Grubs feed on grassroots, effectively severing the plant from its water source. Without access to water and nutrients, the grass withers and dies, creating brown, irregular patches across your yard. The damage can often go unnoticed until it's too late, as grubs are out of sight beneath the soil.

Signs of Grub Damage:

• Irregular Brown Patches: Unlike drought damage, which often affects the entire lawn evenly, grub damage appears in random patches.
• Soft, Spongy Soil: Affected areas may feel softer or spongier than the rest of your lawn, as the roots have been eaten away.
• Peeling Back the Turf: In severe cases, you can actually pull back the dead patches of grass like a loose piece of carpet due to the destruction of the root system.
• Increased Animal Activity: Animals like raccoons and birds may dig up your yard to feed on grubs, further damaging the lawn.

Typical grub damage to a lawn

Identifying Grub Infestations

One of the easiest ways to confirm if grubs are causing the brown spots in your yard is to dig up a small section of the affected area. About two to four inches below the surface, you may find small, white, C-shaped larvae curled up in the soil. If you find more than five grubs in a small section of soil, you likely have an infestation that requires treatment.

Preventing and Treating Grubs

If grubs are indeed the problem, there are several ways to deal with them:

Preventative Grub Control: The best time to prevent grub infestations is in early summer when beetles lay their eggs. Preventative grub control products, usually applied in late spring, contain active ingredients like chlorantraniliprole, which kills grubs before they can cause significant damage.

Curative Treatments: If grubs are already active, curative insecticides with ingredients like imidacloprid or carbaryl can kill them on contact. These treatments are most effective in late summer or early fall when grubs are smaller and more vulnerable.

Natural Solutions: If you prefer an eco-friendly approach, beneficial nematodes—microscopic worms that feed on grubs—can be applied to your lawn. Milky spore disease is another natural option that targets Japanese beetle grubs specifically.

Lawn Recovery: After treating for grubs, you’ll need to help your lawn recover. Aerating the lawn, overseeding the damaged areas, and fertilizing will promote new growth and restore your yard’s health.

Preventing Future Grub Infestations

To prevent grub problems in the future, maintaining a healthy lawn is key. A thick, well-watered lawn is less susceptible to pest damage, as it's harder for beetles to lay eggs in dense grass. Regular aeration, fertilization, and overseeding will also help keep your yard in peak condition, making it more resistant to pests.

Conclusion

Grubs might be the sneaky culprits behind the brown spots in your yard, but once identified, they can be dealt with effectively. Whether you choose a preventative approach or need to act quickly with curative treatment, addressing grub damage promptly can save your lawn from further destruction. By maintaining a strong, healthy lawn, you can minimize the chances of future grub infestations and enjoy a vibrant, green yard all year round.

Need help with grub control? Contact us today for a consultation, and we’ll get your lawn back to looking its best!