GRUBWORMS, WHITE GRUBS
White grubs, grubworms or grubs are the C-shaped larvae of a large group of beetles called scarabs. They are found in the United States and several of these attack turfgrasses.
The most important species are: Damage by the Grubs White grubs eat organic matter including the roots of plants. The damage would first seem to be drought stress. Predatory mammals such as skunks, racoons, opossums, and moles dig in the turf in search of a meal. Stages of the grubworms Scarabs have a complete life cycle with eggs, larvae, pupae and adults. 1.Eggs- Most eggs are a creamy-white in color, about 1/16-inch (1.5mm) long and are slight oval when first laid. 2.Larvae- These are the C-shaped white grubs whick are thick bodied, creamy-white with brown head capsules. All species have three instars(larvae molt three times). 3.Pupae- The pupae are first cream colored and darken before the adults emerge. 4.Adults- The adults are typical scarabs - robust, oval beetles. Acceptable Control Techniques 1. Cultural Control - Certain species of scarab adults prefer specific host plants. 2. Water management - Most white grub species require moist soil for their eggs to hatch. The young larvae are also very susceptible to drying out. 3. Natural Control Parasites - Several parasitic wasps attack white grubs and may reduce populations in certain areas. These wasps may take up to two to three years to build up effective populations. 4. Biological Control from parasitic nematodes - in the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabtitis have been shown to be effective against white grubs. Sold commercially. 5. Pheromones have been identified for Japanese beetles and Oriental beetles. These pheromones can be used in traps to monitor adult acitivty similar to light trap monitoring. These substances, secreted by many animal species, alter the behavior of individuals of the same species. 6. Natural control by growing nectar and pollen plants to attract native predators and parasites. Beneficial nematodes, cats, skunks, opossums, armadillos, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and other insectivorous animals. Insight: According to entomologists, only one in 100 grubs is destructive to plant roots.
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