White grubs are the larvae of scarab beetles. All are C-shaped, white to dirty white in color, with a brownish head and legs. Usually, they have a darker grey area at the tip of the abdomen.
The adults are medium-sized beetles that feed on a variety of trees and shrubs. More than a dozen species are native to the Southeastern US and do considerable damage to turf. Some of them, such as Japanese beetles and Green June beetles, are serious pests of ornamentals and certain fruits, including figs, peaches and grapes.
While adult beetles are pests in their own right, it is the grubs which cause the most damage to turfgrasses. Grubs feed primarily or exclusively on grass roots, cutting the plants off from water and nutrients. Symptoms of white grub damage include yellowing or browning of the leaves, signs of drought stress even when moisture conditions are good, and turf loose enough to pull easily from the soil. With heavy infestations the ground becomes spongy to the step. Additional damage occurs when predators like moles, birds, skunks, raccoons or armadillos root up the turf while hunting for grubs.
Grub control is an effective way to help reduce yard damage from grubs, beetles, moles, voles, and armadillos. Please call our office at 678-840-4449 to get pricing and availability of our treatment programs.