You Are Here: Management Updates 1999 Archive September 8, 1999

Date: September, 1999
Category: Insects
Subject: White Grubs

The break in temperatures has been helping the grass to begin to recover from some of the drought damage sustained earlier this summer. While chinch bugs and billbugs may still be active on some lawns, the turf is better able to recuperate now that we are seeing cooler nights and occasional rain.

As usual our thoughts turn to grubs this time of year. We have seen populations exceeding 40 grubs per square foot in some locations already, and expect counts to rise slightly before the end of the autumn. (Most beetles should be done laying eggs by now, but some eggs are still present and some tiny grubs may be missed when scouting.)

If scouting indicates the population exceeds 10 to 15 grubs per square foot (or even fewer if European chafers), you still have time to spot treat the affected areas. It is too late to use Merit now and I personally believe it is too late to use Mach 2, but some of the traditional insecticides are still options. Turcam should still work well (should kill grubs within about five days after application), and Proxol or Dylox is still the best fast hitting insecticide available (should kill grubs within one or two days after application).

Now for the "broken record" part of this message... IF YOU ARE TREATING FOR GRUBS, BE SURE TO WATER IN THE APPLICATION WITH AT LEAST 0.25 INCHES OF IRRIGATION AS SOON AFTER APPLICATION AS POSSIBLE.

- Submitted by: Dr. Pat Vittum