White Grub Biology and Management1
Eileen A. Buss2
1. This document is ENY-321 (LH037), one of a series of the Department of Entomology and Nematology, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute
of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Date first published October 1993. Revised: January 2006. Please visit the EDIS Website at
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2. Eileen A. Buss, assistant professor, Department of Entomology and Nematology, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural
Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611.
The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does not guarantee or warranty the products
named, and references to them in this publication does not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition. All chemicals
should be used in accordance with directions on the manufacturer's label. Use pesticides safely. Read and follow directions on the manufacturer's label.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and
other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex,
sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service,
University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Larry
Arrington, Dean
White grubs have been a well-kept secret in
Florida turfgrass until recently. The major pests of
turfgrass used to just be mole crickets and chinch
bugs, but grubs are getting harder to control.
What's the problem? Well, a lot of the grub
control recommendations that are given on the
internet, in books and extension fact sheets come
from studies in the northern and midwestern U.S. We
have several different species in Florida and they
develop faster here and have different hosts. Thus,
the timing may be different for preventive and
curative insecticide applications.
White grubs are immature scarab beetles. They
hatch from eggs laid in the soil, have three larval
stages or instars, and also pupate in the soil. The third
instar is usually the most damaging. The adults are
rarely turf pests, but some may feed on tree leaves or
make mounds in the soil.
Signs of Infestation
When white grubs feed on grass roots, the grass
gradually thins, yellows, and dies, which leaves the
turf feeling soft and spongy. Scattered, irregular,
brown patches of grass appear, which increase in size
over time. The root injury reduces the turf's ability to
take up water and nutrients and withstand drought
stress. Heavily infested grass pulls up easily because
the root system is gone.
In addition, white grubs attract moles, raccoons,
armadillos, and birds, which can make an already
damaged area look worse. However, these animals
may be interested in earthworms or other insects
besides grubs. Large numbers of dark-colored,
parasitic wasps hovering over the lawn on sunny days
in the summer or fall may also be a sign of
infestation. Sample the area to confirm that a white
grub problem really exists.
Sampling
Proper monitoring and identification can prevent
turf loss and costly renovation. To confirm a grub
infestation, get a shovel and sift through the top 3 to 4
inches of soil, roots, and thatch. Look for
creamy-white, C-shaped beetle larvae, with tan to
rusty-brown heads and six legs. Larvae that look like
grubs but lack legs are probably billbugs.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
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