W
hite grubs are the larval
stage of many common
beetles. These grubs feed
on the turfgrass roots,
destroying connective
tissue and killing the grass plants them-
selves. Most white grub damage appears
in the fall of the year. The grubs causing
this damage hatch from their eggs in
early to mid- July and begin to feed on
the turf roots almost immediately.
Damage to the roots of the turf will
cause large areas of turf to become
unstable. With no roots connecting the
turf to the soil, these areas of turf slide
and move around like carpet that is not
connected to the floor. Injuries to players
can occur in this situation. Imagine a big
linebacker running full speed, then sud-
denly planting his feet for a quick stop
to change direction, only to have the turf
come out from under him. Ankles can be
turned, and knees can be injured. Also,
birds, skunks and even raccoons will dig
up the turf, looking for grubs to eat and
causing further damage.
One of the biggest challenges the ath-
letic turf manager faces in dealing with
24 SportsTurf | August 2015 www.sportsturfonline.com
WHITE GRUB CONTROL
ON SPORTS TURF
FIELD SCIENCE
■ BY DANNY KLINE
The easiest and surest
way to take care of your
grub problem is by using
preventive controls.
Typical damage from skunks digging for white grubs.
Northern Masked chafer larvae
