Lawn Grubs Australia - How to Get Rid of Lawn Grubs? 2024

19 - 09 - 2019
Turf News Weed Pest Disease

By Anco Turf

Lawn grubs are common pests in lawns in Australia. Lawns grubs of various types are sometimes called surface-dwelling caterpillars, Cockchafers and Armyworms. Depending on the type, these critters are drawn to the lawn’s leaves and root system.

Lawn grubs are prevalent during the warmer Australian months (i.e. October through to March). This is the time when your lush green lawn is most susceptible because it is healthy, fertile and full of nutrients. Following their maturity, lawn grubs turn into moths and beetles (an unfortunate and never-ending cycle!).

The RTF Tall Fescue, Eureka Kikuyu and Nullarbor Crouch grass varieties are more susceptible to lawn grubs than the Sir Walter, Sir Grange and Tif Tuf Bermuda. The latter three lawn types will spring back to life following an infestation given its pest tolerant qualities. While the former three lawn varieties are more susceptible, this does not mean that you should not install those lawns. There are methods you can follow to get rid of lawn grubs in Australia.

Identifying Lawn Grubs Activity

If your lawn is under attack from lawn grubs, here are a few indicators of their presence:

#1. Sponge-like texture

As the lawn grubs infiltrate your lawn, they will eat the lawn leaves or roots. This will eventually affect the root system and cause the lawn to lift. If the lawn can be rolled back like your rug or carpet, this will be due to the weakened root system. The sponge-like texture is caused by a slight bounce underfoot as the lawn is not firmly held to the soil.

#2. Increased moth activity

The caterpillar-to-moth life cycle is never-ending. When the grubs feed on the lawn and mature into moths, the moths will hover over your prized turf and lay eggs that will hatch into grubs. This continuous cycle will cause your entire turf to be affected.

In the case of the Cockchafer, you will notice Black Beetle on the surface or small holes in the lawn where they have burrowed into the surface to lay their larvae (the Cockchafer)

#3. Increased bird activity

Birds enjoy food, and lawn grubs make a good meal. Some grubs are a nocturnal species and will eat your lawn leaves during the night. Around dusk and dawn, increased bird activity could be a sign that lawn grubs are present.

#4. Brown patches

As the grubs feed on the lawn leaves and or the root system, the lawn will develop visible brown patches. These patches can be particularly prevalent following winter when the lawn is slow to grow and develop.

How to Treat Lawn Grubs Attacks?

To help you get started, we describe the following tips and tricks that will help you keep your turf free from lawn grubs. If you need clarification or further advice, feel free to speak to a team member so that you can be guided in the right direction.

Remember, lawn grubs are a part of nature so don’t expect immediate results because various environmental factors affect lawn grubs treatment.

Manufacturer Treatment

At Anco Turf, we treat our lawn varieties with Acelypryn. This treatment helps to ensure grub and bug-free turf for 3 months from delivery. This product is the latest innovation in the control of grubs in your lawn.

Traditionally, to treat grubs in your lawn, you would have to spray several potentially toxic chemicals on the plant’s leaf. However, Acelepryn is a non-toxic insect killer.

DIY Treatment

At Anco Turf, our online shop stocks a wide range of pest control treatments. Products for controlling lawn grubs, beetles, earwigs, millipedes, mole crickets, slaters and ants in lawns and gardens are available from our online Lawn Shop.

Always follow the instructions on the label and apply at the label rate.

Lawn Care

Keep your lawn healthy and fertile with insecticide treatment on a regular basis. For example, the Lawn Solutions Grub Guard is an effective spray that can treat lawn grubs. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and apply cautiously to prevent secondary consequences to your turf. Remember to be careful with other insecticides because they might damage your lawn.

Timely Action

Make sure you keep an eye out for lawn grub activity. Remember the signs described above and take immediate action if lawn grub activity is suspected. If you need help making the assessment, engage us for an inspection so that we can provide lawn grub treatment services. Lawn grubs are most prevalent during Spring, Summer and Autumn, so make regular inspections of your lawn during these periods.

Conclusion:

Lawn grubs are nasty pests for grass varieties. Lawn grubs can be treated and removed from your lawn with proper methods and treatments. Check for lawn grubs during the warmer months and take timely action. Lawn grubs can mow down your lawn quick and turn into moths or Beetles which starts the breeding cycle again. For further information, call us on 1800 010 110.

Do you have pests such as lawn grubs destroying your beautiful lawn? Describe the nature of the problem below and we will provide some quick tips to address the issue.

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