Problem Category: Lawn & Garden

Lawn Insects

White Grubs

White Grubs are the most destructive lawn insect!

The grubs are the larva of beetles, they are milky white with a brown head and a darker tail. They will be curled up in a "C" shape and may be up to 1.7 cm (3/4 inch) long.

Grubs feed on the grass roots, damage is identified as dead grass that can be lifted like a piece of carpet. Grub damage is usually first noticed in mid to late August; damage will first occur in the sunniest, driest locations of the lawn. Damage can also occur from raccoons, skunks and birds digging up the lawn to feed on these grubs.

The best time to control grubs is when the larvae are small and actively feeding near the surface. Apply GrubOut® in late July or early August. A second application may be required in mid September.

Early spring applications of GrubOut® should only be made if the grubs are right at the surface and the soil temperature is fairly warm (15°C). The large larvae in the spring are more difficult to control.

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Early spring applications should only be made if the grubs are right at the surface and the soil temperature is fairly warm (15 °C). The large larvae in the spring are more difficult to control.

Ants

Ants in your lawn left unchecked will find their way into the house. Long-term control of ants can only be achieved by destroying the nest. Apply GrubOut® or Ant Dust directly to the anthills and water in. For more complete control over a larger area, spray the entire area and around the house with special attention to anthills and trails.

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Chinch Bugs

Chinch Bugs cause the lawn to turn yellowish brown, dry up and die. The damage will first be noticed in dry sunny areas and spread out in irregular patches. They attack the grass in mid to late summer usually during dry conditions. They are black to brown insects with white on their wings, approximately 3-5 mm (1/8 “) long. Apply GrubOut® when damage is noticed. A second application in 14 days is often required.

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Sod Webworm

Sod Webworm (Lawn Moths) feed on the blades of grass, chewing them off at ground level. Damage will appear as brown patches in the driest area of the lawn. Dead grass will pull away in clumps. The adults are small light coloured moths that fly up from the lawn in the evening when they are disturbed. Damage usually appears in late August and September. Apply GrubOut® when damage is first noticed or when moths are plentiful. For best results apply in the afternoon or evening to a moist lawn.

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Cranefly Larva

Cranefly Larva (Leatherjackets) - The adult Crane Fly looks like a large mosquito. The larvae feed on the grass in the fall and spring. The worst damage is done in March and April. Leatherjackets are found just under the surface of the soil. The areas hardest hit with leatherjacket damage are Southern ON, BC, Nova Scotia. There are no domestic products registered for leatherjacket control at this time. Commercial applicators are using Sevin®.