How to Get Rid of Lawn Grubs
If you’re wondering how to get rid of lawn grubs, you’re not alone – these voracious pests are one of the most common threats to beautiful turf across the Sunshine Coast and Gympie regions. Lawn grubs can quickly turn a lush, healthy lawn into a patchy, damaged eyesore if left untreated. The good news? With the right knowledge and treatment approach, you can eliminate these pests and restore your lawn to its former glory.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about identifying, treating, and preventing lawn grub infestations in your turf.
What Are Lawn Grubs?
Lawn grubs are the larval stage of various beetle species that feed on grass roots beneath the soil surface. These C-shaped, cream-coloured larvae have a voracious appetite for turf roots, making them one of the most destructive lawn pests you’ll encounter. While they might look harmless, a severe lawn grub infestation can devastate your turf in a matter of weeks.
Lawn Grub Life Cycle
Understanding the lawn grub life cycle helps you target treatments at the most vulnerable stages. Adult beetles typically lay eggs in your lawn during warmer months. These eggs hatch into larvae (the grub stage) which immediately begin feeding on grass roots. Depending on the species, grubs can remain in the soil for several months before pupating and emerging as adult beetles. This cycle means that without proper prevention, infestations can recur year after year.
Common Lawn Grubs Found in Australian Lawns
Several grub species plague Queensland lawns:
- Argentine Stem Weevil larvae – particularly troublesome in couch and kikuyu varieties
- African Black Beetle larvae – widespread across most grass types
- Argentinian Scarab larvae – increasingly common in coastal regions
- Billbug larvae – especially damaging to warm-season grasses
- Cutworms – technically caterpillars but often grouped with grubs due to similar damage patterns
Each species has slightly different behaviours and preferences, but all cause similar root damage that compromises your turf’s health.
How Lawn Grubs Damage Turf
Lawn grubs damage turf by severing grass roots as they feed beneath the soil surface. This root damage prevents your grass from absorbing water and nutrients properly, leading to yellowing, wilting, and eventual death of affected areas. In severe infestations, you can actually peel back sections of turf like carpet because the roots have been completely consumed. The damage often appears suddenly, as grubs work beneath the surface for weeks before the visible symptoms emerge above ground.
Signs You Have Lawn Grubs
Early detection is crucial for effective lawn grub control. Watch for these telltale signs:
Yellowing or Dying Patches of Grass
One of the first indicators of a grub problem is irregular patches of grass that turn yellow or brown despite adequate watering. These patches typically appear during warmer months and expand rapidly as the grub population grows. Unlike drought stress, which affects the entire lawn uniformly, grub damage creates scattered dead zones that don’t respond to increased watering.
Spongy or Loose Turf
When you walk across your lawn, does it feel unusually soft or spongy underfoot? This spongy feeling occurs because lawn grubs have eaten away the root system that normally anchors your turf firmly to the soil. In advanced cases, you can actually grab the affected turf and roll it back like a rug – a clear sign of severe root damage from grub feeding.
Increased Bird or Animal Activity
Suddenly noticed more birds pecking at your lawn, or perhaps possums or bandicoots digging small holes overnight? These animals are nature’s grub detectors. They can sense grubs beneath the soil surface and will enthusiastically dig for them. While the animal activity itself can damage your lawn, it’s actually alerting you to the underlying grub problem that needs addressing.
Other Warning Signs
Keep an eye out for:
- Adult beetles hovering around outdoor lights in summer evenings
- Crows or magpies aggressively attacking your lawn
- Sections of turf that dry out faster than surrounding areas
- Grass that pulls away easily when gently tugged
How to Get Rid of Lawn Grubs
Once you’ve confirmed a lawn grub infestation, it’s time to take action. Your treatment approach will depend on the severity of the problem and your preferences regarding chemical versus natural solutions.
Natural and Organic Lawn Grub Treatments
For those preferring eco-friendly approaches, several natural options can help control lawn grub populations:
Beneficial Nematodes are microscopic worms that parasitise and kill lawn grubs without harming beneficial insects, pets, or children. Apply these to moist soil during cooler parts of the day, and water thoroughly after application to help them penetrate the soil. They’re most effective against younger grubs.
Neem oil applications can deter adult beetles from laying eggs and may kill young grubs on contact. Mix according to package directions and apply during early evening when beneficial insects are less active.
Milky spore is a naturally occurring bacterium that specifically targets certain grub species. While it takes longer to establish (sometimes a full season), it can provide long-term control once established in your soil.
Hand-picking grubs works for small infestations. Simply dig up affected areas, collect the grubs, and dispose of them. Follow up by monitoring the area closely for signs of remaining pests.
Chemical Lawn Grub Control Options
Chemical treatments offer fast, effective control for moderate to severe infestations. Modern insecticides are far more targeted than older products, minimising impact on beneficial insects when used correctly.
Acelepryn is our top recommendation for lawn pest control. This premium product provides long-lasting protection against lawn grubs and other turf pests whilst being safe for use around children and pets once dry. It’s effective against all major grub species found in Australian lawns and offers up to six months of residual protection.
Bifenthrin-based products work quickly to knock down active grub populations. These are best used when you need immediate results, though they don’t provide the extended protection of products like Acelepryn.
Chlorantraniliprole products offer excellent control with low toxicity to beneficial insects and earthworms, making them a good middle-ground option for environmentally conscious homeowners who still need reliable results.
Best Lawn Grub Treatments for Severe Infestations
When you’re dealing with a severe lawn grub infestation – characterised by large dead patches, easily peeled-back turf, or grub counts exceeding 10 per square metre – you need an aggressive treatment approach:
- Apply a fast-acting chemical treatment to immediately reduce the grub population
- Water thoroughly after application to move the product into the root zone where grubs feed
- Follow up with a longer-lasting preventative treatment like Acelepryn after 2-3 weeks
- Repair damaged areas by overseeding or installing new turf once the infestation is under control
- Monitor closely for the next 4-6 weeks to catch any remaining grubs early
Don’t try to save money by under-applying treatments during severe infestations – insufficient dosage allows some grubs to survive and repopulate your lawn quickly.
When Is the Best Time to Treat Lawn Grubs?
Timing your treatment correctly dramatically improves effectiveness and reduces the need for repeated applications.
Seasonal Lawn Grub Treatment in Australia
In Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and Gympie regions, lawn grub activity follows predictable seasonal patterns:
Spring (September-November) is when many grub species hatch and begin feeding actively. This is an ideal time for preventative treatments, as young grubs are most vulnerable to control products.
Summer (December-February) sees peak grub activity and the most visible damage. Treatment is essential during this period, especially after periods of rain which encourage egg-laying by adult beetles.
Autumn (March-May) requires continued vigilance as some species produce a second generation. This is also an excellent time to apply preventative treatments that will protect your lawn through the following spring.
Winter (June-August) typically sees reduced grub activity, but some species remain active year-round in our milder coastal climate. Don’t assume your lawn is safe just because it’s cooler.
For best results, consider applying a long-lasting preventative treatment in early spring and maintaining a regular monitoring routine throughout the warmer months.
How Long Lawn Grub Treatments Take to Work
Patience is important when treating lawn grubs. Fast-acting contact insecticides may kill surface-feeding grubs within 24-48 hours, but most products work more gradually. Acelepryn and similar products typically show noticeable results within 7-14 days as grubs stop feeding and eventually die.
You should see reduced bird activity and less new damage within the first week. Complete control and visible lawn recovery usually takes 3-4 weeks, depending on the severity of damage and your grass variety’s growth rate. Remember, even after the grubs are eliminated, damaged areas won’t magically regrow – you’ll need to support recovery through proper watering, fertilisation, and potentially reseeding or turfing bare patches.
How to Prevent Lawn Grubs
Prevention is always easier and more cost-effective than treatment. A comprehensive prevention strategy protects your investment in quality turf.
Maintaining Healthy Turf
The single most effective prevention strategy is maintaining vigorous, healthy turf that can better withstand pest pressure. Healthy grass grows quickly enough to replace roots damaged by light grub feeding, and thick turf makes it harder for adult beetles to reach the soil for egg-laying.
Strong root systems are your lawn’s best defence. This means regular fertilisation with appropriate products for your grass type, maintaining proper soil pH, and ensuring adequate drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions that stress turf and make it vulnerable to pests.
A dense, well-established lawn also creates an environment less attractive to egg-laying beetles, who prefer sparse turf where they can easily access the soil.
Proper Watering and Mowing Practices
Your maintenance routine plays a crucial role in lawn grub prevention. Regular mowing at the correct height for your grass variety keeps your turf healthy and resilient. Remember: never remove more than one-third of the grass blade length at once, as this stresses your turf and makes it more susceptible to pest damage.
Watering deeply but infrequently encourages deep root growth that helps grass survive grub feeding. Aim for 25-30mm of water once or twice weekly rather than daily light sprinklings. Deep roots also make it harder for grubs to completely sever the grass’s connection to moisture and nutrients.
Avoid overwatering, which creates the moist soil conditions that adult beetles find attractive for egg-laying. Well-drained soil that dries slightly between waterings is less appealing to many grub species.
Lawn Grub Prevention for New Turf
If you’re installing new turf, you have a perfect opportunity to start with a strong prevention plan. Before laying turf, consider incorporating a preventative insecticide into the soil preparation. This creates a protective barrier that kills any existing grubs in the soil and prevents new infestations.
After installation, maintain consistent moisture levels while your new turf establishes – but avoid oversaturating the soil. Once established, transition to the deep-but-infrequent watering schedule mentioned above. Apply a preventative treatment like Acelepryn 4-6 weeks after installation to protect your investment as the turf develops its root system.
Premium quality turf from reputable turf suppliers and turf farms starts with better genetics and growing conditions, giving it inherent advantages in pest resistance. This initial quality makes all your subsequent prevention efforts more effective.
Treating Lawn Grubs in Different Grass Types
Different grass varieties have varying susceptibility to lawn grub damage and may require tailored treatment approaches.
Lawn Grub Control for Buffalo Grass
Buffalo grass varieties like Sapphire Buffalo are generally hardy but can still suffer significant grub damage. Buffalo’s broad leaves and dense growth habit can mask early grub activity, so regular monitoring is essential.
When treating buffalo grass for grubs, always check product labels to ensure compatibility – some older insecticide formulations can damage buffalo varieties. Acelepryn is safe for all buffalo varieties and provides excellent control without the risk of phytotoxicity. Apply treatments during active growth periods for best results, and water in thoroughly to move the product through the thick thatch layer that buffalo often develops.
Buffalo’s relatively deep root system provides some natural resistance to light grub pressure, but severe infestations will still cause significant damage requiring intervention.
Lawn Grub Control for Couch and Kikuyu Grass
Couch grass varieties like Wintergreen Couch and kikuyu are particularly attractive to Argentine Stem Weevil and African Black Beetle larvae. These fine-bladed grasses show damage quickly but also recover faster than most varieties once grubs are eliminated.
Couch and kikuyu’s aggressive growth habit works in your favour – they’ll spread to fill in damaged patches relatively quickly with proper care after treatment. However, their fine root systems mean they’re also more vulnerable to severe grub damage, so early intervention is crucial.
Apply treatments when you first notice symptoms or during peak grub seasons as a preventative measure. These grass types tolerate most insecticides well, making treatment selection straightforward.
Lawn Grub Control for Zoysia Grass
Zoysia grass varieties including Nara Native Zoysia and Augusta Zoysia offer excellent overall pest resistance, but they’re not immune to lawn grub problems. Zoysia’s dense growth and strong root system provide natural defences, but severe infestations will still cause damage.
The challenge with treating zoysia for grubs is that this grass type is slower to recover than couch or kikuyu, making prevention even more important. Zoysia’s thick thatch layer can also prevent insecticides from reaching the soil, so ensure thorough watering after application and consider dethatching if the layer exceeds 12mm.
Zoysia responds well to all major insecticide types. Due to its slower recovery rate, consider applying preventative treatments annually rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.
Lawn Grub Treatment Products from Robert’s Turf Supplies
At Robert’s Turf Supplies, we stock professional-grade products that deliver reliable results for our Sunshine Coast and Gympie customers.
Recommended Lawn Grub Control Products
Our team recommends Acelepryn Pesticide as the gold standard for lawn grub control. This premium product offers several key advantages:
- Long-lasting protection for up to six months from a single application
- Effective against all major grub species plus other turf pests
- Safe for use around children and pets once dry
- Won’t harm beneficial insects like bees and earthworms
- Compatible with all grass types including sensitive varieties
We also carry a range of alternative products suitable for different situations and budgets. Our knowledgeable staff can recommend the best option based on your specific grass type, infestation severity, and treatment preferences.
Whether you’re dealing with an active infestation or want to implement a preventative programme, we have the right products in stock and ready for immediate collection or delivery across the region.
Expert Turf Advice and Support
Beyond products, Robert’s Turf Supplies offers the expertise you need to successfully eliminate lawn grubs and prevent future problems. Our team understands the unique challenges of maintaining premium turf in Queensland’s coastal climate and can provide personalised advice based on your specific situation.
We’re happy to help you identify whether your lawn damage is actually caused by grubs or another issue, recommend the most appropriate treatment approach, calculate correct application rates for your lawn size, and develop an ongoing maintenance plan to keep your turf healthy and pest-free.
Don’t struggle with lawn grub problems alone – our decades of experience in turf supply and care mean we’ve seen it all and know what works in our local conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Grubs
Are Lawn Grubs Harmful to Pets and Children?
The lawn grubs themselves are not harmful to pets or children if touched or accidentally ingested – they’re simply beetle larvae and pose no toxicity risk. However, the insecticides used to control them require appropriate precautions. Modern products like Acelepryn are designed to be pet and child-safe once dry, typically within a few hours of application. Always follow label directions regarding re-entry times, and keep pets and children off treated areas until the product has dried completely. Store all pest control products safely out of reach.
Can Lawn Grubs Come Back After Treatment?
Yes, lawn grubs can return after treatment if preventative measures aren’t maintained. Successfully treating an infestation eliminates the current generation of grubs, but adult beetles can still lay new eggs in your lawn during subsequent seasons. This is why we recommend applying long-lasting preventative treatments like Acelepryn annually in early spring, which creates a protective barrier that kills newly hatched grubs before they cause damage. Combining chemical prevention with good cultural practices – proper mowing, watering, and fertilisation – provides the best long-term protection against recurring infestations.
How Often Should You Treat Lawn Grubs?
The frequency of treatment depends on your approach and the products used. For preventative control, applying a long-lasting product like Acelepryn once annually in early spring (September-October) is typically sufficient for most lawns. If you’re using shorter-duration products, you may need to treat every 6-8 weeks during peak grub season. For properties with a history of severe infestations, consider treating twice yearly – once in spring and again in late summer. Regular monitoring is more important than rigid treatment schedules; inspect your lawn every few weeks during warmer months and treat at the first signs of activity.
Take Control of Your Lawn’s Health Today
Learning how to get rid of lawn grubs is an essential skill for any Sunshine Coast or Gympie homeowner who takes pride in their turf. While these pests can cause significant damage, they’re entirely manageable with the right knowledge, products, and timing. By implementing the prevention strategies and treatment approaches outlined in this guide, you’ll protect your investment in quality turf and maintain the beautiful, healthy lawn you deserve.
Remember, addressing lawn grub problems early is always easier and more cost-effective than dealing with severe infestations. If you’re seeing warning signs or want to implement a preventative programme, don’t wait – those grubs are feeding on your lawn’s roots right now.
At Robert’s Turf Supplies, we’re committed to helping you achieve and maintain the best possible turf. Whether you need professional-grade pest control products, premium turf varieties that start with inherent health advantages, or simply expert advice from people who understand local conditions, we’re here to help. Visit us at either of our locations or give us a call – we’d love to discuss your lawn’s specific needs and set you up for success.