The Turf Zone Podcast

The Turf Zone Podcast


Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council – Spikes of Death: Can Turfgrass Cultivation Effectively Control White Grubs?

April 23, 2019

White grubs, or scarab beetle larvae, may be the one common pest that plague all turfgrass systems around the globe. Larvae feed directly on roots, which impedes water and nutrient uptake. If left unchecked, grub feeding may cause a separation of root tissue from aboveground plant material (Figure 1). This is particularly problematic on athletic fields where large populations of actively feeding grubs can create footing and other safety issues. Additionally, the mere presence of the larvae can attract predators (e.g. skunks and raccoons), which in turn may cause even more severe damage.