Grub Control and Lawn Damage Prevention

Your lawn might look healthy on the surface, but beneath the soil, tiny pests could be causing serious damage. Grubs—the larvae of beetles—feed on grass roots, leading to brown patches, thinning areas, and turf that lifts like carpet.

If left untreated, they can destroy entire lawns in just a few weeks. That’s why grub control is one of the most important lawn care services for maintaining a strong, healthy yard.

1. What Are Grubs?

Grubs are the larval stage of beetles like Japanese beetles, June bugs, and chafer beetles. They live underground, feeding on your grass roots until they mature into adult beetles during late summer.

While a few grubs aren’t usually a problem, a large infestation can devastate your lawn quickly.

2. How to Identify Grub Damage

Because grubs live beneath the surface, the early signs of damage can be subtle. Keep an eye out for:

• Soft, spongy turf that lifts easily from the soil.
• Irregular brown patches that don’t recover after watering.
• Increased animal activity—birds, skunks, or raccoons digging for food.
• Roots that appear chewed or detached.

If you see any of these symptoms, it’s time for a professional inspection.

3. Why Grubs Are So Destructive

Grubs feed directly on your grass roots, cutting off the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. This root damage weakens your entire lawn system, leading to:

• Dead or dying grass.
• Rapid weed spread.
• Soil erosion and thinning turf.

Without treatment, your lawn’s health and appearance decline quickly, often requiring expensive repair or replacement.

4. Timing Is Key to Grub Control

The best way to control grubs is to treat them before they hatch or while they’re young—usually in late spring through early summer.

Preventive treatments target eggs and larvae before they start feeding, while curative treatments address active infestations.

Anointed Lawn Care’s seasonal grub control program ensures your yard gets protection right when it matters most.

5. How Professional Grub Control Works

Professional grub control is both preventive and corrective. The process includes:

1. Inspection – Identifying grub species and population levels.
2. Targeted Treatment – Applying pro-grade insecticides at the right soil depth to eliminate larvae.
3. Soil Conditioning – Enhancing root growth and resilience after damage.
4. Ongoing Monitoring – Checking for signs of beetle activity throughout the season.

These steps protect your turf from recurring infestations and promote faster recovery.

6. Prevention Tips for Homeowners

Even with professional treatments, maintaining a strong lawn makes it harder for grubs to thrive. Here’s how to help:

• Keep your lawn well-fed: Regular fertilization strengthens roots.
• Aerate annually: Looser soil helps prevent compacted, grub-friendly conditions.
• Water deeply: Shallow watering encourages weak roots—grubs love that.
• Monitor regularly: Early detection is key to stopping damage before it spreads.

Healthy lawns naturally resist grub invasions better than stressed ones.

7. The Importance of Integrated Pest Management

Grubs are just one part of a larger pest cycle. They eventually mature into beetles that can feed on trees, shrubs, and plants.

By combining grub control with perimeter pest control and insect management, you protect your entire landscape—not just your lawn.