What Are Lawn Grubs?
If you’ve ever noticed brown patches in your lawn that peel up like carpet, chances are grubs are to blame.
Grubs are the larvae of beetles, most commonly Japanese beetles, June bugs, or chafers, that live underground and feed on grassroots. When they feed, they cut off your lawn’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, leaving behind dead, patchy turf.
They’re small, white, C-shaped insects with soft bodies and brown heads. While a few grubs won’t destroy a lawn, large infestations can cause serious damage in just a few weeks.
How to Spot Early Signs of Grub Damage
Grub damage often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. Here’s what to look for before it becomes a problem:
- Irregular brown patches that don’t green up even after watering.
- Soft or spongy turf that lifts easily from the soil.
- Increased animal activity, birds, skunks, or raccoons digging for food.
- Wilting grass in late summer, even with regular irrigation.
The key is catching these signs early. By the time your lawn shows visible damage, grubs have already been feeding for weeks.
When Grubs Are Most Active in Ocean County
In coastal New Jersey, grub season typically starts in late spring and peaks through summer. Adult beetles lay eggs in June and July, and the larvae begin feeding soon after.
By August and September, they’re at their hungriest, and that’s when most of the visible lawn damage appears.
The good news? Preventive treatments applied in late spring or early summer can stop grubs before they ever hatch.
How to Prevent Grub Damage
Preventing grubs is far easier (and cheaper) than repairing lawn damage later. Here’s how to protect your turf:
- Schedule a preventive grub control treatment in late spring — this targets eggs and young larvae before they feed.
- Keep your lawn healthy with regular fertilization and watering — strong roots resist grub stress better.
- Avoid overwatering — moist soil attracts beetles looking for egg-laying spots.
- Aerate compacted soil — healthy airflow discourages pests and supports root recovery.
At Grasshoppers Fertilizer, Weed & Mosquito Control, we use professional-grade grub control products that protect your lawn for the entire season. Our treatments are timed specifically for Ocean County’s soil and climate, ensuring maximum effectiveness.
Repairing Grub Damage
If grubs have already caused damage, don’t panic. We can help restore your lawn with targeted treatments and overseeding. After eliminating the grubs, we’ll assess the root damage and recommend a recovery plan, typically including aeration, reseeding, and fertilization to rebuild healthy turf.
Protect Your Lawn Before It’s Too Late
A little prevention goes a long way. Don’t wait until brown patches appear, by then, the damage is already done.
Call Grasshoppers today to schedule your grub control treatment and keep your Ocean County lawn healthy, green, and pest-free all summer long.