Buy Online
GET STARTED

Grub Worms

Active Seasons

Illustration representing the spring season
Illustration representing the summer season
Illustration representing the winter season
Illustration representing the fall season

Appearance and Size Facts

  • Immature feeding stage, or larvae, of certain beetles and are plant feeders
  • Brown head and a cream-colored body
  • Have a characteristic shape when found in the soil
  • Six legs and have a hind portion of the abdomen which appear dark due to the soil particles showing through the exoskeleton
  • Size: Range from 3/4 inch to almost 2 inches in length

Behavior and Habitat of Grub Worms

Grubs are voracious feeders, and in most cases are the larvae of Japanese beetles, annual white grubs, or green June beetles. After the beetles mate during late spring/early summer, the females lay eggs in the soil. Once the eggs hatch, the grubs feed in the soil during the warm days of summer. As the soil temperature begins to fall, they burrow deeper to spend the winter, sometimes to depths of 4 or 5 feet below ground. Depending on the weather, they may be higher or lower in the soil when spring arrives. Then they will be back up near the surface and feeding on grass roots again. White grubs eat organic matter, including the roots of plants. Therefore, damage first appears to be drought stress. Heavily infested turf appears as an off color, gray-green, and wilts rapidly in the hot sun. Continued feeding will cause the turf to die in large irregular patches. The tunneling of the larvae cause the turf to feel spongy under foot and the turf can often be rolled back like a loose carpet.

Image of a magnifying glass

Signs of Infestation of Grub Worms

Scattered and irregular brown patches, increasing in size over time in the turf is a sign of a Grub infestation. Heavily infested grass will pull up easily, rolling up like a carpet.

An illustration representing a warning sign for bug infestation

Tips for Prevention of Grub Worms

Frequent irrigation during mating season may increase female egg-laying, although proper irrigation can also help turf to outgrow small or moderate infestations. Mow and rake out excess thatch to allow maximum soil uptake of irrigation, but not allowing soil to remain to wet for ideal egg-laying situations. For large infestations, a professional pest management company, such as Hulett Environmental Services, should be consulted for Grub control.

A cropped image of a pencil

Grub Worm Gallery

Photograph of grub worm
Photograph of grub worm number 2
Photograph of grub worm number 3

Latest Pest & Termite Control News

Subterranean Termite Control in West Palm Beach: Sentricon Colony Elimination

Subterranean Termite Control in West Palm Beach: Sentricon Colony Elimination

Here in Palm Beach County and our northern neighbors in the Treasure Coast, including subterranean termite prevention and control as a part of your general home maintenance plan is essential. This is especially true in West Palm Beach, which was named in the “Top 10 Worst Termite...

Read More ›
New Year Pest Control Resolutions for Your South Florida Home

New Year Pest Control Resolutions for Your South Florida Home

A new year means new pests are trying to call your South Florida house their home. This year, along with new year’s resolutions to improve your health, finances, attitude, and whatever other things you want to change in your life, make this year the year you keep your South Florida home...

Read More ›
Expert Advice on Protecting Your Home and Lawn from Pests this Winter

Expert Advice on Protecting Your Home and Lawn from Pests this Winter

Living in South Florida means rodents, ants, and other pests don't take the winters off! Meanwhile, your lawn needs less watering and mowing during the winter months and is susceptible to various diseases such as brown patch fungus. Your lawn in winter While we’re outdoors, let’s talk...

Read More ›