How to Get Rid of Grubs in Your Lawn?

by Jorge Melo

How and when to kill grubs

Introduction

A single square foot of lawn in Massachusetts can hide 10–15 grubs under the soil. That’s enough to make your grass wilt, brown, and peel up like old carpet. In our 35 years of business, we’ve seen perfectly green yards destroyed in just one season because homeowners didn’t spot the problem early.

So, how do you get rid of grubs in your lawn? The answer is prevention first, treatment second.

The most effective way is to apply a preventive product in late spring or early summer, before grubs hatch. Products with imidacloprid, clothianidin, thiamethoxam, or chlorantraniliprole stop larvae before they start feeding. If you miss that window, you’ll need a curative treatment in early fall or very early spring using fast-acting products like carbaryl or trichlorfon. Both must be watered in thoroughly to reach the soil where grubs live. With proper timing, you can prevent grubs from destroying your lawn.

What are grubs?

Grubs are the C-shaped larvae of beetles like Japanese beetles, June beetles, and chafers. They live in the soil and feed on organic matter, including the roots of your grass. In New England, they typically hatch in midsummer and feed until late fall. Left untreated, they weaken turf to the point where entire patches detach from the soil.

How to scout for lawn grubs

The only way to know if grubs are present is to check under the turf:

1. Cut a square foot of lawn about 2 inches deep.

2. Peel it back and look in the topsoil.

3. Count the grubs. Six or more in one square foot means you need to act.

4. Replace the turf and water the spot.

Getting rid of lawn grubs

Preventative

• Best timing in Massachusetts: Late spring to early summer (May–July).

• Apply products with imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, clothianidin, or chlorantraniliprole. According to Michigan State University research, chlorantraniliprole can be applied as early as April, while others are most effective in June or July.

• Water treatments with at least a half-inch of irrigation.

• Keep lawns mowed high (3.5–4 inches) to encourage deep roots that tolerate light grub feeding.

• In Fairhaven and nearby towns like New Bedford and Marion, healthy, irrigated lawns can withstand small grub populations without visible damage.

Curative

• If you find active grubs in fall or early spring, use carbaryl or trichlorfon.

• These fast-acting treatments kill feeding grubs but work best when applied before mid-May or in September.

• Reapply a preventive treatment the following summer to avoid the cycle repeating.

• Organic options include neem oil and beneficial nematodes, but they require precise timing and care to be effective.

What does grub damage look like in a lawn?

• Wilting grass that doesn’t recover after watering.

• Patches of turf that brown and thin out.

• Grass is lifting from the soil because the roots are gone.

• Wildlife activity: skunks, raccoons, and crows digging for a meal.

How can you tell the difference between lawn fungus and grub damage?

• Fungal disease usually shows spots, rings, or irregular discoloration, but the turf stays rooted.

• Grub damage makes the grass detach easily.

• If you’re unsure, check under the turf. Seeing grubs confirms the problem.

Signs of grub problems

• Spongy feeling when you walk across the lawn.

• Dead patches are spreading each week.

• Animals are tearing up turf at night.

• Beetles active in July are a warning sign that eggs are being laid.

Life cycle of lawn grubs

• June–July: Beetles lay eggs in the soil.

• July–October: Grubs hatch and feed on roots.

• Winter: They burrow deep to survive.

• Spring: Large grubs feed again before pupating into beetles.

Lawn grubs: what they look like

• Cream-colored bodies with brown heads.

• C-shaped when disturbed.

• About ¾ inch long in Massachusetts soils.

• Found just under the turf line.

Kinds of lawn grubs

• Japanese beetle grubs

• European chafer grubs

• June beetle grubs

• Black turfgrass ataenius (more common on golf courses)

Do lawn grubs play a positive part in a lawn’s ecosystem?

In small numbers, they break down organic matter. But in larger populations, they destroy roots and kill turf.

Is grub control necessary every year?

In Massachusetts, beetles lay eggs every summer. You may not need treatment annually if your lawn is healthy, but prevention is far cheaper than replacing sod. Many professional lawn care services in New Bedford and Marion include yearly grub control because infestations can’t be predicted with certainty.

When to use grub control in New England

• Apply preventive products before grubs hatch in June–July.

• Curative products should only be used in fall or very early spring when grubs are feeding near the surface.

• Once May arrives, grubs stop feeding and chemicals no longer work.

How grubs kill lawns

By destroying roots, they cut off water and nutrient flow. Even well-watered lawns wilt and die when roots are gone.

Can grubs kill trees?

Grubs mainly target turf roots. They rarely kill mature trees, but can stress small plants or new sod.

When grubs are active

• July–October (main feeding season)

• March–May (spring feeding before pupation)

Are grubs bad for your garden?

Yes. Grubs also feed on plant roots, and adult beetles chew leaves, making them a double threat.

Will grubs kill my plants?

They can stunt or kill shallow-rooted plants, especially in vegetable and flower beds.

How to treat

• Prevention: Apply products in June or July and water them in.

• Curative: Use carbaryl or trichlorfon in September or early spring.

• Organic: Neem oil, milky spore, and beneficial nematodes can reduce populations with consistent application.

What grubs look like

White, curled, soft-bodied larvae with three pairs of small legs near the head.

Where grubs come from

Beetles lay eggs in your lawn in early summer. Eggs hatch into larvae, feed underground, and return as beetles the next summer.

FAQ: killing lawn grubs

Can I kill grubs in the fall?

Yes, with curative products like carbaryl or trichlorfon. They are most effective when grubs are still small and feeding near the soil surface.

Will one treatment be enough?

Sometimes, but preventive applications the following summer are strongly recommended to stop the cycle.

Can my lawn recover after grub damage?

Yes. With overseeding, watering, and fertilization, damaged areas can grow back. Severely damaged areas may need reseeding or sod.

FAQ: New England Tree & Landscape

Do you offer lawn care services in New Bedford, MA?

Yes. We provide full lawn care services in New Bedford, MA, including grub prevention, fertilization, and aeration.

Do you offer lawn care services in Marion, MA?

Yes. Our team offers comprehensive lawn care services in Marion, MA, with a focus on pest prevention and healthy turf growth.

Do you handle snow removal services in New Bedford, MA?

Yes. We offer professional snow removal services in New Bedford, MA, for both residential and commercial properties.

Do you provide snow removal services in Marion, MA?

Yes. Our snow removal services in Marion, MA, keep driveways, lots, and sidewalks clear and safe all winter.

Take action against lawn grubs today

Grubs can destroy a lawn fast, but prevention and treatment keep your turf safe. If you’re looking for professional help, our team at New England Tree & Landscape provides lawn care services in New Bedford, MA, Marion, MA, and nearby towns. We also offer snow removal services so your property stays protected year-round.

Call (508) 763-8000 or email request@newenglandtreeandlandscape.com to schedule grub control and lawn care services today.

Citations

Adrian White. "Lawn Grubs: How and When to Kill Them." LawnStarter, 9 Dec. 2024. https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/home-garden/lawn-grubs-how-kill/

David Smitley, Terry Davis, and Erica Hotchkiss. "How to choose and when to apply grub control products for your lawn." Michigan State University Extension, 22 May 2020. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/how_to_choose_and_when_to_apply_grub_control_products_for_your_lawn

TruGreen. "3 Signs You May Have Lawn Grubs." TruGreen Blog. https://www.trugreen.com/lawn-care-101/blog/lawn-care-tips/signs-of-lawn-grubs

Scotts. "How to Get Rid of Grubs in Your Lawn." Scotts Miracle-Gro. https://scotts.com/en-us/how-to/how-to-control-lawn-grubs.html

Seacoast Turf Care. "Essential Tips to Control Grubs in Your New England Lawn." Seacoast Turf Care Blog. https://seacoastturfcare.com/blog/tips-control-grubs-in-new-england-lawn