White Grubs White grubs are the larval stage of several beetle species.
Grubs survive in soil and damage turf by feeding on the turfgrass roots.
Healthy turf which receives proper fertilization, irrigation, and mowing can withstand low to moderate levels of feeding much better than poorly maintained turf. Occasionally a grub problem goes unnoticed until skunks tear up the turf, often at night, to feed on the grubs. The life cycle of white grub beetles varies depending on the species. The life cycle is important to understand and use the proper control strategies. Peak damage is usually seen in August as a result of the second-year grubs.