Control for these is seldom necessary. They are more a cosmetic problem although most wasps and particularly social species like yellow jackets may sting if disturbed. White Grubs Grubs, the larvae of several species of beetles, are the most serious soil-inhabiting lawn pest. They have whitish bodies and brownish heads, and three pairs of prominent legs just behind the head. Their most distinctive feature is the C-shape or curled position they assume.
Grubs spend the entire larval life in the soil.
During mild weather, they live at the grass-root level feeding on the roots and killing the grass. In winter, they burrow deep into the soil. Sample for grubs by looking for areas of brown or wilted grass. Cut 3 sides of a strip with a shovel or spade about 1 foot square and 2 to 3 inches deep. Using the uncut side as a hinge roll the soil backward and count the grubs on the exposed soil.