And Turf White grubs in soil. Green June beetle. Grubs damage lawns and turf by feeding on grass roots. Dead or dying patches of grass in spring or fall may be the result of grubs feeding on roots. Moles digging into lawns or flocks of birds feeding on lawns sometimes indicate the presence of grubs.
Most lawn grasses are subject to attack by white grubs.
Hard-shelled, brown May or green June beetles emerge primarily from April through June in Alabama, mate, and lay eggs. The grubs soon hatch and begin feeding on grass roots. These smaller grubs are easier to kill with chemicals than when they are larger. Grubs overwinter deep in the soil and move up the following spring. Treatment in damaged areas in late March to mid-April may kill larvae before they pupate, but treatment of smaller grubs is most effective and preferred.