A few, however, can cause extensive serious damage, sometimes killing large areas of grass. Our most common pests are white grubs, chinch bugs, sod webworms, and cutworms. Grubs feed on the roots of grasses, the latter three feed on above ground grass parts. Well managed turf is able to withstand more insects without showing damage than turf that is stressed. Providing adequate soil moisture and reducing soil compaction, along with proper fertilization and soil pH can do much to combat insect pests.
White grubs continue to be the most common turfgrass insect pest reported by homeowners.
White grubs are the larvae of beetles and chafers. They may be found below ground among the roots of turfgrasses. The grubs are C-shaped, off white in color with a brownish head. One year is required by most species to complete their development, but some may take as long as three years. Damage occurs throughout the summer.