Chafer Grubs

We have recently noticed an increase in chafer grub activity in some areas of the course, another sure sign that spring has arrived and soil temperatures are rising.

The chafer grubs have spent the winter burrowed deep in the soil, avoiding the cold and winter  frosts, and now, as the soil temperatures improve, they are being found closer to the turf surface.

The chafer grubs are the larvae of the chafer beetle, and primarily feed on the roots of the grass plant, and if not controlled can cause extensive damage to the plant.

The larvae have white bodies curved in the letter  C shape, distinctive reddish brown heads, 3 pairs of legs and are normally about 1.5 cm in length. 

Chafer Grub

The chafer beetles emerge from the turf in the early summer and feed on shrubs and trees before laying their eggs in grassed areas in the late summer. The larvae hatch about 2 weeks later and begin  feeding on grass roots, in the late autumn they move deeper into the soil, where they pass the winter.

If you think you have lawn damage caused by chafer grubs, dig up a small piece of lawn and roots and look for the pest.