C hafer grubs can be causing extensive damage to turf before you really notice . Adult chafer beetles lay eggs anywhere from late May to early July where they hatch around 2 – 4 weeks later . They start feeding on grass roots which will show signs of weakening yellow patches . Where there are large infestations of grubs feeding , the turf will lift easily due to the anchoring roots being eaten .
Chafer Grubs
An eye-sore subject !
C hafer grubs can be causing extensive damage to turf before you really notice . Adult chafer beetles lay eggs anywhere from late May to early July where they hatch around 2 – 4 weeks later . They start feeding on grass roots which will show signs of weakening yellow patches . Where there are large infestations of grubs feeding , the turf will lift easily due to the anchoring roots being eaten .
However , the main damage , often referred to as secondary damage , comes from large birds ( mainly crows / rooks ), foxes or badgers showing no consideration for the turf . They just rip it open looking for their tasty meal .
Most damage will be seen in August and September when the grubs are closer to the surface . As the weather turns cooler , they move deeper in the soil profile and stop feeding .
Control
Having an integrated method of control shows good planning and will take into consideration the different species of chafer and the varying unseasonal weather conditions we experience .
To start with , get to know your areas of turf and where it is attacked , this will ensure you are only treating areas that are infested with grubs , as there are limitations on areas you can spray chemical controls . In addition , treating areas that do not have a problem is expensive and wastes time .
Placing pheromone traps in surrounding trees or hedges during May and June can help catch adults before they mate .
The chemical control , Acelepryn , can be sprayed a month after eggs have been laid , this affects the nerve receptors of the grub and causes paralysis , they are then unable to feed and die . Timing is essential for Acelepryn to be effective , because , although the chemical can also cause adult grubs to become paralysed , it may wear off with grubs being able to feed again .
If you are not happy using chemicals , there are biological control options available .
Contact one of our qualified sales representatives who would be happy to talk through options .
For more information or advice on how to best tackle chafer grubs or any other turf issue , contact a Collier Turf Care Area Sales representative or our office on 01328 700600 /
sales @ collier-turf-care . co . uk .
6 GroundskeepingJournal . co . uk | July / August 2024