Getting to the root of grub problems

(ARA) - You water, fertilize and give your lawn all the TLC it needs, yet come late-summer you still find unsightly brown patches scattered across the turf. If the turf in these spots can easily be pulled away from the ground, you most likely have a grub problem.

And chances are if you don't act quickly these voracious pests may spread and cause significant damage to your lawn.

Throughout the Northeast and Midwest, grubs damage lawns by burrowing underground and feasting on the roots of healthy grass. Nearly all lawns in these areas have some grubs. While there are many other possible causes of brown spots, diagnosing a grub problem - and curing it - is fairly easy if you start out with some information first.

Grubs are actually the larval form of several different types of beetles, including Japanese beetles, June beetles and chafers. In early summer, beetles lay their eggs in healthy lawns, looking for lush turf with full sun and adequate soil moisture. The eggs hatch from June to August and the crescent-shaped grubs begin their feasting on the roots of your healthy lawn.

To diagnose a grub problem, peel back a square foot of turf in a brown area. If it peels easily and you see more than six grubs, you have a grub problem. The best time to protect your lawn from grubs is when Japanese beetles are laying their eggs, when you still see adult beetles flying around.

Choosing the right treatment can mean you enjoy a summer free of grub worries. Scotts GrubEx Season Long Grub Killer kills and prevents grubs for up to an entire season and is available throughout most of the United States. It now uses an exclusive, patented active ingredient versus the previous formula, offering improved grub-killing power with 60 percent less active ingredient. Best of all, there is no need to worry about your summer fun being put on hold; as soon as the grass has dried everyone can re-enter including kids and pets.

Treating for grubs can help build a healthier, stronger lawn. Annual use of GrubEx can help control Japanese Beetle Infestations as well. Treat for grubs as early as May, and treat for adult beetles when you see them. To learn more about lawn treatment for grubs, or to watch a video on the topic, visit www.scotts.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent