Expert Grub Control in West Chester, PA

Fairways Lawn Care follows a comprehensive, step-by-step lawn grub control process for effective grub elimination and prevention:

Inspection & Diagnosis
Our team begins with a thorough inspection of your lawn to identify signs of grub activity and assess the level of damage. To check for white grubs, we peel back a square foot of turf in several areas—if you see 6 or more grubs in each area, it may be time for action. Finding holes and scars in your lawn can also be an indirect consequence of grub infestation as animals dig for grubs. We also consider beetle activity in early summer, as beetles flying over your lawn may indicate grubs will be present later in the year. Assessment of past grub damage in the previous fall helps inform the need for preventive treatments, especially for species like European chafers and Japanese beetle grubs.

Preventative Application
To stop grubs before they hatch, we apply preventive insecticides (such as those containing imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, or clothianidin) during key seasonal windows—ideally in early summer to mid July—when grub eggs are most vulnerable. Preventive insecticides are most effective when applied before grubs hatch and begin feeding heavily on grass roots. The eggs of both Japanese beetles and European chafers hatch about 10 days after being laid in early summer. Preventive insecticides will not work on grubs found in the lawn from mid-October through mid-May. Watering the lawn immediately after applying insecticides is essential for effective grub control. Letting your lawn go dormant during the summer can prevent damage from grubs because dry soil is less attractive for egg laying. Choosing a grub-tolerant variety of grass can also help your lawn handle grub damage better.

Curative Treatment
If active grubs are present, we apply a fast-acting curative insecticide treatment that targets them immediately and reduces lawn stress. Curative insecticides are only effective if applied in the fall or in early spring before early May. Grubs spend the winter as large grubs 2-6 inches below the soil surface and become active again in early spring. The life cycle of most scarab beetles, including Japanese beetles and European chafers, is one year. Grubs feed from the beginning of August until late October, becoming fully grown by the end of October. Healthy turf can support a grub population of five or more grubs per square foot without visible damage, and healthy turf with a few grubs may not need an insecticide. If feeding is heavy, the roots are almost completely severed, and the sod can be rolled up like a carpet.

Post-Treatment Follow-Up
After treatment, we monitor your lawn’s condition and recommend follow-up care to promote recovery and long-term grub prevention. In mid September, we check for late-season grub activity and effectiveness of treatments. Encouraging natural predators such as ants, wasps, ground beetles, and birds can help manage the grub population. Milky spore is a bacteria that can naturally kill Japanese beetle grubs. A well-watered, unshaded lawn can invite grub activity, so we may recommend cultural practices to reduce risk.

Read more about our grub control services.