PestRoot problem
Chafer grubs
C-shaped white beetle larvae that eat lawn and plant roots, causing dead patches that lift like a carpet.
Also known as: White grubs, Lawn grubs
Symptoms and identification
Brown, dying patches in lawns that can be rolled back easily. Badgers, raccoons, skunks and birds dig up the turf to eat the grubs.
Causes
Larvae of chafer beetles, including Japanese beetle in the US, feeding mainly in late summer and fall.
Organic treatment
Apply beneficial nematodes (Heterorhabditis) to warm, moist soil in late summer.
Prevention
Keep lawns vigorous and avoid over-watering in summer when beetles lay eggs.
Chemical treatment (use with care)
Use a grub control product labelled for lawns, applied at the timing on the label.