A Homeowner’s Guide: How to Stop Lawn Grubs Destroying Your Brisbane Turf
You’ve watered, you’ve fertilised, but you’re still seeing mysterious dead or dying patches on your beautiful Brisbane lawn. The culprit could be an underground menace: lawn grubs.
These destructive pests, particularly Armyworms and the larvae of lawn beetles, can devastate a lawn in a matter of days. As local lawn care specialists, we at Oxley GPM know how to spot them and, more importantly, how to stop them.
How to Tell if You Have Lawn Grubs in Brisbane
Look for these tell-tale signs:
- Spongy Texture: Your lawn feels unusually spongy or bouncy underfoot. This is caused by the grubs tunnelling underneath.
- Irregular Brown Patches: You see expanding patches of brown, dying grass that don’t seem to recover with watering.
- Increased Bird Activity: Birds, especially ibises, pecking at your lawn is a dead giveaway. They are feasting on the grubs.
- Easy to Pull Up: The turf in affected areas will lift up easily like a carpet because the grubs have eaten the roots.
The Bucket Test: A Simple DIY Diagnosis
Not sure if it’s grubs or something else? Try this:
- Grab a bucket of very soapy water (use dish soap).
- Pour it over the edge of an affected area.
- Wait for 10-15 minutes. If lawn grubs or armyworms are present, they will come to the surface to escape the soap.
Meet the Main Culprits: Armyworm vs. Lawn Beetle Larvae
While both are destructive, knowing the enemy helps in treatment.
- Armyworm: These are caterpillars that munch on the grass leaves, often starting at the edges of the lawn and moving across in a line, like an army. They are most active in late summer and autumn.
- Lawn Beetle Larvae (Curl Grubs): These are plump, C-shaped, white or cream-coloured grubs that live in the soil and feed on the grass roots. They cause the most damage from late spring through summer.
Your Treatment Plan for Lawn Grubs in Brisbane
Timing and the right product are critical for effective lawn grub treatment.
- Contact a Professional: The fastest and most effective solution is to use a professional-grade insecticide applied by a licensed technician. This ensures complete coverage and safe application.
- Granular Insecticides: For DIY treatment, look for granulated products at your local garden centre containing active ingredients like Chlorantraniliprole. These are safer for the environment than older, harsher chemicals.
- Watering is Crucial: You MUST water the insecticide in thoroughly after application. This washes the product off the leaves and down into the soil where the grubs are.
Prevention is Better Than a Cure
A healthy, well-maintained lawn is your best defence. A strong root system can better withstand minor grub activity. Regular fertilising, proper mowing height, and consistent watering are your first lines of defence.
Don’t let lawn grubs ruin your investment. If you suspect an infestation, act fast. The team at Oxley GPM offers expert diagnosis and treatment for all common Brisbane lawn pests. Contact us today for urgent assistance!