Wednesday, July 1, 2026

What are Grubs?

Photo of two grubs in the dirt with the caption "Grubs are the C-shaped larvae of beetles that feed on grassroots."
Have you noticed brown patches appearing in your lawn during late summer?

Are birds, skunks, or raccoons digging up sections of your yard?

If so, grubs could be the culprit, and July is one of the most important months to protect your lawn from them.

Grubs are the larvae of several types of beetles, including Japanese beetles, June beetles, and European chafers. They live beneath the soil surface and feed on the roots of your grass.

While adult beetles may seem harmless, their larvae can cause extensive damage. As grubs feed on the root system, your lawn loses its ability to absorb water and nutrients. The result is weakened turf that struggles to survive summer heat and drought conditions.

Signs of a Grub Problem


Grub damage is not always obvious at first. Some common warning signs include:

  • Brown or yellow patches that do not improve with watering
  • Grass that feels spongy when walked on
  • Turf that pulls up easily like loose carpet
  • Increased activity from birds, skunks, raccoons, or other animals digging for food
  • Thinning grass despite proper fertilization and irrigation

Because these symptoms can resemble drought stress or disease, professional inspection is often the best way to determine whether grubs are present.


Your Professional Lawn Care Company in Howell


Once grubs have severely damaged a lawn, repair efforts can involve overseeding, patching, or even replacing sections of turf. Preventive grub control is often far more cost-effective than correcting extensive damage later.

A professional lawn care company in Howell can help! If you want to keep your lawn looking its best this year, grub control should be an important part of your July lawn care plan! To get started, call 517-540-1100 or request a quote here!

What are Grubs?

Have you noticed brown patches appearing in your lawn during late summer? Are birds, skunks, or raccoons digging up sections of your yard? I...