How to Get Rid of Grubs in Your Michigan Lawn

Lawn Pest Control Guide

Understanding White Grubs in Oakland County Lawns

White grubs are the larval stage of several beetle species, with Japanese beetles and European chafers being the most common culprits in Oakland County. These C-shaped, cream-colored larvae spend most of their life cycle underground, feeding on grass roots just below the soil surface. A severe infestation can destroy large sections of turf in a matter of weeks.

Understanding the life cycle of these beetles is essential for effective control. Adult Japanese beetles emerge from the soil in late June and early July, feeding on ornamental plants and laying eggs in the soil. Eggs hatch in late July and August, and the young grubs begin feeding on grass roots. As temperatures drop in fall, grubs move deeper into the soil to overwinter. They return to the root zone in spring for a brief feeding period before pupating and emerging as adults.

Identifying Grub Damage

Early grub damage is easy to miss because it mimics drought stress. Affected areas appear brown and wilted, often in irregular patches. As the infestation progresses, the turf loses its connection to the soil — you can literally peel it back like a loose carpet, revealing the grubs feeding beneath.

Secondary damage from wildlife is often the first visible sign of a grub problem. Skunks, raccoons, moles, and birds are highly effective at detecting grub-infested turf and will dig aggressively to reach the larvae. If you notice significant digging activity in your lawn in late summer or fall, grubs are likely the cause.

To confirm a grub infestation, cut a 1-square-foot section of turf and fold it back. Count the grubs in the exposed soil. A threshold of 8–10 grubs per square foot generally warrants treatment for most lawn types. Lawns under drought stress may show damage at lower population levels.

Treatment Options: Preventive vs. Curative

Preventive grub control products are applied in June or early July, before eggs hatch. These products — typically imidacloprid or chlorantraniliprole — are highly effective when properly timed and watered in. Chlorantraniliprole (sold under the brand name Acelepryn) is particularly effective and has a favorable environmental profile, making it the preferred choice for many professional lawn care companies.

Curative treatments using trichlorfon or carbaryl can be applied in August or September to control actively feeding grubs. These products work best when grubs are small (early instar) and soil moisture is adequate to move the product into the root zone. Curative treatments are less reliable than preventive applications and should be watered in immediately after application.

Biological controls, including milky spore (Bacillus popilliae) and beneficial nematodes, are available as organic alternatives. Milky spore is effective against Japanese beetle grubs specifically and builds up in the soil over time, providing long-term control. Beneficial nematodes must be applied under specific temperature and moisture conditions to be effective and may require multiple applications.

Repairing Grub-Damaged Turf

Once grubs have been controlled, damaged turf areas need to be repaired. Fall is the ideal time for lawn repair in Oakland County. After treating for grubs, rake out dead turf, loosen the soil, and overseed with a premium cool-season grass seed blend. Keep the seeded areas consistently moist until germination occurs (typically 7–14 days). For severely damaged areas, sod installation may be a faster and more reliable option than overseeding.

Elowsky Lawn Services offers comprehensive grub control and lawn repair programs. Learn more about our grub control service or request a free assessment if you suspect grub activity in your lawn.