Protect your Oakland County lawn from the devastating damage caused by Japanese beetle and European chafer grubs with professional preventive and curative treatments.
White grubs are among the most destructive lawn pests in Oakland County. These C-shaped larvae — primarily Japanese beetle and European chafer grubs — feed on grass roots just below the soil surface, severing the connection between the grass plant and its water and nutrient supply. Affected areas initially appear drought-stressed, then turn brown and die. Severely infested turf can be rolled back like a carpet, revealing the grubs feeding beneath.
Grub damage is compounded by secondary damage from wildlife. Skunks, raccoons, moles, and birds tear up grub-infested turf searching for the larvae, often causing more visible damage than the grubs themselves. A single night of skunk activity can leave a lawn looking like it was rototilled.
The good news is that grub damage is highly preventable with properly timed treatments. Elowsky Lawn Services offers both preventive and curative grub control programs using professional-grade products that are effective, targeted, and applied according to label directions to minimize environmental impact.
Preventive grub treatments are applied in June or early July, before eggs hatch and young grubs begin feeding. These treatments are highly effective — typically 85–95% control — and are the preferred approach for properties with a history of grub damage or in areas with high adult beetle populations. Preventive treatments are applied as a granular or liquid product that is watered into the soil.
Curative treatments are applied in August or September when grubs are actively feeding. While effective, curative treatments are less reliable than preventive applications and require specific timing and soil moisture conditions to work properly. If you notice grub damage in late summer, contact us promptly — the window for effective curative treatment is narrow.
Signs of grub infestation include irregular brown patches that appear drought-stressed, turf that pulls up easily like a loose carpet, and increased wildlife activity (skunks, raccoons, birds) digging in the lawn. A definitive diagnosis involves cutting a 1-square-foot section of turf and counting the grubs — 10 or more per square foot typically warrants treatment.
Preventive grub treatments should be applied in June or early July in Oakland County, before eggs hatch. Timing is critical — applications made too early or too late are significantly less effective.
The professional-grade products we use are applied according to label directions and are safe for pets and children once the product has been watered in and the treated area has dried. We'll provide specific re-entry guidance after each application.
Yes, grub-damaged areas can be repaired through overseeding or sod installation after the grub population has been controlled. Fall is the ideal time for lawn repair in Oakland County. We can provide a comprehensive repair plan as part of our service.
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