Systemic pesticides will be applied to turfgrass areas to control leaf-eating and root-eating pests, including grubs. These pests will ingest the insecticide as they feed. Preventative applications will be administered in late April, just before historical hatching, to effectively kill the pests with their first meal rather than waiting for them to cause potential landscape damage before treatment. Systemic insecticides are particularly effective against grubs as they are taken up by the plant and transported throughout, protecting from below the surface.

How Many Grubs Are Too Many Grubs?

Inspect the soil around the grassroots for larvae. Treat the property if there are five or more May or June beetle larvae per square foot. Higher numbers of annual white grubs can be tolerated, as they are smaller and more likely to feed on dead organic matter. Treat the property if there are eight or more annual grubs per square foot.  Studies suggest that at least eight or nine larvae per square foot are needed to damage moisture-stressed Kentucky bluegrass turf.

source: https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/turfgrass-science/educational-materials/white-grubs.html

General Grub Lifecycle

May or June beetles, or multi-year white grubs, have life cycles ranging from 1 to 3 years, with two-year cycles typical in Oklahoma. The adults emerge from the soil between April and mid-September and lay eggs in the soil. The larvae hatch, feed on organic matter and plant roots, and then move deeper into the soil for the winter. The following spring, they return to the roots to feed and mature before pupating.

Masked chafers and Japanese beetles, known as annual white grubs, have one-year life cycles. The large larvae overwinter deep in the soil, migrate upward to feed in March and April, and then pupate. Adults emerge in June and July, mate, and lay eggs. The hatched larvae feed on turfgrass roots, causing damage from late August through October.

source: https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/turfgrass-science/educational-materials/white-grubs.html

Mole Activity

Mole activity has long been associated with the presence of grubs.  Unfortunately, this long-held belief can be misleading.  The presence of moles does not guarantee you have a grub issue. While moles prefer grubs and will seek them out, they also feast on other insects, including earthworms.

Maximizing Treatment Effects

Watering in this treatment is recommended. Your post service notes will include product specific post service care instructions.