Grubs are gross — no doubt about it. But it’s not just their looks that make them unwelcome guests in your yard. These sneaky little pests burrow underground and chew through the roots of your grass, leading to brown patches, wilting areas, and thinning turf.
What starts as a healthy, green lawn can quickly become patchy and dead-looking — and all thanks to a pest most homeowners never see.
That’s the frustrating part. Grub damage often appears without warning, leaving you wondering what went wrong — and what to do next.
So let’s break it all down:
- What exactly are grubs?
- How can you tell if they’re in your yard?
- And how do you get rid of them for good?
What Are Lawn Grubs?
Lawn grubs are the larvae of beetles — including Japanese beetles, June beetles, chafers, and others common in the Idaho Falls and Boise areas. These bugs lay their eggs in summer. Within a few weeks, tiny white grubs hatch and start feeding underground.
Grubs look like C-shaped, cream-colored worms with soft, squishy bodies. They have legs near their head and live just under the soil surface, where they munch away at your lawn’s roots.
You won’t see them crawling around — but you will see the damage they leave behind.
And the cycle continues. Left untreated, these larvae mature into beetles that lay even more eggs — leading to bigger infestations year after year.
Signs of Grubs in Your Lawn
So how do you know if you have lawn grubs? The signs can be subtle — especially at first. But when you know what to look for, they’re hard to miss.
1. Brown or Yellow Patches
When grubs feed on grass roots, the grass above loses access to water and nutrients, leading to browning. These patches may start small, but can quickly spread if left untreated.
2. Spongy or Loose Turf
Healthy grass is anchored tightly to the soil. If you tug on a section and it lifts easily, like a rug, chances are grubs have chewed away the roots underneath. The ground may feel unusually soft or bouncy when you walk on it — like a sponge.
3. Animal Activity
If you notice moles, raccoons, skunks, or birds digging up your lawn, it could be because they’ve found a grub buffet. These critters love to eat grubs, and their presence often signals an infestation
4. Increased Beetle Activity
A surge in beetles buzzing around your yard in late spring or early summer could mean they’re laying eggs — and that grubs will soon follow.
How to Tell If You Have Grubs
Still not sure if grubs are the culprit? Here’s how you can investigate further:
Perform a Tug Test
Grab a small patch of grass and gently pull upward. If it lifts easily, exposing bare soil and some wriggling white grubs, that’s your confirmation.
Cut and Inspect a Test Square
Using a shovel, cut a one-foot square of turf and peel it back. Check the soil just underneath for grubs. Finding 5–10 grubs per square foot is considered a moderate infestation — and more than that means trouble.
Look for Patterns
Grub damage usually occurs in irregular patches and may spread quickly. Unlike lawn diseases or drought stress, it won’t respond to watering or fertilization alone.
What Does Grub Damage Look Like?
The tricky thing about grubs is their damage often mimics other lawn problems. Homeowners might assume the brown spots in their lawn are from heat or lack of water — not realizing grubs are silently chewing their way across the yard.
Here’s how grub damage stands out:
- The grass doesn’t just discolor — it dies and pulls up easily
- The turf feels spongey or hollow
- Patches don’t recover after watering
Knowing what grub damage looks like — and how to distinguish it from other issues — is key to acting quickly and effectively.
How to Get Rid of Grubs in Your Lawn
If you’ve confirmed grubs are present (or strongly suspect it), it’s time to take action.
Grub control isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right treatment depends on timing, severity, and your lawn’s health. Here’s how to handle it:
Preventive Grub Control (Best for Spring)
In spring or early summer — before the beetles lay their eggs — apply a preventive grub treatment. These products stop grubs before they hatch, giving your lawn a major advantage.
At Lawn Buddies, we apply preventive treatments as part of our complete lawn care program, so your lawn is protected without any extra effort from you.
Curative Grub Treatment (Best for Active Infestations)
If grubs are already present and feeding, a curative treatment is necessary. These target and eliminate grubs that are actively damaging your lawn, halting the infestation.
Timing is important here — curative treatments are most effective when grubs are still young and actively feeding (usually late summer to early fall).
Support Your Lawn’s Recovery
Even after treatment, your lawn needs help to bounce back. Strong, healthy turf can resist future grub attacks. Focus on:
- Consistent fertilization to promote root regrowth
- Proper watering (deep and infrequent is best)
- Aeration to improve root depth and nutrient uptake
- Overseeding to thicken thin patches
FAQ: Homeowner Grub Questions
What do lawn grubs look like?
They’re white, soft-bodied larvae with C-shaped bodies, small brown heads, and six legs. Usually ½ to 1 inch long.
Can grubs really kill my grass?
Yes. A large population will eat the roots until the grass can’t take up water or nutrients. The damage is fast and dramatic.
When is the best time to treat for grubs in Idaho?
Spring for prevention, late summer or early fall for active infestations. It depends on the grub’s life cycle stage.
Are there natural ways to get rid of grubs?
Yes, but effectiveness varies. Milky spore and nematodes can help, but often require multiple applications and ideal conditions.
How can I prevent grubs long-term?
Keep your lawn healthy with consistent fertilization, watering, and mowing. A dense, thriving lawn is more resistant to grub invasion.
Ready for Professional Grub Control in Idaho Falls or Boise?
Your grass deserves better — and so do you.
At Lawn Buddies, we make it easy to stop grub damage before it spreads. Our full-service lawn care program includes grub control, fertilization, weed control, and everything your yard needs to stay green and healthy.
Serving homeowners across Idaho Falls, Boise, Kuna, and beyond.
Ready to take action?
- Call us at (208) 656-9131
- Request a free quote now
- Or see what’s included in our lawn care plans
Spend your weekends enjoying your lawn — not fixing it.
