Preventing and Controlling Billbugs
Billbugs
Arguably one of the most damaging lawn pests, the term “Grub” is not actually a very descriptive term. If you have ever had your lawn damaged by Grubs I am sure you have created many colorful descriptors for these little nasties.
Grubs
As I said “Grub” is a loose term used for the larval stage of a number of beetle species. The bug in question here is actually a “Bill Bug” not to be confused with a “pill bug” or “sow bug”. Identification can get confusing at times. The Bill Bug is a weevil. Weevils are flightless beetles that feed with a long snout-like appendage. They are nocturnal and have a funny little habit of playing dead when disturbed. Really it is fun to mess with them. They are also asexual, which means they do not need a mate to reproduce. As the Bill Bug weevil crawls through our lawn they lay eggs in the blades of grass.
It takes about 14 days for these eggs to hatch. The emerging pest is what we refer to as a Grub. It is this Grub that actually causes damage to our lawn. After hatching, they crawl down into the soil and begin feeding on the grass roots. You will be able to verify Grub damage as the grass will be very easily pulled up from the soil. You will often find the Grubs under the section of pulled up turf.
Solutions
Never fear Lawn lovers, we have a solution. Prevention is key to protection from these pets. Beginning in early to mid-April an application of Zamzows Shield Grub Control will protect your lawn from this pest for up to three months. A second application is necessary for early July. Duration is a systemic product that protects your grass from the inside. As they eat the grass they ingest the product and can no longer eat. If you missed a treatment and need immediate control, you'll also apply Bayer 24 Hour Grub Control. Applying these products together will control and prevent grubs from coming back for up to three months. So if you have ever had to deal with grubs you can feel a little better knowing they died slowly unable to consume their next meal.
Having trouble with chinch bugs. Read this article here. How To Control Chinch Bugs
