Your lawn suddenly looks like a mole has just stomped through it. Clumps of grass are falling loose, birds are vigorously rooting through your turf, and your plants are starting to wilt. Chances are, grubs are at work. But what are they, and why are they so hard to get rid of? We delve into the lives of these underground gluttons.
How long do grubs live?
Grubs are the larvae of various species of beetles, such as the cockchafer or June beetle. They live in the soil for one to sometimes three years , depending on the species. During that time, they feed on the roots of grass, plants, and shrubs. They don't disappear quickly, and in the meantime, they cause considerable damage.
Why don't the grubs seem to go away?
The grubs' cycle is quite slow and well hidden:
- Eggs: In June and July, the beetle lays its eggs in the soil. The larvae hatch after 2 to 4 weeks .
- Grubs (grubs): The grubs remain in the soil for 2 to 3 years . They are small in the first year, but from the second year onwards they vigorously feed on roots and cause the most damage.
- Pupae: In their final year, they pupate between May and July. This stage usually lasts 3 to 6 weeks .
- Adult beetles: In July and August, the beetles emerge, mate, and lay eggs in the soil again. And so the cycle begins again. Because grubs remain in the soil for so long and new generations emerge each year, it can feel like you'll never get rid of them.
Because grubs remain in the soil for several years and reproduce annually, you can see recurring damage over the years. It then seems as if they never go away.
