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Cluster of grub worms on a patch of soil - Keep pests away from your home with live oak pest control in McAlpin, FL

Grub Worm

Actual Size: 1 to 1.5 inches long

Characteristics: White, C-shaped bodies with slightly darker-colored heads.

Legs: Six legs

Antennae: No

Wings: Yes, as adult beetles

Habitat: Typically found underground in the soil, where they feed on grassroots and organic matter. They are commonly found in lawns, gardens, golf courses, and agricultural fields where the soil is moist and well-drained.

Habits:

  • Most active in the spring and fall when soil is moist and cool. 
  • Have several natural predators, such as birds, raccoons, and nematodes. 
  • Grub worms are the larval stage of beetles, such as Japanese beetles, June beetles, and more.

Grub Worms in McAlpin

Grub worms are widespread across the United States, but they are especially prevalent in areas with moderate to high humidity and well-irrigated lawns. Their soft, creamy-white bodies can be unpleasant to look at, but thankfully they spend most of their time in the soil where they eat plant roots and other organic matter. The larval stage, where they cause the most damage, can last for several months to over a year depending on the species and environmental conditions.

Grub Worm Habitat

Grub worms are difficult to spot because they often hide right beneath the surface of your lawn. They prefer soil that is very damp and rich in decaying matter that they can feed on throughout the night. Some may burrow as deep as eight inches to escape cold weather or drought conditions. These pests are most active in the late summer or fall and early spring when the weather is humid and there’s plenty of rainfall to keep conditions moist. Grub worms often feed on a variety of grass species including bermuda grass, Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and more.

Grub Worm Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

These pests may be creepy to look at, but they’re hardly a threat to your health—just your garden. Grub worms can pose significant threats to landscapes and lawns due to their feeding habits. These larvae feed on turf roots, which can lead to widespread damage in turfgrass—and may even damage other garden plants. Keeping an eye out for signs of grub worms, such as patches of dead or dying turf, can help you spot an infestation. To get rid of one, call licensed exterminators for fast and effective solutions.