Teg Blog & News

Grubs may be out of sight, but they shouldn’t be ignored—especially in July. These underground pests begin their life cycle silently, feeding on grassroots and weakening turf from below. Homeowners often don’t realize there’s a problem until brown patches appear, but by then, the damage is already done.

The key to stopping grub infestations is timing. July is the best opportunity to prevent them from maturing into destructive feeders, saving your lawn from long-term damage. Understanding their life cycle and acting early is the best way to ensure a healthy, thriving yard.

The Life Cycle of Grubs

Grubs are the larval form of beetles, such as June bugs and Japanese beetles. Their life cycle follows a predictable pattern that makes July the most effective time for treatment.

• Spring: Adult beetles emerge and lay eggs in the soil
• Summer: Eggs hatch, and grubs begin feeding aggressively on grassroots
• Fall: Mature grubs continue feeding before burrowing deep into the soil for winter
• Winter: Grubs remain dormant underground until temperatures warm up again
• Spring (again): Grubs resurface briefly before transforming into beetles, starting the cycle all over

Since grubs hatch in July, applying control measures during this window stops them before they cause serious harm to your turf.

Signs of a Grub Infestation

Grub damage often goes unnoticed until it spreads, but there are subtle clues that your lawn may be at risk. Keep an eye out for:

• Patches of brown grass despite consistent watering
• Turf that feels loose or lifts easily from the soil
• An increase in animals digging, as skunks, raccoons, and birds feed on grubs
• Visible grubs beneath damaged turf

A few grubs won’t ruin a lawn, but a widespread infestation can rapidly weaken the root system.

Why July Is the Best Time for Prevention

Grub control works best when applied before damage occurs. Treating your lawn in July offers the highest chance of success, as young grubs are still developing and are most vulnerable to treatment. Acting early helps to:

• Stop grubs before they burrow deeper and become harder to eliminate
• Reduce beetle populations, preventing future infestations
• Protect grassroots, keeping lawns healthy and resilient

Applying grub control now means fewer problems later in the season.

What Happens If Grubs Go Untreated

Skipping preventative treatment in July can lead to significant lawn damage by fall. Without intervention, grubs continue to feed, weakening turf and making recovery difficult. Potential consequences include:

• Root damage that makes grass more susceptible to drought
• Thinning turf that allows weeds to spread
• Expensive repairs, including reseeding or sod replacement
• Recurring infestations as mature beetles lay eggs for the next cycle

Preventative action not only protects against immediate damage but also safeguards against future problems.

Steps to Keep Your Lawn Grub-Free

To maintain a healthy lawn and prevent grub infestations:

• Apply grub control treatments in July before grubs mature
• Keep your lawn properly fertilized since strong turf is naturally more resistant
• Aerate compacted soil to help moisture and nutrients reach grassroots
• Monitor beetle activity since seeing more beetles means grubs may be developing

A proactive approach keeps your yard looking its best all year long.

Safeguard Your Lawn Against Hidden Threats

Grub control in July isn’t just about eliminating pests. It’s about protecting your investment, preventing costly lawn damage, and ensuring a lush, thriving landscape season after season. Acting now allows homeowners to stop an infestation before it escalates, keeping turf strong, green, and resilient.

At The Experienced Gardener, we specialize in targeted grub treatments designed to stop infestations at their source. Whether your lawn is showing signs of damage or you simply want to prevent future problems, our expert solutions provide lasting protection right when your lawn needs it most.

Don't wait until brown patches appear. Take action today, protect your yard from hidden threats, and enjoy a beautiful, healthy lawn year-round.