As we head into May, it’s time to gear up against one of South Florida’s most pesky lawn invaders: grubs. These sneaky little critters—actually beetle larvae—are notorious for quietly feasting underground, turning your once stunning lawn into a patchy disaster. If you don’t stay ahead of them, they can quickly turn your perfect lawn into a landscaping nightmare.
Grubs: The Secret Lawn Destroyers
Grubs are plump, white larvae with a signature C-shaped body, lurking beneath your lawn. As they dine on your grassroots, they leave behind yellow, spongy patches of grass that are sometimes mistaken for drought-stress. These tiny critters thrive in damp, fertile soil—the exact conditions that make South Florida lawns look so inviting.
The grub lifecycle goes something like this: beetles lay eggs in early summer, the larvae hatch and gorge themselves through summer and fall, hibernate during winter, and finally emerge as adults the following spring. By the time you spot damage, chances are significant harm has already been done.
Why South Florida Lawns Are at Risk
In South Florida, the warm climate creates an ideal environment for grubs—perfect for rapid infestations. A grub-infested lawn doesn’t just look bad; it’s also vulnerable to drought, weeds, and other pests. Left unchecked, grubs can tank curb appeal and make recovery an uphill battle.
Chlorantraniliprole vs. Trichlorfon
Two powerful weapons against grubs are Chlorantraniliprole (preventive) and Trichlorfon (curative).
Chlorantraniliprole (Preventive Treatment):
- Apply it early (May to early July) to block grubs before they strike.
- Lasts for months, shielding your lawn from hidden infestations.
- Popular products include:
- Scotts GrubEx1 Season Long Grub Killer (grab it at Home Depot or Lowe’s)
- Acelepryn G Insecticide Granules (available on domyown.com)
Trichlorfon (Curative Treatment):
- Use it after noticing grub damage (usually late summer or fall).
- Acts fast to kill off active grub infestations.
- Short-lived protection, might need multiple applications.
- Common picks are:
- BioAdvanced 24-Hour Grub Killer Plus Granules (available at Home Depot and Lowe’s)
- Dylox 6.2 Granular Insecticide (find it at diypestcontrol.com)
So, Which One is Best?
Choosing between Chlorantraniliprole and Trichlorfon comes down to whether you’re preventing or controlling:
- Choose Chlorantraniliprole if you’re ahead of the game and want long-term protection.
- Choose Trichlorfon if grubs are already munching away and you need rapid damage control.
For most homeowners, prevention is easier—and definitely less stressful—than dealing with an active infestation.
Let Floridist Handle Your Grub Problem
Grub control can feel overwhelming, but Floridist has your back. Our lawn experts specialize in South Florida turf troubles. We assess your lawn, recommend effective treatments, and keep your grass healthy and grub-free, season after season.
Don’t let grubs ruin your lawn’s vibe—contact Floridist today and enjoy a healthy yard all year long.