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GARDEN PEST # 1 CURL GRUB
What is a Curl Grub?
Curl grubs are a plump white grub with a grey bottom and orange face. They curl into a ‘C’ shape, making them easy to identify.
These are not a grub you want to find in your garden beds or lawn. Watch out for the following signs, especially in su妹妹er.
Signs of Curl Grubs:
Brown dying patches of lawn
Slumping flowers
Dying produce
Grass that is easy to pull out
Curl grubs feed on the roots of a wide range of plants, especially grassroots.
Have you ever been frustrated with dead patches of lawn, despite your constant watering? Discoloured and unhealthy patches of lawn are likely to be the cause of curl grubs. This can be extremely frustrating especially since our lawns are such a major attraction in our gardens.
Dig up a brown patch to about a spade depth and check to see how many grubs are in the soil. Try to dig up a few spots in different locations to understand the extent of the infestation. If there are lots, this means you have a problem.
How to Get Rid of Curl Grub?
Neem oil can be used to disrupt the curl grub’s growth and development. Once ingested they will stop feeding and die off. Neem oil is safe for beneficial insects as they do not eat the plants you will likely be spraying on. Mix neem oil in a watering can and pour over lawns, garden beds and your pot plants.
Introduce nematodes. These microscopic worms carry bacteria that will kill curl grubs and other pests. Nematodes are not harmful to other plants, pets or humans and other beneficial insects. Spray in winter and spring as a preventive measure.
Curl grub beetles prefer to lay their eggs in dry and unhealthy grass. Keep your lawn healthy and thick via regular deep watering and using natural lawn fertilisers. |
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