Grub infestations damaging your lawn?
What is a grub infestation? How do you know if you have one in your lawn and how can you get rid of it?
Understanding Lawn Grubs in Atlantic Canada: Prevention, Signs, and Treatment
Each spring, our company receives a flood of calls from concerned homeowners across Atlantic Canada, all asking the same question:
“How do I get rid of the crows tearing up my lawn?”
Here’s the thing—the crows aren’t the problem. They’re the symptom. What they’re really after are grubs hiding just beneath the surface of your lawn. These fat, juicy larvae are an irresistible treat for birds and critters, and their presence means your turf is at risk.
Let’s break down what lawn grubs are, why they’re a concern, and how you can both prevent and treat infestations effectively—before your lawn turns into a buffet.
What Are Lawn Grubs?
Lawn grubs are the larval stage of various beetles that lay their eggs in soil. In Atlantic Canada, the most common culprits include:
European Chafer Beetle
June Beetles (a.k.a. May Beetles)
Japanese Beetles (increasingly found in urban areas)
After hatching in mid to late summer, these grubs burrow into the soil and begin feeding on the roots of your grass. Small numbers might go unnoticed, but large populations can cause serious damage, leaving dead patches and weakened turf that lifts easily from the soil.
Interesting Note: The Japanese beetle, which caused widespread damage to roses, grapevines, and other leafy plants across Atlantic Canada last summer, starts life as a grub in your lawn. By implementing proper grub control practices now, you’re not only protecting your turf—you’re also helping reduce the number of adult Japanese beetles that emerge and feed on your garden plants later in the season.
Signs of a Grub Infestation
Besides turf damage, there are a few telltale signs that indicate grubs are active in your lawn:
Brown or thinning patches of grass that worsen in late summer and early fall.
Turf that lifts easily, as if someone rolled it up like sod.
Increased wildlife activity—especially crows, raccoons, and skunks digging or flipping chunks of turf.
Prevention: A Healthy Lawn Is Your Best Defense
Preventing grub damage starts with building a lawn that’s thick, healthy, and able to withstand some feeding pressure. Here’s how:
Mow high – Keep grass around 3–3.5″ to encourage deeper roots and reduce stress.
Water deeply, not frequently – Aim for 1″ of water per week to promote healthy roots.
Aerate annually – Reduces soil compaction and helps roots grow deeper.
Overseed in early fall – A thick lawn gives beetles fewer spots to lay eggs.
Brix Levels Matter
Healthier grass is less attractive to pests. Higher Brix levels—which measure the sugar and nutrient density in plant sap—are linked to stronger, more pest-resistant turf. You can improve Brix levels through good soil health, proper mowing, watering, and balanced fertilization.
Treatment Options
If prevention falls short and you find yourself with an infestation, you’ve still got options.
1. Beneficial Nematodes (Natural Control)
These microscopic worms hunt and kill grubs in the soil. They’re an environmentally friendly option that works best when grubs are small and near the surface.
Apply on cloudy days or evenings (nematodes are sensitive to UV).
Water before and after application to help them move into the soil.
For best results, follow the product instructions for timing and application.
2. Grub Control Products (Chemical Control)
There are several grub control products available in Atlantic Canada that can help reduce infestations when applied at the right time. Some common options include:
Grub B Gone – A widely available product that works best as a preventive treatment.
Grub Terminator – Another popular option that targets grubs during their most vulnerable stage.
Bio-Titan – A more eco-conscious formulation used by some professionals and homeowners seeking a balance between effectiveness and environmental safety.
Always follow the directions on the product label carefully, including timing, application rate, and watering instructions.
Also, be sure to check local regulations—Nova Scotia has restrictions on cosmetic pesticide use, so it’s important to ensure that any product you choose is approved for residential use. For stronger or more specialized treatments, licensed lawn care companies may have additional options not available at retail.
When to Take Action
Spring: Grubs are larger and harder to kill. Focus on lawn repair and strengthening.
Growing season: This is the key window for applying both preventive and curative treatments. Follow product labels for the best timing and results.
Late summer to early fall: Ideal for nematode treatments and lawn recovery.
In Summary
If your lawn is under attack from crows, don’t reach for the scarecrow—check for grubs. Birds and animals are nature’s way of alerting you to an underground issue. in many cases the animals are doing your lawn a favour by eating the infestation.
And remember: tackling grubs now also helps curb the damage from destructive adult beetles—like Japanese beetles—before they emerge.
Want help identifying or treating a grub problem? Give us a call—we’re happy to inspect, advise, or apply treatment options based on your specific lawn conditions.