Chafer Grubs
Plump white-bodied grubs
Adult Maybug
Description
There are three species of Chafer Grubs. They all look the same. They have white bodies, brown heads and three pairs of legs (close to the head end) and normally they curl themselves into the shape of a ‘C’. The only difference between the species is their size.
Cock Chafers (or Maybugs) are the largest grubs, up to 50mm long. They live in beds and borders and feed on roots and vegetables. Garden Chafer and Welsh Chafer grubs are often smaller - upwards of 20mm long. They too like roots but restrict themselves to lawns. These juicy creatures provide tasty morsels for birds (rooks, magpies, crows and especially starlings) who can often be seen tearing up patches of grass in the search for these succulent grubs.
Symptoms
In flower beds and borders - plants wilt and rapidly decline. In lawns yellow patches in the early Spring - and of course flocks of feeding, feathered friends.
Treatment and control
General tips
Thankfully these grubs are relatively rare because once fully grown they are very difficult to control and the damage they inflict can be considerable.
Biological control
Unfortunately only effective if the weather is warm and the soil temperature reaches at least 14°C. A pathogenic nematode can be introduced (Steinernema carpocapsae). This little worm eats into the grub’s body and releases killer bacteria.
Fingertip control
In beds and borders infestations are rarely extensive and if the grubs are present around the roots and vegetables they can easily be removed by hand.
See also:
Always read the label. Use pesticides safely.
Chemical Information
Children, Pets, Wildlife
Information on usage of pesticide when children, pets and/or wildlife are a consideration.
Chemical Usage, Storage, Disposal
Important advice on using chemicals in the garden, chemical storage and safe disposal.
