Knowledgebase

Grub worms #217477

Asked October 19, 2014, 12:47 AM EDT

Hello, 

My husband and I planted some perennials last week and when we turned the soil we noticed many grub worms.

Are grub worms bad?  If they are bad how can we get ride of them?

Thanks for your help!   

Harris County Texas

Expert Response

Grub worms are usually more of an issue in lawns. I have not had any issues with them in flower beds that I have planted. What you are seeing is the immature stage of the the May or June beetles. To confirm whether you need to treat for grubs, examine several soil sections at least 3 to 4 inches across and 4 inches deep (sample sandy soils to greater depths). A good rule of thumb is to examine several soil plugs from widely scattered parts of the bed. Finding more than five white grubs per square foot justifies treatment, although some beds with even higher numbers of grubs may show no damage.

Here's some additional information. https://insects.tamu.edu/extension/publications/html/e211.html 

Thanks for the question
Paul Winski Replied October 20, 2014, 10:24 AM EDT

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