Frequently Asked Questions About Chafer Beetles & Chafer Grubs

What are chafer grubs?

Chafer grubs are the larvae of chafer beetles, commonly found in the UK. These grubs feed on grass roots, often causing significant damage to lawns.

Are chafer grubs dangerous?

Chafer grubs are not harmful to humans or pets but can devastate lawns by feeding on the roots of grass, leading to patches of dead or weakened turf.

How to get rid of chafer grubs in a lawn?

Apply nematodes, such as Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, in late summer when the grubs are active. Keep the soil moist to help nematodes move through the lawn. Aerating and watering your lawn regularly can also discourage egg-laying.

What do chafer grubs eat?

Chafer grubs feed exclusively on grass roots, causing lawns to weaken, turn yellow, or develop bare patches.

When do chafer grubs appear?

Chafer grubs typically develop in late spring to early summer after chafer beetles lay eggs in the soil. They remain active until late autumn.

Do chafer beetle traps help with grubs?

Chafer beetle traps can reduce the number of adults laying eggs in your lawn, but they are most effective when combined with nematodes for grub control.

Signs of chafer grub damage

Look for brown patches in your lawn that lift easily, as the roots have been eaten. Increased bird or mammal activity, such as crows or foxes digging, can also indicate a grub problem.