Grub Life

• White grubs are the larva of several types of insects. Eggs are laid in moist, cooler soil usually 3 to 4 inches below the surface. As the larva mature and respond to changing temperature and water conditions, they approach the surface of the ground. Here, they feed on the roots of grass and other lawn plants, destroying the root systems.
  
  While the adult beetles feed on the foliage itself, the white grubs do the most damage and are also the easiest to kill. The best time to apply your pesticide or natural remedy is when these grubs are the closest to the surface, which is early summer right after they hatch.
  
  

Natural Remedies

• Bacterial Milky Disease is a popular natural remedy for controlling grub populations. It is host specific, meaning that it targets only the larva and adult beetles. It remains harmless to pets, humans, other animals and won't pollute water sources. Because the bacteria attack all stages of the beetles' and grubs' life cycle, it provides a long-term, blanket solution to grub infestation.
  
  However, this remedy typically takes longer to have an impact than pesticide. While it's effects will certainly be long lived, it may take up to two years for the grub population to be permanently reduced.
  
  

Pesticides

• Pesticides also are best applied in the summer when the grubs are feeding. Because grubs tend to live in areas that most topical pesticides won't reach, it is usually best to buy long-lasting, granular-style pest control. Water the area heavily before pesticide application and then again after the application to make sure it reaches soil level the grubs are in.
  
  Applying only one series of pesticides will certainly kill grubs quickly. However , it doesn't break their life cycle. Continuing applications of pesticide over an extended period of time is recommended in lieu of a more permanent long-term prevention strategy.