Raccoons and Skunks and Crows are turning up the turf again, and its because they are hunger and your lawn is loaded with chafer beetle grubs. It’s a common sight in Delta—lawns decimated by birds and animals that desperately dig for chafer beetle grubs.
Damage is done during the grub, or larvae, stage. The grubs feed on the fibrous roots of grass, which crows, raccoons and skunks quickly rip up each spring and fall in search of the tasty pests.
Water is key to controlling grubs without pesticides. Microscopic round worms, known as nematodes, are the most effective defense against the chafer beetle. Nematodes—available at garden supply stores—are applied to infested lawns at the end of July when the beetle is beginning its grub stage. Effective treatment involves two weeks of regular watering.
Watering exemption permits would be good for 21 days inside July 15 to Aug. 15, and would be available free to homeowners with water meters and proof of nematodes purchase. Homeowners without a meter would pay $33.50 and be required to sign up for water meter installation.
Even city boulevards, which homeowners are responsible for maintaining, haven’t been left unscathed. Lawns with moss are more susceptible to damage, along with turf that’s mowed short.
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