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Home » Pest Control » Lawn Grub, Worm & Beetle Control
Lawn Grub, Worm & Beetle Control

Lawn Grub, Worm & Beetle Control

Lawn grubs, armyworms, and beetles are prominent in Australia, thriving particularly in the warmer months. These insects can wreak havoc by damaging turf roots and leaves as they feed, so it’s critical to keep them under control for a healthy lawn.

At Specialist Sales, you’ll find liquid and granular insecticides designed to treat and prevent infestations. Shop professional-grade lawn grub, armyworm, and beetle control products to protect your lawns, ovals, golf courses, and pastures all season long.

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What are lawn grubs, armyworms, and beetles?

Lawn grubs, armyworms, and beetles are three common pests in Australia that can quickly affect lawns and turf. Here’s what sets them apart:  

  • Lawn grubs (also known as white curl grubs) are the larval stage of scarab beetles. They feed on turf roots, weakening the lawn. 
  • Beetles, in this context, refers to adult scarab beetles like African black beetle and Argentine scarab. They lay eggs in the turf, which then turn into larvae and perpetuate the cycle of damage.

  • Armyworms are the caterpillar stage of moths. The most common types are fall armyworms and lawn armyworms. They chew through leaf tissue, marching across lawns and turf to cause rapid defoliation.

When and where do these infestations occur?

Armyworms, beetles, and lawn grubs are most active from late spring to early autumn in Australia. You’ll notice activity peaks after rain or once the soil has been irrigated, as moisture encourages egg-laying and larval feeding close to the surface. Outbreaks can also appear suddenly after warm, humid weather, especially across coastal and sub-tropical regions.

Why is pest control critical? 

It’s important to detect lawn grubs, armyworms, and beetles early on as visible, tough-to-correct damage can get out of control quickly – especially once larvae begin feeding. If left untreated, infestations can lead to significant physical damage to lawns, crops, and plants.

Identifying signs of lawn pest damage

There are a few key ways to determine whether your lawn or turf has been affected by pests like armyworms, lawn grubs, and beetles: 

  • Irregular yellow or brown patches that spread
  • Turf that lifts easily like carpet due to root loss
  • Rapid defoliation or ‘scalped’ areas
  • Visible beetle or grub presence in soil or under damaged patches of turf

How to control lawn grubs, armyworms, and beetles

The key to long-term protection against lawn grubs, armyworms, and beetles is combining preventative and curative insecticides. Here’s what the Specialist Sales team recommends: 

  • Acelepryn (chlorantraniliprole): As the leading turf insecticide in Australia, Acelepryn is available in both liquid and granular formulations. It provides up to six months of residual protection against these pests, and can be used for both prevention and control in the early stages of infestation.
  • Contact insecticides: Pair Acelepryn with a product that contains a fast knockdown ingredient like bifenthrin, fipronil, imidacloprid, beta-cyfluthrin, or carbaryl to address active infestations. These formulations are great for spot treating affected areas, but they provide shorter-term relief, demanding more frequent application.

When applying any insecticide, always follow the instructions on the Product Label. Do not overapply, as this may lead to the eradication of beneficial insects or render the product ineffective over time. 

To receive support with selecting the right product for your turf and infestation type, get in touch with the Specialist Sales team.