Recognize and get rid of it forever

The damage potential of cockchafer grubs

Of all the white grub species that occur in our Central European latitudes, cockchafer larvae are the most feared. Because during their three to four year underground development phase they eat their way on the tender roots of all possible ornamental and useful plants, thick and round. If there is an increased amount, this can cause a certain amount of damage, especially in garden lawns and vegetable patches.

Compared to times before 1950, the number of cockchafer is no longer really threatening. Because the animals regularly caused crop failures and tree shedding, they were until the second half of the 20th Century fought heavily and almost exterminated. Today, the extent of damage, especially in private gardens, is therefore rather moderate.

To note:

• Cockchafer larvae are among the most damaging species of grubs
• Cockchafer occurrence since the 2nd Half of the 20th Decreased sharply in the 20th century
• Damage to private gardens is therefore moderate

How do you recognize cockchafer grubs?

CockchaferGrubs show an appearance that is very typical for grubs: with a length of 5-6 centimeters, they are medium-sized and therefore easy to find. Its thick, caterpillar-like segmented body is curved in a C-shape. When it is picked up, it contracts even more. The body color of cockchafer grubs is yellowish-creamy white, the slightly thickened abdomen is dark and the head is brown. 3 long, kinked pairs of legs are attached to the chest and serve as digging tools for the grub.

Damage and control

Typical signs of a cockchafer grub infestation are dry-looking, easily detachable islands in the garden lawn and dying ornamental and vegetable plants in the bed. If you dig up the ground under a dead turf island, you can spot the eaten roots and probably the white grubs. The first step is to dig up and remove the pests manually.

For targeted and complete control, it is advisable to place predatory nematodes on the larvae. You can order these on the Internet, for example. They parasitize the grubs and kill them reliably.

prevention

In order not to get into trouble with the voracious cockchafer grubs, preventive measures are also useful. Above all, thorough, regular floor care is the be-all and end-all here. To make it more difficult for adult cockchafer to lay eggs in the lawn, you should mow and scarify it regularly. This will strengthen the Sward.

In beds it helps to weed diligently and, if necessary, to put insect protection nets over them during the flight times of the adult beetles, i.e. in May and June. Of course, this only applies to the cockchafer years, which, according to the larval development time, repeat about every four years.

In order to keep adult cockchafer away, you should also avoid night lighting in the garden. They attract the light-orientated beetles and encourage them to settle down and lay their eggs.