Chafer grubs have a fat, creamy-white body, in the shape of a 'C', with a brown head and distinctive legs. They are approximately 1.5 cm long and are found in the root systems of plants and lawns. Stem bases, roots and bulbs may be eaten causing plants to wilt and die, and lawns will become yellow and patchy. The adult chafer beetles emerge in May/June and will mate and immediately lay eggs. These are often laid in the same place reinvesting the spot each year.

Control

Pick off and destroy grubs wherever possible or water vulnerable plants with pirimiphos-methyl. The soil may be treated with chlorpyrifos and diazinon. Apply carbaryl to lawns in spring - before the adult beetles emerge.