Black turfgrass ataenius

Black turfgrass ataenius (Ataenius spretulus) grubs are difficult to control because of their multiple generations, long infestation threat periods, difficult detection, and sporadic appearance.

For better forecasting of the timing and location of infestations, monitoring is essential. A threat temperature of 65F (18C) is a rough indicator that grubs will soon be present in the soil, and that preventive insecticide applications should be made within the next two to four weeks. In locations with long threat periods for infestation, follow…