When should treatments for white grubs in Tennessee typically be made?

Treatments for white grubs in Tennessee are typically most effective when applied from mid-July to early August. This timing coincides with the life cycle of white grubs, particularly during their peak feeding period. In Tennessee, white grub larvae hatch from eggs laid by adult beetles in the summer months. By mid to late July, these larvae are actively feeding on the roots of grasses and other plants, making them more vulnerable to control measures.

Applying treatments during this period targets the larvae when they are most susceptible, thereby increasing the likelihood of reducing their populations effectively. This time frame allows for maximum impact as the larvae will consume the treatment, leading to mortality. Treatments applied during other times may not be as effective, since larvae may have already matured or may not yet be present in damaging numbers. Thus, timing the application correctly is essential for managing white grub populations successfully.