What can I do to control grubs in my lawn?
Question:
I live on Vinalhaven island and we have been experiencing a lot of raccoon damage to lawns as they forage for something underground. I am told it is probably grubs, but I don’t know. My question is, can we do anything to control the grubs or whatever is the food source? I have tried Grubex last spring and the raccoons dug at the lawn in the fall even worse! They are doing a lot of damage, and in my nearly 40 years as a caretaker, I have never seen this.
Answer:
Anna Low, Master Gardener Volunteer, Cumberland County 2012
The photo you sent looks just like other damage we’ve seen from critters digging up lawns to feast on grubs. We have a few links with helpful information:
You’ll notice the maine.gov press release above mentions specific timing for applying any grub pesticides. We suspect your spring application might have been a little early.
You’ll also find information about reseeding lawns in the lawn section at the UMaine Extension Garden and Yard website.