Greener Living Lawn Care

Chicago Grub Control & Prevention Services

Signs of Grubs Get a Free Estimate

Stop grub damage before it starts.

What Are Grubs & Why Should You Care?

Grubs are the larval stage of beetles — including Japanese beetles, European chafers, and June bugs. These white, C-shaped larvae live in the soil just below the surface, feeding on grass roots from late summer through fall and again in spring. A single grub infestation can destroy an entire lawn, turning healthy turf into dead, brown patches that pull up like loose carpet.

In the Chicago suburbs, grub damage is one of the most common lawn problems we treat. Our preventive and curative grub control programs protect your lawn with professional-grade, pet-safe products applied by licensed technicians who know exactly when and how to treat for maximum effectiveness.



5 Signs Your Lawn Has Grubs

1. Brown Patches That Don't Recover

Areas of dead grass that stay brown despite watering. Grub-damaged turf has no roots to absorb water or nutrients.

2. Spongy, Soft Turf

Walking on grub-damaged grass feels spongy underfoot. The root system has been eaten away, leaving turf disconnected from soil.

3. Turf Pulls Up Like Carpet

The hallmark sign: you can grab a section of brown grass and roll it back like loose carpet, revealing white grubs in the soil underneath.

4. Animal Digging

Skunks, raccoons, birds (especially starlings and crows), and moles dig up your lawn to eat grubs. If you see new holes or torn-up turf every morning, grubs are the likely culprit.

5. Japanese Beetles in Summer

Adult Japanese beetles feeding on your trees and shrubs in June-July are a warning sign. They lay eggs in your lawn, which hatch into grubs 2-3 weeks later.

Think you might have grubs? Pull back a section of turf. If you find more than 10 white, C-shaped larvae per square foot, it's time to treat.

Get a Free Grub Inspection


Our Grub Control Programs

Preventive Grub Control

Best value — stops grubs before they start

  • Applied June–July before eggs hatch
  • Creates a barrier in the soil that kills grubs on contact
  • Protects your lawn for the entire grub season
  • Most cost-effective approach — one application
  • Pet-safe once watered in
  • Ideal for lawns with grub history or nearby infestations

Recommended for ALL Chicago-area lawns

Curative Grub Treatment

For active grub infestations

  • Applied August–October when grubs are active
  • Fast-acting products that kill grubs within days
  • May require follow-up applications for severe infestations
  • Combined with lawn repair recommendations
  • Followed by preventive treatment the next season
  • Includes a re-inspection 2-3 weeks after treatment

For lawns currently showing grub damage



Grub Life Cycle in Chicago

Understanding the grub life cycle helps explain why timing matters for treatment.

June–July

Adult beetles emerge, feed on trees and shrubs, and lay eggs in your lawn. Best time for preventive treatment.

August–September

Eggs hatch. Young grubs feed aggressively on grass roots near the surface. Damage becomes visible.

October–March

Grubs burrow deeper into soil to overwinter. They're harder to reach with treatments and cause less visible damage.

April–May

Grubs return to the surface to feed briefly before pupating into adult beetles. Secondary damage window.



Grub Control FAQ

Grubs are the larval stage of beetles like Japanese beetles and European chafers. They live in the soil and feed on grass roots, causing brown patches that pull up like loose carpet. Left untreated, grubs can destroy an entire lawn in a single season. They also attract skunks, raccoons, and birds that dig up your lawn to eat the grubs.
The best time for preventive grub treatment in the Chicago area is late June through mid-July, before eggs hatch. Curative treatments for active infestations are most effective in August through early October when grubs are small and feeding near the surface.
Signs of grub damage include: brown patches of turf that feel spongy underfoot, grass that pulls up easily like a carpet, increased animal digging (skunks, raccoons, birds), and Japanese beetles flying around your property in summer. You can check by pulling back a section of turf — if you find more than 10 white C-shaped larvae per square foot, treatment is recommended.
Yes! Our grub control products are pet-safe once dry and watered in, which typically takes a few hours. We use professional-grade products that target grubs specifically while being safe for people, pets, and beneficial insects when applied correctly.
Grub control pricing depends on your lawn size. Most residential properties range from $80-$150 for a preventive application. Curative treatments for active infestations may require additional applications. Contact us at 224-415-3698 for a free estimate specific to your property.
Preventive grub control is applied in early to mid-summer before grubs hatch, creating a barrier that kills larvae as they emerge. It's the most effective and cost-efficient approach. Curative grub control is applied after grubs are detected and actively feeding, typically in late summer or early fall. It works faster but may require follow-up treatments.


Get a Free Grub Control Estimate

Fill out the form below or call us at 224-415-3698


6903 W Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60707


Contact@GreenerLivingLawn.com


224-415-3698

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to apply grub control in Chicago?

Preventive grub control should be applied in June or early July before grub eggs hatch. Curative treatments can be applied August through September when active grubs are feeding near the surface. Timing is critical for effectiveness.

How do I know if I have grubs?

Signs of grub damage include brown patches of lawn that peel back like carpet, increased bird or skunk activity (they dig for grubs), and spongy-feeling turf. Greener Living offers free assessments — call 224-415-3698.

What type of grubs are common in Chicago?

The most common grubs in the Chicago area are Japanese beetle larvae, European chafer larvae, and masked chafer larvae. All three feed on grass roots from late summer through fall and again in spring.

Will grubs come back after treatment?

Grub populations can re-infest annually since adult beetles lay new eggs each summer. We recommend annual preventive treatments in June-July for lawns with a history of grub damage.

What areas do you serve for grub control?

We treat grubs across 37 Chicago suburbs. Preventive and curative treatments available. Call 224-415-3698 for a free assessment and estimate.

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