8 October 2026

Are these Chafer Grubs and what to do?

Q. “Hi. I’ve attached a couple of pictures which I believe are Chafer Grubs. Am I correct please? I’m renewing my lawn and replacing the top 6 inches of soil with an organic topsoil. It’s whilst digging out the old soil I found the grubs. If they are Chafers when should I apply the nematodes? Before or after I put the new topsoil down please. Thank you.” Kind regards Dave Aldridge

A. Thanks for the message and yes these are classic chafer grubs. As long as the topsoil is pest free then I would apply Chafer Killer Nematodes before you pop the topsoil down as you want the get the nematodes as close to the grubs as possible. If the top soil is in doubt, then apply afterwards, so you are treating the new topsoil as well.

Chafer grubs are the larvae of chafer beetles and they can quickly devastate a lawn. Control chafer grubs naturally by treating with Green Gardener Chafer Grub Killer containing millions of natural nematodes. It is best to treat in the Autumn (Sept/Oct) i.e NOW when the chafer grubs are newly hatched as they are the most susceptible to the nematodes PLUS the soil is warm (the treatment needs a soil temp of 12°c) and the grubs are close to the surface.

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