How does weather affect the European chafer?
Weather conditions can have an effect on turf health and vigour which indirectly affects grub damage. Grubs feeding in spring and fall do not cause visible damage as the temperatures are cooler and root growth by the turf grasses is more active than at other times. In general, when there is sufficient rainfall or when turf is deeply irrigated, grub damage is reduced. Healthy, actively growing turf will have more roots and, hence, can withstand more grub feeding without loss. Conversely, lawns which are not vigorous and healthy will show turf damage quickly after only small amounts of grub feeding. During periods of summer drought, grubs may remain deep in the soil where moisture is available. Once rainfall resumes, the grubs will migrate up to the soil-thatch interface to feed.
