You can always tell when someone's lawn has been torn up by various critters looking for European Chafer Beetle grubs.
The chafer beetle is an invasive insect, and it's the reason for that telltale damage to lawns that's been showing up in Chilliwack, and across the Lower Mainland since 2001, according to the City of Chilliwack's online info.
"Why is it a problem? Chafer beetle infestations can be very damaging to lawns, crops and plants," according to their info page.
The grubs or beetle larvae attract crows, skunks and raccoons who dig up the grass to eat them.
Grubs have a white, C-shaped bodies and brown heads. They're about 25 millimetres long when fully grown.
Here are some of the city's tips and tricks from the environment services department:
• Mow grass longer (6-9cm): This makes it harder for female beetles to lay eggs in the grass, so they will be more likely to move on. Longer grass is also more drought tolerant.
•Try different types of ground cover: Adding even 5 per cent micro-clover, moss, or creeping thyme into your lawn creates heavier root mass, making it harder for grubs to wear away at it. Other lawn substitutes, such as xeriscaping, pollinator gardens, or raised beds also help. Synthetic lawns are not recommended because they are less environmentally-friendly.
• Use barriers: Cover your lawn with cloth or landscape fabric for the duration of the mating and egg-laying cycle (June) to prevent beetles from infesting your lawn. You can also use barriers during the winter to limit birds and mammals from eating the grubs.
