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Re: White grubs in soil


-----Original Message-----
From: Jeaa1224@aol.com <Jeaa1224@aol.com>
To: rose-list@eskimo.com <rose-list@eskimo.com>
Date: Tuesday, August 04, 1998 10:30 AM
Subject: Re: White grubs in soil


>Dave:
>
>Thanks for the info on "soup" for aphids, etc., but  re: white grubs, are
they
>the
>larva of anything we want to try to preserve (monarch butterflies, etc.)?

  Grubs are usually the larvae of moths - none "beneficial." Although they
may as adults attack trees/shrubs not resident in your garden, it is most
likely that their primary source of nourishment will be something you
treasure - after all, why do you think they ended up in your garden?
  Many caterpillars are larvae of some beautiful butterflies - just remember
that a single caterpillar can defoliate an entire rose bush, given a couple
of days. Think about that the next time a butterfly lands in your garden!

>I
>don't mind
>getting along with a few critters if it's worth it in the long run. I did
find
>them under
>a centaurea plant I removed to make room for the roses. The roots of that
>plant are
>quite heavy and well separated. Is this an ideal environment for the grubs
or
>will I be
> apt to find them everywhere in that bed? Uppon removing one more smaller
>centaurea, I found them there also.
>
>Many thanks - Joanie
>

The grubs *normally* prefer softer feeder roots. Some feed on the base of
the plant itself. I would guess that your entire yard in infested with these
creatures to an extent much greater than you realize - imagine two grubs to
every square foot of yard space, possibly more! Don't despair - these pests
have probably been occupying your garden for years. They normally don't
become a serious problem, but I would never return one to the soil once I've
uncovered it.

>
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