Scarab Grubs
Two of the most damaging scarab species are Argentine Scarab (Cyclocephala signaticollis) and African Black Beetle (Heteronychus arator). The adults of these species become active in spring. After mating, egg laying occurs in the soil. The eggs hatch and the larvae feed and mature in the soil. Pupation occurs in the soil before new adults emerge over summer to early autumn depending on the species.
The larvae of scarab grubs can directly damage turf by feeding on their roots. In addition, turf can be severely damaged by birds and other animals as they try and dig out scarab larvae from the soil.
Click here to download a copy of the Scarab Grub Technical Notes.
Scarab Grub Control & Management
Biological Control:
→ Entomopathogenic nematodes are available as a biological control agent. Birds and other predators can help reduce populations.
Cultural Practices:
→ Maintain healthy turf to withstand infestations.
→ Monitor for adults in the spring. This will help determine the potential for damage from larvae to occur later in the season as well as help with calculating timing of preventative insecticide application.
Tetrino® Turf Insecticide controls larvae of scarab beetles in turf including on golf courses, sports fields, bowling greens, racetracks, recreational lawns and turf farms.
Tetrino is not a scheduled poison and there is no re-entry period.
Controlling Scarab Grubs With Tetrino
Tetrino® contains the active ingredient tetraniliprole.
Application strategy
Apply as a preventative treatment before or at peak egg hatch which is typically mid-spring to mid-summer depending on species and location, or as a curative application when small larvae are present.
Treatment Tips For Best Results
To achieve the best control of scarab grubs in Australia using Tetrino® Turf Insecticide:
→ Apply to mown turf at 1.15-2.3 L/ha in a minimum application volume of 200 L/ha and irrigate treated areas after application with up to 4 mm water.
→ Apply a maximum of 4.6 L/ha per year.
Trial Results
In recent trials, application rates of Tetrino® were shown to have significantly reduced Argentine Scarab larvae numbers.
(See graph on the left for trial results.)
Stewardship
Always read the label before use. For full list of application and usage recommendations, view the label.
Speak To Our Team
Contact our team of experts to discuss how Tetrino® can support the control of Scarab Grubs on your land or call our customer service line on:
03 7019 3839.
