It is not unusual for people to mistakenly assume that lawn problems are caused by grubs when the issue is something else.Before using a grub control product (which can also kill things like lightning bug larvae) it's important to assess if you really have a grub problem.

Grubs do not typically affect turf type tall fescue lawns, which is the predominant and recommended grass for your area. (Grasses most susceptible to grub damage are bluegrass and creeping red fescue.) For tall fescue lawns, dig a square foot. It is normal to see grubs, but treatment should only be considered if you fine 8-15 grubs per square foot. Most lawns can suffer 10-15% stand reduction without a substantial loss in quality.

This page from our website explains more: https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/grubs-lawns

A control choice that is relatively safe to apply and provides excellent control is Acelepryn (Chlorantraniliprole) which is found in GrubEx (active ingredients can change periodically so check the product label). In addition to excellent white grub control, surface feeding insects such as sod webworms and cutworms are also controlled. This insecticide has low toxicity to vertebrates and has shown no adverse effects on beneficial insects. Acelepryn has a broad application window (May – September). Decent soil moisture is needed when applying acelepryn and needs to be watered in. Check product label.

Christine