Chafer beetles are a growing concern for turf managers across Western Canada. These pests can cause significant damage to lawns, sports fields, golf courses, and parks, leaving behind unsightly brown patches and weakened turf that is vulnerable to further stress. With over 50 years of experience in the plant nutrition and crop protection business, we understand the challenges you face in maintaining healthy, resilient turf. Let's explore the impact of chafer beetles, how to protect your turf, and the products and strategies that can help you build a robust stand of sod to resist pest pressure.
Understanding the Chafer Beetle Threat
Chafer beetles, particularly the European chafer (Rhizotrogus majalis), are a major pest in British Columbia. The larvae, known as grubs, feed on grassroots, severing the connection between the plant and its nutrient supply. This feeding activity weakens the turf, making it susceptible to drought, disease, and secondary damage from birds and animals foraging for grubs.
The damage is most visible in late summer and fall when grubs are actively feeding, but the effects can linger into the following spring. This can mean costly repairs, reduced aesthetic appeal, and dissatisfied customers or residents.
Building Resilient Turf: A Proactive Approach
The key to managing chafer beetle damage lies in building a healthy, dense stand of turf that can withstand pest pressure. Here’s how you can achieve this:
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Soil and Root Health: Healthy soil and strong roots are the foundation of resilient turf. Regular fertilization with products like RichGROW 18-18-18 50% CRN Turf Fertilizer ensures your turf has the nutrients it needs to thrive. This balanced fertilizer promotes root growth, improves stress tolerance, and enhances overall turf vigor.
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Seeding with Resistant Varieties: Incorporating chafer-resistant grass varieties into your turf can significantly reduce damage. Our Richardson Seed Chafer Resistant Lawn Seed is specifically designed to withstand grub feeding and recover quickly from stress. This mix contains a small amount of Micro Clover. For areas where clover may not be suitable we recommend Turf Type Tall Fescue, which is less affected by Chafer beetle activity.
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Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Combining cultural practices with targeted pest control is the most effective way to manage chafer beetles. This includes proper mowing, irrigation, and aeration to create an environment that supports healthy turf while discouraging pests.
Targeted Solutions for Chafer Beetle Control
In addition to cultural practices, our crop protection products provide effective solutions for managing chafer beetles:
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Acelypryn G: This granular insecticide offers long-lasting protection against chafer grubs. Applied preventatively, Acelypryn G targets grubs in the soil, reducing their population before they can cause significant damage. Its unique mode of action ensures minimal impact on non-target organisms, making it an environmentally responsible choice.
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Acelypryn Liquid: For precise application, Acelypryn Liquid is an excellent option. It can be used on golf courses, sports fields, and other high-value turf areas to control chafer grubs while maintaining turf health and appearance.
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Grubterminator: Grubterminator, also known as GrubGone, is a natural, eco-friendly solution that complements traditional chemical controls, making it ideal for integrated pest management programs.
Why Choose Our Products?
At TerraLink, we are committed to providing effective, sustainable solutions for turf management. Our products are backed by research and designed to meet the unique needs of landscaping companies, municipalities, and golf courses in British Columbia. By combining high-quality fertilizers, chafer-resistant seed blends, and targeted pest control products, we help you build and maintain turf that is both beautiful and resilient.
Take Action Against Chafer Beetles Today
Don’t let chafer beetles compromise the health and appearance of your turf. By adopting a proactive approach that includes proper fertilization, overseeding, and targeted pest control, you can protect your investment and ensure your turf remains vibrant and pest-free.