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European Chafer -A New Turf Pest
Management and Response in New Westminster
European Chafer ~June 2005
A Management Strategy for the Lower Mainland
European Chafer Grub KILLER
European Chafer Update
BACKGROUND
| The European Chafer, Rhizotrogus majalis, is a serious pest of turf in eastern North America. In 2001 it was discovered in New Westminster lawns and boulevards. Most recently, it has been observed in parts of central and west Burnaby. It is probable this pest has been in B.C. for a few years prior to 2001. |
Adult Chafer Beetle
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DESCRIPTION
| The adult beetle is tan coloured and resembles a smallish June Beetle. The larvae or grubs have a C-shaped body and brown head. Mature Chafer grubs are smaller than mature June grubs. A microscope in required to confidently identify the grubs. |
| The grub stage of this beetle is very destructive to turf. In the Lower Mainland the grubs feed on the roots of grasses during the summer through to spring, chewing them off and killing the grass plants. Dead and dying spots in lawns where chafer flights have been observed the previous June should be suspect. Injury is usually visible by fall. Considerable damage to turf can occur in the fall and winter from animals, especially skunks, and birds digging up the grass to feed on larger grubs. |
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MANAGEMENT AND DEFENCE
| The European Chafer is a pest that cannot be easily eliminated. The City of New Westminster advocates using non-chemical methods to defend against and manage the spread of the European Chafer. There are no readily available commercial or natural biological agents for this pest at this time. Local testing of beneficial nematodes (microscopic worms that attack the chafer grubs) in 2003 has showed promise and further research is planned for the summer of 2004. |
Nematode studies have had positive
results. Further testing
in 2004 will be conducted.
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| The best non-pesticide defense against the European Chafer available to home owners at this time is to take normal measures to maintain a healthy lawn as resilient turf appears to better withstand the effects of this pest. |
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HEALTHY LAWN TIPS
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FEED lawns with compost and leave grass clippings where they fall for nutrient recycling.
AERATE in the spring and fall to help oxygen, water and nutrients reach the roots.
MOW HIGH to a height of 7 cm or 3 inches to promote vigorous growth, prevent weeds and discourage insect pests. Always
use a sharp mower blade and mow when the grass is dry. |
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WATER DEEPLY to promote deep roots growth. Too much water starves the soil of oxygen and invites disease. Most lawns only need WATERING ONCE PER WEEK to a depth of 2.5 cm or about one inch.
OVERSEED thinned areas or choose alternative ground covers in difficult spots.
REPLACE grass with mulch or paving stones in heavy traffic areas.
CHECK the lawn regularly to detect pests and other problems early.
DISCOVER that healthy lawns are less susceptible to pest problems.
ENJOY! A healthy lawn is an ideal place to relax and play.
Source: Health Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency |
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Additional sources of healthy lawn information:
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RESPONDING TO DAMAGED TURF
The most obvious effects of the European Chafer is the damage caused to turf from animals, especially skunks, and birds digging up the grass to feed on the larger grubs. As long as the grubs are present in large enough numbers, animals and birds will continue to destroy infested lawns. Once the European Chafer is managed, animals should stop digging for this food source.
Restoring Damaged Turf
Until such time as effective management measures for the European Chafer are widely available, there is some risk associated with investing significant time or money in major restoration to damaged lawns. The likelihood of the chafer remaining in the soil, or laying eggs in newly established turf is still high and damage may still reoccur. |
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| Simple measures can be taken for basic repairs to turf for those homeowners who prefer the look and benefits of grass. Alternatively, a wide variety of ground covers are available that can be planted in place of grass and yield many of the same aesthetic benefits. |
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Simple Lawn Restoration
The best times of the year to plant grass seed in the Lower Mainland are in March, April and September when mild temperatures and moist soil conditions are present.
1. Gently rake away damaged turf
2. Apply lawn starting fertilizer to remaining exposed soil
3. Top dress the ground with good quality soil and apply grass seed
It is not recommended that soils be removed from the site as this may accelerate the spread of the European Chafer grubs. In those cases where more extensive yard restoration is warranted, it is recommended that existing soils be first roto-tilled. Tips on Lawn Establishment are available at www.healthylawns.net.
Alternative Ground Covers
| A wide variety of perennial and annual ground covers are available that can be used as an alternative to replanting yards with grass. Examples include: |
Homeowners are advised to visit their local garden centre to learn more about specific ground covers that may meet their unique needs. |
Vancouver Gold Broom
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Restoring & Maintaining Boulevards
It is important to maintain boulevards to the same standard as private residential lands in order to help resist pest infestations in our community. The City of New Westminster bylaws encourage residents to assist with the care and upkeep of the boulevards adjacent to their properties. When restoring a damaged boulevard with plants other that grass, special consideration must be given to the plant height and its ability to withstand foot traffic. Keep in mind that vehicles parked in front of boulevards need ground cover to be low enough so as not to restrict the opening of vehicle doors. Additionally, pedestrians need to cross boulevards to get to sidewalks so plant material should be spaced to allow access or be tolerant to moderate foot traffic.
When deciding on an appropriate ground cover for boulevards, residents are reminded that underground services (water, sewer, electrical) run below many boulevards and from time to time the boulevards may require excavation for maintenance or repair purposes. |
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Additional Chafer Information
To learn more about the European Chafer lawn care and related links please click on the picture.
Videotaped copies of the March 8, 2004, May 9, 2005 and June 20, 2005 presentation to City Council on the European Chafer and the status of testing for methods to control the pest are available for loan from the New Westminster Public Library. |
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Click HERE for Chafer information update.
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