Have you ever wondered why the crows have been so interested in tearing up your lawn recently? It turns out they are in search of the tasty grub snack known as the European chafer beetle (Rhizotrogus majalis).
Working in a botanical garden, we often receive questions on how to manage this invasive turf pest. It is simple really. Like any healthy ecosystem, a healthy lawn is the key!
Kerrie van Gaalen, one of UBC Botanical Garden’s staff members has written a helpful and informative article on on European Chafer Beetles and how to combat them.
For more information visit our longer article on Chafer Beetles.
Hi Kelly –
This shouldn’t be a problem. The adult female chafer beetle lays her eggs in turf. The larvae (grubs) feed preferentially on the roots of grasses. Unless 1.) the soil you used for the containers was dug up from a lawn area, 2.) there are turf grasses in your containers, or 3.) you partially buried your containers in the lawn over the winter, there is next to no chance you will have chafer larvae in the containers. Good luck moving!
Hi
I am moving to Vancouver Island and I want to take several of my potted plants with me. I am worried about the European Chafer Beetle though and don’t want to spread it over there. I have it in my lawn although I did apply the nematode last summer and watered it as directed….. so it should have helped. So far my new lawn looks fine.
My question is whether I should chance taking plants in pots over or should I leave them behind?
Thanks!