European chafer beetle grubs causing problems for Fredericton lawns

FREDERICTON – The city of Fredericton is looking for advice on how to deal with a grub problem.

Officials have determined the European chafer is the likely cause of torn-up lawns around town.

Skunks, raccoons and birds are actually causing much of the damage, digging up the turf while trying to eat the grubs that are feeding on grass roots.

It’s the first time the grubs, which grow into small beetles, have been detected in Fredericton.

Homeowners are being advised to raise their lawn mower blade a few centimetres to encourage better root development in their lawns.