What strategy is considered curative for white grub management?

The choice of scouting in late July to early August is seen as a curative strategy for managing white grub populations because this timing aligns with the life cycle of white grubs, particularly the larval stage, which is most damaging to turf. By identifying the presence of white grubs during this window, it allows for a targeted application of insecticides when they are most vulnerable. This proactive approach can effectively reduce pest populations just before they cause significant damage to the turf.

While early spring insecticide applications can help manage certain pests, they may not effectively target white grubs, as these pests are typically active at different times of the year. Annual treatments might provide a blanket approach, but without the knowledge of current infestation levels, they can lead to unnecessary chemical use and potential resistance issues. Using resistant grass species is beneficial for long-term management, but it does not directly mitigate existing infestations that need immediate attention. Thus, scouting at the right time is the most effective approach for curative management of white grubs.