Masked chafer grubs in Massachusetts identification, lawn damage & prevention.
Masked chafer grubs are a white grub lawn pest that can damage turf by feeding on grass roots below the surface. Like other grubs, they can weaken the lawn before obvious symptoms appear above ground. This guide explains how to identify masked chafer grubs, what lawn damage they can cause, and when homeowners may want to consider professional grub control.
What are masked chafer grubs?
Masked chafer grubs are the larval stage of masked chafer beetles in the genus Cyclocephala. Like other white grubs, they live in the soil and feed on turf roots. As the roots are eaten away, the lawn can become weaker, less stable, and more vulnerable to hot weather and animal digging. Because the feeding happens below the surface, many homeowners do not realize grubs are present until the lawn begins to decline.
Masked chafer grubs are the immature stage of masked chafer beetles.
They feed on grass roots below the soil surface and weaken the lawn from underneath.
Masked chafers are native North American scarab beetles whose larvae can be turf pests.
How to identify masked chafer grubs
Masked chafer grubs are large white grubs with a pale, C-shaped body, brown head capsule, and visible legs. They are often found just below the turf in the root zone. To most homeowners, they look similar to other white grubs, which is why exact species identification may require closer inspection of the raster pattern on the underside of the grub.
Like other white grubs, masked chafer larvae curl into a C-shape when disturbed.
The head is darker than the pale body and easy to spot when the grub is exposed.
They are usually found beneath damaged grass where roots and thatch meet the soil.
What damage do masked chafer grubs cause?
Masked chafer grubs damage lawns by feeding on turf roots. As roots are lost, grass may wilt, thin out, turn brown, or die back in irregular patches. The damage often gets worse during hot, dry conditions, and animals such as skunks and raccoons may dig through the lawn searching for the grubs.
Damaged areas may brown out or thin as roots are eaten below the surface.
Grass may lift easily because weakened roots are no longer anchoring the turf well.
Skunks, raccoons, and other animals may tear into damaged lawns looking for grubs.
A lawn with weakened roots often declines faster during heat and dry weather.
Damage often appears in irregular spots instead of across the lawn evenly.
Visible lawn damage often appears after the root-feeding has already been happening for a while.
When are masked chafer grubs active?
Masked chafer grubs follow a seasonal cycle similar to other annual white grubs. Adult beetles emerge during the warm season, eggs are laid in the soil, and young larvae begin feeding on roots. Damage can become more obvious as feeding continues, especially when turf is also under summer stress.
Other lawn grubs in Massachusetts
Masked chafer grubs are one of several white grub species that can affect Massachusetts lawns. Explore related grub pages below.
Related grub resources
Explore these pages to learn more about lawn damage, treatment timing, and DIY vs professional options.
Need help with masked chafer grubs?
If your lawn has brown patches, loose turf, or animal digging, masked chafer grubs may be part of the problem. Truly Lawn can help evaluate the lawn and provide seasonal treatment options.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about masked chafer grubs in Massachusetts lawns.
Masked chafer grubs are pale, C-shaped white grubs with a brown head, visible legs, and a thick body found below turf.
Yes. They feed on turf roots and can contribute to brown patches, weak turf, and lawn decline.
Animals may dig into lawns when they find grubs near the surface and treat them as a food source.
Yes. Root damage from grubs often causes lawns to brown and weaken in ways that can look similar to drought or heat stress.