These “chubby white bugs” are actually called [Chafer Grubs]. Chafer grubs are said to be the larvae of beetles like May beetles or scarab beetles!
They tend to breed in moist environments (especially during rainy seasons), particularly in soils rich in organic matter. They mainly feed on humus, fallen leaves, or animal droppings!
So yes, chafer grubs are a very common occurrence during the planting process!
It will eat some rotten leaves and rotten roots in the soil. But will not eat fresh and healthy leaves, so no worry! it will not harm plants. It can also help loosen the soil, and its poop is also a nutrient for plants.
But when there are too many chafer grubs, or the soil has too little organic matter,
They may start feeding on plant roots, which can damage your plants!
So what can gardeners do if they encounter these little bugs?
- Keep the top layer of soil dry, or cover it with a 2cm layer of sand or gravel to prevent beetles from laying eggs.
- Check the soil for signs of chafer grubs (If they’re present, you’ll usually find them just by digging lightly with a spade).
- Found some grubs? Don’t panic! Just pick them out and discard them.
- If your pot is infested with a large number of chafer grubs like in the photo below, it’s best to replace the soil.
Additionally, we recommend mixing Mr Ganick Neem Cake into the soil to help reduce soil pest problems!
Neem Cake works mainly by repelling pests and making them feel nauseous, reducing their activity.
There are two ways to use Mr Ganick Neem Cake:
- Before planting, mix Mr Ganick Neem Cake into the soil to discourage adult beetles from laying eggs there.
- If grubs are already present, adding Mr Ganick Neem Cake can help reduce their activity (it causes them to feel nauseated and less likely to feed on the plants).
