Black Turfgrass Ataenius Beetle: Causes, Damages, Prevention and Control

 

The black turfgrass ataenius is a tiny white grub that wreaks havoc on turfgrass. The grubs frequently damage bentgrasses, annual bluegrasses, and Kentucky bluegrasses by feeding on living plant roots as well as decaying organic waste. Adults of the black turfgrass ataenius are approximately a quarter-inch long and dark brown or black in color. Adults spend the winter in loose soil before moving to turfgrass in late March or early April. Females lay their eggs in dirt and thatch. The larvae feed on grassroots for 3 to 5 weeks after hatching before pupating. The majority of first-generation adults are born in mid-July.

Lifecycle

Adult black turfgrass ataenius spend the winter in woodlots before flying into the turf to lay eggs in the thatch in May and June. For two months, grubs consume the roots and crown. Grubs hatch in July and mature in August.

Damages Caused by Black Turfgrass Ataenius Beetle

The larval stage completely destroys turfgrass by feeding on the roots, resulting in uneven dead areas. Even with enough irrigation, the devastated region appears to be drought-stressed. The symptoms of summer patch, take-all patch, and Pythium root rot may be similar. Because of the extensive root feeding, the grass might be pulled back like a carpet at times.

Prevention and Control

There are numerous effective cultural controls that may be used to reduce black turfgrass ataenius destruction. The first step is to maintain healthy grass. Avoid applying organic fertilizers in places where the ataenius is known to be abundant; the adults are dung beetles drawn to the stench of organic decomposition.

Turning off the lights at night is one method for reducing black turfgrass ataenius beetles, which can attract a large number of ataenius and beetles during the warmer months. Improve root growth as much as possible to allow turfgrass to tolerate grub feeding by adhering to prescribed watering methods based on turfgrass moisture demands, employing tiny or water injection aeration, and boosting mowing height as much as possible.

If you notice uneven dead patches in your turfgrass, look for black turfgrass ataenius grubs or other insects. You can also collect samples around two weeks after adults are captured in blacklight traps. Use a cup cutter to collect grub samples beneath areas of grass loss and in places where grubs have been active in the past or are expected to be active in the future. Treatment is required if there are more than four grubs per cup cutting sample.

Healthy grass is the best defense against black turfgrass ataenius. Increase drainage and prevent sunshine, frequent watering, summer fertilizing, and scalping or close mowing. Limit traffic, especially when the soils are moist, to minimize soil compaction. By avoiding pesticides, you may encourage natural enemies in the soil, such as ground beetles, rove beetles, ants, and spiders.