What is a primary cultural control method to manage white grubs?

Avoiding watering in July and early August is a primary cultural control method for managing white grubs because it helps mitigate conditions that favor the development of these pests. During the hot summer months, excessive irrigation can create ideal environments for white grubs to thrive in the soil. White grubs are the larval stage of beetles, and their populations can increase significantly when the soil remains moist and conducive to their life cycle.

By limiting watering during these peak periods, turf managers can reduce soil moisture and potentially discourage adult beetles from laying eggs in the lawn. This proactive approach can help manage and reduce future white grub populations, making it a key strategy in integrated pest management for lawns that experience issues with these pests. Cultural controls are sustainable practices that focus on managing environmental factors to make it less favorable for pest establishment and proliferation.