…Fat, white insect larvae are found in the soil near the roots.
Larvae (grubs) of various insects such as Japanese Beetles and Rose Chafers live in the soil for much of the year and will feed on newly planted strawberry, blueberry and raspberry roots, especially plantings following sod or on lighter soils.
Various grubs that attack berry roots are pictured.
Adult insects feed on plants, but their larvae feeding on roots cause much more damage.
Both rose chafers and Japanese beetles belong to the May Beetle and June Bug family (Scarabaeidae).
More information:
- White Grubs (OMAFRA)
- Japanese Beetle Factsheet (University of Maine)
- Japanese beetle management in Minnesota (University of Minnesota)
Use these resources if you need additional help with diagnosis and to find solutions to your problem.