European Chafer

Rhizotrogus majalis

The European Chafer, also known as Rhizotrogus majalis, is a common lawn pest that can be found in many different types of grasses in the upper northeastern states and as far west as Michigan.

Identify

Grubs

Sub Surface

An adult European Chafer is a medium-sized, light reddish-brown beetle with a slightly darker head. Yellow hairs can be found on the pronotum of this lawn pest and underneath the thorax. Its wing covers have distinct longitudinal grooves. European Chafer larvae have two parallel rows of bristles that diverge laterally below the anus. May/June Beetle grubs also have these two rows of bristles on their raster, but the two rows do not diverge, giving you a quick way to tell these two lawn-damaging insects apart.

Life Cycle

Control

There are two methods for controlling European Chafers that TruGreen® recommends: 1. Use professionally applied pest control designed to prevent excess lawn pest populations, which can cause damage to your lawn 2. Kill insects, grubs and other lawn pests before they have a chance to damage your lawn Proper mowing and watering techniques can also help foster a healthy lawn that's more tolerant to lawn pest attacks—plus you'll get a lawn you'll want to live on in the process.