Grass grub or porina damage may be showing. Grass grub damage is indicated initially by loss of clover, patches of pasture turning yellow and becoming soft under foot. Porina damage appears as small (approx 5 cm dia.) areas of bare ground. Both pests should be controlled as early as possible to maximise returns and protect long term pasture production and quality. Heavy rolling, high stocking rates or N application may provide some relief from grass grub but insecticide (diazinon) may be the only recourse. It is too late to control porina using diflubenzuron in most southern areas, conventional insecticide is still effective. Caterpillars from late February/March flights in the North Island and the South Island West Coast are still susceptible to diflubenzuron.

Social tagging: Pest Alert