Some years there are just not as many of them as others. According to VA Tech, drought in late July and early August will reduce populations the following year. I don't think it was especially dry here back then but I can't say for sure. And with summer thunderstorms being the main source of parcipitaion that time of year, it could be that your area was just missed then and the ground was too dry for them.

I've never had a serious problem with them and I'm in Chesterfield, too. What did you do this year that was different from past years?

Sandy

Milky Spore is an organic powder that you distribute on your land (garden, lawn, shrub beds, etc.) in the recommended amount in a grid pattern, and then water it in. It is a completely organic product that is reputed to last for 15 to 20 years. It affects the growth of the grubs several ways, preventing them from becoming beetles. You can Google it and read about it's discovery/development. I don't have problems with them here, so I haven't put it down. You might want to apply it so it can start working. My brother put it down on his garden and lawn in Pennsylvania, and there was a drastic reduction in the number of beetles the next year.

Check it out.

veggie_pak