WRITTEN BY admin
A healthy lawn can quickly turn into a patchy, dying mess if you’ve got lawn grubs. These tiny white larvae, often from beetles like Japanese beetles, June bugs, and European chafers, live underground and feed on grassroots, causing brown patches, weakened turf, and attracting unwanted wildlife like raccoons and skunks.
If you want to get rid of grubs for good, you need a multi-step approach: identify the problem, treat effectively, and prevent future infestations.
Step 1: Identify If You Have Lawn Grubs
Before treating, make sure grubs are the real problem. Here’s how:
- Lift a section of your lawn – If the grass easily pulls up like a loose carpet, check the soil underneath.
- Look for white, C-shaped grubs – If you find more than 5 grubs per square foot, it’s time to take action.
- Check for secondary damage – If you notice skunks, birds, or moles digging up your lawn, they might be feeding on grubs.
- Test with soapy water – Mix 2 tablespoons of dish soap with a gallon of water and pour it over a patch of your lawn. After 10 minutes, grubs will surface if they’re present.
Step 2: How to Kill Lawn Grubs
If you’ve confirmed grubs are the problem, it’s time to eliminate them. You have several options, from natural methods to chemical treatments.
Natural Solutions (Eco-Friendly & Safe for Beneficial Insects)
1. Beneficial Nematodes
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- These microscopic worms attack and kill grubs without harming plants, pets, or people.
- Apply them in late summer or early fall, when grubs are most active in the soil.
- Keep the soil moist for a few weeks after applying for best results.
2. Milky Spore Disease (Best for Japanese Beetle Grubs)
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- A naturally occurring bacteria that targets Japanese beetle larvae.
- It takes time to establish but provides long-term grub control once it spreads through the soil.
- Works best when applied multiple times over a few seasons.
3. Diatomaceous Earth
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- A fine powder made from fossilized algae that dehydrates and kills soft-bodied pests like grubs.
- Apply it directly to the soil and reapply after heavy rain.
4. Neem Oil Spray
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- A natural insecticide that disrupts the growth and feeding of grubs.
- Mix with water and spray over your lawn during the early grub stage.
Chemical Treatments (Fast-Acting & Effective)
If the infestation is severe, chemical grub killers may be necessary. Here’s what to look for:
1. Preventative Treatments (Best applied in Spring or Early Summer)
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- Use products with chlorantraniliprole – This provides season-long grub prevention.
- Brand examples: Scotts GrubEx, BioAdvanced Grub Killer Plus.
2. Curative Treatments (For Active Infestations in Late Summer or Fall)
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- Use products with imidacloprid, carbaryl, or trichlorfon – These provide a quick knockdown of existing grubs.
- Must be watered into the soil immediately to be effective.
Step 3: Preventing Lawn Grubs from Coming Back
Once you’ve eliminated the grubs, you’ll want to prevent them from returning.
Lawn Care Practices to Reduce Grubs
1. Mow at the Right Height
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- Keep grass at 3-4 inches tall. Longer grass makes it harder for beetles to lay eggs in your soil.
2. Water Deeply but Infrequently
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- Grubs thrive in moist, shallow soil. Instead of frequent watering, water deeply once or twice a week to encourage deep-root growth.
3. Aerate Your Lawn
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- Compact soil traps moisture, creating a perfect breeding ground for grubs. Aeration improves drainage and discourages grub infestations.
4. Overseed in Fall
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- A thick, healthy lawn prevents beetles from laying eggs. Overseeding in fall fills in bare spots, making your grass more resistant.
5. Use Grub-Resistant Grass Varieties
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- Some grass types, like tall fescue, have deeper roots and natural resistance to grubs.
6. Encourage Natural Predators
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- Birds, nematodes, and predatory beetles help keep grub populations in check. Attract birds with a bird feeder or nesting boxes.
Lawn grubs can destroy your grass if left untreated, but with the right approach, you can eliminate them and prevent future infestations.
- Test for grubs before applying any treatments.
- Use natural methods like nematodes and milky spore for long-term control.
- If necessary, apply chemical treatments carefully and follow the instructions.
- Keep your lawn healthy with proper mowing, watering, and aeration to prevent future grub problems.
By following these steps, you’ll enjoy a lush, green lawn free of grubs!
