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Grub control is a necessary part of lawn maintenance.
They feed on grass roots and stems, and adult beetles strip and damage leaves on ornamentals and crops.
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Dig up several square feet of turf two to four inches deep where activity is suspected.
More than five Japanese or June beetle grubs indicates a problem.
Life cycle stages vary according to climate.
Mow prior to program to remove flowering weeds that attract foraging pollinators and avoid drift to flowerbeds and ornamentals.
Use a fertilizer spreader for granular products.
Other formulas are mixed with water for spraying.
Water all products in to a depth of half an inch.
It may take several weeks to see results.
Mow before software to protect foraging pollinators.
Distribute granular products evenly with a fertilizer spreader and water in to a depth of half an inch.
Maintain the lawn with adequate water and fertilizer.
Consider an software of preventive insecticide the following summer for continued control.
When to Call a Pro
Some state and municipal regulations require a license to dispense specific insecticides.
It can be more efficient and cost effective to call a professional lawn care service in these instances.
Milky Spore
Milky spore is a bacterial disease with long-term control for Japanese beetles.
Spread milky spore powder in a grid pattern using a teaspoon every 4 feet in rows 4 feet apart.
It can be distributed any time, but works best when larvae are immature.
Milky spore won’t harm other insects and can remain in soil for up to fifteen years.
Beneficial Nematodes
Beneficial nematodes parasite on grubs by entering their body openings and multiplying rapidly.
They can be tricky to use and become sterile if exposed to direct sunlight.
They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
If ground is dry, water to a depth of half an inch before program.
It’s made up of silica and works by cutting into the larvae causing dehydration and death.
Drench affected areas with water or a soap and water dilutiongrubs will surface to avoid irritation and suffocation.
