How do you get rid of grubs?

Grubs, baby beetles, are not worms. They are hidden under your lawn. You might take them an easy scene, but it can become a big deal later on. When you see birds or animals digging around your lawn, this shows their presence. So, how do you get rid of grubs?

Moreover, they can leave brown, dry patches all over your yard. They can do a lot of damage when they grow into beetles. The young grubs chew up plants and roots. If you are worried about, this blog post is for you to learn how to treat grubs in the lawn.

Ways to Get Rid of Grubs

Timing is very important to get rid of lawn grubs. Some people use bug sprays made for lawns. Some use natural ways to reduce it. Many others do prevention before it spreads. Choose the one to catch the problem at an early stage of the grub.

Natural methods: When to apply grub control

The good thing is you can control grubs without using the harsh chemicals. You can deal with the issues with natural methods that are affordable, safe, and easy to adopt. If you think of using pesticides, first try to go with natural treatments. No Doubt, they are affordable and effective with proper use.

Beneficial Nematodes

Beneficial nematodes are tiny worms available in different forms, like gels, sponges, granules, or liquids. They kill grubs by getting inside their bodies and multiplying. They work best on moist soil; however, they can become inactive under sunlight. Use them in the early morning, evening, or on cloudy days.

For better results, water the soil before it’s applying. They show results in three to four weeks. Moreover, you can store nematodes in the fridge for up to three weeks. In dry weather, you need to apply them again for better results.

Milky Spore

Milky spore is a natural bacterium that offers long-term control. It targets Japanese beetle grubs, but it needs a lot of grubs in the soil (about ten or more per square foot) to spread well.

You just need to do it once, and it will take two to four years to fully take effect. Moreover, it keeps working for up to fifteen years. Apply it in a grid pattern, a teaspoon every 4 feet in rows. It works best when the grubs are still young.

Natural Predators

Grubs have a lot of natural enemies. Animals like raccoons and moles are their natural enemies. However, birds such as chickadees, robins, and blue jays love snacking on grubs.

Backyard chickens will also happily peck them out of the soil. You can attract these birds by adding birdbaths and bird feeders. These will help you more in lowering grub numbers. Try to make your yard more bird-friendly.

Neem Oil for Grub Control

Neem oil is a natural pest control method. It contains a small amount of natural compound, Azadirachtin, that keeps grubs from feeding, growing, and laying eggs. Many people prefer to use a concentrated Azadirachtin product for better results.

You can get the best results by mixing neem oil with water. Spray it on the parts of your lawn where you’ve seen grub damage. It’s a simple, non-toxic way to stop grubs.

Chemical Treatments: Best Grub Killer

Chemical treatments are the best option in case grubs are already taking over your lawn. It has two common options, carbaryl and trichlorfon. These kill grubs quickly within a week. You can check it within a few days if the grub activity has stopped.

Carbaryl

Carbaryl is a quick-kill treatment best used by professionals. It can be harmful to bees and other bugs. However, it works well at getting rid of certain grub types like European chafer. It starts working in about 10 to 14 days.

Trichlorfon

Trichlorfon is a short-term solution, but it works faster than carbaryl. It is best used in spring or fall. It kills grubs in just 1 to 3 days. So, it should be applied with caution to avoid harming natural soil organisms.

Preventative Chemicals

Besides carbaryl and trichlorfon, there are products known as preventative treatments that help stop grubs before they even show up.

Lawn products with thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, or clothianidin work best when applied in June or July. It is followed by watering the lawn with at least half an inch of water. 

These treatments can wipe out up to 100% of future grubs if used properly. Moreover, they can keep your lawn looking great.

Extra Lawn Care Tips

Beneficial bugs (called nematodes), neem oil, or milky spore, which are safe for pets and kids. There are eight kinds of these grubs. Grass and Climate changes can attract these grubs. The most common types are Japanese beetles and June bugs. However, you can even do initial lawn care. It is best to catch the problem early.

1. Fertilize carefully: Don’t overdo the use of nitrogen fertilizer. Just once a year (late October or early November).

2. Aerate your lawn: Aerate your lawn to help grass roots grow stronger. It makes it harder for grubs to settle.

3. Keep your lawn dry in summer: Try to make you lawn a bit dry during July and August. These conditions make beetle eggs dry out or die.

4. Think Before You Mow: Mowing your lawn can keep your lawn away from grubs. Set your mower around 3.5 to 4 inches for more resistant to grub damage. 

Conclusion

Grubs can cause big problems in your yard. We can follow plenty of ways to get rid of them. You can choose between natural options (beneficial nematodes, milky spore, and neem oil) and chemical treatments (carbaryl and trichlorfon), but use them with caution. You can protect your yard healthily with the right steps.

Bugnation – Trusted Pest Control Company

We, as experts, advise you to take care of your lawn. The best approach is to stay ahead. Use preventive products before grubs appear. A healthy lawn is your best defense against grubs. At Bugnation, we’re here to help you with effective methods to treat and prevent infestations.

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