Beat the Grubs
As gardening enthusiasts, we invest time and effort in nurturing our lawns and gardens to perfection. However, the presence of pests like grubs can quickly undermine our efforts, causing damage that's both unsightly and detrimental to plant health. In this blog, we'll explore what grubs are, how to identify them, and effective methods to get rid of them to ensure your lawn stays lush and healthy.
Grubs are the larvae of various beetles, including Japanese beetles, June beetles, and European chafers, among others. These creamy-white, C-shaped larvae have distinct heads and bodies that can vary in size depending on the beetle species. Grubs typically reside just below the surface of the soil, where they feed on grassroots and organic matter. Their feeding behavior can cause significant damage to lawns and gardens, resulting in patches of dead or dying grass. Brown, dead patches of grass is one sign of grub infestation along with an increase in animals like skunks, racoons, and birds that may dig up your lawn in search of grubs.
In April or May adult grubs come up to the surface after spending the winter months deep underground. It’s difficult to treat spring grubs, even with chemicals, because they’re so large and developed. Those grubs soon grow into adult beetles and fly away from the soil mid-June, sometimes mid-May in hotter climates. They lay eggs during this time. If it’s Japanese beetles, they’ll also spend this time eating all your garden plants. Then, in August or September, those eggs begin to hatch into a new wave of grubs. These grubs are very young and fragile, making this the perfect time for treatments. At the same time, all the adult beetles die out after living for around 40 days. The second wave of grubs will feed on your lawn’s roots until around October when the weather starts to get cold. They go underground to spend the winter. Next spring, those grubs will come out again, and the cycle will repeat.
There are multiple ways of getting rid of grubs.
- Cultural Practices
- Healthy Lawn Maintenance: A well-maintained lawn with proper watering, mowing, and fertilization can withstand grub damage better.
- Aeration: Regularly aerating your lawn helps improve soil drainage and reduces conditions favorable for grub development.
- Biological Controls
- Nematodes: Beneficial nematodes, such as Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema feltiae, are natural predators of grubs. They can be applied to the soil and effectively target and kill grub larvae.
- Chemical Treatments
- Insecticides: There are various insecticides available specifically formulated to control grubs. These products can be applied to the lawn as a liquid or granular treatment. It's essential to follow label instructions carefully and apply during the appropriate season for best results.
- BONIDE Annual® Grub Beater® is an annual application of a systemic insecticde that takes control all-year round. Kills grubs, European crane fly larvae, mole crickets, and other listed insects. Apply anytime of the year.
- Natural Remedies
- Milky Spore: This biological control agent contains a bacterium (Bacillus popilliae) that specifically targets Japanese beetle grubs. Once applied to the soil, milky spore bacteria multiply and persist, providing long-term control.
Preventing grub infestations is key to maintaining a healthy lawn:
- Monitor regularly: Check your lawn periodically for signs of grub damage or increased wildlife activity.
- Overseed: Overseeding your lawn with grass species resistant to grubs can help reduce the impact of infestations.
- Avoid overwatering: Excess moisture can attract pests and create favorable conditions for grub development.
In conclusion, understanding grubs and implementing effective control measures is essential for preserving the beauty and health of your lawn and garden. By identifying early signs of infestation, employing appropriate control methods, and adopting preventive practices, you can effectively manage grub populations and enjoy a thriving landscape year-round. Whether you choose natural remedies, biological controls, or chemical treatments, taking proactive steps will ensure your lawn remains resilient and vibrant against these underground nuisances.
