Debbie The United States is home to approximately 91,000 described insect species. About 23,700 are beetles, some of which give birth to lawn grubs. Also called white grubs, they’re the immature stage of beetles and chafers.
Grubs can destroy your lawn, so you must immediately address an infestation. Otherwise, they’d keep eating grass roots, causing the blades to wilt and die.
Don’t worry, as we’re here to teach you how to get rid of lawn grubs. Keep reading to learn what to do about these pests.
Confirm You Have an Infestation
Small patches of dry, brown, and wilted grass indicate grub infestation. If you see such on your lawn, you can confirm if you have grubs by cutting into the soil.
Then, look for cream-colored, C-shaped larvae with a brown head. If there are at least 10 of them per square foot of soil, you likely have an infestation.
Another indication is seeing common law pests, like Japanese beetles or chafer beetles. If you see these flying around your lawn, they might have given birth to eggs that turn into grubs.
Get Help From Beneficial Nematodes
Beneficial nematodes provide an effective and organic way to exterminate grubs. According to studies, they can be up to 96% effective against the grubs of Japanese beetles.
Beneficial nematodes are microscopic worms, some of which are natural enemies of grubs. They enter the pests’ bodies and, once inside, release a fungus that eats away at the larva.
You can buy beneficial nematodes online or from garden stores and nurseries. Follow the directions to a T, and ensure to incorporate them into the soil when it’s overcast.
Sprinkle Some Milky Spore
A milky spore is a bacterium that causes the milky spore disease in Japanese beetles and grubs. It comes in a powdered form, which you then sprinkle onto your lawn.
When grubs eat the spores, the bacteria reproduce inside the pests’ bodies. That ultimately kills the insects, reducing their populations.
Another great thing about milky spore is that it only harms Japanese beetles and grubs. So, it’s not dangerous to humans, pets, and wildlife.
Invest in Professional Lawn Insect Treatment
Insecticides can kill most common lawn pests, including beetles and their grubs.
Unfortunately, their incorrect application can also harm beneficial or benign insects. Their misuse can even contribute to pollution and endanger humans and wildlife.
For that reason, it’s best to hire lawn professionals to address your grub infestation. Besides, their insect control methods also apply to other destructive insects. Best of all, they specialize in safe curative and preventive lawn pest control.
If you feel worried about the costs, then here’s some good news: some lawn care pros offer free estimates. RDS Lawn Care, All-Green, and Ziehler are some examples of such companies. Check them out to get an idea of how much their grub and lawn pest treatment can cost.
That’s How to Get Rid of Lawn Grubs
And there you have it; your guide on how to get rid of lawn grubs. As you can see, you can go organic by using beneficial nematodes or milky spores. However, if you have a severe infestation or other pests to deal with, it might be best to hire a lawn care pro.
Either way, make sure you don’t delay grub control; otherwise, they’d destroy your lawn.
Did you like this article? Then check out our other home and health guides now!
