Those ugly, white lawn grubs can destroy your lawn. These are actually the larvae of numerous types of beetles, though the most common is the grub that produces the Japanese beetle. You can tell that you may have a serious infestation when you happen to see the grubs in the lawn; then try to pull the grass up in the same area where you see the grub(s). Grubs eat the roots of your grass and if you have a significant infestation you will be able to pull the grass back from the soil easily and should be able to easily see and count the number of grubs within a specific area. You really shouldn’t worry or treat your lawn unless you can confirm that there are 8-10 grubs per square foot.
There are a number of natural ways to treat. One such product is Milky Spore. This product is an all natural product that will attack and eliminate the Japanese beetle grub. Another common solution is NOCDOWN III, which is a cedar oil that, when applied, makes your lawn unattractive to a host of pests, including grubs, Japanese beetles, mosquitoes and snakes. Your local garden center or college extension service should be able to help you identify the type of grubs that inhabit your lawn.
Your other option is to use strong chemicals and there are any numbers of these available. The first type will kill in short order. Most products that contain Trichlorfon, also manufactured under the brand name Dylox®, will kill grubs within 24 hours after application. Dylox® should be applied in late August to early September when the grubs normally start to hatch. This can be used when you first notice the infestation. If you are aware of an infestation the year before, you can almost be guaranteed an infestation the following year. If you did not treat in late summer or the early fall, you may want to be proactive and treat with Imidacloprid in early to late spring. This chemical takes time to build up in the soil and is effective prior to the hatching stage of the larvae.
Your choice on what to use is purely personal. Natural vs. potentially dangerous Chemical. For future prevention, you might try over-seeding with a fescue type of grass, as these seem to be more resistant to grub infestations. Also practice moisture control. Deep water your lawn, letting it dry out before watering again. Those ugly little grubs love high moisture content. It’s critical to their life cycle. Of course, if you live in an area of the country that is very humid, then aggressive natural or chemical control may be your only option.
