Grub Control Tips for Your Lawn
Grubs in your yard's soil can cause damage to grass seedlings and other plants by feeding on the roots. These pesky critters can also attract other animals that eat them, like birds, skunks, moles, and raccoons—which then further damage your lawn by digging into it to get a meal. If you have grubs, it's important to take swift action. The following grub control measures can help.
Identify the Problem
The first step in tackling a white grub problem is identifying it. Signs of grubs include dead or damaged turf and holes from larger animals digging into the soil. If you notice such signs, dig a square foot into your turf at least two inches deep. White grubs are identifiable by their white, curved bodies, resembling the letter C, and grow up to 1.5 inches in length. Your lawn should not have more than about five grubs per square foot.
Use a Grub Control Insecticide
Grubs generally hatch in mid-summer and then feed from August until about late October when they're fully grown. The creatures then burrow further into the earth for the winter before returning closer to the soil's surface to resume feeding and lay new eggs in spring. If you already have too many adult grubs in your lawn, a curative insecticide containing trichlorfon and carbaryl can help. These solutions can be applied in September or October to kill adult grubs.
Apply a Preventive Product
If you've had grubs in the past, it's also important to apply a preventive product going forward. Preventive products containing clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, or chlorantraniloprole target newly hatched grubs, attacking them when they are younger and more vulnerable. These solutions are best applied in mid-summer shortly after grubs hatch. If you use preventive solutions too early in the season, the insecticide will degrade before the grubs hatch. If you apply it too late, it won't work as effectively on more mature grubs.
For professional grub control services in Cincinnati, OH, or the surrounding areas, trust Nature Plus Lawn & Irrigation. These professionals have served the area for over three decades. Thanks to their in-depth knowledge of the local vegetation and climate, and their extensive experience, they can create healthy, grub-free, lush lawns. For an appointment, call (513) 755-9434.
