Here in this blog, we have got you covered. So, could you read on to discover how to get rid of lawn grubs to save your yard?
Are you noticing your lawn turning brown? Lawn grubs might be the hidden cause. These pale white, wiggly larvae eat grass roots, which prevents the grass from absorbing water from the soil.
Most homeowners anticipate discovering worms in their soil, but no one expects the intense damage one particular worm can cause. These pests are a natural element of the ecosystem, so if you have a few, there’s no need to worry. However, if you find a lot of grubs, you need to eliminate them instantly to avoid damage to your lawn. With time, these grubworms can detach your grass from its roots.
So if you think you have a lawn grub situation and want your grass to stay healthy, it’s time to eliminate those grubs from your lawn.
What Are Lawn Grubs?
Lawn grubs are squirmy, white, c-shaped worm-like larvae. These worms form cocoons, or pupae, and arise as billbugs or scarab beetles. They lie low for the winter. By springtime, these worms are ready to lay eggs, which become grubs, and the cycle continues.
These pests range from a quarter to two inches long and feed on the grassroots. In small quantities, they’re fine, but if large populations are left unchecked, they can do severe damage.
Signs of Lawn Grubs
The first indication of lawn grubs is usually irregular brown patches in your lawn. Numerous factors can lead to these problems, but if you can effortlessly pull up your yard’s grass, it’s a clear indication that the grubs have chewed through the roots, making them easily separable from the soil.
The second important indication is an increase in animal activity on your lawn. Grubs make up for the diets of raccoons, skunks, and birds. These creatures might be after large grubs if you notice many more holes in your yard from digging or pecking.
Apart from dry brown patches and increasing animal activity, here are some alarming signs of lawn grub problems:
- Weeds start popping up due to weakened turf.
- Spongey-feeling grass.
- Grass lifts like a piece of carpet because its roots have died off.
Of course, another sure way is testing your soil to tell if you have lawn grubs.
Testing your soil
Performing a soil test is a sure-shot method to check if you have too many lawn grubs.
Start by removing a square foot of the grass from a dry, brown area approximately two to three inches deep. You’ll likely find a few grubs, which is okay to discover.
But here are the guidelines to follow when you are going for soil testing.
- Five or fewer grubs: Do not stress, as no treatment is required.
- Between five and ten grubs: This is a little alarming, but you’ll only require to treat the lawn if you find your grass is unhealthy.
- More than ten grubs: The infestation is severe, and you should take immediate action.
Top 5 Ways to Get Rid of Lawn Grubs
If you find five or more lawn grubs in the soil test, it’s time to develop a treatment plan.
We’ve combined the best natural and chemical methods to free your yard of greedy grubs.
Option 1: Nematodes
If you want to eliminate lawn grubs naturally, consider beneficial nematodes.
Nematodes are microscopic parasites that raid the grubs’ bodies, releasing bacteria that multiply and destroy the host grub.
It may take up to three years for nematodes to establish a base large enough to destroy an enormous population of grubs. If you are following this method, it signifies that you will not have to use any chemicals for your lawn’s treatment.
Remember, reputable nurseries sell nematodes and must transport them with care (usually refrigerated) and should be applied soon after arrival.
Option 2: Milky Spore
Sold in powder form, sometimes called a milky spore, you can find it at your home center, local garden, or online retailers. It forms a bacterial environment in the yard’s soil known as milky disease. It will not damage your lawn, but it’s highly toxic to grubs (specifically to the larvae).
Compared to nematodes, a milky spore isn’t a quick fix. Creating enough beneficial spores takes a few years for the powder to free the yard from grubs.
Option 3: Drought
Beetle eggs require moisture to survive, so if you have a grub problem, try to make your lawn as sterile as possible.
Suppose you encounter drought during the summer months. When adult beetles lay their eggs, you can take advantage of the dry conditions by intentionally not watering your lawn for three or four weeks which will further dry the soil. The eggs will eventually die, reducing next year’s larvae crop.
Your lawn will also dry out with the treatment plan, but as long as your grass is in good condition, it should return to health when you resume watering.
Option 4: Chemical Control
Chemical-based grub control can be beneficial, but at the same time, the toxic chemicals can kill insects that are useful for the grass’s health.
Carefully read and understand the printed instructions for safe use, and consider the cons that chemical lawn treatments can pose for kids and pets.
Generally, chemical treatments fall into two categories: Curatives and Preventives.
- Curatives are designed to kill immature larvae and should be applied in late summer or early fall when young grubs actively feed on grass roots.
Look for a product such as Dylox that contains trichlorfon. Also, curatives do not act on lawn grubs that have already grown into pupae.
- The preventive grub-control product reduces the risk of your lawn getting infected.
For example, if you’ve spotted signifying brown patches in your neighbor’s yard, applying preventative products will lower the risk of your yard getting impacted by these worms.
Look for preventive products such as Merit and Mach 2 to help prevent future generations of grubs from taking over.
Option 5: Look for a Professional Help
Once the lawn grubs get their hands on your yard, they will only let go if you make them. They keep returning every spring to destroy your lawn’s root system with each new generation.
Keeping your yard healthy is the greatest weapon you can use to battle against lawn grubs, but some jobs are better if left in the hands of the experts.
Need a Hand For Eliminating Lawn Grubs? Contact Pro Green Lawn Service
Make this year the last one for lawn grubs ruining the beauty of your lawn. Take permanent and possible steps with Pro Green Lawn Services to eliminate and prevent grubs, and you’ll save yourself from a headache for the coming years.
We have the market’s most cost-efficient grub removal expert to take the duty off your hands. Our well-equipped crew is ready to ensure you have a healthy lawn for that perfect curb appeal. Contact us today! Our professionals are ready 24/7 to handle your lawn with utmost care.
