natural grub killers

^{How to Get Rid of Grubs Naturally}

1. Beneficial Nematodes. This is a popular eco-friendly method for those seeking to get rid of grub worms in lawn and vegetable gardens.
2. Soap and Water. A soapy water spray can effectively control grubs as the soap itself will smother them. ...
3. Milky Spore. This is a naturally occurring pathogen that, once released into your garden, won’t harm you or your plants.
4. Birds and Chickens. The best grub worm killers are birds and chickens. Set up bird feeders or a chicken coop. ...
Organic Fertilizer. Using an organic fertilizer compared to synthetic stuff has a lower chance of killing helpful organisms, such as the mentioned nematodes.
Neem Oil. Neem oil is a very popular option being a natural and healthy pest control remedy. ...
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) DE is another great organic remedy that will kill the critters. Moreover, it is safe to use around the house and in vegetable gardens.
Garlic Spray. Actually, a lot of vegetable garden pests can’t stand the smell of garlic spray. ...
PyGanic. A special organic insecticide that has been widely proven to repel all varieties of annoying pests. ...
Surround WP. Made from specialized Kaolin clay, this stuff forms a protective shield around vegetables and other plants when sprayed on liberally.
Limit Irrigation. White grub worms require moisture for a healthy environment to grow successfully. ...

What is the best Grub killer to kill grubs?

Keep your lawn healthy and pest-free by applying our top recommendation for the best grub killer: BioAdvanced Grub Killer. If you prefer an organic method, opt for the St. Gabriel Milky Spore Powder, which is a natural spore bacteria that targets the common Japanese beetle grub.

How do you make your own Grub killer?

To make your own grub killer you may need nothing more than a few items you already have around the house. According to the Home and Environment Resource Center, you can make an alternative grub control mixture with 1 cup each of mouthwash, liquid dish soap and water.

How to get rid of grubs naturally?

Neem oil is a very popular option being a natural and healthy pest control remedy. To use it, make a natural grub repellent spray by mixing 2 tablespoons of neem oil with 2 teaspoons of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Next, apply generously across your lawn or garden to prevent the critters from appearing and, most importantly, feeding.

What is the active ingredient in Grub control spray?

The second item is Bayer Grub Control Spray and its active ingredient is 1.47% imidacloprid (Merit). It promises to kill grub worms for the entire season after a single use.

How do you get rid of grubs naturally?

So, let's look at some home remedies for grubs and natural ways to get rid of grubs.Encourage birds to hang out in your yard. ... Feed your chickens. ... Limit irrigation. ... Relocate them. ... Treat with milky spore. ... Introduce beneficial nematodes. ... Apply neem oil. ... Repel the beetles.More items...•

Does Dawn dish soap kill grubs?

Dawn dish soap kills grub worms by smothering them until they die. The soapy solution covers the surface of the grubs and suffocates them. The grubs will die within a few minutes and the residual effect can last up to 24 hours if you are using an insecticidal soap in your homemade recipe.

How do you get rid of grubs fast?

How to Get Rid of Grubs in Your Yard Naturally: 7 Treatment OptionsIntroduce natural predators to eat the grubs. Grubs have plenty of natural predators. ... Limit moisture. ... Use milky spore. ... Use neem oil or Azadirachtin. ... Introduce beneficial nematodes. ... Make a grub killer with borax. ... Dethatch and aerate your lawn. ... Carbaryl.More items...•

What is the safest way to get rid of grubs?

If you're looking for a natural way to rid your lawn of grubs, consider introducing beneficial nematodes to your lawn. Nematodes (typically of the Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, or Hb, variety) are microscopic parasites that invade grubs' bodies, releasing bacteria that multiply and ultimately kill the host grub.

Will vinegar kill grubs?

Sugar and Vinegar Drown grubs and Japanese beetles by handpicking them and placing them into a jar filled with soapy water. The sugar attracts the beetle into the container where they drown from the soap chemicals and water.

Will laundry detergent kill grubs?

Mix laundry detergent with water. Use only enough for the area you plan to pour it on. This mixture won't harm your lawn but will work to kill the lawn grubs. Simply pour the detergent mixture on your lawn and watch as the grubs rise to the surface.

What is the best product for killing grubs?

There are two chemicals, carbaryl and trichlorfon, that are considered curative treatments. They are short-lived compounds that kill all life stages of grubs. These two insecticides are the only options if high numbers of grubs are found in the fall and in spring before early May.

How do I prevent grubs in my lawn?

The key to controlling grubs is to kill them before they hatch and begin to cause damage to your lawn. In spring or early summer, apply a preventative grub control product, such as Scotts® GrubEx®1 to your lawn, following label directions. This is especially important if you've had problems with grubs in the past.

Is it too late to treat for grubs?

By the time damage is apparent it is much too late for preventive white grub products such as Merit and Grub-X. These must be applied before mid-August. Insecticides must be watered in to be effective.

What is the best time to treat for grubs?

Treating in late summer or early fall is ideal, as that is when the smaller, young grubs are most susceptible to nematodes. There is also usually a short window for application in early spring before the grubs get too big and pupate, but that is a narrower window and can be difficult to time properly.

Why do grubs like my lawn?

Grubs are attracted to healthy, thick grass. Healthy grass means a healthy root system, which is what the grubs feed on as soon as they hatch. The higher the concentration of larvae, the more severe your lawn damage will be.

Will grass grow back after grub damage?

Grub counts from six to 10 or more per square foot can damage and kill grass. Before you repair your lawn, treat any grub infestation using beneficial nematodes or pesticides allowed in your area. It is best to repair your grub-damaged lawn in the fall or early spring to restore it to its green glory.

How to kill grubs with soap?

A soapy water spray can effectively control grubs as the soap itself will smother them. For this homemade grub killer recipe, combine 3 tablespoons of organic liquid soap in a gallon of water. Next, spray the solution directly on the critters, ensuring that they are completely covered.

How to get rid of grubs in your house?

To use it, make a natural grub repellent spray by mixing 2 tablespoons of neem oil with 2 teaspoons of liquid soap in a gallon of water.

How to tell if grub worm is in grass?

You’ll see telltale signs of grub worm damage when you notice dead or damaged patches in your lawn. If it feels spongy and soft to the touch and if you see various wildlife digging at your grass, that’s another indication.

What is the best way to kill grub worms?

The best grub worm killers are birds and chickens. Set up bird feeders or a chicken coop. The former may be easier, but with the latter, at least you’ll get eggs out of it. They will peck and forage voraciously against anything they find in the soil, especially beetle grubs.

How long does it take for milky spore to kill grubs?

It’s highly effective as a natural grub killer, but the problem is that it can take up to two or three years before it reaches its maximum potential [ 2 ].

How to tell if grass is infested?

With these signs, it means that they are most likely present in your garden as well. Droopy leaves, the sudden death of plants, and the appearance of garden moles are all signs of an infestation.

Can grubs be a problem?

The ground grub issue can be a major challenge for any gardener or farmer, and there are so many ways of dealing with them that it’s often hard to choose. Fortunately, with a little research and experimenting, you’re bound to find the perfect natural remedy for keeping these pests out for good.

How many square feet does a pack of grub killer cover?

If you know you have a lot of Grubs, and you're concerned about the damage, you'll want to use the pack to cover 2,500 square feet. If you're applying it preventatively, and haven't had Grub problems in the past, one pack of 50 million will probably cover 5,000 square feet just fine. Buy Natural Grub Killer.

How many grubs can a lawn withstand?

A healthy lawn can withstand up to 6 grubs per square foot. If you have an average American lawn (8,000 square feet or 1/5th of an acre), your lawn can withstand 48,000 Grubs before showing signs of damage.

How to get rid of nematodes in a hose?

A hose end sprayer is probably the preferred method of application. The nematodes come in a powder and you add the powder to some water in your hose end sprayer, shake it up, and apply it over the area you'd like to treat, until you've used up the right amount of nematodes.

What are the beneficial nematodes?

Beneficial Nematodes are microscopic worms that occur naturally in all soils. Like people, there are good nematodes and bad nematodes. The bad nematodes plant roots, and the good nematodes attach themselves to Grub Larvae in the soil and suck the life out of them.

Do Japanese beetles need moisture?

You'll often see them stacked on top of each other, hard at work, making eggs. In order for the Japanese Beetle Eggs to turn into Grubs, they need moisture. So, if you water your lawn every day during the Summer, you're giving the Grub Eggs just what they need to survive!

How do nematodes kill grubs?

Answer 1: Earth-friendly beneficial nematodes seek out and kill grubs and other soil-inhabiting insects. They come on a sponge (invisible to naked eye) that you soak in water, put in a sprayer and spray your dirt or lawn. They will multiply over time and continue to kill grubs.

What do grubs eat?

Grubs 101: Grubs feed on the roots of grass and are the larvae of Japanese beetles, June beetles, European chafers, or other beetles. Adult female beetles lay their eggs in grass in mid-to-late summer and the larvae do the most damage in late summer to early fall. They burrow deeper and become dormant over winter.

How long does it take for milky spores to kill grubs?

Answer 2: A naturally occurring pathogen, milky spore disease ( Bacillus popilliae ), affects beetle larvae and will kill grubs without harming you or your garden, but it can take one to three years to become fully effective. While you wait for the milky spore to become effective, try beneficial nematodes.

How often should I treat my lawn for grub worms?

Many homeowners simply treat their lawn with a chemical grub control product, or grub killer, once or twice a year. But there are also a number of natural methods that can be effective ways ...

What is the best way to kill grubs?

Beneficial Nematodes. Beneficial nematodes are one of the best, all-natural ways to handle grub problems. Beneficial nematodes are actually microscopic predators for all major species of lawn grubs. Best of all, they are safe for lawns, pets, humans, and many other insects!

How to deal with grubs in my yard?

The most natural, safe, and non-toxic way to deal with your grub problem is to take preventative measures before the grubs become an issue. Here are some lawn-care tips to take preventative action against pesky grubs: Watering Patterns: This one is a bit of a tricky tip.

What is the name of the bacterium in a grub?

The mixture contains bacterium which are known as milky spore . The grubs actually consume the bacterium, and it reproduces inside their bodies, killing the grub. We particularly like Gabriel’s Milky Spore because it’s completely organic, highly effective, and you get a big bag to put on your lawn.

What is a grub in a lawn?

Lawn grubs are larval scarabs. The most common lawn grubs are different species of beetles, which are members of the scarab family. An adult beetle will lay eggs beneath the soil of your lawn, and that egg will develop into a larval grub, which will live beneath your soil until it matures into an adult beetle.

How long does grubex last?

This is touted as a season-long grub killer, which means it keeps grubs at bay for 4 months.

When to apply grub spray?

It is actually incredibly easy to apply. You just mix the powder with a spray and spray it on your lawn. They are applied in the late spring so they are present on your lawn throughout the grub-growing season. They are best applied when your lawn is moist, so it’s best to water before and after!

Do grubs live in grass?

Lawn grubs live beneath your grass, and actually feed on the roots of the grass. Needless to say, this kills much of the grass, which is what results in dying or brown patches of lawn. It is important to note that the problems are only noticeable when you have a significant grub problem (about 15+ grubs/sq. ft.).

What is the best way to kill grubs?

The first one is powerful chemical insecticides that provide a quick result. The other one includes organic insecticides that are either based on plant extract or use nematodes as biological control. Which one to choose largely depends on the levels of grub infestation. Natural solutions are of low toxicity but have a milder effect while chemical solutions are more potent but should be applied with caution. Products containing active ingredients like chlorantraniliprole should be used as a preventive soil treatment. Insecticides made with chemicals like trichlorfon and carbaryl are the most effective when applied in mid-August.

How long does grubex last?

GrubEx with the active ingredient chlorantraniliprole is used for preventive soil treatment. The product’s effects lasts for up to four months. It is recommended for use in the spring or early summer as the preventer will avert the damage before the grubs hatch. A single pack will be sufficient to treat an area of 5000 square feet. Fill the sprayer with it and spray dry lawn. After this, moisten the soil in order to activate the chemical.

What insecticides are effective in August?

Insecticides made with chemicals like trichlorfon and carbaryl are the most effective when applied in mid-August. 1. Scotts GrubEx1 Season Long Grub Killer.

When do grubs dig deeper?

By the end of September, the grubs have grown and dig deeper into soil outside of the insecticide action area due to the drop in temperature. Spring is also not the best curative grub control time as after the winter, the grubs are quite large.

How big do grub worms get?

Their lower abdomen is darker due to the soil particles in it. Grub worms can reach two inches in length. Remove some of the damaged soil carefully, (especially in places where green grass borders brown grass) and check for the grub worms matching the above description.

When to use curative worm control?

A curative approach is suitable for solving the problem quickly, i.e. if you have discovered grub worms at your lot and would like to immediately get rid of them. It is suitable for the summer when the larvae are small and actively feed near the soil surface.

Does grub powder kill Japanese beetles?

The powder is only effective against Japanese beetle. The product provides stable results regardless of weather conditions. However, the effect depends on the number of grubs on your lot, as the more there are, the faster the deadly grub disease spreads. Moderately irrigate the soil with water.

What is the best way to kill grub worms?

1. Beneficial Nematodes. Best for combating against the grub worms, beneficial nematodes are nanoscopic roundworms that are often used as an organic pest control. Spray the nematode and water solution all over the grub affected area. To make the pesticide, follow the product instructions. 2.

What are grub worms?

Grub worms, also known as white grubs, lawn grubs, or grubs, are the common names of c-shaped larvae of 30,000 species of scarab beetles. They have dark brown heads and three pairs of legs. Grubs are a nightmare to gardeners and turf owners as they feast on grassroots and other organic matter present in the soil.

How to make a garlic spray?

Directions. Add 2 garlic cloves, 1 whole medium-sized onion, and 3 cups of lukewarm water into a bowl. Leave it overnight in the refrigerator. The next day, strain the solution into a container and discard the residuals. Next, mix 1 tbsp of dawn dish soap into the garlic mixture. Once it’s done, transfer the solution into a clean empty spray bottle ...

How long does it take for grubs to hatch?

The lifecycle begins when an adult beetle oviposits eggs, 2-8 inches deep in the soil. After 2-3 weeks, the larvae/grubs hatched out from the eggs and started consuming roots and decaying vegetation throughout the summer.

When do grub worms return to the ground?

Next autumn, young grub worms again penetrate deep into the ground to live through the winter and return the following spring for feeding until they become fully grown in late spring. Next, larvae transform to the pupa stage. After a few weeks, adult beetles emerge and spend the entire winter in the soil.

Can grub worms be a problem?

After reading the above article, grub worms will not be a problem for you anymore. However, if you are facing severe white grub infestation, call a professional immediately. Besides, check out this article to get rid of maggots.

Do grubs eat grass?

Grubs are voracious root eaters and more so just an annoyance. They destroy fruits, vegetables, floral gardens, and grass lawns. That’s why their elimination is necessary. Try the below handy homemade recipes to remove grub worms before they destroy your lush property.

What are white grubs?

Photo: amazon.com. The white grubs that damage lawns are the larval life stage of several beetle species. Japanese beetles, June bugs, masked chafers, May beetles, and other beetle larvae feed on plant roots as they progress through their development before pupating into adults. In low concentrations, grub damage may not be noticeable in a lawn.

How to mix insecticides?

Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and applying insecticides, both organic and synthetic. Wear protective clothing such as gloves, eyewear, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes while mixing and handling. Avoid splashing and spills of liquids. Dry products may be dusty.

How to use Bonide insecticide?

Use a rotary, drop, or hand spreader to apply over the affected area and water thoroughly to activate. The systemic component is most effective when applied in early summer. This 6-pound bag treats up to 7,500 square feet. The active ingredients are 0.5 percent imidacloprid and 0.1 percent Lambda-cyhalothrin.

What is Scott's grubex1?

One application of Scotts GrubEX1 kills and prevents grubs from causing extensive lawn damage all season long. One annual application can also help prevent Japanese beetle infestations. This product will not harm earthworms, beneficial nematodes, or soil bacteria and is safe for wildlife when used as directed. The granules are formulated to flow efficiently through rotary, drop, and handheld spreaders. This value-priced 28-pound bag treats up to 10,000 square feet. The active ingredient is 0.08 percent Chlorantraniliprole, considered a safer alternative insecticide that has significantly fewer negative effects on non-target species, like bees.

What insects does a rotary spray kill?

This product also kills ants, ticks, billbugs, chinch bugs, crickets, cutworms, earwigs, grasshoppers, and more. The 20-pound bag covers up to 10,000 square feet.

How to use Ortho Bugclear?

In addition to lawns, this product is safe to use as directed in flower beds and vegetable gardens. Apply with any rotary, drop, or handheld spreader. One treatment kills and protects against grubs and most other insect pests for up to three months. This 20-pound bag treats up to 20,000 square feet. The active ingredient is 0.115 percent Bifenthrin.

How many square feet is St Gabriel's powder?

Apply the dry powder in concentrated deposits (spoonfuls) at 3- to 4-foot intervals across the lawn or garden. This 10-ounce package treats up to 2,500 square feet.

How to kill grubs in the yard?

According to the Home and Environment Resource Center, you can make an alternative grub control mixture with 1 cup each of mouthwash, liquid dish soap and water. Add 2 cups of lemon juice and pour the mixture into a spray bottle then spritz it all over your yard to deter grubs. To increase the potency of this treatment, pour 1 cup of boiling water over a teaspoon of chewing tobacco. Strain the mixture and add it to the mouthwash solution before spraying it over your lawn. The nicotine in chewing tobacco is highly effective as an insecticide.

What nematodes are used for grub control?

Several types of beneficial nematodes are available on the market for use in grub control, but two of the most effective types of nematode are Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema glaseri. When using nematodes as a grub control method, it is important that you water your lawn well before and after application.

How to get rid of a swollen lawn with chewing tobacco?

To increase the potency of this treatment, pour 1 cup of boiling water over a teaspoon of chewing tobacco. Strain the mixture and add it to the mouthwash solution before spraying it over your lawn. The nicotine in chewing tobacco is highly effective as an insecticide.

When do grubs lay eggs in the yard?

Lawn grubs feed on plant roots and organic matter in the soil, which may lead to dead patches in the yard. Though most beetles lay their eggs in the spring, the fall is the best time to treat for lawn grub infestations. Beetle eggs typically hatch between August 1 and September 15, so this is the ideal period to treat your lawn. Newly hatched grubs will be more susceptible to herbicides and home remedies than large grubs that have been living and feeding in your lawn for several months already.

How to use milky spores on lawn?

To use milky spore, treat your lawn using one teaspoon of milky spore powder in rows on your lawn spaced 4 or 5 feet apart. Water your lawn following the application so the spores will begin to soak into the soil. As grubs burrow into your lawn, they consume the spores during feeding and become infected.

Signs of Grub Problems

Because grubs typically live underground, it can be a bit challenging to figure out if you have any in your lawn, but challenging doesn’t mean impossible. Below we’ve highlighted a few signs that you might have a grub infestation on your hands.

How To Check for Grubs

Since grubs live underground, there’s really only one good way to check for them – start digging. We completely understand that you don’t want to tear up your entire lawn though, and that’s why we recommend only checking a single square foot of your yard.

Tips for Selecting Grub Control

If you’ve found grubs in your lawn, you need to get the right product to kill them or keep them from coming back. We’re not going to highlight any individual product here, instead we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get what you need.

Final Thoughts

White grubs can be one of the most annoying and destructive lawn pests, if you stay committed and use the right products, there’s no reason you can’t get them under control in just one season.