Lawn Products to Remove Grubs

Curative Insecticides

• Curative pesticides are effective on lawns after the presence of grubs has been confirmed. Use products that contain trichlorfon on lawns where grubs are already feeding and causing damage. The chemical is most effective when the pests are in their second or third developmental stage. Re-apply the chemical for best results as it has limited residual effect in soil.

Preventative Insecticides

• Preventative insecticides are used prior to infestation and are most recommended for lawns where grubs occur regularly. These insecticides have an extended residual activity in soil and include products containing thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, halofenozide or chlorantraniliprole. The recommended time of application is one month prior to eggs hatching and until the pests are very young.

Biological Products

• Introducing natural grub predators into infested grass provides biological control of pests. These include ants, ground beetles and parasitoids from the Tiphia or scollids species. The larvae of the parasitic wasps also feed on grubs. Insect parasitic nematode preparations of the Steinernema and Heterohabditis species are commercially available and are highly effective in suppressing lawn grubs. Nematodes are also effective when coupled with the insecticide imidacloprid.

Use Recommendations

• Preparing lawns prior to application of grub control products helps to ensure better results. If lawns contain a 1/2 inch or thicker layer of thatch, de-thatch the grass and rake away all debris. Mow lawns short to allow better penetration of chemical and remove all clippings. Irrigate the treated areas with 1/4-to-1/2-inch of water so that the insecticide can leach into the roots. Water also brings pests up to the soil surface and increases their contact with insecticide.