Holes in your lawn caused by birds and mammals digging in the grass to get to the grubs Grass with no roots A spongy feeling when you touch or walk on the lawn
Dig up square-foot (30 cm by 30 cm) portions of lawn where the dead grass meets the green grass Dig to a depth of about two inches (five cm) Look for C-shaped bugs with legs on the inside of the body near the head If you find these larvae, it means you have grubs
There is no need to take action to get rid of the grubs if you find fewer than five per square foot. If you find more than five but fewer than 10 grubs per square foot, you’ll only need to treat your lawn if your grass isn’t healthy. Regardless of the state of your lawn, you’ll need to get rid of the grubs if you find more than 10 per square foot.
For the best results, apply the beneficial nematodes in the late afternoon, and water the lawn immediately after applying them. [5] X Research source Because beneficial nematodes need to invade the bodies of grubs in order to propagate, you must choose between using this method or using a chemical pesticide. These worms may be sold under the name Hb nematodes, and you can buy them through gardening stores, catalogues, and online.
To use Bacillus popilliae, you can spray it onto your lawn with water, or sprinkle the dry powder onto your grass. Like the beneficial nematodes, you’ll have to choose between using Bacillus popilliae or chemical pesticides, because the spores won’t work without a grub population. [6] X Trustworthy Source Penn State Extension Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities Go to source A Japanese beetle grub can be distinguished from other grubs by the end of its body. Whereas most grub bodies end in a rounded stump, the Japanese beetle grub has a pointed end.
In spring and fall, rake away dead grass from any brown patches. Water your lawn, then sprinkle new grass seed over any thin or dead areas. [7] X Research source After reseeding, fertilize the lawn to help the dead patches regenerate and the new seeds to thrive.
Keep your grass about two inches long. Raise the blades on your lawnmower to increase the length that it will cut the grass. [8] X Research source
Many grubs lay eggs in July, so it’s especially important to keep your lawn dry in July and August. [9] X Trustworthy Source Penn State Extension Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities Go to source Beetles will also avoid laying eggs in a dry lawn, so you should consider not watering your lawn in the last week of June as well.
Look for indications that there are grubs in your lawn, such as holes, grass with no roots, browning patches, and patches that feel spongy. To determine for sure if you have grubs, dig up a square-foot (30 cm by 30 cm) patch of grass to a depth of two inches (five cm) and look for grubs. Don’t treat your lawn if there are fewer than five grubs, and avoid treating if your lawn is healthy and you find fewer than 10. If there are 10 or more grubs, treat your lawn.
Water your lawn both before and after applying the pesticide to ensure that the chemical sinks in to the soil to where the grubs are. Apply curative pesticides to your lawn in fall, spring, and before May. You can find these types of pesticides in home and hardware stores. Make sure you wear gloves, a protective mask, and other safety gear when applying pesticides.
To protect pollinators such as bees from the pesticide, mow your lawn to remove flowering weeds before applying the product. [11] X Trustworthy Source Michigan State University Extension Extension program of Michigan State University focused on community outreach, education, and engagement Go to source To stop your grass from burning, water your lawn thoroughly all summer after applying the insecticide. Preventive pesticides include those sold under the brand names Merit and Mach 2.
