Lawn Care Grub Removal

Overview

Grubs are the larvae of different beetles including the Japanese beetle, European chafer and oriental beetle. These pests live under the ground and chew on grass roots, destroying the lawn. According to American-Lawns.com, white grubs are perhaps the most damaging turf pests in the United States. These pests have fat, white, C-shaped bodies with brown heads and cause brown patches in lawn grass that can be pulled out easily like a carpet with little or no resistance due to completely damaged roots. Remove grubs from your lawn to restore its health.

Step 1

Cut a sample of your lawn in early to mid-summer if you notice brown patches that have no possible reason to exist. Use a shovel to cut a 12-by-12-inch square piece of grass or sod that is 4 inches deep.

Step 2

Count the number of visible grubs in the exposed layer of soil to determine the appropriate control method. Ten to 12 grubs are considered a lot and warrant immediate control.

Step 3

Sprinkle an even layer of milky spore powder over the grass. Follow label directions for appropriate dosage. Actively feeding grubs ingest the spores as they feed on grass roots and die.

Step 4

Water the area lightly with a garden hose or sprinkler system after application so the powder penetrates the soil.

Step 5

Release parasitic nematodes such as Heterorhabditis bacteriophora over the lawn for grub infestations that are not too large, or as an alternative to milky spores. These microscopic worms seek out the larvae and kill them within 24 to 48 hours due to a bacteria they release. Mix the nematodes with water according to label directions and spray directly over the area with a garden sprayer. Apply in the evening when the temperature is between 55 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.