How to Eliminate Grubs From the Lawn
Lawn grubs can be quite a nuisance in the yard. Identified by their fat, C-shaped bodies, grub worms eat away at the roots of grass, resulting in brown patches of dead grass throughout the lawn. In addition, grubs attract other pests such as raccoons, moles and skunks that also destroy lawns. Eliminating grubs from the lawn protects your grass and landscaping and keeps it looking neat and well-maintained. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Neem oil
- Liquid dish soap
- Garden sprayer
- Bacteria bacillus popillae product
- Nematode liquid
- Beer
- Plastic container
- Shovel
Instructions
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Mix 1 tsp. neem oil, ¼ tsp. liquid dish soap and 1 quart of warm water in a garden sprayer. Shake the sprayer to thoroughly mix the ingredients.
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Spray the neem oil solution generously on the affected areas of the lawn. Neem oil is a botanical pesticide that will repel and kill grubs and their eggs.
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Apply a grub control product containing the bacteria bacillus popillae if the problem persists. This product is designed to only kill grubs and will not kill beneficial insects and bugs such as spiders, bees and worms. Check with your local home improvement center for a bacteria bacillus popillae product. Sprinkle 1 tsp. of the powdered grub control product on the grass. Apply it every 4 feet and work in rows about 4 feet apart. Use 10 ounces of product for every 2,500 square feet. Water the powder lightly after application. One application is all that is necessary. The product will last for 10 to 15 years.
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Spray beneficial nematodes as an alternative method to get rid of grubs in the yard. Nematodes are tiny worms that dwell in soil and seek out insects such as grubs. They infect and kill the grubs when they release a bacterium. Purchase nematodes in a liquid form. Pour the liquid into a clean garden sprayer and mix with water according to the package instructions. Spray the mixture onto the lawn in the grub-infested areas.
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Set up a beer trap for additional protection against grubs. Fill an old plastic container (about the size of a butter container) with beer. Dig a hole in the lawn near the grub-infested area. The hole should be just deep enough for the lip of the bowl to be at ground level. The grubs will flock to the container and drown when they fall inside.
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Tips & Warnings
Find neem oil and liquid nematodes at most garden or home improvement centers.
Attract birds to your yard to eat the grubs. Situate a bird bath, bird feeders and bird houses around the yard to attract the birds.
