Grub Worm Problem

By Ellen BrownQ: We have a grub worm problem that we would like to get rid of. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Hardiness Zone: 8a

Jodi from Gary, Texas

A: Jodi,

Most healthy lawns (and gardens) can handle a few grubs without much problem. When their numbers reach about 12 to 15 per square foot, however, the damage becomes more serious. Grubs are the larvae of various kinds of beetles. These beetles usually lay eggs in your lawn and garden in the summer (June or July). When the eggs hatch, the larvae feast on the roots of grass, vegetables, annuals and perennial plants throughout the fall and winter.

Damage is usually the worst in fall lawns, because the grass is in a semi-dormant state. By spring, the larvae transform into the next generation of adult beetles and repeat the cycle over again.

There are some organic controls on the market under the names of Margosan©, Neem©, or Scanmask©. Nematodes can also be modestly effective on grub infestations while they are in the newly hatched stage. Birds, especially Robins and other songbirds, are very fond of grubs. The best long-term control may be to work on attracting more "worm-eating" birds to your back yard. Also, keep your lawn lightly watered to help offset damage suffered to grass roots.

About The Author: Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com

Answers:

Grub Worm Problem

I had a friend that swore by using a lawn aerator (the kind with pronged wheels), that they towed behind the lawn mower. She said a month or so after they started using that, they started noticing a real decrease, with no chemicals used! (01/31/2006)

By Jill

Grub Worm Problem

Try grubex at Walmart. You just sprinkle it on in early spring and they go next door! (The moles follow them, too.) (02/01/2006)

Grub Worm Problem

If you want long-term solution, get a product called milky spore. You need to do three applications, but it lasts about 10-20 years. Once grubs are gone you won't have problems with skunks or moles digging in the yard. (02/02/2006)

By Dee

Grub Worm Problem

You should have a professional company apply a grub treatment that stands behind the product and warranties the results. What does "Grub-X" warrant?

Wait until one of these products fail you and you have to re-seed or re-sod your lawn at your own expense! Now remember, "Grub-X" already cost a premium dollar and they tell you if you do get grubs they will send you a new bag, wow! A little to late now, also who will replace my damaged areas. I will never make this mistake again, I will leave this to the professionals. Good luck to the rest of you! (06/18/2007)

By Mike