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Healthy Lawns Defy Grubs!
Healthy grass is not attractive to grubs.
If a lawn is healthy, it is capable of warding off pests and diseases, including lawn grubs. Correct maintenance is key as all those little grass plants need adequate water, fertilizer, good drainage, sunlight and a slightly acid soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Correct mowing is critical as they need to be mowed often and mowed high.
Many types of grubs feed on grass roots. Chafer beetles and crane flies deposit their eggs in the soil. When the eggs develop into large juicy grubs, birds and other critters go on a feeding frenzy. This might sound like perfect grub control, however, as the animals feed on the grubs they tear the grass apart. Instead of using chemicals to control the grubs, allow the feeding to commence as it is a free non-chemical solution. Once the lawn has been ravaged, it’s time to repair it, but you must change your lawn maintenance to prevent the insects from infesting grass again.
One organic solution is beneficial nematodes but if the incorrect maintenance continues after the nematodes have done their job, the grubs will return. Note that nematodes can be tricky to use. It’s important to purchase the correct nematodes for the type of grub. They also must be applied at the right time of year under the correct conditions, and it take up to 3 years to fully control an infestation.
Mossy lawns and ones starved of water during the summer are really prone to grub infestations. Cutting the grass too short and hungry ones are also vulnerable.
Many types of grubs feed on grass roots. Chafer beetles and crane flies deposit their eggs in the soil. When the eggs develop into large juicy grubs, birds and other critters go on a feeding frenzy. This might sound like perfect grub control, however, as the animals feed on the grubs they tear the grass apart. Instead of using chemicals to control the grubs, allow the feeding to commence as it is a free non-chemical solution. Once the lawn has been ravaged, it’s time to repair it, but you must change your lawn maintenance to prevent the insects from infesting grass again.
One organic solution is beneficial nematodes but if the incorrect maintenance continues after the nematodes have done their job, the grubs will return. Note that nematodes can be tricky to use. It’s important to purchase the correct nematodes for the type of grub. They also must be applied at the right time of year under the correct conditions, and it take up to 3 years to fully control an infestation.
Mossy lawns and ones starved of water during the summer are really prone to grub infestations. Cutting the grass too short and hungry ones are also vulnerable.
Chafer beetle.
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Leatherjacket, the larva of the cranefly.
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Maintenance Tips to Discourage Lawn Grubs
- Mowing: Set the mower at 3 inches during the summer, and 2 to 2.5 inches for the rest of the year. Long grass prevents the adults from reaching the soil and injecting their eggs. Grass plants are healthier as longer leaves result in longer roots.
- Water: It’s imperative to water the lawn in summer. Apply at least an inch a week. A thirsty, stressed out lawn encourages grubs as well as weeds.
- Lime: Lawns grow best in an acid soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Soil that’s too acidic, encourages moss, which grubs love. To raise the pH apply dolomite lime according to the instructions in spring or fall. A soil pH test is a good idea.
- Iron: If you lawn has lots of moss, apply moss killer, ferrous sulfate, which also provides the lawn with iron. Iron is an essential trace element needed for healthy plant growth. Lawns grown in shade in climates where it’s cold and wet have difficulty absorbing iron. That could be why we have such an issue with lawn grubs in British Columbia. Ferrous sulfate is available as a liquid and in granular form. The liquid works quickly, but the granular is retained longer in the soil. Follow the instructions on the manufacturer's instructions, Refrain from over applying as this may lead iron toxicity and a very brown, unhealthy lawn. For more on controlling moss in lawns click here.
- For a complete breakdown on correct lawn maintenance, click on the maintenance schedule.
- Be patient and nurture your lawn, after all it wants to live too!
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