Dealing with a brown, patchy lawn problem? In some cases, grubs may be the culprit behind this. A grub infestation can destroy your turfgrass before you know it, so it’s always best to act on the issue at once. So, if you’re like several other homeowners wondering: “When is the best time to treat for grubs?”
The best time would be between early spring and late summer. Commonly, the extent of grub damage becomes more evident during May, when there’s increasing grub worm activity. When it comes to grub preventers, apply them between June and July (before the hatching season).
When is the Best Time to Treat for Grubs?
The best time to treat grubs will depend on whether you’re preventing young grubs from hatching OR getting rid of the active ones that are causing havoc on your lawn. For grub preventers, apply these products any time between June and July – as this is the time when grubs are about to hatch. This time frame is considered by experts as the most ideal period for preventative grub control.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking into getting rid of existing grub damage, opt to apply your grub killer insecticide of choice on your lawn the moment you notice visible signs of damage. This is usually between early spring to early August, when grub worms are gnawing away at your turfgrass.
When is it too Early to Apply Grub Control?
When it comes to determining the most ideal time in the year to treat the lawn for grubs, keep in mind that there will be a period that’s a little too early. In particular, avoid applying your grub preventer product in the early spring, as this won’t be too effective in preventing grub damage for the following season.
Why? The pesticide will tend to disintegrate into the soil, and will therefore lose potency. When the grubs begin to hatch in July to August– it won’t be effective anymore. Timing is always essential when it comes to determining when to treat your yard for grubs. When done correctly, you can control up to 80 percent of the grubworm infestation.
What to Do After Applying Grub Control Pesticide
Once you’ve applied your pesticide of choice on your lawn, here are several tips to keep in mind shortly after:
Important Note: If the damage continues even after applying the pesticide, it means the grub treatment was insufficient or ineffective to handle the infestation. You may want to consult a local professional for their expert services instead.
Natural Methods to Treat Grub Worms
If you’re an environmentally-conscious homeowner that’s not the biggest fan of using commercial pesticides, the good news is– there are several natural methods you can try at home.
After detecting the visible presence of lawn grubs, consider immediate treatment and control as a necessity. The best time to treat grub worms is sometime around the late summer or early fall, as the young grub worms are still developing and found near the surface.
Avoid applying your grub treatment in the spring, as lawn grubs usually mature at this point and stop feeding on your grass. Applying insecticides may be ineffective and result in a total waste of your time and money. (Related: Common Florida Yard Pests and How To Prevent Them)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to apply grub control every year?
Unless you see grub damage, you do not need to use grub control every year. If you've been using a grub preventer and killer on your lawn for a few years in a row, it may be advisable to stop until you detect grub indicators once again. Grub preventives aid in grub management for each following season. A grub preventer cannot be used to eliminate grubs that are already causing harm to your lawn. If you use a grub preventer, it won't get rid of any grubs that could be on your lawn between mid-October and mid-May.
What should I look for in grub preventers?
Upon noticing signs of an infestation, most homeowners intend to kill grubs. However, laying down a preventer is the greatest strategy to long-term control their damage. The following active ingredients will be present in an effective grub control preventer: (1) Thiamethoxam, (2) Clothianidin, (3) Imidacloprid, and (4) Chlorantraniliprole. These components should be looked for since they are effective at killing grubs at an early age, typically as soon as they hatch.
How often should I apply grub control?
Grub treatments work best when used at the appropriate time. To completely get rid of grubs on your lawn, you might need to use the insecticide for two or three seasons in a succession. In most cases, grub control must only be used twice in a season. The first is when you detect signs of infestation and the second is using the grub preventer around June and July to halt their cycle.
What are some telling signs of a grub damage on my lawn?
Here are a few obvious indicators that can assist you to identify grub damage on your lawn: