How To Control Grubs

Posted on: Jun 07, 2021Luis M Pérez

How to control grubs: Those worm-like insects on your lawn can feel unsettling. They are unpleasant and damage your lawn by living just below the grass and feeding on its roots. Follow these tips when forming a game plan to get rid of grubs.

1. How to control grubs

Look at your lawn to see if you can spot some of the major signs of grub infestation: It is best to control them with regular maintenance and a professional product called Merit. One application of Merit in June or July will last from Summer to Fall.

What to look for

Irregularly shaped brown patches of dead grass
Holes in your lawn caused by birds and other animals digging in the grass
Grass with no roots
A spongy feeling when you walk on the lawn

2. How to confirm you have a problem

While they may be unpleasant, a few are a natural part of any lawn. To determine whether they are causing your lawn issues, take a closer look underneath the surface by lifting one square foot section of sod two inches deep with a spade where the dead grass meets the green grass. Look for C-shaped bugs with legs on the inside of the body near the head.

If you find 5 to 10 grubs, it’s highly likely they are causing your lawn issues, and you need to take action to remove them. Feel free to reach out to Dr. Green so that we can determine for sure that you have grubs.

3. Seed, fertilize and aerate to prevent grub damage

A thick and healthy lawn is your best defense against grubs. Experts agree that by seeding and fertilizing your lawn, you can repair any damage they have created and prevent new ones from laying more eggs.

In the spring and fall, rake away dead grass from brown patches. Water your lawn, then sprinkle new grass seed over any thin or dead areas. After reseeding, fertilize the lawn to help the new grass grow. Keeping your grass about two inches long is also a good idea.

Lawn aeration helps prevent grub damage by thickening the lawn and strengthening the roots of the grass.

4. Cayenne Pepper to Deter Animals

Grubs are a big problem because they feed on the root system of the lawn, which will stop grass growth. Another cause of damage to your lawn is the animals. If you have a small number of grubs throughout the property and an animal finds them, it will continue to dig for more, causing more damage.

A quick solution: Put cayenne pepper on the surrounding area, as it will help deter these animals by irritating their paws. It isn’t 100% effective, so if the animals keep coming back to the same area, put down some more
cayenne pepper.

Want to learn more, or do you have questions?

For more information on Grubs, please get in touch with our Lawn Care Expert, Luis Perez, via email at luisp@doctorgreen.com.