Are you having problems with bald patches in your lawn? There’s a good chance that grubs are the culprits! These small, white larvae of beetles such as the cockchafer and the rose chafer can cause considerable damage. They eat the roots of your grass, causing the lawn to lose its vitality and eventually develop brown, dead patches. Luckily, September is the perfect month to take action. In this blog, you can read why now is the time to combat grubs, and which methods – from chemical control to biological solutions such as nematodes – work best.
What Are Grubs and Why Are They So Harmful?
Grubs are the larvae of beetles, such as the cockchafer, June beetle and rose beetle. These larvae live underground and feed on the roots of grass and other plants. This often causes bare, brown spots in your lawn that easily come loose. Grubs can cause serious damage, especially in late summer and autumn, when they are most active and at their largest. If you do not intervene, you may have to deal with even bigger problems in the spring.
Example of a brown spot in the lawn caused by grubs
Why September is the Best Time to Control Grubs
September is the perfect month to tackle grubs, as they are still close to the soil surface and relatively small. This makes them more vulnerable to control methods. In addition, the moderate temperatures and moist soil conditions ensure that certain control methods, such as nematodes, work optimally. By taking action in September, you prevent the grubs from overwintering and striking again next year.
Effective Methods to Control Grubs
There are several ways to combat grubs, depending on your preference and the severity of the infestation. Below is an overview of the most effective options.
1. Biological Control with Nematodes
Nematodes are microscopic natural enemies of grubs. These worms penetrate the grubs, secrete bacteria that kill the larvae, and then reproduce inside their host. Using nematodes is an environmentally friendly way to control grubs, as it does not contain any harmful chemicals and is safe for humans, pets, and beneficial insects.
How Do Nematodes Work?
- Nematodes work best in moist soil and moderate temperatures, making September the ideal month.
- The nematodes are spread over the lawn with water. They actively search for grubs, penetrate and kill the larvae within a few days.
Advantages:
- Environmentally friendly and safe for other animals.
- Easy to apply by ordering and releasing nematodes yourself.
Disadvantages:
- Slower action than some other methods.
- Depending on the right conditions , such as humidity and temperature.
2. Chemical Pesticides
Chemical pesticides, such as insecticides, offer a quick and effective solution to severe grub infestations. These agents kill the larvae immediately after they are absorbed through the soil.
Advantages:
- Fast results , ideal for serious infestations.
- Broad spectrum effect , which also tackles other harmful insects.
Disadvantages:
- Harmful to the environment , especially to beneficial insects such as bees and earthworms.
- Safety precautions are often necessary during application, and there may be regulations surrounding the use of certain agents.
3. Mechanical Control
Another option is to manually control grubs or use lawn mowers to aerate the soil and bring grubs to the surface. Birds, such as crows, sometimes help by eating the grubs.
Advantages:
- Environmentally friendly and without chemicals.
- Cost effective if you only have a small lawn.
Disadvantages:
- Labor intensive and time consuming.
- Less suitable for large lawns or extensive infestations.
4. Preventing Chafers in the Future
Preventing grubs can also save a lot of damage in the long run. This can be done by strengthening your lawn with organic fertilizers and by regularly aerating the lawn, so that the grass roots grow deeper and are less susceptible to grubs.
Advantages:
- Sustainable and environmentally friendly : it ensures a healthier lawn in the long term.
- Prevents pests instead of just controlling them.
Disadvantages:
- No direct control of existing pests.
- Requires constant attention and maintenance.
Time to Take Action: Don't Give Grubs a Chance!
September is the time to save your lawn from grubs. Whether you choose the eco-friendly route with nematodes, a quick chemical fix, or prefer to tackle them mechanically, it’s important to take action now. By choosing the right pest control method, you can prevent grubs from further damaging your lawn and prepare your garden for a healthy and green spring.
Start fighting now: Order your nematodes easily online and start biological control today. Do you have questions about which method works best for your situation? Feel free to contact us for personal advice and make your lawn healthy and strong again!
