Grubs are immature beetles that live in the soil and eat grass roots, which can cause large patches of your grass to die. They’re also bothersome because they are a food source that attracts other pests, such as raccoons. Here’s a simple, natural way to control grubs: Attack them with nematodes. Nematodes are crudely built, microscopic worms that will attack and kill grubs underground. They’re available from commercial nursery and pest control suppliers, and you typically apply them to your lawn by attaching a container of them to a garden hose or by putting them in a watering can and sprinkling them on.
Check with your local university cooperative extension office about the best time to apply nematodes to your lawn. You’ll want to do it when grubs are closest to the surface of the ground, so the nematodes will work most effectively. The best time of year will vary from region to region.
Keep in mind that nematodes are fairly fragile, so follow the instructions for using them carefully. You generally want to apply them in the evening, since ultraviolet light kills them. Then keep the soil well moistened so they will stay alive, but not so wet that they can’t attack their prey.
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Control grass-destroying grubs with nematodes.
