Organic grub killer is a safe alternative to causative chemicals that can not only harm the grub and the beetle, but pets, humans, and plants.
The reason grubs are a threat to the landscape is the diet they choose. Grubs, which are the larvae stage of the beetle, feed on the roots of grass. If the grub population becomes more substantial than average, these grubs could permanently kill the plant they are feeding upon.
How Do I Know If the Grubs Are a Problem?
Not all grub populations are large enough to cause a problem to the root systems of grassy areas. Natural grub control only needs to be used if there are five or more grubs in any one-foot section of soil. To test this, patches of sod can be removed from various locations in the yard. Once the sod is removed, the soil under the patch of grass can be turned. This is where the grubs will live. After counting the grubs, the sod can be replaced and watered. The grass will continue to grow.
Fighting Off a Grub Population With Natural Grub Killer
Natural grub control comes in three forms. There is the nematode, the beetle walk, and milky spore. Each of these organic grub control choices is entirely chemical free, safe for children and safe for pets.
Nematode – The nematode is a small organism that feeds on grubs. You can make the purchase at a home supply store and applied to the lawn every two to three years. The lawn will need to be water thoroughly before the nematodes are applied to the grass and after they are applied. Nematodes are purchased in the inactive state and should be mixed with water before applying to the grass. The optimal application time for the nematode is dusk as both light and heat will kill the natural grub control. After two weeks, another batch can be added to the lawn for added effect.
Beetle Walk – Without a doubt, the least harmful organic grub control is the beetle walk. Walking the lawn in the early morning and picking up all the beetles you find will help to reduce the beetle population next year. These beetles are the result of the gestation of the grub to adult.
Milky Spore – One of the most common grubs are those of the Japanese Beetle. These grubs can be controlled with a disease called Milky Spore. Milky Spore does not affect any other living thing, aside from the Japanese Beetle. The effect of Milky Spore on the Japanese Beetle can last up to 20 years. The Milky Spore infects the beetle population and spreads quickly. After the grubs have died, the Milky Spore lives in the soil.