Grubs in Lawns
There is nothing more frustrating than having your lawn churned up by skunks, racoons or even crows looking for the plump protein snack provided by grubs in your lawn.
Here is a link to a provincial government publication about grubs in lawns that is very informative. Although there are three main grub species, European chafer causes the most damage in Ontario.
Research conducted at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute has shown grubs to be marginally effective in controlling infestations but there are some things you can do to enhance their effectiveness. Late summer (second half of August into September) is actually the best time to apply the nematodes as the grubs are still fairly small and more susceptible to being infected by the nematodes. It is critical to use fresh nematodes that have been properly handled and apply them when the soil is very wet and either during or immediately before a rainfall or water them in. They move in the soil through the film of water between soil particles and need moist conditions to thrive. The nematodes are also very light sensitive so application at dusk followed by rain or watering in will minimize their exposure to sunlight.
The only other thing you can do is try to maintain your lawn to the best of your ability. Good fertility practices are important and if you have the luxury of irrigation, or Mother Nature cooperates, your lawn can tolerate a much higher grub population than one that is allowed to dry out and go dormant if the weather gets hot and dry. Keep your mowing height up so the grass can develop a deeper and larger root system that can better withstand grub feeding. Here are a couple links to other more detailed information you may find helpful;
Lawn Renovation
Lawn Maintenance
We hope this information helps and all the best with your lawn.
Grubs in Lawns
There is nothing more frustrating than having your lawn churned up by skunks, racoons or even crows looking for the plump protein snack provided by grubs in your lawn.
Here is a link to a provincial government publication about grubs in lawns that is very informative. Although there are three main grub species, European chafer causes the most damage in Ontario.
Research conducted at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute has shown grubs to be marginally effective in controlling infestations but there are some things you can do to enhance their effectiveness. Late summer (second half of August into September) is actually the best time to apply the nematodes as the grubs are still fairly small and more susceptible to being infected by the nematodes. It is critical to use fresh nematodes that have been properly handled and apply them when the soil is very wet and either during or immediately before a rainfall or water them in. They move in the soil through the film of water between soil particles and need moist conditions to thrive. The nematodes are also very light sensitive so application at dusk followed by rain or watering in will minimize their exposure to sunlight.
The only other thing you can do is try to maintain your lawn to the best of your ability. Good fertility practices are important and if you have the luxury of irrigation, or Mother Nature cooperates, your lawn can tolerate a much higher grub population than one that is allowed to dry out and go dormant if the weather gets hot and dry. Keep your mowing height up so the grass can develop a deeper and larger root system that can better withstand grub feeding. Here are a couple links to other more detailed information you may find helpful;
Lawn Renovation
Lawn Maintenance
We hope this information helps and all the best with your lawn.