Grub worms are the larvae of Japanese beetles and can wreak havoc on your lawn if left unchecked. While there are chemical pesticides that will kill grub worms, many people are looking for a more natural solution.
Luckily, there are several things you can do to get rid of grub worms without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Introduce Predators
One natural way to get rid of grub worms is to introduce predators into your lawn. Nematodes are small, parasitic worms that feed on grubs.
You can purchase nematodes from a garden center or online, and then introduce them into your lawn using a hose-end sprayer. Be sure to treat your lawn when grub activity is at its highest, which is usually late summer through early fall.
Encourage Insects in Your Yard
Another natural way to control grub populations is to encourage beneficial insects in your yard such as ladybugs, ground beetles, and green lacewings. All of these insect eat grubs as part of their diet.
You can attract them to your property by planting native wildflowers and avoiding the use of pesticides in your yard altogether.
A Healthy Lawn
Finally, making sure that your lawn is healthy is one of the best ways to prevent grub damage in the first place. A strong, dense lawn is much less susceptible to damage from grubs than a thin, patchy one.
Be sure to fertilize regularly (but not too much), mow at the proper height (2-3 inches), and water deeply but infrequently. By taking good care of your lawn, you’ll be giving it the best chance to fight off any pests that come its way.