Grub treatment - Ask Extension
After a year of massive beetle/grub infestation, we followed the directions in the 2020 MSU Extension article (https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/how_to_ch...
Knowledgebase
Grub treatment #866541
Asked April 30, 2024, 7:43 PM EDT
After a year of massive beetle/grub infestation, we followed the directions in the 2020 MSU Extension article (https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/how_to_choose_and_when_to_apply_grub_control_products_for_your_lawn) and treated the lawn in late April with Bayer Advanced 24 hr Grub Killer Plus - Granular trichlorfon 9.3%. We also bought the bee friendly Scotts Grub-Ex - Granular chlorantraniliprole 0.08% for prevention of new outbreaks but couldn't figure out from the article if we should apply this July or wait until next year? We don't want to nuke our yard but also don't want the problem to fester. Thanks for any help you can offer!
Ottawa County Michigan
Expert Response
I hope you watered the Bayer Advanced 24 hr Grub Killer Plus in with at least 1/2" of water to increase it's effectiveness. It will kill grubs feeding on turf roots this spring, before they quit feeding to pupate in mid-late May.
I'd apply the Scotts Grub-Ex - Granular with chlorantraniliprole in late May and water in it in. It will more effectively kill newly hatched grubs that begin feeding on turf roots in late-July or August.
Then give your lawn a break for a few years, not applying grub control unless you dig and find too many grubs (per Sq Ft) in October or mid April. Keep that MSU article bookmarked, it's one of the best grub control instructions out there.
I'd apply the Scotts Grub-Ex - Granular with chlorantraniliprole in late May and water in it in. It will more effectively kill newly hatched grubs that begin feeding on turf roots in late-July or August.
Then give your lawn a break for a few years, not applying grub control unless you dig and find too many grubs (per Sq Ft) in October or mid April. Keep that MSU article bookmarked, it's one of the best grub control instructions out there.
Thank you so much for your reply! We did water it and will do the same with the chlorantraniliprole treatment. We really appreciate the MSU extension service. Much better than the typical google search advice:)
Elizabeth
