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Grub Management

Grubs (a.k.a. larval beetles) feed on grass roots. Some grubs are a natural part of all lawns, but too many can create a problem, so grub management is important. Improving soil health and building your lawn’s root system will help ward off grub infestations.

What constitutes a problem?

Use a shovel to cut a 1-foot by 1-foot square of turf and pull it back. If you count more than ten grubs in that area, then you may have a grub population that is large enough to damage your lawn.

Fight back

In northern New England, the best way to naturally combat grubs is by using beneficial nematodes. North Country Organics offers a mixture of two different types of nematodes in their Grub Guard product. The different types of nematodes work at different levels of the soil to combat grubs.

Carefully follow package instructions when applying nematodes to ensure maximum effectiveness. Keep in mind that nematodes are living creatures, so applying a pesticide at the same time will kill them before they can get rid of the grubs.

Grubs

Treating for grubs should not be something that you will have to do forever. As your soil becomes a healthy and diverse ecosystem, your lawn will be less susceptible to grub damage!


Credit: Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District.
Learn more at: http://cumberlandswcd.org/site/yardscape-2/