how do I get rid of grubs safely

16 years ago

can I put down grub x or something similar on my lawn or will they kill butterflies or caterpillars too? does it matter when or what or how I apply something. Grubs are destroying my yard but I don't want to kill butterflies or caterpillars

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Comments (6)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
16 years ago
Systemic chemicals should never be used where butterflies, moths, and other beneficial pollinators are present. The active ingredient in Grub-X, Imidacloprid, is on the list of toxins to stay away from.

Even if you were to use this product, it is useless when applied in the spring. All grub control products rely on timing.

You might want to call your local extension office and get some local information about Milky Spore. This is a biological control that only affects the grubs of certain beetles. Timing is important for its use, too.
brandymulvaine
15 years ago
My weenie dog LOVES those things!! She's always helping me dig just in case I find some. One step above a milkbone and one step below the brat that rolled off the grill, she says!!LOL!!
-B
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I was going to suggest nematodes, but I see you've already found that. That's the only solution I know of. I think these are Japanese beetles. I have LOTS of them; any time I dig new sod they're everywhere and I dispose of most of them as i find them into a bucket of water. The good news is that despite all the grubs, I've never actually seen a Japanese beetle, and I do a lot of gardening (flowers and vegetables), so I don't consider them a problem. If you don't have a problem with the beetles, my advice would be just ignore them and dispose of them as you come across them. Bugs really only become a problem if they bite you or start eating your plants. At least that's what I've come to believe...
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weed30 St. Louis
15 years ago
I use beneficial nematodes. A little pricey, but they work! Milky Spore is also effective. Read up on both and decide what will work best for you. Worm's Way is an excellent place to buy a lot of non damaging weed and pest control products, as well as organic fertilizers. I am lucky enough to have one very close to me, but you can also order online.
tdogmom
15 years ago
All of a sudden I started seeing these HUMONGOUS black beetles in my butterfly garden. We're talking, oh 1.5" long. I killed four of them one day alone! I took one to school and my Kindergartners were all agog over the size of the bugger. I still haven't figured out what type of beetle it is exactly (I'm so busy right now with a million things, plus, I'm teaching a butterfly science class tomorrow) so my search will just have to wait. This is the first time I've had a beetle problem. I am going to check into that online source. :) Thanks.
butterflyman
15 years ago
I' d bet that anything you'd put down to kill the grubs would also affect your skipper population. Those are the only butterflies I know that use grasses for host plants.

For prairies, instead of burning the entire prairie, they burn just half so that the other half can help regenerate the insect population. You might try the same idea. Kill the grubs on half the lawn one year and repeat the process the next year.
rjj1
15 years ago
Grubs don't destroy my yard, but the armadillos that eat them do. :-)

randy

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how do I get rid of grubs safely

Comments (6)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

brandymulvaine

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weed30 St. Louis

tdogmom

butterflyman

rjj1

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