How to Get Rid of Lawn Grubs Naturally

What Are Lawn Grubs?

Grubs are the larval stage of beetles like Japanese beetles, June bugs, and European chafers. They feed on grass roots underground, causing brown patches that lift like loose carpet.

Identifying a Grub Problem

Pull up a section of brown grass. If you find more than 5-10 grubs per square foot, treatment is needed. Grubs are C-shaped, creamy white, and about 1 inch long.

Natural Control Methods

Beneficial Nematodes

Apply Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes to moist soil in early morning or evening. They seek out and kill grubs within 48 hours. Best applied in late summer when grubs are small.

Milky Spore

This bacterial treatment targets Japanese beetle grubs specifically. Apply in fall and it persists in soil for 10-15 years, building up natural grub resistance over time.

Neem Oil

Neem oil disrupts the grub life cycle by preventing larvae from developing into adults. Mix with water and apply as a soil drench every 2-3 weeks during peak grub season.