When a lawn or lot is at the disposal of grub worms, it’s time to act fast. When grubs start feeding on the roots of the grass or crops, the soil becomes looser, colors fade, and the plant life withers. Then, gardeners and homeowners have no choice but to eliminate them before it’s too late.
Whether they’re for or against using chemicals, there’s a grub killer out there for everyone. To help narrow down the search, here’s a list of the best grub control products on the market.
At a Glance – Our Top Picks.
The 8 Best Grub Killers – Reviews
Scotts GrubEx Grub Killer and Preventer
Sometimes the best offense is the best defense. If rub worms are already coming for the lush lawn, using a grub worm preventer like Scotts GrubEx Killer and Preventer will keep them at bay.
A single pack of GrubEx will cover up to 5,000 square feet, and with its active ingredient, chlorantraniliprole, it will maintain its effects for up to four months. And the process is simple: load the sprayer and spray the lawn while it’s dry. When after spraying, wet the soil to activate the chemical. Earthworms and soil bacteria should remain safe while using this product.
Pros:
- Effective against grub worms and most soil insects
- Offers up to four months of protection
Cons:
- Not safe for vegetable gardens
Bayer 700 288S Advanced Complete Insect Killer
Grub worms aren’t the only insects that can cause problems for a lawn or lot. Some of them are even known to bite and let themselves into nearby homes. The Bayer 700 2882 Advanced Complete Insect Killer will keep people, the home, and soil safe from unwelcome pests.
The Bayer Advanced Complete Insect Killer will kill any surface grubs and other pests such as mosquitos, ticks, crickets, spiders, ants, fleas, and more within 24 hours. It will continue to remain active for up to three months and will cover up to 5,000 square feet.
Once applied to the lawn or soil, it must dry completely before the grass is safe to walk and play on.
Pros:
- It will kill a wide variety of pests
- It remains effective for up to three months
Cons:
- It will kill beneficial soil insects, earthworms, and bacteria
- It’s toxic to pets
Bayer Advanced 700740S 24 Hour Grub Killer
The Bayer Advanced 700740S 24 Hour Grub Killer is similar to the Bayer product listed above, only much more lethal. This Grub killer, in particular, is not meant for use in a home garden or kitchen yard.
The Bayer 24 Hour Grub Killer contains DYLOX, which is fast-acting. It’ll eliminate grub worms, ticks, scorpions, and all other pests on contact and covers up to 5,000 square feet.
Pros:
- It’s fast-acting and kills all pests on contact
- It’s reasonably priced
Cons:
- It kills earthworms and beneficial insects.
- It’s not suitable for home gardens
Bayer Advanced Season Long Grub Control 700710S
Come March; grubs will be there. The Bayer Advanced Season Long Grub Control will last from spawning to cocooning and take down other pests with it. In addition to killing grubs and pests, the product will help the lawn grow more robust, thicker, and greener.
For the best results, the manufacturer recommends using this product between Spring and late Summer.
Pros:
- It offers season-long protection
- Promotes a healthier lawn
Cons:
- It may kill beneficial insects
St Gabriel Organics 80080-P Milky Spore Grub Control
The St Gabriel Milky Spore Grub Control is an organic and non-toxic grub killer that’s effective and won’t harm beneficial insects and earthworms. It works by attacking and killing the larvae of the grubs before they have a chance to grow and feed on plants’ roots.
The St Gabriel Milky Spore will cover up to 7,000 square feet and will remain effective for up to 20 years. Though it’s non-toxic, it’s best to keep pets off the grass for a while after its application.
Pros:
- It’s organic and non-toxic
- It won’t kill beneficial insects and soil bacteria
- It’ll remain effective for years
Cons:
- It’s not fast-acting
- It’s a bit pricey
Bonide BND60360 Insect and Grub Control
The Bonide BND60360 Insect and Grub Control is effective at killing over 40 types of insects in addition to grub worms. It’s fast-acting, killing pests within 24 hours, and it will provide the soil with surface protection for up to three months.
The application is easy. It can be spread manually or via a fertilizer spreader to lay down the granules. The manufacturer recommends lightly watering the lawn to activate the ingredients post-application and keeping pets away for some time.
Pros:
- Fast-acting
- Will kill all insects
Cons:
- Kills beneficial insects
Bayer Advanced 7002808 Complete Insect Killer
The Bayer Advanced 7002808 is a two-way formula that’s effective on both soil and surface insects. It’s fast-acting, killing grub worms and other pests within 24 hours, and its effects will last for up to three months.
The insect killer comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle and will protect the home from invasive pests when applied around the foundation. One bottle can cover up to 5,000 square feet. It can also attach to a garden hose for broader applications.
Pros:
- Kills a wide range of bests
- Easy application
- Effective against both soil and surface insects
Cons:
- Kills beneficial insects
- Not suitable for vegetable gardens
Roundup 4385404 Pest Control
The Roundup 4385404 Pest Control will kill grubs and other pests quickly and efficiently without causing any harm to the lawn, flowers, or other plants. It’ll remain effective for up to three months and will treat up to 2,500 square feet.
All that’s necessary is a spreader to apply and some light watering post-application.
Pros:
- Kills a wide range of pests
- Won’t harm the lawn or flower garden
Cons:
- Kills beneficial insects
- Not suitable for vegetable gardens
Grub Killer Buying Guide
Grub worms, also referred to as Japanese Beetles, are the cause of dry, bald patches in an otherwise healthy lawn. It’s essential to get rid of grub worms because not only do they attack the grass and soil, but they also attract larger pests like raccoons and moles who will rip up the lawn and gardens to get to them.
Luckily, there are several products that will work for months at a time, eliminating grubs and other pests from both the lawn and soil. Those products fall into two categories—granules and spray.
Spray
Spray treatments are meant to kill grubs and other pests on contact. These formulas apply straight from the bottle or through a garden hose to dilute the product and cover more area.
Granules
Granules are treatments that apply to the lawn the same as fertilizer. Once applied, it’s necessary to moisten the soil to activate the ingredients. Granules tend to cover more area and are effective for burrowing insects.
Check the Active Ingredients
Active ingredients such as carbaryl, trichlorfon, chlorantraniliprole, and imidacloprid are ideal. Trichlorfon and carbaryl are curative treatments designed to kill grubs at any stage of development. Chlorantraniliprole and imidacloprid are preventative treatments designed to prevent larvae from hatching or developing into ravenous adults.
The active ingredient that will be most effective will be determined by the timeframe of lawn treatment. Another consideration is whether the ingredients will kill off beneficial insects and bacteria.
Grub Worm FAQs:
How Do I Know I Have a Grub Worm Infestation?
A grub worm infestation will appear in a few different forms.
There might be brown patches on the lawn that refuse to turn green in the Springtime. During late Summer and Fall, there might be oddly shaped dead patches of grass. There could be moles, raccoons, birds, and other prey tearing up the lawn or garden looking for grub worms. Another indication is spongy turf that easily lifts up to reveal damaged roots—or no roots at all.
How Can I Repair Damages Caused By Grub Worms?
After eliminating the grub worms, it’s time to restore the lawn or garden’s health. The next step is to clear up all dead plant materials and water the area.
Any areas with extensive damage will need extra attention. Reseeding these areas with the proper grass seeds—preferably a grub-tolerant variety—can help refresh the lawn.
When is the Best Time to Apply Grub Worm Treatment?
When there’s a grub worm infestation, it’s necessary to kill both the larvae and the adults. When expecting grub worms to emerge once the ground defrosts, it’s helpful to get started as soon as March.
Otherwise, The best time to apply treatment is from mid-July to late November, while the grubs are still small.
Don’t Let Grub Worms Ruin Your Lawn or Garden
The best grub control products will effectively prevent and kill grub worms, leaving a beautiful green lawn and healthy soil behind. If grub worms are a severe problem, a combination of products can offer both preventative and fast-acting treatments.
Table of Contents
