How to Get Rid of Grubs in Your Lawn

Kill lawn grubs by applying beneficial nematodes or milky spore disease in spring or fall, or use grub control pesticides containing imidacloprid or clothianidin when grubs are actively feeding.

1. Spot the Damage First. Look for brown patches in your lawn that feel spongy underfoot. Pull up a section of damaged turf - if you find more than 10 white, C-shaped grubs per square foot, you need treatment. Grubs are most visible in late summer when they're feeding near the surface.
2. Pick Your Weapon. For organic control, use beneficial nematodes or milky spore disease, which work slowly but provide long-term protection. For faster results, choose chemical grub killers containing imidacloprid, clothianidin, or trichlorfon. Preventive treatments work best in late spring, while curative treatments are most effective in late summer.
3. Spread Treatment Evenly. Water your lawn thoroughly before application. Spread granular products evenly using a broadcast spreader, following label rates exactly. For liquid treatments, use a hose-end sprayer or tank sprayer. Cover the entire lawn, not just problem areas, since grubs migrate underground.
4. Water Deep Into Soil. Immediately after application, water the treated area with at least half an inch of water. This moves the treatment into the soil where grubs feed. Keep the soil moist for several days to ensure the product reaches the root zone.
5. Confirm Success, Prevent Return. Check for dead grubs after 2-3 weeks by digging up small sections of turf. Continue regular lawn care - fertilize, overseed thin areas, and maintain proper watering. Healthy, thick grass naturally resists grub damage better than stressed lawns.