by Tim Harry

Created on: June 05, 2010

Getting a perfect lawn takes time and effort. There is the levelling off to be done, the sowing of grass seed, and then the mowing. Even after all that is done though there might very well still be more work to be done. The lawn is an area of the garden that sees its far share of garden pests, and although the evidence of their attack might not be as obvious as on ornamental plants, they can quickly ruin the whole look of the lawn.

The most common sort of lawn pests are generically called grubs, grubs being the larvae of a number of beetles, including the likes of Chafer and Japanese beetles. Their presence can normally be seen as the amount of green leaves steadily decreases, and the lawn gradually turns black. A close inspection may actually identify the grubs, although some live beneath the surface of the lawn and undertake a direct attack upon the roots of the lawn.

The most obvious way to get rid of grubs in the lawn is to go and purchase a pesticide designed for lawn use. When using pesticides though, it is important to read the instructions of use carefully before applying the product. Their availability though does depend to a certain degree upon location, and some areas of the world do have legislation in place to prevent their usage. Although generally the most effective way of dealing with grubs, there is of course the possibility that these pesticides will kill of beneficial insects as well as the grubs.

There are natural alternatives to pesticides to rid a lawn of a grub problem. The most often used of these alternatives is the purchase of a product that contains parasitic nematodes. These nematodes, which are sometimes known as roundworms, will kill off grubs, whilst leaving everything else in the garden alone. It is though important to do adequate research to ensure that the right nematodes are purchased, as there is a huge range within the species, some which will kill off plants.  

Another organic solution to a grub problem is the purchase of a product known as Milky Spore, a bacterium that will kill off some grubs, although it is a grub specific product.

There are alternatives to the use of nematodes or Milky Spore to get rid of grubs from the lawn. There is always the option of encouraging badgers or moles into the garden, as these animals will happily devour the grubs. Of course moles and badgers are probably going to do more damage to the lawn than the grubs.

It could well be that a better option is to make use of beer traps to entice the grubs out of the soil where they will drown, and is a similar method to that used to get rid of snails and slugs. Another organic option for getting rid of grubs is to cover the lawn with a polythene sheet overnight. The grubs should be forced to the surface where they can be successfully swept away.

There are methods of preventing grubs appearing in any great numbers, and the general thought is that the more work that is done on the lawn the less likelihood there is of a grub invasion. A well aerated lawn, and one where a lawn rake is used regularly, will deter beetles from laying any eggs.

A small grub problem is easy to deal with, and even large infestations can be dealt with easily by professionals. There are a range of products available to deal with the problem, and should ensure that a grub free lawn is achieved.

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