Pollinator safe grub control 

Grub control is important because when left unchecked, grubs can wreak havoc on your lawn. It may be tempting to use a common toxic treatment to rid these nuisances. Although this approach may yield desired short term results, the long term risks to pollinators should be considered first. 

If you worry that the commonly used toxic chemicals used by many lawn care companies will also harm pollinators, we assure you that there is a safer, more sensible way. Paradise Lawns can show you how you can have a beautiful lawn without destroying pollinators. Let’s learn a bit more about grubs and what you can do to safely eliminate them from your lawn.  

Grubs are more than gross 

When you come across this insect in your lawn or garden you are actually seeing a beetle in the larva stage. The most common in the Midwest is the Scarab beetle. They have a one-year life-cycle. During the larva stage, they are creamy white in color, C-shaped and hungry. They want nothing more than to feast on your turf-grass roots until they reach maturity. According to the Nebraska Extension Office, a few grubs in your yard are not worrisome. Too many though are capable of “destroying the entire root system of the plant.”

Once adulthood is reached, they cause fewer problems to your grass but are still a nuisance. Once they mate, the female will tunnel into the soil to lay eggs. These eggs hatch three weeks later, and a new cycle begins. This puts the timeline for expected new grubs at mid to late June.

 

 

How to tell if you have grubs

Grubs like warm weather, so sunny areas of your yard are most susceptible. Often mistaken for drought or sun damage, small brown, dead patches in your lawn may very well be the result of grubs. This can be confirmed if the patch pulls back easily like a carpet roll and there are white grubs just under the surface.

Another sign that you may have an infestation is by looking for signs that wildlife have been digging in the area. Raccoons and other common wildlife consider grubs to be a delicacy. So, if there is evidence that wildlife has been digging, there is a good chance that grubs might be underneath the surface.  

Timing is important in organic lawn care

Paradise Lawns can help you keep grub numbers down and your grass’ root system healthy with an organic treatment in June. Why June? Because the eggs are beginning to hatch mid-month, so it is best to eliminate the threat before it begins. We will also return in August to treat your lawn again if needed. This will prevent the second round of eggs from advancing to the larva stage. By working with nature’s schedule, we usually see great success. 

There’s a better way

Unlike other lawn care companies, Paradise Lawns use grub control products that do not harm bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. We are proud to be certified and trained as an official BeeSafe Organic Lawn Care Applicator in Eastern Nebraska (Omaha, Elkhorn, Bennington, Gretna, Blair, Papillion and LaVista). 

Many companies tackle grubs at the expense of our pollinators. They often use products containing Neonicotinoids, which have been linked to honeybee decline. Science Direct noted the following. “These pesticides have received a lot of attention concerning their possible involvement with honeybee (Apis mellifera) die-offs or what is called Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) in the United States and Europe (Suchali et al., 2000).”

Another possible victim of Neonicotinoids are insect eating birds. Studies have shown a decline in bird populations that consume insects in areas with widespread Neonicotinoid usage.

There is a better way to control grubs. Paradise Lawns offers 2 preventative grub controls, organic and a reduced risk method. Neither one contains the Neonicotinoids. The first is a product called “Acelepryn.” This product provides systemic, preventative control. It is non-toxic and won’t harm pollinators because it only kills insects that chew on roots. The second is an organic, biological control. It is also non-toxic to pollinators, people and pets, so there is no wait time after application to enjoy your yard. 

Schedule now before they hatch 

Paradise Lawns prides ourselves in knowing that we are doing all that we can to keep your lawn healthy under the surface while everything above stays safe. The decline of bees and other pollinators from toxic lawn care products can be avoided. There is a safer, better alternative and we would love the opportunity to discuss it with you. Call us today at 402-612-1527 or click here to schedule your June application and let us help you control grubs in a safe and effective way that benefits your lawn, pollinators, the environment and your family.