Solutions For Billbugs

Control Billbugs With No Insecticides

Remove Thatch Layer
Simply by doing a thorough job of removing any thatch that is more than 1/4 of an inch thick will go a long way to reducing billbug problems since they live in the thatch. Removing the thatch exposes the bugs to their bird and insect predators.

For more information about thatch go to the file Dealing With Thatch. For information about de-thatching tools go to Yardener's Tool Shed and look at Raking Tools

Control Billbugs With Natural Insecticides

Neem Oil Soap
Minor billbug infestations are controlled by a drench of neem oil soap, such as the water trap described in diagnosis, over injured turf area. Mix two tablespoons of neem oil soap concentrate with each gallon of water. Make sure you soak through the thatch layer. When the billbugs crawl to the surface of the thatch layer, rake up the thatch along with the billbugs and discard them in the trash or the compost pile.

For information about Neem Oil Soap products go to the Yardener's Tool Shed.

Control Billbugs With Synthetic Insecticide

There are a number of synthetic insecticides labeled to control Billbugs when used according to directions on the package.

Products labeled to control Billbugs include Delta Eight by Bonide

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