Control With Predatory Nematodes

Achieve effective control of grubs by spraying an insecticide product containing predatory nematodes. These microscopic worms are packaged as a powder or in a gel and are activated by adding water. Spray the liquid slurry on infested turf or soil in the late afternoon or early evening as directed on the product label. The beneficial nematodes travel on a thin film of water through the soil and find their way to the grubs. When they burrow inside them to lay their eggs, they also transmit bacteria, which kill the grubs. This will, reduce a population of grubs by up to 80 percent within about 4 weeks. However, conditions in the soil, the age of the nematodes, and the effectiveness of the application may delay this result somewhat. Read label instructions. It costs roughly $10 to treat 1000 square feet of lawn with predatory nematodes. Because they are relatively expensive, they are most suitable for small areas.