Got grubs on your lawn? Here’s what you can do

SALT LAKE CITY – Questions regarding grubs have been dominating the text and phone lines for the KSL Greenhouse show, so last week show host Taun and guest co-host Tim Hughes took some time to address them.

If you haven’t applied grub killer on your lawn yet, now is the time to do so.

“Grubs are more likely to get into lawns that are overly maintained,” Taun said.

If you fertilize too much, mow too low, or water too much, then the grass will be less tolerant of the grubs.

Fortunately, it is very easy to treat this. Usually, it’s a granular application, but you can get sprays if you prefer that method.

“Sometimes the sprays need to be watered in after you’ve applied them,” Taun said.

There are several different products out there that you can use. The safest option for your yard is Scotts GrubEx. It’s not organic, but it’s reduced risk and will last the entire season. It also helps fight off sod webworms, chinch bugs, and anything else that chews on your lawn.

“The ones at the garden centers usually have Merit in them, which is another one. Sometimes those need to be reapplied in mid-July,” Taun said.

One new pest that Taun has seen over the last four or five years is the cranberry girdlers, also known as subterranean sod webworms. These don’t start attacking your lawns until August or September, but some species feed a lot deeper than others.

“You may have to do a second application to keep those at bay because they can decimate a lawn pretty quickly,” Taun said.

Listen to the full segment on our podcast below!

The KSL Greenhouse is on every Saturday from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. You can follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and on our website.