How do you
control them?
Physical methods
A healthy lawn is the best protection against
white grubs. Adult June beetles prefer to lay
their eggs in thin grass. Keep your lawn
properly watered, fertilized, and aerated to
encourage good root growth. Healthy grass
can withstand some level of feeding damage
from white grubs and will discourage adult
beetles.
Biological methods
Try using tiny nematodes, a type of
microscopic, roundworm parasite that
loves feeding on white grubs. You can buy
products containing nematodes at garden
centres. Mix the product with water and
spray it on the lawn. You should water the
treatment area before applying the mix
because nematodes move by swimming
through water within the soil.
Chemical methods
If physical and biological control methods
aren’t doing the job, you might have to use
a chemical pesticide. Check the label to find
one for domestic use against white grubs
that has minimal effect on both you and the
environment. Follow all directions carefully.
Ask a garden centre expert or hire a certified
lawn care professional.
Nova Scotia’s new
Non-essential
Pesticides Control Act
By the spring of 2011, the provincial act
restricting the sale and use of non-essential
pesticides will be in effect for lawn care
products. In 2012, the act extends to
products for outdoor trees, shrubs, flowers,
and other ornamental plants. A list of
allowable pesticides will be available by the
spring of 2011 on the province’s website.
Revised June 2010 by Nova Scotia Environment
F A C T S H E T
