Grub worms eat the sod's roots, often causing it to die.
Sod affected by grub worms typically takes on a yellow appearance. Rolling up your sod like a carpet is also a sign of a grub problem, as they eat your sod's roots and detach it from the ground. Spotting the C-shaped white grubs is a good indicator of an infestation, as well. Grub worms are the larvae of Japanese beetles and feast on the roots of your sod and other plants. To have healthy sod, you must eliminate the grubs. Fortunately, a few treatment options are available. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Apply milky spore to the affected sod. This organic treatment creates a disease that affects grubs in the sod. The grubs die and release additional milky spore into the sod to prevent future infestations. Milky spore doesn't hurt other beneficial insects, the soil or the sod, only the grubs.
2. Release beneficial nematodes into the sod. These small worms release bacteria into the sod that kills the grub worms. Beneficial nematodes are safe around people and pets and won't harm other bugs or the sod.
3. Apply insecticide to your sod. A variety of insecticides, including carbaryl, ethopop and diazinon, are effective in eliminating a grub infestation. Most insecticides are applied directly to the affected sod, but read the product's label for best results.
4. Spray neem oil to the affected sod. This botanical insecticide is typically as effective as nonorganic insecticides but isn't as dangerous. Neem oil not only repels the grubs but keeps the adults away, as well, and inhibits egg-laying, growth and feeding. Most neem oils are diluted with water and applied to the grub-infested areas. Read the label for your specific product.
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