How to Get Rid of Chafer Grubs

How to Get Rid of Chafer Grubs

Chafer grubs can be a menace for any garden or prized lawn owner. The grubs feed on the roots of grass which, if there are high numbers of them, can cause large amounts of damage to the lawn. This damage is usually signified by straw-coloured areas of grass, which is where the grass has become weak due to damaged roots. Another tell-tale sign is if birds or animals such as badgers and foxes are trying to rip up or peck at areas of turf looking for the protein-filled delicacy.

For the reasons above it’s a priority for the chafer grubs to be controlled so that they cannot cause huge amounts of damage. We recommend the biological control of using nematodes – which is currently the only legally approved method. Nematodes are safe, microscopic worms that burrow through the soil, enter the chafer grub larvae and stop them from feeding within just three days of infection. Larvae will then die in around 10-14 days. The nematodes can multiply in the soil and then go searching for more hosts - so the pest control continues naturally. These nematodes are specific to the pest concerned so are safe for the user, children, pets and other wildlife in the area.

How to get the most out of Nemasys G to treat Chafer Grubs

  • It is important that aerate the affected areas before treatment in order to provide channels for quick water movement to where the grubs are situated
  • Nematodes can be kept in the fridge for up to three weeks. They are applied when mixed with water and sprayed onto and around affected areas.
  • It is recommended to cut the grass/turf before application of the nematodes to ensure that they can easily have access to the soil
  • Apply when the soil is moist preferably during or after rainfall to allow nematodes to move freely
  • Application should be made either in the early morning or late afternoon/evening in order to avoid direct sunlight as the UV rays kill nematodes
  • Make sure that you are applying the nematodes when the chafer grubs are closest to the surface which is around August/September. After this point the chafer grubs move further down in the soil making them more difficult to target
  • These products are grown to order so it is important to remember that there can be a two week delivery time

Another option available for getting rid of chafer grubs is by using a Chafer Beetle Trap. These traps use replaceable pheromone lures to attract the adult beetles. This will reduce the amount of adult beetles around to lay their eggs which can be significant as each female adult can lay up to 50 eggs each. These traps should be applied around the third week of May which is when the adult beetles are most active.

To see all of the products we have available for chafer grub control, click here

To find out more information on chafer grubs, take a look at our “Chafer Grub Treatment” By Problem page.