Any lawn care experts?

mamaZbo · October 2012

We have grubs, and lots of them. I hate pouring chemicals on my lawn and would prefer to treat them with something that is not toxic to me or dd. I saw that they sell nematodes that supposedly infect the grubs and kill them as a "natural" solution. But, the nematodes also kill other insects like ants and crickets, which I don't consider a pest. I also found something called Milky Spore Powder Japanese Beetle Control. It is a host-specific bacterium that targets grubs. So, which is worse, infecting the insects in the yard with nematodes, giving the grubs a bacterium, or covering the yard with potentially harmful chemicals?

Scramblersmom · October 2012

Hmmm...I am not a lawn care expert but I would tend to gravitate towards the Milky Spore Powder instead of chemicals. On the other hand, there was a publication that use of the Milky Spore Powder may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria that cause human disease. I would probably still gravitate towards use of the bacteria though.

It appears that the grubs usually become less active and die off in winter. Are you in a location that gets cold in the winter? If so, maybe you could wait until next summer to address this? Could you also find a chemical that is specific for killing grubs but non-toxic to children?