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BeneficialWhite grubs

Nematodes for lawn grubs

Heterorhabditis bacteriophora · nematode
Against white grubs

Sample first: cut out a square foot of turf and soil 2–4 inches deep in several spots and count the grubs. Water the lawn, apply at dusk or early morning, and water in straight away so the nematodes are carried into the root zone. Sources disagree on which grubs to target. BASF advises first and second instars, while Purdue says larger larvae are the best targets. Rutgers found the effect of grub stage varies by species. Expect variable results. It is the most tested biological option, but it is not as dependable as the soil insecticides.

Rate250k–500k /m² (1–2 billion per acre) for Japanese and Oriental beetle grubs; BASF gives European chafer 0.5–1 million /m²
TimingAugust to early September, once a count finds grubs above threshold; soil 12–30 °C for the next two weeks
Temperature12–35 °C soil (sources vary)
macro · grub nematode (hb) on white grubs
The pestWhite grubsScarabaeidae (Popillia, Cyclocephala, Rhizotrogus, Phyllophaga)Grubs chew grass roots; turf browns and lifts like a carpetFull pest profile →

Before you order

Sprayed or watered onto moist turf in late summer against young white grubs in the root zone. How it works, how to tell it has established and the supplier list are on the full Heterorhabditis bacteriophora profile.

Release calculator

How many do I need?

Area and infestation level in; quantity, cost and a weekly schedule out. Open the calculator →

Other controls for white grubs

Heterorhabditis bacteriophora against other pests