Is It Too Late To Treat For Grubs?

If you’re asking this question, you’ve probably missed the ideal time to act.

But don’t panic just yet! Late-season treatments might not be as effective as catching grubs earlier, but you still have options to minimize the damage. 

In this post, I’ll explain whether it’s too late to treat for grubs and what you can do if you’re past the prime treatment window.

I’ll cover late-season treatment options, their effectiveness, and steps to take for better grub control in the future.

Best Time To Treat For Grubs

The best time for grub control is usually from late spring to early summer (April to July).

This is when the adult beetles are laying eggs, and the baby grubs are just hatching and starting to eat your grass roots.

If you can get your preventative treatments down during this time, you’ll have a much better chance of keeping the grub population under control before they can do much damage.

Grubs are most vulnerable when they’re small and actively feeding, so treatments are much more effective.

Also Read: Will Lime Kill New Grass Seed?

Is It Too Late To Treat Grubs Now?

If you’re asking this question, you’ve probably missed the peak treatment window. 

But don’t worry—it might not be too late to treat grubs, depending on the time of year and how bad the infestation is.

Time Of The Year

If it’s late fall, the grubs may have already burrowed deeper into the soil as they prepare for winter, making them harder to reach with traditional treatments. 

But applying insecticides at this time might still kill a few of the stragglers near the surface.

It’s not going to be nearly as effective as treating earlier when they were younger and closer to the roots.

Severity Of The Infestation

If you’re only seeing a few damaged patches in your lawn, it might be okay to hold off until next year and apply preventative treatments in early summer. 

However, if your lawn looks like it’s been hit hard, taking action now, even late in the season, can at least help reduce the grub population.

That way, they won’t cause even more damage before winter hits.

Plus, you’ll have fewer adult beetles to deal with next year.

Late Season Treatment Options

If you’ve missed the early treatment window, there are still some options for grub control.

There are some insecticides that can be used in cooler weather when grubs are more likely to be deeper in the soil. 

Also Read: Is GrubEx Safe For Cats?

One of the best-known options for late-season treatment is a product containing trichlorfon, which can kill larger, more mature grubs. It works fast but has a shorter residual effect, meaning it doesn’t last as long in the soil, so it’s best to apply it when you know grubs are still active.

Another option is to use carbaryl or chlorantraniliprole, which are also effective for late-stage grubs but might take a little longer to show results.

Some common options include:

• Bayer Advanced 24-Hour Grub Killer Plus
• Sevin

That said, these late-season treatments might not work as well as the early preventative ones. 

Some researchers at Michigan State University found that treatments applied in September or October might only kill 20-80% of grubs, compared to the better results you get with spring treatments.

So these treatments will not completely eradicate the problem, it can help reduce the population and limit further damage.

Preventing Grubs For Next Year

If you’ve been battling grubs this year, or if you just want to avoid dealing with them in the future, it’s never too early to start thinking about next season. 

Here are some ideas to keep in mind:

• Put a reminder on your calendar for early spring grub prevention. Try to get that preventative treatment down in April or May, before the adult beetles start laying eggs.
• Keep your lawn healthy. A lawn with deep roots can handle grub damage better.
• Encourage natural predators. Birds and certain types of worms (called beneficial nematodes) eat grubs, so it’s good to have them around.
• Keep an eye on your lawn. The sooner you notice grubs, the easier it is to deal with.
• Change your treatments if you’re treating for grubs every year to prevent the grubs from becoming resistant to pesticides.

Also Read: Too Much Lime On Lawn

Wrapping Up

Spring is the best time for treating grubs, but don’t give up if you’re dealing with a problem later in the season.

Late-season treatments can still help, especially if you start as soon as you notice damage.

But if you really want to stay on top of grub control, focus on prevention and early treatment in the coming years. That’s your best bet for keeping your lawn grub-free and looking good.

FAQs

Will Grass Grow Back After Treating For Grubs?

Yes, grass can grow back after treating for grubs, but it depends on the extent of the damage. If only small patches of your lawn are affected, the grass may recover on its own with proper watering and care.

Is It Too Late To Treat For Grubs In The Winter?

Yes, it’s too late to treat for grubs in the winter. By this time, the grubs have burrowed deep into the soil to hibernate, making them almost impossible to reach with insecticides. It’s best to wait until late summer or early fall next year

Is It Too Late To Treat For Grubs In The Summertime?

In early summer, it’s generally too soon to treat grubs, as they haven’t hatched yet. However, if you’re in late summer, this is the perfect time to treat them.